I want opinions from parents on this one, but anyone can chime in :)  We have been using our digital camera to make small videos of our nephew when he's around and then easily switch to taking pics back and forth.  Some people still video with a camcorder, and my sister got a brand new one when she had the baby.  But I wonder, is a camcorder even really necessary? 

My small short clips are easy to put online instatly to share with friends and family, yet it's more difficult to share a long camcorder video.  Second, I know in my experience we RARELY watch videos we have on DVD or VHS (from back in the day) but we will watch my short digital camera videos over and over b/c they are easy to access.  Lots of time the camcorder isn't even around when my mom or sis want to tape something funny my nephew does, and I end up being the one to tape it on my camera.

So parents, and non-parents, have you found your camcorder to be essential?  Or is it just something you tape and never look at?  Do you think one could be satisfied just taking 2 minute recordings on a digital camera every now and then?  We do plan to put together a DVD with all these short videos, but what's cool is they are already visible online for friends and family. 

I'm asking b/c when I do have kids, I'm starting to think I'd rather have one good-quality compact digital camera (that takes decent video) and not get a camcorder.  What do you think?