(#idaqsba) @kiwu@twtxt.net It also greatly depends on what kind of videos you plan to record. When you go, let’s say, diving, the specs need to be probably more suited to that type of environment. What about zoom, macro shots, wide landscapes, and so on? When typically mounted on a tripod, I’d say builtin image stabilization is not required, but for more action shots, this is fairly important to not get sea sick. :-)

I’ve got a Nikon Coolpix S9300. I typically only take photos, but it also works for the occasional video. Free hand moves are quite difficult, but when mounted to a tripod, this is not too shabby. There’s absolutely no way around a (makeshift) tridpod when zooming in, though. The audio is definitely not the best, especially wind destroys everything. If I recorded more video, I would certainly want to have an external microphone.

(#idaqsba) @kiwu@twtxt.net I’ve no idea about regulations in your area, but over here there are different taxation rules for video and photo cameras. Hence, manufacturers limit the video recording time of photo cameras typically to half an hour, so that they don’t classify as video cameras with their higher taxes.