Some info needed on digital camera/ camcorder

[Vynod]

I am suffering from MonStar syndrome. I am not able to decide shall I go for a digital camera or a camcorder which can take still pics also.
The digital camera I am looking at is 5 megapixel (SONY DSC F707). The camcorder I like is SONY DCR PC 101 which is 1 Megapixel. Both are priced almost equally +/ - 100.

pros for camera: great pic quality.
pros for camcorder: good still pic quality + great vdo's

Theoritically I think more the pixels bigger and better the pic quality is.

My question to you: Is it practically possible to attain the same picture quaity with less mega pixel camera if I can compromise on the picture size (1200 X 800). I know I would never want a picture where I would need to scroll up or down.

Besides these 2 models any other models you recommend??:help:

[Laertes]

I can't really speak about digital cameras, but I own a high end digital video cam. People are always told that you shouldn't use a video cam for still cameras. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but it has been explained to me. Something about not all lines of resolution being used for all pictures in a video camera. Video images alternate lines, so when you freeze it for a still camera, not all lines of resolution are being used. Someone who's more technically minded can explain this better, I'm sure.

If you want to take still pictures, buy the digital cam. You'll be a lot happier with the image quality.

[hemants]

Yes, the CCD (ie. the analog to digital converter) in a Camcorder is not particularly well suited to still pictures. That's why a 1 megapixel still camera will produce far better images than a camcorder that produces the same.

Depending on your budget and intended use, I'd make a recommendation.

For Camcorders, Sony and Canon are better than the rest.

For Digicams, Sony, Canon, Nikon are the top three.