low light video capture performace

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

I have been using a 3.2 MP still and a 640x480 mini dv camcorder (with
no firewire out!) for the past 5 years or so. I'd like to upgrade to a
high quality still camera with 640x480 30fps capability, so I can get
rid of carrying around two devices.

Video-wise... I've seen sample video clips on the internet of what some
of the current technology can do. I'm pretty pleased with what I see.
We don't have real high needs, I just want a fairly decent looking
picture and have the ease of not having to capture it on the PC.

The problem is... what I >>HAVE NOT<< been able to see/research are
samples of low light video. I'm talking, just some house lights on
after dark at home when you're chasing around the rug rats with the
camera. How grainy/artifacty is the picture? Any testinmoy from dual
function camera owners?