Shopping for a camera (preferably compact) that has high optical zoom and records videos.

[DarkThinker]

I have been eying the Nikon S10, I like the price, it's compact, has a 10x optical zoom and records video.

I have also been considering a Panasonic DMC-TZ3K, I have heared from many and from reading reviews that the LUMIX cameras are top notch, so I am expecting it to be good. It also has a 10x optical zoom but it's more expensive and isn't as compact, granted it does seem to offer more options in terms of taking pics, but I am not sure about that one.

I need the camera for taking pics at conferences, weddings, family gatherings and sports events.

But what I need to know, is the S10 worth it / good enough quality for my purposes?

 

[TheChort]

here's something to keep in mind while you do your research. While both camera's boast 10x zoom, their range is different...

The S10 (in 35mm equivalent) is 38-380mm
The DMC-TZK3 (in 35mm equivalent) is 28-280mm
You might already know this, but this means the S10 zooms in farther, but the Panasonic is able to zoom out more.

I did a quick search on the dpreview buying guide and these two cameras seem to be your best options.

Check out their details side-by-side

** Don't know if this stuff is gonna help, but I'm pretty bored at work

 

[ElFenix]

S10 review

check nikon's firmware page and elsewhere to see if the sound cut-off bug in movie mode has been fixed.

tz3 review

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

The TZ3 can't zoom when recording video. It also has no manual controls for when you're taking pictures.
The TZ1 can zoom when recording video, but it also lacks manual controls.
The Canon S3IS and others of its family can zoom while recording video, is thought of by many as having excellent video, and has manual controls for taking pictures.
Not too sure about the Nikon.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
The TZ3 can't zoom when recording video. It also has no manual controls for when you're taking pictures.
The TZ1 can zoom when recording video, but it also lacks manual controls.
The Canon S3IS and others of its family can zoom while recording video, is thought of by many as having excellent video, and has manual controls for taking pictures.
Not too sure about the Nikon.

If he's going to go up in size to the S3, then he has to look at the Pana FZ5's and Sony H's.

 

[DarkThinker]

.

 

[corkyg]

The Canon S3 (IS) or S5 (IS) have 12x zoom, and very decent video capability. The S3 and S5 are basically the same except the S5 has a larger LCD. It is actually a very small electronic SLR. The optical finder is a through the lens electronic image.

The Lumix's are good - in fact good enough to be rebadged as Leica. I just don't care for the 4/3 sensor - but some like it.

 

[DarkThinker]

I did check the Cannon lineup for 12x and 10x cameras, and the price is kind of on the high end of things, the S3 is a 6 MP camera and the S5 retails for $349.99 !!

I have just lost an auction on Ebay, the camera was an in mint condition with warranty used Panasonic DMC-FZ8K with all what comes with it. I put my maximum bid as $ 220 there were no other bids and there was 3 hours left, the winning bid when I looked at it this morning is was $222.50 that camera retails for $285.99 !

The Panasonc LUMIX DMC-FZ8K was getting 9/10 reviews all over the place. What I liked about it besides the 12x optical zoom is it's SDHC support, I can load it up with an 8.0 GB SDHC card and turn it into a camcorder for all I know. Also the fact that it has a Leica lens and I can get one on newegg for $268 is not bad at all.

EDIT:

I have just found a brand new DMC-FZ8K going for $234 shipped at buyig.com. and I ordered it, that's a pretty sweet deal I have to say

I will update this thread as soon as I get the camera (and of course an 8 GB SDHC too ) and start shooting clips with it.

Thanks for the advice guys