SX1 video worth it?

[Mr Wizard]

I'm looking for a camera for my 12 yr old also would like a new video camera, maybe HD capable. I've been looking at a separate video camera, something small or pocket size like the Sony TG5V. Is the SX1 video good enough not to have to buy around video camera? I want at least 5x lens for video.

[Jon]

It's got the zoom. It's got 1080 line hi def available. What a dedicated video camera may give you over the SX1 is longer (than 4 GB, or about 30 min.) clips. But it's not pocket-sized unless you have very big jacket pockets.

[Quakerville]

I'm looking for a camera for my 12 yr old also would like a new video camera, maybe HD capable. I've been looking at a separate video camera, something small or pocket size like the Sony TG5V. Is the SX1 video good enough not to have to buy around video camera? I want at least 5x lens for video.

Kind of expensive camera for a kid's first video camera.

[mlav]

My four year old is the owner of my G9. 12 is not too young.

[c2thew]

Responsibility is one of life's most important lessons.

the sx1 is a good hybrid camera, though it will not stand up against professional slrs in terms of image quality. In terms of features, the sx1 + CHDK will smoke ANY DSLR (with the exception of the 5d mk II and magic lantern combo)

I started with the canon s5 IS (earlier model) and I learned photography that way. I loved the video and rotating flip screen. it made photography really enjoyable for me.

[Trainboy]

I like the panasonic ZS3.... HD, 12x zoom with a 24mm equiv wide angle...good quality...and actually pocketable.

[res3567]

Responsibility is one of life's most important lessons.

the sx1 is a good hybrid camera, though it will not stand up against professional slrs in terms of image quality. In terms of features, the sx1 + CHDK will smoke ANY DSLR (with the exception of the 5d mk II and magic lantern combo)

I started with the canon s5 IS (earlier model) and I learned photography that way. I loved the video and rotating flip screen. it made photography really enjoyable for me.
What is CHDK?

[c2thew]

oh come on! it's in my friggen signature. that says "CHDK"

grumbles to self*

=]

[skid00skid00]

Couple of thoughts:

You are limited to 12 minutes of HD video with the SX1. Although I can handhold my 400 f5.6 and 1.4x TC and get many good shots at 1/250th, I get visible 'jello' effects when videoing at non-wide zoom. On my brand-new 46" HD LCD tv, the direct-connected SX1 looks very nice, but does NOT have the detail & resolution of DirecTV HD broadcasts.

The lens is very good, although you'll get some CA under very bright lighting (it's more visible in tree branches and bright sky).

It's noisy even in many daylight shots, but shooting RAW and removing the chroma noise gives very film-like and pleasant shots. It's not as good as the G9, which can rival my 1Ds in 13" x 19" prints, but it's better than any film prints I got 15 years ago.

I like the SX1, and use it often, and carry it and my 1Ds when on field trips.

[res3567]

oh come on! it's in my friggen signature. that says "CHDK"

grumbles to self*

=]

I wasn't looking at your signiture. I figured it was another internet abbr. and just wanted a definition.........