Originally Posted by
Digital_Cowboy
Understandable, but I've seen footage from some of those "sub $100.00" camera's and they were as grainy as all get out. Very difficult to really make out much detail.
Now considering that IF I'm mistaken that part of the reason for running camera's is to gather evidence if needed to document harassment, or in the event of a being hit, or a hit and run. Footage and/or pictures that are are so grainy to be useless then it's just useless weight, and why bother?
There has got to be camera's that are both affordable and that produce quality footage and images.
Most likely user error. One of the many compromises you make with a less expensive camera is features. Not really a problem once you recognize its limitations. Despite all the hullabaloo you hear online about a camera's superior low-light capability, any good photography needs good light. If the footage is grainy it was probably taken at dawn or dusk.
There's also the possibility of using the wrong settings, poor handling, uploading, post-processing, etc. of the footage after it was acquired. Without knowing those details, this list is endless. The best advice is to learn your camera, and know its limitations. All cameras have them regardless of price.
On the other hand, some cameras are just more forgiving in the "auto" setting and that's one of the conveniences you might get more of by paying more.