I have Video Camera issues.

Nikon coolpix s3100 issues?

• I have had this camera for about a year and started having issues with it around 6 months. Taking pictures is okay but when I try to do a video I get a memory card error, after formatting the memory card video worked fine for a few weeks and now I am getting the error again. I am also noticing weird time lengths for the video.. when I start recording with a blank memory card it will say I have around 8 minutes left to film, shouldn't I have more on a 8gb card? The time is also inconsistent, I can start with 8 and film for 3 and then when I start a new video it will show a random time that is not consistent with what should have been left according to the first timer.. after filming a little I can start another video and it will show another random time. I just checked and there are no firmware updates. I know this is a cheap camera but I don’t think I am expecting to much from it, I just want to be able to have video of my sons first Christmas! I don’t know anything about cameras (which is why I have a cheap point and shoot) and could really use some help.

• Answer:

  There is more room on your memory card, but as far as I know, there is a limit of 20 minutes of video on each video file. At the end of each "take" start a new file and you should be good. There should be some information on the video feature in your user manual. Memory card errors are usually the fault of the memory card. Try formatting it after you have copied all your image files, still and video and see if that corrects the card problem Nowhere have you mentioned formatting the card. If you are in the habit of deleting files to make more room, stop doing that. Instead, at the end of each shooting day, copy all the image files to your computer and the when safely there, format the card using the format feature on your camera. You also did not tell us what class card you are using. If you are shooting video in standard HD, you need a Class 6 card. If you are shooting video in Full HD, you need to use a Class 10 card