2 Responses to “How Come My Canon Powershot 780 Can Only Record Clips?”

1. singletr says:

   December 20, 2009 at 1:10 pm

   You probably got a “really good deal” on a cheap, low-speed memory card that can’t keep up with the video camera. Buy a quality (SanDisk Extreme Class 6) SD card & you won’t be crippling the camera any more. The camera has a limit on video, but if I remember right, it’s around 20 minutes, not seconds.
2. Petra_au says:

   December 20, 2009 at 6:26 pm

   The SD780 IS’s videos are really only limited by the capacity of your card.
   If you have a look in your User Guide (page 32 and 95) you will see that EACH video is limited to 4GB in size or 29 minutes and 59 seconds in length.
   So, if you’re only able to record 23 seconds, then something’s definitely up.
   I reckon you are probably using too slow a memory card while trying to record HD (1280 x 720) video. For recording video (especially HD) make sure you are using a fast enough memory card. Your User Guide tells you this.
   If you are only using a Class 2 or standard speed card, then you will NEED to buy a faster one because they are far too slow for recording video.
   Also, did you remember to format your new memory card before you first used it? If not, transfer ALL important files to your computer, then format the card (via the camera Menu). And format the card again everytime you need to delete all files from it in one go. Formatting also keeps your card in ‘good order’.
   If you do need a new memory card, I recommend you get a Class 6 card at the very least, something like the Sandisk Extreme or Extreme III is super fast and reliable. Don’t forget to format it first…
   good luck