Digital Camera with Vdeo Recording Function

[frank84]

Hello,

I own a digital SLR that is very uncomfortable to fit in my pants pockets.

so, i am thinking about getting a portable digital camera.. something to carry around all the time..

at the same time, i want to be able to record a good quality videos in MPEG or Divx

I know there are some digital cameras with those functions..

if you know any, or have used any, or own any, let me know

maker, model, and experience

thank you

 

[episodic]

http://exilim.casio.com/v7/

Can record 3 hours of video with mpeg 4 compression on a 2gb SD card.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

The problem I have with digicams that record in mpeg4 is that most times they have too much compression, so a 640x480 video looks pretty bad. Sure, you can record a lot on a memory card, but IMO video quality is too low.

My Panasonic TZ-1 records 20 minutes of 848x480 quicktime video on a 2GB card. I'd be content with recording 60 minutes of high quality mpeg4 video on a 2GB card. I really don't need 3+ hours of ok quality video on a single card. If there was a way to change video quality like on camcorders that'd be great, like SP, LP, and SLP.

 

[frank84]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
The problem I have with digicams that record in mpeg4 is that most times they have too much compression, so a 640x480 video looks pretty bad. Sure, you can record a lot on a memory card, but IMO video quality is too low.

My Panasonic TZ-1 records 20 minutes of 848x480 quicktime video on a 2GB card. I'd be content with recording 60 minutes of high quality mpeg4 video on a 2GB card. I really don't need 3+ hours of ok quality video on a single card. If there was a way to change video quality like on camcorders that'd be great, like SP, LP, and SLP.

yes, quality matters to me..

640x480 resolution and 30fps is a must.

compressed file is great, but if it compromises the quality i rather pass mpeg4

oh and.. i don't like dealing with .mov files...

-frank

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: frank84
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
The problem I have with digicams that record in mpeg4 is that most times they have too much compression, so a 640x480 video looks pretty bad. Sure, you can record a lot on a memory card, but IMO video quality is too low.

My Panasonic TZ-1 records 20 minutes of 848x480 quicktime video on a 2GB card. I'd be content with recording 60 minutes of high quality mpeg4 video on a 2GB card. I really don't need 3+ hours of ok quality video on a single card. If there was a way to change video quality like on camcorders that'd be great, like SP, LP, and SLP.</end quote></div>

yes, quality matters to me..

640x480 resolution and 30fps is a must.

compressed file is great, but if it compromises the quality i rather pass mpeg4

oh and.. i don't like dealing with .mov files...

-frank

Yeah, I hate dealing with .mov files also. As for quality, I would go here:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraList.php

The reviews allow you to download sample movie clips. So far I've been unimpressed by the video quality of any of the cameras that shoot in MPEG4. IMO the best video quality comes from the Canon S3/S2. I have the Panasonic TZ1 and even though it's high resolution 848x480 30fps, the detail is lacking compared to the Canon, but still better than MPEG4 cameras.

In my experience the resolution of 640x480 doesn't mean a thing if the compression is too high. It's the same with pictures. A 10MP compact P&S is fully capable of taking worse pictures than a 5MP P&S with more intelligent in-camera image processing and a better lens.

 

[John P]

Take a look at these:

Sanyo Xacti Series

I have a CA6. I won't lie to you and tell you it takes great video or pictures, but both are acceptable enough to me for something I can carry comfortably in my pants pocket. Throw an 8gb SDHC card in it and your set.