Video capabilites: How is the video on this camera for this sort of thing?
1692739
I've been using a digital camera since the beginning to take short video clips of my son for a family blog that I run. Up until recently I've used a little Sony DSC-W90 which as worked quite well for 640x480. I just picked up a FZ28 and the video quality is fairly decent but beware that it records in Quicktime which means you can't directly use the video in the convenient Windows Movie Maker. My biggest disappointment so far with the movie mode on the FZ28 is the muddy sound quality -- my little DSC-W90 beats it hands down for that. Note also that video hosting sites are just starting to offer HD uploads so you may not get great HD hosting in the short term. Pros: 720P and WVGA (848x480) video modes, zoom while filming Cons: Quicktime format not editable in Windows Movie Maker, muddy sound quality
559132
I can't say I'm an expert on this topic, as I've never really had a need for a video camera and that capability was not why I purchased the camera to begin with. That being said, I have used the video feature a few times and must say that the sound quality is pretty darn good. The image remains pretty good when your hand shakes, though I can't imagine any video camera would not have some shake. You can zoom in/out while using the video. For my needs, it's been good. And others have made positive comments on the video I've taken with it... so I think that's positive, as well! Hope this helps! :)
1855759
The stabilization is excellent. Especially in video mode. You won't go wrong with this camera.
209366
I finally took a video and yes, it takes nice video. I do not know an exact light reading but the videos indoors with little light are poor quality. It needs a well lit room or sunshine for a good video.
1215331
I did not notice much degradation of the video. However, I have 600tvl cameras so they aren't great to begin with. Also, if you are not running it along a way, make sure you support the cable, mine sagged and finally snapped under the weight of it spanning a 75ft gap from my house to our chicken coop.
1383201
Quality is good... I think its rated at 720p and I think that's accurate. In low lighting it can appear grainy, but it good lighting it's crystal clear. I use mine scuba diving and have a lot of great videos. I usually feel like the video is a pretty good reflection of what I was actually seeing. Good luck!
1072197
I'm not that familiar with your current camera, but I tell you I am very happy with my new video camera. I don't know if your camera offers HD video or not, but that's one thing that makes this one great.
819462
The video and picture quality is great... pic is 8mp and if i'm not mistaken the video is HD
1770761
Thanks again david.I remember reading some of the flash based camcorders record on .MOD files, which are somewhat hard to work with.This will be my first camcorder purchase in a long while (my last was a sony digital-8...), so your advice is well needed and appreciated.
434778
The shutter lag on this video camera in photo mode is not something you would like. I tried taking action shots of my son playing indoor soccer and the time between pressing the button and it taking a picture was long enough to miss the shot I wanted. This was indoors, but the lighting was decent. Perhaps outdoors it would be different, but I'm not counting on it. It takes decent pictures - not great though. Don't throw away your digital camera if you're getting this. I will do in a pinch for non-action photos if you have nothing else with you. The specs say it's 10 Mp - but that is 5Mp scaled up to 10Mp. Again, the pictures (even with flash) aren't too bad. But regular digital cameras have a lot of optional settings (for still photography) that are easily accessed - this does not. Good luck. Tony PS...I haven't tried getting stills from movies - but might give it a try using my Pinnacle movie editing software. The video sure looks stunning and the pictures from it..well....won't know unless I try.
559104
While I have used the video, I rarely do. So I am no expert. But, to me, the video is as good as the pictures- the sound is fine. It shot in low light really well, so maybe that helps you? I'd say it is certainly as good as my iPhone is!
244950
I have recorded video on my panasonic digital camera from time to time, but I primarily take stills so I cannot attest to the hd video......but the stills come out great.
1847491
The optical image stabilization used for still images is very good. The sensor is an older version of current sensors (this is a $250 body) so it has some noise. The digital stabilization for video is about what one would expect. On a tripod, the camera gives excellent video. Hand-held, it isn't as good as a dedicated video camera (as one would expect). It's a good camera for the price IMO. A nice, impartial review can be found at dpreview dot com. I added an excellent Richard Franiec handgrip to the too-smooth body. (Google him if you're interested).
1691877
The camera uses an interlaced analog NTSC signal. You can view it on a classic analog television set ;-) Or a standard security video recording system. You can also experiment with video capture cards to record to a computer (and there's some USB EasyCap varieties that can be had for under $10), but you might be better off with a IP camera. If you want superior low-light capability, the video capture hassle for this one might be worth it.
1875463
I will suggest you use MK 908, it has quad core. Much easier to handle the video out put. Thanks, have a great weekend!
1597226
I'm sorry but I haven't tried that yet . I am kind of disappointed by the quality of the video myself . Not too enthused by it . It can't record high speed action like it's said to be able to do.
1919425
Hello Leslie, I haven't explored the video capabilities in depth, but just with base settings, I've been pretty happy with the video capabilities. The images come out clear with smooth fps. I guess it depends on what level of quality you're looking for, at a hobby level, it's been awesome and I am able to use the still photos for my professional work.