[valve bouncer]

So I'm going to get a p&s sometime in the next 6 weeks before we go back home for X-mas. Obviously there's eleventy billion to choose from so I've got it into my head that the ability to record HD videos (1280x720), as well as a HDMI output is a way to sort the wheat from the chaff. Now I realise the quality won't be as good as with a dedicated video camera but I only plan to use the video function for about 10-15 minutes worth of footage for a 2 week trip and taking a video camera is a pita. So is HD video on a compact camera just a gimmick and not worth it or wonderfully useful or somehwere in between? Fwiw I have my eye on the Japanese equivalent of the Canon IXUS 110 IS. http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras/digital_compact_cameras/digitalixus110is.aspx

 

[binary visions]

I think the whole video-in-a-compact thing is very convenient.

I don't take videos. So for me, having a dedicated video camera is utterly pointless - I won't carry it, and it'll just sit in a closet for the 10 minutes of video I take per year.

My compact Canon takes perfectly adequate video (mine is SD, not HD), it's got image stabilization which is great, and it's not an extra piece of equipment to buy/carry.

Thumbs up from me.

 

[kidwoo]

Sure if you want video without a lot of baggage, the concept is a sound one.

Just don't be disappointed when you don't have saving private ryan footage when you get home.

You still have footage though.

 

[valve bouncer]

Well I ended up buying the camera referenced in my original post. I've only been able to play with it inside but with the few little videos I've made the quality has been quite impressive.
A thumbs down though to camera manufacturers who force you to buy a separate AC adapter. I'm hoping this one can be charged via the mini USB cable but I'm not holding out much hope. As it stands now I have to remove the battery from the camera to charge it in a little cradle doohickey. F*ckers.

 

[binary visions]

Almost certainly won't be able to charge it via mini USB.

Irritates me, too, but there it is.