Digital Camera that takes good video?

[Darthmaul]

I want to take care of two things at once and get a digital camera that takes good video. I just like the fact that they are so small, so along with taking pictures, in case I every need to take a video, I have the option.

The thing is, when you look at these camera's, they don't seem to say much about the video part. I was also wondering if it really matters what camera you get, that most the options are the same and you get pretty much the same quality?

So, what features do you look for when getting a digital camera when you want it to also take good video? Any models or brands that are recomended?

Thanks.

[hercules]

I want to take care of two things at once and get a digital camera that takes good video. I just like the fact that they are so small, so along with taking pictures, in case I every need to take a video, I have the option.

The thing is, when you look at these camera's, they don't seem to say much about the video part. I was also wondering if it really matters what camera you get, that most the options are the same and you get pretty much the same quality?

So, what features do you look for when getting a digital camera when you want it to also take good video? Any models or brands that are recomended?

Thanks.

I think it does matter what camera you get, try the Canon S2 IS, S3 IS, S5 IS, as those have very good IQ and video quality;)

[David Metsky]

The standard video modes these days are 640x480 at 30fps which now shows up on pretty much all cameras. The biggest distinction IMO is whether you can use optical zoom or not. Most cameras don't allow you to use optical zoom (because the sound of the motor is picked up by the mics) except for the larger models like the Canon S3/S5, Sony H7/9, Fuji S6000, and Panasonic FZ-50.

The other big difference is how the file is stored which will affect how much you can capture on a single card.

Beyond that, most models offer pretty good and comparable movie modes. What are your requirements?

-dave-

[griptape]

The Canon TX-1 is a little on the pricey side, but has high def video, a big zoom range, and will take great quality stills as well. And it's an ultra compact. If it's within your budget, it's probably pretty close to what you're after.

[SpecialK]

Canon S3 IS (and I assume S5 IS) has a dedicated movie button to start a movie regardless of what mode the camera is in, stereo microphone, zoom while shooting, and can take a still image while in the movie mode (though there is a slight pause in the movie).

It's generally a great camera in daylight, poor-to-bad at higher ISO (low light), and has some easily pressed-by-accident buttons on the back.

[stanpapusa]

Hi,

Same problem here... I got a DMC-TZ3 and I found the movie quality only slightly better than on some high-end mobile phones such as Nokia N95. Okay, maybe I'm overly critical here, but even in bright daylight the colors are a bit dull and the image is a bit too smooth (uhm, shall I say blurry?!).

What I am after is a camera with good, sharp video in DVD format (either NTSC or PAL is fine but I prefer the latter, that is 720 × 576 at 30 fps). Zoom enabled during filming would also be highly desirable.

Canon TX-1 seemed like the perfect candidate, but looking around for different reviews there are quite a few issues with it…

One more detail, price limit would be 500$

[hankbeblazin]

my friend has a fujifilm f20 and for the price i think its around 200 bucks it takes amazing pictures and video's i was amazed