Both digital cameras and digital camcorders have their strong points, but it isn't practical for most of us to lug around two devices. Fortunately, most digital cameras combine these two functions. If capturing photos is your main objective, you could purchase a digital camera that records both photos and video clips. While the video won't look as good as the video from a dedicated camcorder, the quality may surprise you. This often-overlooked feature has improved to the point where it's more than adequate for e-mail attachments, Web downloads, and camera-to-TV viewings. And most digital cameras with video options also offer sound.
These days, you'll find some form of this video feature in most digital cameras that range in price from about $250 to $1000. Digital cameras that cost less than $250 usually come with a limited set of features and lack the video option. Manufacturers typically target the single-lens reflex (or SLR) models at professionals, or "prosumers," who are simply not interested in video--unless it's at least camcorder quality.
In this story, we highlight the important things you need to consider if you're interested in using the video capabilities of a digital camera. We point to product examples from PC World's Top 10 Digital Cameras (Point and Shoot) and Top 10 Digital Cameras (Advanced).
Already own a digital camera? We also provide some advice on how to make the most of the camera you use so you'll end up with the best possible footage.
