Is there a pocket/flip type camera that records a satisfactory image? Perhaps not good enough for professional use, but good enough for daily personal use?

I shoot with Sony EX3 and Panasonic HPX500 so when comparing what is "good enough" probably means quite good.

Any pocket cameras even begin to reach this quality?

Bob

Just to kill two birds with one stone, the Nikon Coolpix S5100 or 6000, I don't remember the number, that I bought my wife for Christmas does really nice picture and surprisingly good 720p video.

Virtually any of the top line P&S (I'm familiar with the Sonys, this year brings 1080 60P...) cameras will give amazingly good results, and good stills too - two birds with one stone (two Daves with the same thought!?).

Cost is typically more than the bottom end consumer "HD" cameras, but for a camera that you can stick in your pocket or a tiny camera case to hook to your belt, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good the images can be with good camera technique.

I shot some concert footage with a DSC-TX7, and was amazed at how good it looked on a big screen... those can be picked up for under $200 on eBay, which is rediculous for what you get, but it's almost two model years old, so prices drop!

Thanks Dave and Dave, I'll look into these. Any strictly video only models that make a high quality recording?

My pocket video camera? iPhone 4, always have it in my pocket.

I've only seen it once, but the Kodak Zi5 or something like that, has gotten very good reviews and it also has an external mic input.

It's the Kodak Zi8. In my opinion, it's the best of its class.