Compact camera with best video recording feature?

[anonymous-user]

Hi all,

I have a Nikon DSLR for when I want to take better quality photos, but I also usually have a compact camera handy which is used for nights out, parties etc. Also I'm a nightclub DJ and like to have the compact with me for snapping away and also for filming video. The more I filmed video the more I liked it, in fact over the last few years the video facility got used for all manner of things from being stuck to the tank on my Kawasaki ninja for one of those stupid 'high speed ride' videos right through to filming clips in nightclubs and recording my friends band performing live.
The camera performing these duties for the last 3 and a half years was a Sony DSC-T10 and to be honest it's been a brilliant little camera. I was always impressed with the video quality even when watched on a 38" tv etc. And it always turned out decent stills, apart from the flash was a bit 'full beam' at night. But unfortunately I must report that it met it's demise last weekend in a pool of white wine!

So it needs replaced, prefereably with something that's as good at filming video as it is at taking stills.

Any recommendations?

Cheers!

[LongQ]

NinjaPower said:

Hi all,

I have a Nikon DSLR for when I want to take better quality photos, but I also usually have a compact camera handy which is used for nights out, parties etc. Also I'm a nightclub DJ and like to have the compact with me for snapping away and also for filming video. The more I filmed video the more I liked it, in fact over the last few years the video facility got used for all manner of things from being stuck to the tank on my Kawasaki ninja for one of those stupid 'high speed ride' videos right through to filming clips in nightclubs and recording my friends band performing live.
The camera performing these duties for the last 3 and a half years was a Sony DSC-T10 and to be honest it's been a brilliant little camera. I was always impressed with the video quality even when watched on a 38" tv etc. And it always turned out decent stills, apart from the flash was a bit 'full beam' at night. But unfortunately I must report that it met it's demise last weekend in a pool of white wine!

So it needs replaced, prefereably with something that's as good at filming video as it is at taking stills.

Any recommendations?

Cheers!

Budget?

There are a lot of options. People are starting to use the Micro 4/3rds platform for HD video - Panasonc G series and Olympus PEN series look good and offer choices with changeable lenses. Almost pocket sizes.

Otherwise - the last few months has seen a rash of releases on the highly pocketable marketplace. You may need to check how long they will record for per button press, especially if using HD video mode.

[Red16]

Something like the Panasonic Lumix TZ7 would be a good call i think

[anonymous-user]

My budget is £250-300 as I think that's what the T10 cost me.
The more compact the better really if we are talking size.

LongQ said:

You may need to check how long they will record for per button press, especially if using HD video mode.

Thanks for that, I had no idea this would be a consideration. With the T10 I just pressed record and could film for as long as the 4gb card allowed, usually about 45 mins in total.

[davidd]

Red16 said:

Something like the Panasonic Lumix TZ7 would be a good call i think

I've just ordered one from amazon for £199, will report back next week.

D

[LongQ]

NinjaPower said:

My budget is £250-300 as I think that's what the T10 cost me.
The more compact the better really if we are talking size.

LongQ said:

You may need to check how long they will record for per button press, especially if using HD video mode.

Thanks for that, I had no idea this would be a consideration. With the T10 I just pressed record and could film for as long as the 4gb card allowed, usually about 45 mins in total.

I think mostly that will be the case but from memory there are a few cameras around that will limit to time (although using HD 4Mb won't take long!) as a way to ensure the sensor does not get so hot that image quality starts to suffer. Actually I think all will do that bit some may have a shorter heat up period than others.

[Red16]

davidd said:

I've just ordered one from amazon for £199, will report back next week.

D

I think you'll like it, my mother has the TZ7 and I have the TZ5 as my happy snapper camera, video is great on both

[rottie102]

LongQ said:

NinjaPower said:

My budget is £250-300 as I think that's what the T10 cost me.
The more compact the better really if we are talking size.

LongQ said:

You may need to check how long they will record for per button press, especially if using HD video mode.

Thanks for that, I had no idea this would be a consideration. With the T10 I just pressed record and could film for as long as the 4gb card allowed, usually about 45 mins in total.

I think mostly that will be the case but from memory there are a few cameras around that will limit to time (although using HD 4Mb won't take long!) as a way to ensure the sensor does not get so hot that image quality starts to suffer. Actually I think all will do that bit some may have a shorter heat up period than others.

Apparently it has something to do with taxes which are different if a device records clips over 10min (it becomes a camcorder) or under 10min ( a still camera with video capabilities)

[LongQ]

rottie102 said:

LongQ said:

NinjaPower said:

My budget is £250-300 as I think that's what the T10 cost me.
The more compact the better really if we are talking size.

LongQ said:

You may need to check how long they will record for per button press, especially if using HD video mode.

Thanks for that, I had no idea this would be a consideration. With the T10 I just pressed record and could film for as long as the 4gb card allowed, usually about 45 mins in total.

I think mostly that will be the case but from memory there are a few cameras around that will limit to time (although using HD 4Mb won't take long!) as a way to ensure the sensor does not get so hot that image quality starts to suffer. Actually I think all will do that bit some may have a shorter heat up period than others.

Apparently it has something to do with taxes which are different if a device records clips over 10min (it becomes a camcorder) or under 10min ( a still camera with video capabilities)

Interesting. I had not heard that one. Presumably this is a tax influence in some parts of the world and not others?

[clonmult]

I'd definitely recommend any of the Panasonic range that support AVCHD.

I've got a Panny FT1 (waterproof), and the video quality is stunning. Videos play directly on the PS3, and through our 42" screen they look fantastic. Its "only" 720p, but leagues ahead of the Toshiba H20 camcorder I had before, and that did 1080p. Goes to show that there's way more to it than the pure numbers.