Many people want to use digital cameras to shoot video, but some cameras deliver better video quality than others. Consumer reporter Chris Olsen has the best in independent testing.
The season finale of the TV show "House" was not shot with a $100,000 film camera, but with a digital SLR that retails at less than $3,000.
The camera was the Canon 5-D Mark II. To be fair, it was outfitted with professional lenses and other equipment, but Consumer Reports testers say it's a fine camera.
What about the video quality on less expensive point-and-shoot cameras?
Consumer Reports challenged the video quality of digital cameras in different light settings.
Some of the videos shot in bright light, simulating daylight, were pixilated and overexposed. Others had smoother lines and were more balanced.
Testers also found that some digital cameras didn't do as well as others shooting video in low-light settings.
"The images are underexposed. They're darker," said Consumer Reports' Elias Arias.
The better cameras produced videos with better colour, and objects in the background were clearer.
It turns out that you don't have to pay a fortune to get a digital camera that shoots decent video.
A good choice is the Canon Powershot A495. It's a Consumer Reports best buy at $150 -- and it shoots video in standard definition.
But if you want a camera that shoots high-definition video, it'll cost you. Consumer Reports recommends the Canon Powershot SD1400 for $239.
For serious camera buffs, a good choice is the Canon EOS 7D, which costs about $2,300. It has a powerful image-stabilized lens, longer battery life and can shoot eight frames per second, but it is a little bit heavier than most other SLRs.
Testers say the EOS 7D offers the best combination of superb photos and fast response.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
