Is a 18 megapixel video camera good for shooting quality short films?

TWB

Answer
Megapixels are used for measuring digital still image resolution, not video. Video resolution is measured using Horizontal line count and video quality is based on the amount of compression used.

Standard definition video = 480 horizontal lines.
High definition video = 720 or 1080 horizontal lines.

640 x 480 = standard definition video @ 4:3 aspect ratio = 307,200 pixels or about 0.3 megapixel.

1280 x 720 = high definition video @ 16:9 (widescreen) aspect ratio = 921,600 pixels or almost 1 megapixel.

1920 x 1080 = high definition video @ 16:9 (widescreen) aspect ratio = 2,073,600 pixels or about 2 megapixels.

The *QUALITY* of the video depends on the above AND the amount of compression applied to the video when it is captured and stored.

LOTS of compression = lots of discarded video data = lower video quality.
Less compression = less discarded video data and higher video quality.

Even "ultra high definition" video is referred to as "4k video".

Since we don't know which camera you have or what its video capabilities are, we have no way to know what sort of quality you'll get.

Tips:
1) Use LOTS of light when capturing video. Indoors, that means adding LOTS of light.

2) Use a tripod or other steadying device. Don't capture video handheld.

3) Don't expect good quality capture of REALLY LOUD or really low audio. Normal levels will be fine.

4) Get the camcorder close to where the people are speaking. If that is not possible, use an audio recorder (like a Zoom H1, or H2) and synch the audio later or use an external mic connected to the camcorder.

What to look for:

LARGE lens filter diameter (70mm or larger for your project.)
LARGE imaging chip system. 1/3 inch 3CCD or 1/3 inch 3CMOS.
Mic jack (XLR is best if using built-in audio capture)
Mics (wireless would be best - I like Sennheiser G3 with a portable base station - but they are pricey.)

is 3.2 megapixels video camera too bad quality?

Sara

Answer
Megapixels are used for measuring digital still image resolution.

Horizontal line count is used for measuring video resolution.
Standard definition video = 480 horizontal lines.
High definition video = 720 or 1080 horizontal lines.

640 x 480 = standard definition video @ 4:3 aspect ratio = 307,200 pixels or about 0.3 megapixel.

1280 x 720 = high definition video @ 16:9 (widescreen) aspect ratio = 921,600 pixels or almost 1 megapixel.

1920 x 1080 = high definition video @ 16:9 (widescreen) aspect ratio = 2,073,600 pixels or about 2 megapixels.

The *QUALITY* of the video depends on the above AND the amount of compression applied to the video when it is captured and stored.

LOTS of compression = lots of discarded video data = lower video quality.
Less compression = less discarded video data and higher video quality.

We don't know what video camera you are referring to. Technically, the 3.2 megapixel count video might be OK if the video compression is low.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Want A Digital Camera With Better Video & Picture Quality?

KiiDSWiiPE

well i was a best buy last night and the lady was so dumb she couldn't tell me which camera was best i kept on asking her but she was like "well im not sure" she had me so confused then she said "just pay for a 300 dollar one and it should work" im thinking to myself like ummm no so do anyone have any suggestions

i was thinking this one but im not sure
http://exilim.casio.com/browse_cameras/exilim_zoom/EX-Z150/

Answer
While most cameras take video, and some camcorders take photos; to get the best of both, you need both. Suggest the least expensive Canon Camcorder and the Canon A590IS camera.

Just saw this camera at Best Buy and Radio Shack. Think it is a great camera and a best buy. It has an optical viewfinder, image stabilizer, auto focus, and uses NiMH rechargeable batteries. Read as much of the following as you can for other information and help with choosing a camera.
Canon A590IS $129.99 at Staples yesterday.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Canon-PowerShot-A590IS-Point-and-Shoot-Digital-Camera-Review&id=1743058 ...
http://bountii.com/deal-1523871-canon-powershot-8-0-megapixel.html ...

There is no one particular place to get great buys, but you may see something above that really helps you find the best buy. Click on the second link in the information above for an example then search for your camera of choice at the upper left. Camera prices at this link change often.

In new cameras, look for a viewfinder (LCD invisible in bright sun), image stabilizer, and check battery prices. High mega pixel settings take longer to process and may not be needed unless required for very large pictures. Maximum print size for a 3 mega pixel setting is 8 x 10 inches. Click links below for more details.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=398&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=2039 ...
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm ...

While most of the cameras out there are really good, I would choose Canon over Nikon because it seems like more camera for the money. Some would say Canon withholds their best technology for high end cameras and Nikon implements their best at all levels. Before you decide, read all the text and links in the information below because it will help you know what to look for in a camera.

CAUTION Do not overcharge! Batteries can be damaged. Use an automatic two or more hour Energizer Compact smart charger with temperature monitor, trickle charge technology, and safety timer ($9.76) at Walmart. Use pre-charged 2000mAh Duracell ($12.97) or RayOVac ($5.97) batteries (hold charge one year) and a full cycle charge. To preserve battery charge, use the viewfinder.

There are so many cameras out there it is difficult to say which is best. The second source link will be very helpful as it list most of the cameras out there with prices. The following information should help you know what to look for in a camera.

What gives a camera its picture quality?
The short answer is that it is mostly the skill of the photographer that produces high quality pictures. The lens and camera are very important, but the ability to set the scene, adjust the cameras settings, and hold the camera very still or use a tripod with auto or remote shutter actuation when required is what gets the great pictures.

Lots of great camera tips in these two links. http://www.danscamera.com/Learning/going_digital/#resolution ...
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=38/10468/6368/333&pq-locale=en_US ...

The information about my camera is just to show that you don't need the biggest and best. Just know how to use the one you have.

My camera has 5.2 mega pixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives great results, is faster, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7 x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an old camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes ... like magic.

Check with the Geeks in several stores and compare prices. Ask what cameras they own, but don't believe everything you hear. Once you select a camera, read all about it in the owner's manual. Just learned that my camera has red-eye prevention and correction. It also has adaptive lighting. You may be able to view owners manuals at this link, but will need to Login. http://www.retrevo.com/s/digital+camera ...

The source links will show most of the cameras out there with prices and help make digital cameras work better with complete instructions on cleaning camera and battery electrical contacts.

Source:
http://www.google.com/base/a/4210404/D13701973093918363271
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/ ...
http://dpreview.com/ ...

Does the megapixel of a digital camera affect the video quality it can take?

Tom M

My buddy says that the higher the megapixel a digital camera has, the better quality video it takes. I was not sure how true that statement was. Can anybody clear this up for me?

Answer
No its totally different.

To keep it simple.

Digital still cameras were designed to take still pictures, or still photography. Here they use the term Megapixels for the capability(number of sensor elements) of the camera to capture data of an image taken. The bigger or higher megapixels, the better or higher amount of data recorded.

This doesn't mean that the image is good right away. It just means that your digital still camera is capable of capturing such and such amount of data. There are several factors that contribute to a "good quality image"; lens is a big factor.

Now having said that, the manufacturers of these still cameras decided to thrown in a little feature called video recording with optional audio for some.

You have to remember that the first digital cameras, Sony Mavica were based on video technology. They were actually considered digital video cameras that shot still images and stored them in floppy disks.

Now even though having internal organs capable of recording videos, our digital still cameras were designed to record still images.

The factors that would ensure quality video images are the sizes and the number of CCD's (Charged Coupled Device usually 3, thus the term 3CCD) and The bigger the CCD that is used, the better the color and image quality of the video. The bigger the hole in your wallet would be. The lens is also a big factor. For digital, its also compression; avi., mov. and now MPeg4.

With respect to the manufacturers of our digital cameras, the quality of the video that they capture is quite good. Many of the point and shoots have better video quality than our old video 8 or hi-8 cameras.

a 1GB SD card will hold about 14 mins of TV quality video.

I hope this helps Bud.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I am looking for a camera/video camera but don't know what brand to buy. Any suggestions?

megapixel camera video image

pigpen2917

I am a truck driver that goes from NC to California and would like to find a camera/video camera to take pics or videos of the stuff I see out on the road. Problem is I have no idea what brand to buy. Money is not a problem so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am looking for something small and atleast 10 megapixels.

Answer
I would suggest Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10MP with 12x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD.It take good picture and also take HD video in "AVCHD Lite" format
allows longer recordings with breathtaking HD visual and audio quality
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QFZMCO?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001QFZMCO

How many pictures can I expect to get with a 1 Gig Memory Card with a 5 Megapixel camera?

beehave323

I just bought a PowerShot S2 IS Canon 5 Megapixel camera, I am going on a trip to Ireland next month I plan on taking many pictures. I have a 16Mb SD memory card and have ordered a 1Gig SD card and I was wondering how many pictures on average I can expect to take with the two cards and if I should invest on a new memory card as well because I do not know how available a computer will be. Thank you.

Answer
I have a 1Gig card with a 6megapixel camera and I've gotten as many as 900 on there... but it also had about 30 minutes of video and sound on there as well... you should be pretty set between the 2 cards ! Have fun on your trip !

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How much video memory will a 4GB camera hold?

megapixel camera video image

Kel

How long will a 4GB, 1280*960VGA, 30fps, Avi format, 4:3, 8 megapixel camera take a continues video? How long will the video be?

Answer
Chances are very high that there is a table in the back of your user manual - a VERY useful resource that you should know inside out anyway.

What phone would be good to use for a Great amount of Megapixels in HD camera technology?

Thomas

Currently, I'm talking about the best phone technologies Today in Pacific Standard Time, I don't care what company it comes from. All I'm looking for is a list of the best tech for under 5k, with many megapixels(Looking for +19) in present United States Pacific Standard Time for a super-useful HD camera/video w/video and Flash. Can you help me find one for excessive camera use, fast connection (especially at least 4G), and maximum battery life? Thank you for your knowledge whoever answers knowingly...

Answer
PhoneArena Awards 2012: Best Cameraphone
http://www.phonearena.com/news/PhoneArena-Awards-2012-Best-Cameraphone_id37545

Best camera phones
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-camera-phones/

19+ megapixles in a phone? Not sure if you'll find that. However, I just read Nokia's 808 has an apparent 41 megapixels? Seems almost outlandish to me, but then again I'm not really knowledgeable in the cameraphone department... There are a number of reviews you can check out though... Probably more helpful than this questions thread.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers