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Camera Advice Needed

H

hhara

Gawd
Joined
May 8, 2009
Messages
817
So I want to buy a digital camera and was hoping I could get some good advice on what to avoid and what to consider.

The most important things to me are:

1. Size - It needs to fit in my pocket.
2. At least 720p resolution for recording videos.
3. High MP's - At least 10.
4. Price - Obviously lower is better, but I would be willing to spend up to 200$.

Any suggestions?

Thank you
 
Typically camera size is inverse to performance. The smaller the lens the less able it is to gather light.

For your specs there is probably nothing under $1K
 
What about something like this?

Edit: I guess I should have been clearer as camera could mean a lot of things. I mean a regular point and shoot camera for pictures, but with the other option of recording small 720p videos.
 
Ever wonder how a 6mp Nikon D40 can give a better picture than a 12mp point and shoot (sony, kodak, canon) camera ? Let me explain.

The problems you will encounter are a direct result of the tiny recording sensor, and the diameter of the lens. The better the image sensor and the lens, the better the recording. With that said, you $200 for the camera you specified is barely adequate for taking quality pictures other than "Family" type pictures. For video, it will ALWAYS downgrade the image to 480p or less with any action, simply because the image sensor cant handle the action.

A video camcorder like this would be better suited for action:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830179230

It boasts a 2.7" image sensor, and has a 16:9 aspect ratio.
 
Thank you for that, very informative. I wonder then if it is even worth it to spend that much money on a point and shoot. I see some for 150$ that have far lower specs, but if I am not going to be getting the advertised quality in the first place, what does it matter?
 
I knew you were asking for a P&S camera, and to be honest that Canon is great for what you are asking for. It takes both video and pictures and seems like it would be more versatile for your usage style. I have an older model and its great.

To be honest cheap "HD" cameras have a lot of video stutter during fast action, this is because they have a low bitrate, typically you need 20mbps to be able to capture action smoothly especially if the camera itself is moving.

If you want another affordable P&S suggestion then this is top dog: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ix_DMC_LX3_Digital_Camera.html#specifications

Legendary Leica glass and it does some small "HD" recording also.
 
i'd get the Canon S90 (if i wanted a really nice p&s)...but that's gonna be about the same money as the Lumix that staticlag posted ($400 give or take). a fairly sharp f/2.0 lens and raw capability in a truly pocketable camera.

in your price range, canon sd1300 is or maybe sd1400 is. canon build quality is excellent, and image quality as good as anything comparable from a different manufacturer.
 
If you ask me, the closest thing to what you're looking for is a Panasonic DMC-ZR1 . 720p video, 12mp sensor (not that it matters much in this size of a camera.) And it'll fit in your pocket.

If video isn't as important the Canon A3100 IS is good buy too. No HD video.

Downer for both of these is that the video is Motion JPEG, which = huge file sizes.

And come on guys, his first requirement was that it fits in his pocket. Not that hard to find something that meets his conceived wants and will get the job done. You shouldn't try and pitch Photoshop CS4 to someone who just wants to remove redeye and crop.
 
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You probably won't get many options for 720p in a P&S form-factor for $200. Now, you CAN get 640x480, that's easy.
 
I have the Canon SD780 IS and this camera meets all specs listed (if you can find it on sale, I got mine for under $200 CAD).

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=18183

The HD video is better than expected. It is smooth, audio is ok and it is not choppy (I find playing it in any software other than Quick Time though it is not as smooth, YMMV). Keep in mind that only digital zoom is available when shooting video but apparently in this range this is pretty standard.
 
Thank you for the suggestions. Will have to do some comparison work when I get a chance.


I wonder if Canon, who is suggesting I buy a Canon, actually works for Canon? ;)
 
Nope.

I do happen to like Canon cameras but that actually has nothing to do with my name either. :)
 
This is what I use.. its about 120 at walmart & the pictures are quite impressive for a P&S this low in price. I havent tried video, But I can tell you that when I snapped a pic of my Motherboard while on it stood the fan in the pic with no motion blur & it has yet to have any with our 3 year old either.
 
I have this one
Picture quality is excellent, but shutter speed is kinda low.
 
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