Compact camera for recording long videos?

[Tylo]

Hi, I'd like to record some games with a fixed overhead camera (think 1-2h games on a 4 feet square table), and a compact camera would give me the positioning flexibility I'd like. The problem I've been running into is that most of the compact cameras I've seen so far will only record movies one 4GB file at a time, which breaks my recording into multiple 15-30min files (depending on video quality).

I've read that some cameras (not necesarily compact) will automatically spawn a new video file once the 4GB is reached (filesystem limitation of FAT32). Do we have an option on the compact camera range?

An alternative would be a camera that could connect to my computer and record directly on the harddrive (macbookpro), thus not depending on FAT32, but I'd rather have the camera do it on its own for portability reasons.

Any ideas?

 

[Sean Nelson]

Where do you live? If in Europe, you may be out of luck as manufacturers limit European products to 30 minutes of video in order to avoid the higher tariffs imposed by import regulations there.

The 'AVCHD' standard covers the automatic switching of files to deal with the 4GB file size limitation, so many cameras so specified will work. Many Panasonic cameras outside Europe used to shoot long videos, but I understand that most of this year's models have gone to a 30-minute limit. Sony is the other big manufacturer of AVCHD-compliant cameras - they probably have something that would be suitable.

 

[Tylo]

I live in Brazil, but I'm going to the US next week and will pick it up there. There's an excellent thread in this forum praising the Panasonic LX7(link). I found the text below in the camera's main review, and I'm 99% sure of buying it:

For both of these modes, you can keep recording for up to 30 minutes. You can also step down to the 720/60p resolution, which has unlimited recording times (outside of Europe). (link)

 

[Cy Cheze]

A 30 minute time limit or 2gb file size ceiling for video is seldom critical unless your camera has a big battery, an AC adaptor, or unless you absolutely must shoot long clips without any interruption whatever. Sei que os fanáticos do futebol sofrem dores se não puderam ver qualquer instante, mas...

The Panasonic camcorders that support extended batteries do automatically start new files once the 2GB FATF32 file size ceiling is reached. I presume this is true with any mid-grade or better camcorder made by other firms, but don't know first hand.

This may also be the case with some compact camera models sold in the US, but some may deplete their small batteries, or incur sensor heat problems when shooting extended video in hot weather. On the other hand, unless you keep the camera warm, temperatures near or below freezing shorten battery life significantly.

Are US cameras based on NTSC fully compatible with PAL/B equipment in Brazil? Perhaps.

Extra batteries are nice to have.

 

[jtce720]

I've been using a Panasonic FZ28 for years now and love the extended recording time available on it. I play in a Dixieland band and before our gig I'll setup the camera on a tripod with a full battery and empty card and start it and it goes for the hour I need.

I've been looking to replace it but am frustrated as the camera store clerks just give you this weird look when you ask how long you can record in video mode. Quite frustrating...

jtce

 

[teddoman]

Try searching for info on the LX5, which can still be bought. As I recall, it does not have recording time limits. Of course, it probably also doesn't offer 1080p60fps like the LX7. So if you're going to be shooting at 720p anyways for unlimited recording times, then might as well get the LX7.

 

[Francis Carver]

Compact digital photo cameras have primarily been designed for capturing STILL PHOTOGRAPHS, not long duration videos. Yes, they can record video clips, but if you want longer duration videos and want to avoid the chance of unannounced camera shutdowns and sensor overheating issues -- why not look into some of the inexpensive dedicated consumer level video camcorders instead?

Regarding recording at 60 fps, well I watched some Panasonic video test footage that was recorded by Panasonic primarily to show the difference in the "look" of 24p. 30p, 60i, and 60p. For my eyes, both 24p and 30 was quite acceptable, with 24p being slightly ahead in aesthetics. 60i footage was also quite okay, rather surprisingly, but the 60p looked like bad video on steroids, at least for my eyes. Now, some folks adore 60p, I guess the pudding is in your own eyes about the ideal acquisition frame rate to use, as they say. Keep in mind also that there are plenty of cameras that claim 1080p60 native recording capability -- whereas all they will do is record in 720p and upscale that internally to 1080-line rez video.