What is a decent digital camera that has video?

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It really depends what you want from your new camera! Most electronics are based on the same technology. Yet each model number is different in one way or another. Are you just looking for something small to put in you pocket to take photos and vidios of friends and family? Do you want to get larger more commercaial type photos.

The advantage of cameras designed for video is that they have more optical zoom and perhaps better sound.

You will need to compare number of Megapixals this will determine the size of enlargements. One of the most important fetures is the amount of optical zoom this will determine how close or how far away you can be to take your photos, without compramising the finished photo enlargement or vidio quality.

Battery size and type are important! Two thoughts here. One get a camera that requires inexpensive double A’s they are readaly available eveywhere. Two get one that has Lithium ion rechargeable battery they last a lot longer then good quality AA’s.

More important then the battery is to get one which will allow you to use an SD memory card. This will alow for storage of more images especally if you want to get more higher quality photos then an internal memory will alow. Get as many GB as you can afford you will not regret it. Also consider SDHC the HC stands for High Compression. You will lose a little bit of quality but you will be able to store alot more information. This becomes important when you shoot vidio (trust me you will shoot vidio) Memory Card should be formated before use.

I can not speak for other brands as I have never tried them, But ask at any retailer you trust I am sure you will find many brands that work well and have good reputation.

However I can speak for the Casio Exilim EX-Z20, 8.1Megapixels 3 times optical zoom, (comes with easy to follow instructions). Bought recently at Costco for $159.99 also got the SandDisk Ultra 8GB SDHC memory card for $69.99 the two came to $259.88 with taxes included. The memory card has not yet been filled after two weeks vacation. I can still make 2515 high quality shots or 7833 (3.5` By 5`) Photos or 2hours 33 minites of vidio. So far I have taken vidio of twenty foot high pile of wood set on fire at night for St. Jean de Baptest, Gitar hero compitition two competitor only, an 8 min segment of fire works, pig capturing contest two heats, Severail one to three min. of friend and family. severail one to two minites of the dogs horsesing around and who knows how many photos. If I had to guess approx 175-250. Played them on a mid size TV approx 32-35inch they look and sound great.

Has biult in Best shot settings which include Auto, Portrait, Scenery, Portrait with Scenery, Pet (stop motion), Self Portrait, Macro Modes, Monochrome Filter, Sepia Filter, Cross Light Filter, Light Pastel Effect, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Fast Shutter (sports party), Red Filter, Fireworks, Backlighting, Low light without flash, and Audio Only, 30 settings in all. Also has smile recognition (takes photo only when subject is smiling.

The Battery lasts a good long time, can t say exactly, but long enough for half hour vidio plus several other photos and short vidios. Usualy lasts all day and charges in 90min.

Sorry for being long winded hope this helps, dont think you will regrete buying one either way!

One final thing; Make sure they are compatable (camera and memory card) and each are compatable with your computor!

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Check CNET.com for reviews. I have a Nikon (excellent) and my wife has a Canon SD1000 ELPH. (Very Good). Digital cameras are only good for 15 seconds to about 1 minute. Video eats up memory fast. If video is your primary concern, get a video recorder.