Chapter 8. Using the Video Feature

In This Chapter

  • Setting up to record

  • Knowing the limitations

  • When the shooting stops

  • Successful video

The Canon PowerShot series of cameras excels at capturing great still images, but the cameras can record moving images as well. Although you won't be filming the next Star Wars, you can preserve some once-in-a-lifetime moments. Motion can bring to life blowing out those birthday candles or an anniversary kiss in a way that a still picture can't. Or you might capture that next popular YouTube movie!

Setting Up to Record

As you learned in earlier chapters, setting up your PowerShot to capture a single digital still image takes very little effort. Recording a series of still pictures (that's what video is) consistently requires a bit of horsepower. It is important that you understand how to configure your camera so you can record video properly.

Resolution

First, you must select your video's resolution. Choose the best resolution for your intended video use, from e-mail to standard television and beyond. There are several resolution settings on the PowerShot to choose from:

Note

As a point of comparison, television programs have a pixel count of 720 × 486.

  • 160. This is the smallest resolution, comprising 160 × 120 pixels. Choose this mode when you want to e-mail a movie or when the final destination is a cell phone. Although it may also be used for posting on a Web page, it is on the small side.

  • 320. This is a standard size for Internet use. With dimensions of ...

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