Still/video Combinations
Most current digital still cameras are also capable of what is sometimes referred to as "Internet Video". This is usually a variation of the MPEG video standard of digital imaging created as a streaming series of digital images, with some advanced compression techniques. Names you might recognize are QuickTime Video or RealVideo, .WMV, or.AVI files. These file formats are usually limited in display screen resolution (measured by pixel height by width) and are not intended to be played on anything larger than a computer screen. Recording options are limited and quality is usually at the low end (for example 640x480 screen size or even smaller). Capacity is often limited by the SD card or CompactFlash card in the camera.
A dedicated video camera, on the other hand may also have a "still frame" or snapshot capability. This is a better choice if the first intent is to have high quality moving pictures and an occasional still picture. Camera capacity, based on videotapes, or even harddrive recording is usually at least 2 hours, and necessitates very little opening of the housing during the dive day. Check the Pixel quality (4 megapixels or above preferred) on the video camera capability if this is of interest. For the best results, Hi-definition video cameras have recently arrived (1080i) which, like high definition television screens, will provide the best of quality and image resolution.
The trend today is toward replaceable memory cards for recording, or internal hard-drives built into the camera. This provides maximum versatility, high recording time options, and few mechanical breakdown possibilities, not to mention minimizing problems with condensation affecting the recording (tape) media of previous generations. The subsequent files may be easily transferred to a computer and edited with low-cost software solutions (and a reasonably high performance computer and video card). The subsequent results may be transferred to a CD or DVD (and more recently Blu-ray Disc) for easy distribution or archiving.
Read more about this topic: Underwater Videography
Famous quotes containing the words video and/or combinations:
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—Marie Winn (20th century)
“Science is feasible when the variables are few and can be enumerated; when their combinations are distinct and clear. We are tending toward the condition of science and aspiring to do it. The artist works out his own formulas; the interest of science lies in the art of making science.”
—Paul Valéry (1871–1945)