Looking for a digital camera 150$ - 200$ range

[D]

I would like it to record a 'normal' video output like mpg or avi.
I heard that most digital camera's record in .mov
Also I like it to be able to show what you are filming on tv. But I think that that is how all digital camera's function right?
So it will probably be a normal photo camera that can record video as well right? We are talking about games on these forums, but there are soooo many digital camera's. What would be a good place to ask this?
Should I post this in Off Topic? I don't want to draw that much attention.
EDIT: is there a site where you can filter on video format?
I want the main focus to be on video quality and special video features.
What do you recommend? What to look out for.

[aphexacid]

I own 2 Canon digital cameras. An SD200 and an SD630 both take excellent quality video at 30 or 60 frames per second, and they record the files in .avi. So, based on that, i think Canon cameras should be safe for the format your looking for. and you can plug them directly into a tv to view the video (i think thats what you were asking).


EDIT: yes its 30fps @640x480

I've never tried to film anything with the camera plugged into the tv. if i get around to trying it, i'll let you know for sure

[D]

Cool thanks! Canon! 60fps I guess 60fps @ 320X240 and 30 @ 640X480 right.
That was almost what I was asking. What I was asking is hard to explain.
OK You connect the camera to your tv and you start to record. You will see ofcourse what you are filming on the lcd on the camera itself. But do you also see what you are filming on your tv realtime? I think this will probably be standard for every camera right?

EDIT: might it just be that there is no other cunsumer electronics item that has more models per year than a digital camera? mobile phones? I don't think so. computers/laptops/tv's? forget about it.

[sven666]

pentax!

i love my tiny pentax i bought in japan, it not only records in .avi (incredible compression, with a 2gig memory i can record almost 2 hours) it also does in 640x480 resolution and excellent quality. (ive recorded lots of gaming sessions, concerts and drunken craziness without fail)

mine is the 7,8megapixel version, apparently there is a 10mp version out now aswell of the same model.

its also very userfriendly with no needs for special programs corrupting your computer (canon im looking at you! ) just plug and play.

if you count price, size, functionality and quality in equal amounts i dont think you can do much better

ed: i think this is the model i have but i have to check when i get home if youre interested.
http://www.pentax.co.uk/_uk/photo/produ ... uebersicht

[aphexacid]

Canon's are plug and play. every digital camera ive ever seen is plug and play. i didnt know there was anyone out there that actually installed the software these things come with.

[sven666]

Canon's are plug and play. every digital camera ive ever seen is plug and play. i didnt know there was anyone out there that actually installed the software these things come with.

well both my parents canon and the one we have at work require official canon software.

theyre the only ones ive ever seen tho.

[neorichieb1971]

I have a 10.1 mp Samsung, even comes with a video out and cable.

Your worst nightmare is not the spec, its the battery usage. Mine only takes about 50 pictures on 2 AA batteries and you have to buy the expensive ones. I bought some cheap ones once and it immediately bleeped and shutdown again

http://www.mediafire.com/upload_complet ... 3ngbunenjn

If you download that you can see what 10.1 mp looks like. Probably not the best pic in the world. The picture is of the set of Gotham City (obviously from outside the hangar) for Batmans return as the Dark Knight. You can have fun with the zoom and see how many props you can find.