Help choosing a digital camera

[Cynicist]

I've already purchased a Canon Powershot SD500, and maybe prematurely. I never considered the new casio/coolpix/lumix,etc.

Dont get me wrong though, the sd500 is an excellent camera. Its picture quality, ease of use, and speed amaze me everytime I shoot. The video leaves something to be longed for however. (It's pretty good but I would prefer very sharp video)

I'm looking for the best compact you guys can recommend as far as video and taking pictures is concerned. I know that the casio takes vids in mpeg-4 and they are excellent quality, unfortunately I have never seen any. A lumix sample vid that I watched impressed me somewhat.

What I'm planning to do is sell this camera (*sigh*) and purchase another based on your recommendations.

(Fanboys are welcome 😀)

 

[yhelothar]

Try the new Canon S80? It could take videos at 1024x768 resolution.
Albiet at only 15fps.

 

[PurdueRy]

For videos and for compact check out the Fuji Finepix Z1 or the F10. They are similar cameras one being an ultra compact. The video mode is very good

 

[Ornery]

Use the right tool for the job. Cameras are for stills, and camcorders are for video. Keep the camera, and buy a camcorder.

 

[Cynicist]

Good suggestion, but I'm not made of money. My friend's W5 does both very well even though it looks like ******. I'm just looking for something a little sharper.

Thanks for the tip Purdue I will check both cameras out.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Cynicist
Good suggestion, but I'm not made of money. My friend's W5 does both very well even though it looks like ******. I'm just looking for something a little sharper.

Thanks for the tip Purdue I will check both cameras out.

Well the Z1 does 640 x 480 at 30 FPS. You won't find much more, good luck getting much time on a flash card though...

 

[TheChort]

personally I'm a canon fan in the ultra-compact category

check my sig, it has some good info

 

[Ornery]

1. You blew it once already. Do it right this time! Review...

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: Cynicist
Good suggestion, but I'm not made of money. My friend's W5 does both very well even though it looks like ******. I'm just looking for something a little sharper.

Thanks for the tip Purdue I will check both cameras out.

Well the Z1 does 640 x 480 at 30 FPS. You won't find much more, good luck getting much time on a flash card though...

S2 IS does 640 x 480 @ 30FPS as well, and if you hook it up to a recording device like a PC or laptop's TV card, you can record as much as you want..

 

[Muadib]

Im leaning towards the Canon PowerShot S2 IS.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Insane3D

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: Cynicist
Good suggestion, but I'm not made of money. My friend's W5 does both very well even though it looks like ******. I'm just looking for something a little sharper.

Thanks for the tip Purdue I will check both cameras out.

Well the Z1 does 640 x 480 at 30 FPS. You won't find much more, good luck getting much time on a flash card though...

S2 IS does 640 x 480 @ 30FPS as well, and if you hook it up to a recording device like a PC or laptop's TV card, you can record as much as you want..

only reason I chose the Z1 is because he appears to want compact

 

[Cynicist]

Well it is a compact, not an ultra compact nonetheless thats what dpreview calls it. It also seems like exactly what I'm looking for. It looks very nice and even though its not that small it definitely fits the image/video quality requirements. Thanks a lot all, you may see my sd500 in the for sale forums in a few days...