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General discussion

Camcorders vs Cameras w/ video capability

by sri_cnet Feb 18, 2006 12:47AM PST

These days there are many cameras with good video recording capabilities.

e.g: Canon IS 2S - has VGA quality video recording capability (640 x 480).

I have a digital camera and a DV camcorder, but I cannot carry both of them to the same venue. I am thinking to sell both of them and buy a digital camera with a good video recording capatbility.

What are the disadvantages?

1. Video length may be limited

But apart from this, will there be any difference in image quality?

Please suggest any good cameras with good video.

Thank you.

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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Digital Cameras Video Mode
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Feb 18, 2006 5:50AM PST

The Canon S2-IS produces the best videos that I have seen from a digital camera.

The main disadvantage as compared to a camcorder is the byproduct of your disadvantage number one.

2. Cost of media.

You can get just under 8 minutes of recording on a 1-gig memory card with the Canon S2 IS.
Cost $100 for 8 minutes, and $750 for one hour.

You can get one hour of recording on a digital tape in a camcorder.
Cost $5

You can judge for yourself as to the quality of the recording by going to this link:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/s2is_samples.html

Click on the photo of the Collie Dog to download the 10-meg (5 second) video.

...
..
.

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Kodak Z612
by sri_cnet Feb 18, 2006 10:28AM PST

could solve the issue of size limit in the memory cards. The news release says it can record MPEG-4 movies as opposed to the VGA format in Canon S2 IS.

But, don't know how much is the ratio of MPEG-4 to VGA in terms of size for the same length of video.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06021704kodakz612.asp

However, do Kodak cameras match Canon when it comes to image quality, if not higher?

BTW, Thanks for the discussion.

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Love MMy Digital Camera
by kefta4ever Mar 16, 2006 11:12AM PST

I have both a mini dv and a digital camera. I dont even use my Mini DV anymore. I realized I only took 30 to 120 sec videos at a time. I buy 512 mb sd cards whenever I find good deals on them and so far I bought 2 for free after rebates. This is all I need for small outings with the family. They look great on DVD! Plus you have pictures easily tranfered with them.

I still use my Mini DV for a week long trip with the family, but for trips to the amusment park or birthday party the camera is good enough.

Oh, I have a Canon sd200 elf 3.2mp 640x480@30fps.

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