Megazoom or HD video

krotchy

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Mar 29, 2006
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First off, I have no interest in an SLR, as I definitely do not take enough pictures to ever make it useful.

My last camera was an old Canon SD100 (I got it in 2003 I think) Not exactly the greatest picture taker but it suited me for 5+ years until the CCD completely junked out last week. Still it was 2 megapixels so the bottom of the line of anything will probably improve, but I want a bit more.

Right now I am looking for another point and shoot to last me hopefully another 5 years or so. I figure my range is under $200 but I plan to wait and find the best deal possible.

So far I have considered 2 categories which I feel may be worthwhile upgrades over a SD770/SD790 and an SD1100IS. Also I think Panasonic and Canon are my top 2 picks at this point unless someone can talk me into some other manufacturer.

HD Video capable point and shoots (720p@30FPS)
Panasonic FX35/FX37
Canon SD780IS
Panasonic FX500 (If I can find a deal)

Megazoom capable point and shoots (Can do 10-12x zoom in a small form)
Canon SX110
Panasonic TZ4 (Or TZ5 if I could find it under 200)

What are peoples opinions on these cameras and what do you think I should put my weight more heavily on? I figure the HD Video feature will be more of a "fun to have" thing as it is definitely not going to be near the quality of a real video camera. On the other hand, I can only see using the 10X zoom when I am on vacations and whatnot, and even then, with a 10 megapixel camera, most of what I need to shoot I can capture just by cropping a 4X/5X zoomed imaged. Either way I figure I wan't one of these features, but the HD Video seems to be winning to me since the 720p cameras are consistently smaller than the megazooms.

I suppose my last option is wait for the 2009 models, but it seems like the 2008s have been getting lot of decent discounts lately.
 

OulOat

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Aug 8, 2002
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Although Canons are a safe bet, I am a big fan of the Panasonics and would recommend them to casual photographers who needs durability and value. I have the FX500, and can vouch for its toughness. I accidentally dropped mine from shoulder height (5 feet) onto concrete while it was on and the lens was extended. Besides a dented corner, the camera was not affected at all. So if it can survive that drop plus many other less serious drops, I think it will last you a long time.

Back to your question on HD vs megazoom. Personally, I would choose HD video because it's hard to get good pictures when a P&S is zoomed all the way in. It is hard to hold the tiny camera steady, and aperture gets tiny. However, there are downsides to the HD videos that you should know about. First, the video really isn't that good. Second, the sound recording is terrible in all the cameras. Third, you can't shoot the camera vertically anymore because the aspect ratio doesn't line up. If you are okay with that, then I suggest getting an HD camera.
 

krotchy

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Mar 29, 2006
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Originally posted by: OulOat
First, the video really isn't that good. Second, the sound recording is terrible in all the cameras. Third, you can't shoot the camera vertically anymore because the aspect ratio doesn't line up. If you are okay with that, then I suggest getting an HD camera.

I have worked around HD-SDI video in the past and even analyzed compression algorithms. All of our source was 100% uncompressed 4:2:2 YUV viewed from TVLogic Reference LCD's. I definitely know what to expect and what not to expect from video. This HD video on the other hand would most likely be used for stuff like filming a friend or my dog doing something stupid :p

As for the Megazoom. Do the image stabilization algorithms still not quite cut it when you are at 10X zoom?? I can imagine tiny movements change things alot, but I figure with decent image stabilization it might help. That or those little tripod thingys with the rubber balls that you wrap around like a railing or whatever.
 

OulOat

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Aug 8, 2002
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Originally posted by: krotchy

As for the Megazoom. Do the image stabilization algorithms still not quite cut it when you are at 10X zoom?? I can imagine tiny movements change things alot, but I figure with decent image stabilization it might help. That or those little tripod thingys with the rubber balls that you wrap around like a railing or whatever.

If you have a tripod (gorilla-pod), then IS doesn't matter. If you don't, then you better practice your breathing. The holding position of a P&S (arms out pointed forward) is not a stable position compared to that of an SLR (right against head, elbows resting against hips). IS helps, but is not a complete solution. It's not impossible to shoot at 10x with IS, but is certainly challenging and you will end up with more garbage than keepers. In that situation I would turn on continuous shooting and take more than one pic.
 

Flipped Gazelle

Diamond Member
Sep 5, 2004
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Originally posted by: OulOat
Originally posted by: krotchy

As for the Megazoom. Do the image stabilization algorithms still not quite cut it when you are at 10X zoom?? I can imagine tiny movements change things alot, but I figure with decent image stabilization it might help. That or those little tripod thingys with the rubber balls that you wrap around like a railing or whatever.

If you have a tripod (gorilla-pod), then IS doesn't matter. If you don't, then you better practice your breathing. The holding position of a P&S (arms out pointed forward) is not a stable position compared to that of an SLR (right against head, elbows resting against hips). IS helps, but is not a complete solution. It's not impossible to shoot at 10x with IS, but is certainly challenging and you will end up with more garbage than keepers. In that situation I would turn on continuous shooting and take more than one pic.

Just because he has a gorilla-pod, doesn't mean that he can always use it.

IS is great. I can sometimes get pretty sharp photos on my DSLR with a 300mm lens - 450mm, in 35mm-equivalent parlance - with a 1/15s shutter.
 

krotchy

Golden Member
Mar 29, 2006
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So what is everyone's opinions on the individual camera I should get? The FX35 for $180 with a camera bag at Vanns seems to be the best deal right now. Anyone have any reason I shouldn't just bite now?