If you have a digital camera, check out the digital camera video capabilities

Most digital cameras now also have video capabilities, but video is not usually a feature that is considered when you are purchasing a camera. Yet, you'll be surprised at the possibilities with a digital camera's video capability. Some compact digital cameras even rival digital video camcorders in image quality.

A 5 - 6 megapixel digital camera that captures full-motion, high quality video with sound costs hundreds - not thousands - of dollars. And the nice thing is, you don't have to carry a second digital recording device everywhere you go. Although not a replacement for a high end digital camcorder, there are some advantages:

digital cameras are typically a lot smaller and better looking than digital video recorders, and most have optical viewfinders that are easier to use in low light, plus medium to large LCD viewers for digital camera video shooting.
digital cameras use durable, small memory cards, include built-in or pop-up flash, offer a choice of still-capture resolutions and color options, and may have a docking station for quick hookup to a computer.

Of course, with an actual digital video recorder, you get a much larger range of digital video storage formats, resolutions, sound capabilities, and display options, rather than being limited by the digital camera's video selection.

Careful though, as you do get what you pay for. Under $200? Expect a 3-4 megapixel camera with a 3x zoom lens that also captures digital video clips. At the opposite end of the price spectrum, $800-1000 will get you a digital camera with 6-8 megapixel, 10-12x zoom, and lots of digital camera video power. The differences between these two extremes is significant.

Some low priced cameras don't even record sound with the video clips. And even with the high-priced cameras, the sound recording is still not stereo sound, a feature found on every digital video recorder.

Here are a few tips for shooting video with a digital camera:

Don't shoot vertical in video mode (ie. Don't turn the digital camera sideways).
Use a tripod to minimize shake.
Use the highest-quality digital camera video-resolution setting, unless you're running low on memory card space.
Don't over zoom during video recording.
Keep clips short and stop between action shots instead of leaving the camera on.
Get closer to your subject in order to improve sound quality.

Now, by using your digital camera video feature, you've extended the opportunities to capture memories. And, as with digital images, if you don't like what you shoot with the digital video, you can always delete it! Have fun experimenting with this additional feature on your digital camera.

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