The Best Camera with Video

Digital Cameras are great tools for capturing still photographs. Getting one that also records video is very convenient especially if you want both functions and portability. The video you can capture with a still camera will not be as good as what you can get with a stand alone camcorder although for some, the performance will be quite acceptable. Recent improvements in fact have made some digital cameras with video capabilities a very attractive option for many.

On the downside:

Recording time is more limited on a digital camera and the "smoothness" of the video less, although improvements over cameras of just a couple of years ago are significant.

Camcorders generally have larger lenses than a digital camera and can do a better job in low light situations. They also have better sensors for the job, with as many as 3 CCD sensors.

The sound you will get with a digital camera will also tend to be inferior but it is possible to get a digital camera with the capability of using an external microphone to improve performance.

For those wanting the convenience and cost savings by having a single device for capturing still photos as well as video, there are a number of things to consider which can result in a satisfactory performance for those with more limited needs. Read below to find out what to seek out when shopping for a camera with video capabilities.

Here are a few things to look for when shopping for a digital camera with video recording skills you will prize.

For good video quality you'll want to consider the pixel count and frame rate. VGA with a 640x480 recording is superior to QVGA while 30fps or better (frames per second) would create a smoother look than 10 or 15fps.

Recording time can be another critical feature to consider. Some digital cameras allow for only 30 second clips while others can provide much longer recordings. Know what it is you hope to capture to assure you will be satisfied.

MPEG-4 and DivX compression can also help to assure the ability to capture more video without requiring too much storage space although the quality is not superior to motion JPEG.

If you want the best sound recording look for stereo sound, wind filters, the ability to adjust volume, and/or a camera with the ability to connect to an external microphone. (Most camcorders also require an external microphone for good sound) Wireless microphones are available.

If you have an HDTV look for HDMI connections for the ability to play back with the best quality.

Look for features such as optical image stabilization and zoom which can be used while filming video footage.

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Photo Credits

Introduction: dafydd359. (no derivative work allowed)
The Disadvantages: ArtBrom.
Choosing a Digital Camera with Video: hageatama.