Still pictures with DV...Any good?

Hi,

I'm in the process of trying to decide which digicam to get. After extensive research on the net, I've narrowed down my options to a few models. However, I'm also considering the possibility of getting a DV camcorder with still picture capability.

I'm just wondering if the image quality from an amateur DV is comparable to some of the digicam models (e.g. CoolPix 950, Canon Pro 70 etc.). Still picture quality is important to me and only if a DV is as good as CoolPix 950 (for example) would I be considering getting a DV.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Jonathan

I think the highest resolution that a DV camera produces is still only 1024x768 or close to that. The Sony PC100 which does DV as well as stills has both Video recording media as well as memorystick for the stills and frame grabs.

But that is not comparable to the 2 megapixel camera resolution just like the Mpeg movie capability of the still cameras doesn't compare to the video capability of the DVs

Jonathan KONG said:

Hi,

I'm in the process of trying to decide which digicam to get. After
extensive research on the net, I've narrowed down my options to a few
models. However, I'm also considering the possibility of getting a DV
camcorder with still picture capability.

I'm just wondering if the image quality from an amateur DV is comparable
to some of the digicam models (e.g. CoolPix 950, Canon Pro 70 etc.).
Still picture quality is important to me and only if a DV is as good as
CoolPix 950 (for example) would I be considering getting a DV.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Jonathan

Click to expand...

I will be very surprised if a video camera of ANY Kind will equal what a dedicated digital still camera can do. Video is made in a very different way than still images and is created for screen resolution. I suppose they could put some kind of "take off" imager chip in the digital camcorder that samples the image as it comes from the lens separate from the video signal, but video is video and still is still and the two are just different. Don't expect to get the quality you are seeking with these "hybrids."

Rick Ohnsman
[email protected]

Jonathan KONG said:

Hi,

I'm in the process of trying to decide which digicam to get. After
extensive research on the net, I've narrowed down my options to a few
models. However, I'm also considering the possibility of getting a DV
camcorder with still picture capability.

I'm just wondering if the image quality from an amateur DV is comparable
to some of the digicam models (e.g. CoolPix 950, Canon Pro 70 etc.).
Still picture quality is important to me and only if a DV is as good as
CoolPix 950 (for example) would I be considering getting a DV.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Jonathan

Click to expand...

Rick Ohnsman said:

I will be very surprised if a video camera of ANY Kind will equal what a
dedicated digital still camera can do. Video is made in a very different
way than still images and is created for screen resolution. I suppose
they could put some kind of "take off" imager chip in the digital
camcorder that samples the image as it comes from the lens separate from
the video signal, but video is video and still is still and the two are
just different. Don't expect to get the quality you are seeking with
these "hybrids."

Rick Ohnsman

Click to expand...

Sony is trying something new. They have an 810,000 pixel tiny DV cam that will also shoot a progressive scan still. The nearly meg still does not look like a frozen TV image. It's a compromise but it heralds things to come. The D1 already shoots nine shots in two seconds and it won't be long before a hand camera is shooting 30 frames per second at image sizes larger than Star Wars is using (Lucasfilms has the new 24 frame progressive HD Sony gear).

I believe the new camera is already out and if memory serves it is the PC-101.

For grins, you could try to dig up an old June 97 issue of TV Technology in which three DV stills were reproduced at about 3" x 4" in an article of mine. They looked pretty good.

-iNova

I read somewhere about a Sony DV cam that captures 2.1 Mpix resolution per frame. It was mentioned that you can rent this video camera for around $5K per day (ouch !!). If I remember the link that mentions this camera, I'll send it your way. Or you can look around the Sony website for it. BTW, I think a modified version of this camera is being made for Lucas for the next Star Wars episode.

Depends on what you want to do with the images.

Eight months ago, I bought the Sony DCR-TRV900 (miniDV format with 3-CCDs) with some of the same thoughts as yours in mind. A month ago I bought a Sony DSC-F505. The reason: printed image capability. The video stills were fine for display screen viewing, but lacked resolution for decent prints above a 3x5. The video is outstanding, and that was the original purchase rational. BTW still images from video provide the opportunity to capture "unusual" facial expressions (often times unflattering). As my own personal family activity, I look for these stills, and keep them as a source for my Windows Wallpaper. Great fun (except for the image subject)!

Part of the rational of going with the DSC-F505, was that I could use the MemoryStick in the video camera. Using the "out of box" still capture via floppy interface is cumbersome to say the least.

Hope this helps...

Mark

Thank you very much for all those who have responded. I really appreciate your help.

Jon