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Help me pick from a whole slew of compact cameras

marlinspikemarlinspike Registered Users Posts: 2,095 Major grins
edited January 21, 2009 in Cameras
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
http://davidson.smugmug.com

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    ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,851 moderator
    edited January 17, 2009
    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?
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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    marlinspikemarlinspike Registered Users Posts: 2,095 Major grins
    edited January 17, 2009
    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.
    http://davidson.smugmug.com
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    TerrenceTerrence Registered Users Posts: 477 Major grins
    edited January 17, 2009
    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.
    Terrence

    My photos

    "The future is an illusion, but a damned handy one." - David Allen
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    marlinspikemarlinspike Registered Users Posts: 2,095 Major grins
    edited January 17, 2009
    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.
    http://davidson.smugmug.com
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    TerrenceTerrence Registered Users Posts: 477 Major grins
    edited January 17, 2009
    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.
    Terrence

    My photos

    "The future is an illusion, but a damned handy one." - David Allen
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    marlinspikemarlinspike Registered Users Posts: 2,095 Major grins
    edited January 17, 2009
    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.
    http://davidson.smugmug.com
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    marlinspikemarlinspike Registered Users Posts: 2,095 Major grins
    edited January 17, 2009
    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?
    http://davidson.smugmug.com
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    swintonphotoswintonphoto Registered Users Posts: 1,664 Major grins
    edited January 18, 2009
    I have had an earlier version of the Olympus FE, and it was really easy to use and worked great.
    Jonathan
    http://www.jonathanswinton.com
    http://www.swintoncounseling.com
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    NikonsandVstromsNikonsandVstroms Registered Users Posts: 990 Major grins
    edited January 18, 2009
    I have the S600 and have actually done alot of work with it so I highly recomend the 610
    http://www.jonathanbeckley.com/
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    nomar219nomar219 Registered Users Posts: 11 Big grins
    edited January 18, 2009
    S600 is good. :Dicon_smile.gifsmile.gificon_smile.gif
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    The_MaverickThe_Maverick Registered Users Posts: 9 Beginner grinner
    edited January 20, 2009
    There's a cheap HD quality brand which is Aiptek. probably you could look into it and it's worth your rewards points.
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    TJDIVTJDIV Registered Users Posts: 112 Major grins
    edited January 20, 2009
    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.
    "Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger"

    9zero6 | Upper Peninsula Overland
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    marlinspikemarlinspike Registered Users Posts: 2,095 Major grins
    edited January 21, 2009
    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.
    http://davidson.smugmug.com
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