For cheap video: digital camera or flip video?

I have a Canon digital camera that takes 30fps video in AVI format (short clips in 60fps). Considering getting a Flip Ultra Video which takes 30fps video in MPEG-4 format. Will the quality be noticeably better?

Is this a waste of money since I already have the Canon? Any info onthe pros and cons of MPEG-4 versus AVI. I know the compression is different but is it evident in the picture quality?

Thanks. Asked by newuser9628919 43 months ago Similar questions: cheap video digital camera flip Uncategorized.

Similar questions: cheap video digital camera flip.

Matter of preference I have much the same equipment as you are considering. My Canon S1IS takes video clips at 30 FPS, and I got a Flip Video camera as a gift about a year ago. The Canon has superior video quality and the versatility of its zoom lens.

When a memory card is full, I can just pop it out, insert another, and continue shooting. However, it needs good light to take video, and isn't suitable in lighting that would require a flash for still photography. The Flip camera is extremely easy to use.It slips into a trouser pocket easily and takes only a few seconds to warm up for shooting.

The video quality is not as good as the Canon, and it has a fixed lens. Furthermore, when its 30-minute recording time is finished, all you can do is download it to your computer. That's my principal problem with this otherwise handy little device.

If it had a slot for a memory card, I'd heartily recommend it to anyone. I find myself using the Canon more, simply because I have the versatility of shooting both stills and video, and I don't want to carry two cameras most of the time. However, I take the flip with me when portability is more important, and I don't need to worry about dropping it, getting it wet, or losing it.

It is also more sensitive in low light situations, so I can use it indoors in less than ideal lighting and still get acceptable video. FYI, the Flip stores video in AVI format as well. MPEG-4 is a compression standard, not a file format.

The recording time with the Canon is roughly half that of the Flip for the same amount of memory. The Canon uses Motion JPEG compression, which is higher resolution than MPEG-4. Video quality with the Flip I have is about the same as a VHS-C camcorder; perfectly good for home video, but if you want to view it on a high-def monitor, you might want something better.

My understanding is that the Flip Ultra has higher resolution - at the expense of more memory - so that might not be an issue for you. Bottom line: the Canon is more versatile, but the Flip is far more convenient. If you plan to shoot more video than stills, take the Flip.

If you take a mix of stills and video, take the Canon, but consider getting the Flip anyway. It's a neat toy. Sources: Experience .

Keep it Not sure which model you have, as that might affect the final outcome, but I would still suggest, just keeping the Canon camera you have and put the money aside for a better canon in the future. I have a G9 and it works great for video, and even as a spare camera (I carry it in my truck, so I always have a camera, incase I don't have one of my larger pro bodies with). The diff from Mpeg4 and avi is not that much.

Unless you want to try to do use it for a school film project or such, in which case your much better off getting a good digital camcorder. Hope this helps. Have a good one and Happy shooting Sources: My experiences as a professional photographer, as seen in my Online Gallery at AkPhotos.zenfolio.com/ GlacierWaterIsCold's Recommendations Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Amazon List Price: $499.88 Used from: $425.00 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 189 reviews) Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom Amazon List Price: $2,999.99 Used from: $1,499.99 Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 48 reviews) Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom Amazon List Price: $5,999.99 Used from: $2,399.882 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 12 reviews) .

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