Help me pick from a whole slew of compact cameras

marlinspike

So, I'm thinking about using my AmEx rewards points. I'm mainly interested in the video capabilities (I have a dSLR for when I'm serious about photos).

This is a big list that I haven't started narrowing yet (basically, it's everything my amount of points would let me get), but figured I'd see if you guys have any input.

Casio - EX-S10; EX-Z1050; EX-Z1080; EX-Z200; EX-S880, EX-Z80

Nikon - S560; S610; S550; S210

Canon - SD1100 IS; A2000 IS; SX110 IS; A590 IS; A1000 IS

Panasonic - 2 no longer in production ones, one 6MP, the other 7MP, both with mega OIS and 3x optical zoom; DMC FS20S

Olympus - FE340

Sony - W110; S780; WSC 150

ziggy53

marlinspike wrote:

So, I'm thinking about using my AmEx rewards points. I'm mainly interested in the video capabilities (I have a dSLR for when I'm serious about photos).

...

Do they have any video cameras within your points accumulation?

marlinspike

ziggy53 wrote:

Do they have any video cameras within your points accumulation?

They do, but I want something compact and the only ones they have are the handycam style. This won't be for making great videos, just something handy for random things, but while I'm getting I want to get the best I can.

Terrence

If super-duper-quality isn't an issue, definitely check out The Flip (http://www.theflip.com). The non-HD versions put out nice quality 640x480 AVIs. I am really happy with my Flip Ultra for quick grabs around the house. At $149.00 it was a no-brainer. I haven't seen the new HD unit, but it looks promising. At $229, an HD recorder in your pocket is damned tempting.

If interested, take a look at one of my galleries (http://photos.terrencerandell.com/gallery/4997216_pWVKk/1/299639566_nHeUK) for examples. All, except the last one, are straight out of a Flip Ultra.

marlinspike

It wasn't on the list of ones I can get with my points (at least that I saw on the amex website).

If it helps people guide me, I think given how good the video is in a lot of the cams these days I should say the audio pickup is important too.

Terrence

You can get the Flip Mino (non-HD) for 31,800 points. I found it on a search of shopamex.com, which offers more selection than the standard catalog.

marlinspike

Terrence wrote:

You can get the Flip Mino (non-HD) for 31,800 points. I found it on a search of shopamex.com, which offers more selection than the standard catalog.

ahhhhhh, shopamex...good to know.

marlinspike

I've been dowloading videos...it seems like Casio kicks everybody else's butt when it comes to audio pickup. Is this accurate, or just coincidence?

swintonphoto

I have had an earlier version of the Olympus FE, and it was really easy to use and worked great.

NikonsandVstroms

I have the S600 and have actually done alot of work with it so I highly recomend the 610

nomar219

S600 is good.

The_Maverick

There's a cheap HD quality brand which is Aiptek. probably you could look into it and it's worth your rewards points.

TJDIV

If random video is your thing you absolutely can't beat the Canon Elph...I use a Power Shot 790 IS when I travel / snowboard and it's awesome.

My main concern was getting the video from a compact camera & having 10.0 megapixels for pictures.

I got mine at Walmart on sale for $249. There are a couple SD200's that have been around the family for 4 to 5 years.

Just my $.02.

marlinspike

So, do you guys have any thoughts on my observation from watching test videos: that the Casios have the best mic pickups for outdoors? I wonder if it's just coincidence.