I am in a state of RAGE right now!!!

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny

Originally posted by: DarkThinker

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
...
EDIT: Before purchasing these kinds of things you've gotta read reviews on this stuff. Any review would have pointed out the limitations to the Panasonic video recording mode. Don't rely on the manufacturer to state their own products' weaknesses.

I did do my homework, I read many reviews on many sites, heck I even watched all the reviews I was able to find on Youtube. No one mentioned the limitation 🙁

From now on stay with reviews from real photography websites.

dpreview
dcresource

Do NOT use things like CNET or PCWORLD or crap like that.

http://www.google.com/search?h...FZ8+review&btnG=Search

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz8/page10.asp
http://www.dcresource.com/revi...fz8-review/index.shtml

Canon S3IS, SDHC, but 1GB FILE LIMIT!!
http://www.dcresource.com/revi...n/powershot_s3-review/

careful with the canon super zoom (and TX-1) recommendations for video. while the file size limit has gone up to 4 GB on the latest cameras, canon uses the craptacular motion jpeg codec which limits recording time to about 30 minutes on the highest quality.

 

[mruffin75]

Originally posted by: DarkThinker

Originally posted by: mruffin75

Originally posted by: DarkThinker

You are missing the point. This camera can do everything I want it to already, if it allowed me to utilize the already available zoom for motion picture mode I would have been very satisfied, I want an all in one device. an HD camcorder is too expensive and a bit of an overkill, a miniDV is impractical and when it comes to pics is low quality. My camera has the best of all. It's not too expensive (got it NIB for $240 shipped not bad), records on SDHC cards, allows me to take high quality pictures at good distances thanks to the 12x optical zoom.
But it all boils down to if Panasonic wants to allow me to use the product that I own as I need to or not.

It doesn't do *everything* you want..otherwise you wouldn't be here!! 🙂 Sorry.. couldn't resist..

Well, note that can is a keyword 😉
It can do everything I want it to, but it doesn't.

Anyway... I'm guessing it's a limitation, either technical, or self-imposed on the camera, that it cannot zoom while shooting video..

I just quickly tried it on our old Kodak 5MP point-and-shoot camera...and that had the same limitation...won't zoom while recording video.. (although it will while it's just previewing the video)..

I'm afraid that you're probably not going to get much help from Panasonic on the issue. I'd guess that they're just going to tell you it's a limitation with the camera, and to deal with it. (probably not in those words) 🙂

Well I am expecting a really mean response from Panasonic and a big NO, but at least I can say that I didn't let go without putting up a fight for the right to use my camera as I desire, rather than bending over and it taking it doggy style 😉

Well good luck! 🙂 I just tend to pick my battles to one's that I have a chance of winning though 🙂

If you're *really* lucky they may offer you an "upgrade" to a higher-end model that does have that feature. However it's probably cheaper if you return the camera you have and purchase the other one outright. But see how it goes.. good luck!

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny

Originally posted by: DarkThinker

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
...
EDIT: Before purchasing these kinds of things you've gotta read reviews on this stuff. Any review would have pointed out the limitations to the Panasonic video recording mode. Don't rely on the manufacturer to state their own products' weaknesses.

I did do my homework, I read many reviews on many sites, heck I even watched all the reviews I was able to find on Youtube. No one mentioned the limitation 🙁

From now on stay with reviews from real photography websites.

dpreview
dcresource

Do NOT use things like CNET or PCWORLD or crap like that.

http://www.google.com/search?h...FZ8+review&btnG=Search

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz8/page10.asp
http://www.dcresource.com/revi...fz8-review/index.shtml

Canon S3IS, SDHC, but 1GB FILE LIMIT!!
http://www.dcresource.com/revi...n/powershot_s3-review/

careful with the canon super zoom (and TX-1) recommendations for video. while the file size limit has gone up to 4 GB on the latest cameras, canon uses the craptacular motion jpeg codec which limits recording time to about 30 minutes on the highest quality.

Alas, yes.

While the S3 IS does a surprisingly good job in recording 640x480 video with zoom capability and stereo sound - and it does so superbly, with IS enabled and picture quality comparable to my Digital8 camcorder footage - there are several limitations to its capabilities:

1. Continuous filming is limited to 1 GB;
2. Since it uses MJPEG .avi, this translates to 7 minutes and 54 seconds of continuous shooting, after which the filming stops and you need to resume (or to change the SD card in the device)
3. Some zoom motor noise will become apparent during the filming, especially if you zoom quickly (it doesn't bother me at all, but some people might find it disturbing)

All in all, I'm still pleased with the S3 as an "all-in-one" device.

 

[OzzieGT]

Almost all digital cameras can't zoom while recording video. The ability to do so is considered a feature. The lack thereof is pretty much assumed and not viewed as a disadvantage.

It says in the review at dcresource.com:

As is usually the case, you cannot operate the optical zoom while recording a movie. The image stabilizer is active, however, which helps remove the "shakes" from your video clips.