OT: HD 720p For $400

matt24671b wrote on 4/22/2008, 6:16 AM

Folks,

Anyone used the Canon Powershot TX1? It's a combo still camera and camcorder. According to Canon, it:

"lets you capture movies with extraordinary clarity using 720P HD recording. Users can record movies with a resolution of 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps with stereo sound and provides the capability of 1080i component video playback for a true HD experience."

Well, how could I go wrong with that, for $400?

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 4/22/2008, 7:04 AM

Using what codec? That's the bigger question. There is a popular 720p camera that shoots1920 x 1080 too, although I can't imagine anyone seriously using it for such. it's all about the codec and bitrate.

kkolbo wrote on 4/22/2008, 7:54 AM

I am using a $200 one called the GO-HD. It is fine for outdoor home movies and since it is the size of a deck of cards, I have had it with me and gotten shots when I did have a big rig with me. It is NOT for professional or even serious video, but like a disposable camera, it can be there when others can not and in good light it does ok.
Review and sample footage

Jeff9329 wrote on 4/22/2008, 10:17 AM

Matt:

Go to the DPreview.com Canon forum. There are a lot of people there with the discontinued TX-1. Most of them just love it and the still pictures are pretty good.

If you want HD video, get a HD camcorder for a little more. The TX-1 uses a AVI Motion JPEG WAVE file format.

DPReview TX-1 Review

Guy S. wrote on 4/22/2008, 11:40 AM

We have one at work and I use it quite a bit. I find myself choosing it over our Nikon D2x for many applications.

Co-workers have taken the camera to the Galapagos and Mt. Whitney, and the photos and video look very good (does a good job with audio as well). Caveats:
- Difficult to hold, so it takes extra care to shoot video
- Not great in low light
- Image fairly noisy (I use Noiseware Pro on critical shots)

If I wanted to travel light with just one small still/video camera, this would be my choice.