[SilverPenguin7]

Hi all, I've not posted on this forum for quite some time - in fact I had a nightmare trying to remember my login details just now...anyway...

I'm after a way of recording 720p video footage in a compact, slip in the pocket and cheap unit. I figured a PAS camera would be the way to go and was thinking about the TZ7 although I am really interested in the video quality of the Canon SX200 IS as well...trouble is I'm having a hard time tracking down any decent discussion and examples of the Canon video abilities with the only thing I've really read is that it can't zoom whilst filming, which isn't a deal breaker if the IQ is god enough.

I know there is a huge TZ7 thread which I have read lots of, but read some cobflicting reports with some happy with video and others not - which is why I want to see what the Canon is like.

I'm not bothered by the stills side of it as I have full DSLR setup that I take with me, it's just a cheap way of getting ok looking 720p that I'm after (maybe even a cheap video cam is the way to go? but I don't want to spend more than £300 hence the PAS option).

Maybe the TZ7 is the way to go (like the stereo sound) but thought I'd check here first...

Thanks in advance

[willj12]

Have you seen the Sony TG3, it is a very compact small camcorder and records at 1080i, I have got some stunning footage from it.
Sony have since released the TG7 so you should be able to pick one up at just over £300.

[Pirate!!]

How about a camcorder? A camera isn't a Swiss army knife. The right tool for the job (or so they say). What is it you want? A way to take movies with questionable quality or a movie camera that will take quality film?

Is size everything? I'd sooner have quality images over size. Get the best tool for the job within your budget. A phone is a phone after all . . . yes, I know it can do more, but it doesn't do it all that well, so unless Nokia make a dSLR with all the bells and whistles . . . .

After all, a car isn't a helicopter is it? I would expect your £300.00 ought to get you a pretty nice camcorder. Don't compromise; at the end of the day, you'll be disappointed with the results.

Sony (for example) have some nice Handycam's for under your budget.

[SilverPenguin7]

Guys, thanks for the replies, appreciated

I guess I was thinking PAS so I had something I could slip in the pocket easily and take the odd random snapshop if I wanted - but with video being the most important your probably right that a camcorder might be the way forward. I've checked out the link to the Sony above and it looks pretty small so I'll investigate that further.

Thanks

[Brooktop]

Originally Posted by SilverPenguin7

Guys, thanks for the replies, appreciated

I guess I was thinking PAS so I had something I could slip in the pocket easily and take the odd random snapshop if I wanted - but with video being the most important your probably right that a camcorder might be the way forward. I've checked out the link to the Sony above and it looks pretty small so I'll investigate that further.

Thanks

I've just sold my Canon A570is compact camera and Canon MV800 is camcorder and bought a TZ7 so I have one compact solution and so far I'm VERY impressed. Of couse, with all budget and mid range recording equipment, the quality of the results is governed largely by the light (hence the term 'photo'graphy). Unless your mainly shooting in low light or indoors, I'd highly recommend it.