New Camera Advice Needed!

Hi I currently have a Canon Powershot A70 but reluctantly its time to let old faithful retire!

I am looking for a camera in the price range of £150 - £250, for me the picture isn't the most important thing, its movies.

My A70 would capture film on the highest setting for 30 seconds and then stop, I need a camera that will record on the highest setting until the memory card is full (4Gb) or the battery runs out!

I have been looking at the following cameras but can’t find info with regards to the above dilemma: -

Canon IXUS 70
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8

Thanks for any advice

[h4rri]

The buy a video camera, you will get full res video for as long as the media lasts and also get acceptable shots from it.

No point buying a stills camera for video with stills secondary when DV cameras are so cheap these days.

I did, I bought a JVC GR-D390 Mini DV Camcorder, but when I transfer the footage to the PC using the DV cable the quality drops considerably, so I thought a new digital camera would be the best option.

A friend of mine has mentioned the Pentax Optio A30 (divx movie quality), would this be a good option?

[jomike]

Originally Posted by doyze80

I did, I bought a JVC GR-D390 Mini DV Camcorder, but when I transfer the footage to the PC using the DV cable the quality drops considerably, so I thought a new digital camera would be the best option.

This camcorder will give you better video than any camera with movie mode. If you get a drop in quality when transferring to PC you are not doing it correctly. You should acquire and use a firewire cable and card and use these to transfer.
Read the FAQs in the camcorder sub forum for more details.

Mike

[h4rri]

Agree with JoMike, mine offers no drop in quality and I can get full frame video from it. The most cameras normally offer is 320x320 which frankly is not worth the hassle and only useful for youtube

I'm a great believer in getting the right kit for the job so if DV is your thing then grab the JVC and get out there You can normally get 'smi' respectable stills from these too nowadays.

[solidamber]

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8 is an old model and has been out of production for quite a while maybe 2 years or so, so if you find a new one for sale dont pay more than about £80,

The DMC-FX12 is availalble £103 on discount at Currys

Edit Dixons now doing it for £98 inc £40 cashback from Panasonic

Here