Best 720p shooter?

January 21, 2009 6:11 AM

Best digital camera with 720p 30FPS+ unlimited video?

I want a new digital camera. Both of my previous ones (a Minolta and a Casio) had 30FPS video, but only VGA resolution.

Since this is such a common feature now I'd like some opinions regarding which inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras take the best 720p video. Do any do better than 30FPS? I know some of them had time limitations but not sure if that's still an issue; I want to be able to shoot until my memory's depleted. And I want to be able to shoot stills, so I don't think a Flip video device will work out well.

If you have experience with multiple brands that will be most helpful. Many people seem to have brand loyalty with cameras but if they haven't actually used/owned other brands the recommendation doesn't carry as much weight IMO.

Latest-and-greatest not necessary. Smaller/thinner preferred. Looking at around $200-$300 price range.

posted by jjsonp to technology (9 comments total)

I wouldn't say 720p is common on digital cameras yet. There's still only a few models that can do 720p @ full 30fps. Not even Canon or Panasonic's flagship compact digitals (Powershot G10, Powershot G9, Panasonic LX3) can do 720p @ 30fps. 640x480 @ 30fps still seems like the standard in movie mode resolution and framerates.

Here's the ones that can in the under $300 price range:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35, DMC-FX37, DMC-FX500
Sony DSC-T500, DSC-T700

If you're willing to go a bit over $300, there's the Canon TX1 which is built more like a digital camcorder but seems to get good reviews for its video quality. Amazon has it for $365. Since the 720p @ 30fps seems like such an important feature for you, I think this would be the one to get. With compact digitals, Canon has the best reputation for quality, interfaces, and ergonomics and it's the brand I usually recommend.
posted by junesix at 8:06 AM on January 21

FWIW, Panasonic 720p camcorder at woot.com today for 129 dollars. Its 30 fps.
posted by damn dirty ape at 8:21 AM on January 21

I recently purchased Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K for $250. 9.1 megapixel, 10x zoom, and 1280 x 720 video at 30fps. I highly recommend it.
posted by andythebean at 8:26 AM on January 21

Thanks all. Wow that Polaroid camcorder sure is cheap, but I really want something that will fit in my pocket.

I had seen several Panasonic, Canon, and Samsung models that support 720p so I just assumed it was becoming the norm. But there's such a plethora of brands/models to choose from that I really have no idea. These tips give me a starting point - thanks again.
posted by jjsonp at 9:25 AM on January 21

Beware: I have a Lumix, and although it does shoot 720p video, the audio quality is worse than a telephone.

If you want 720p with good quality audio, make sure of the audio recording quality before you buy.
posted by Mwongozi at 11:58 AM on January 21

I just bought a Sony T500 and have been pretty satisfied with it. I come from shooting with a DSLR, but wanted something I could just slip in my pocket.

It does 10.1 stills and 720p video and costs about $350-400

It doesn't shoot any faster than 30 fps, and is limited to 10 minutes of record time at one go (why, I'm not sure).

However, I didn't find a better all around pocket point-and-shott camera (stills+video) than the T500. If you would like, I could upload some video and stills so you could see the quality!
posted by Alec Loudenback at 5:13 PM on January 21

Oh, and I forgot to mention the audio quality after Mwongozi's comment:

The T500 has stereo recording built into the camera. The quality is pretty good (I've not had another video camera to compare it to), but from listening to it, the audio stays true to the actual sounds (voices, etc.), but is susceptible to noise from wind.
posted by Alec Loudenback at 5:17 PM on January 21

This Casio caught my eye with its specifications (if you can go ~$100 above your price point and can wait until March...)
posted by birdsquared at 9:55 PM on January 21

Also coming out in April, and also $100 above your price point is this Lumix TS1. AVCHD would seem to offer more video recording per memory space.

What also looks really attractive is the rugged case, and the specific wind noise reduction system. I've been doing a fair bit of comparisons, and this one is likely going to be my next camera. I currently use a very dated Pentax S4, which has a one minute limit on its 320X240 video clips. Of course, I'll no longer need the Altoids tin case for the dustproof TS1, which is a good thing, since it wouldn't fit.
posted by birdsquared at 9:16 PM on February 8