Recommend a compact digital with video?

[Hello.there]

Evening all,

Now that I'm a Nikon D40 owner I've passed on my old Canon Powershot to a kiddie in the family.....so, I'm looking to replace it with something handy and neat, for times I won't have my Nikon with me.

So, can you recommend a good quality ultra compact camera? I'm looking for something with reasonable quality video - not sure how to define 'reasonable' here, but very good would be nice.

I liked the look of the Fuji FinePix F50 but it didn't get a great review on YouTube, so might give that a miss.

Budget: e200/$300.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Everythingisnt]

Canon Powershot all the way. Mine has never let me down .

 

[aafuss1]

A camera that records movies as QuickTime files would most suitable for Mac users.

I went for a Kodak Easyshare C513 camera (5MP, 3x optical zoom).

Movies are good- nice quality & easily editable using iMovie.

 

[Hello.there]

Many thanks, will have a look at the Kodak and the more compact Powershots (the one I've just given away is a bit bigger than I need). Thanks again.

 

[hank-b]

Canon Powershot all the way. Mine has never let me down .

I agree - the Canon SD1000 is a fantastic camera, and quite reasonably priced.

 

[cube]

The canons record only in M-JPEG, which stores only about 8 minutes per gigabyte.

Look for something with MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) and that can optically zoom while recording.

 

[ftaok]

The canons record only in M-JPEG, which stores only about 8 minutes per gigabyte.

Look for something with MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) and that can optically zoom while recording.

I think that very few P&S compacts can optically zoom while recording. Too much motor noise.

We own a Canon XTi right now, but we're looking to replace the 5 year old Sony P&S. I'm thinking about the Panasonic TZ5 since it has a very good HD (1280x720) mode and a great 10x lens. However, the Canon P&S cameras seem to have the best PQ around, and in the end, that's the most important thing.

I plan on trying out the Panny TZ5 and compare it to the latest Canon A-series (the SD series just doesn't have enough manual controls for me ... for that matter, the TZ5 is skimpy on the manual controls as well).

ft

 

[cube]

I think that very few P&S compacts can optically zoom while recording. Too much motor noise.

It seems to me that this feature has been becoming more common lately. What happens, is that usually they turn off the mic when doing that, or you get the motor noise if they don't.

 

[Hello.there]

The canons record only in M-JPEG, which stores only about 8 minutes per gigabyte.

Look for something with MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) and that can optically zoom while recording.

Thanks Cube - looks like this one might fit the bill, the Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z1080?

 

[ftaok]

It seems to me that this feature has been becoming more common lately. What happens, is that usually they turn off the mic when doing that, or you get the motor noise if they don't.

Interesting. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

 

[Abstract]

I'd get a Fuji, Panasonic, Canon, or Sony.

 

[cube]

Thanks Cube - looks like this one might fit the bill, the Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z1080?

The zoom cannot be used while recording, according to Steves Digicams.

 

[John T]

In addition to the standard formats, the Panasonic TZ5 records in HD Widescreen (1280x720 @ 30fps) and you get the bonus of a superb 10x Leica lens (28-280mm).

 

[cube]

In addition to the standard formats, the Panasonic TZ5 records in HD Widescreen (1280x720 @ 30fps) and you get the bonus of a superb 10x Leica lens (28-280mm).

M-JPEG for Panasonic. 4 minutes per gigabyte for HD high quality.

Continuous recording time is limited to 15 minutes (at least in Europe).

The same goes for the FX500.

 

[pna]

I've had good luck with my canon a610 for movies as AVI files. Not fantastic quality, but pretty good for catching the moment. I've been tempted to pick up a casio solely for the video capability (h.264) (and physical size). The ex-v8 might fit your needs, or the ex-v7 is about fifty bucks cheaper and only seems to give up 1x zoom.

I'd actually be interested to know if anyone has one of these, and their thoughts on it. The camera. Not on Ken Rockwell.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/casio/ex-v8.htm

 

[cube]

Check out the Samsung NV30. It seems to be the Samsung with the least amount of megapixels that has:

- MPEG-4
- OIS
- Zoom while recording

http://www.samsungcamera.com/uk/product/pro_view.asp?prol_uid=4214&cat_uid=75


The NV24HD goes down to 24mm and records upto 720p, but it seems to have too many MP.

 

[John T]

Continuous recording time is limited to 15 minutes (at least in Europe).

So? Hardly a disadvantage? Or am I missing something?