Specific requirements, what cam is nearest?

[jrbazil]

Hi,

Lookin to replace my Pentax SV as want more optical zoom and better video as the sound on this pentax is terrible (the mic is too sensitive and distorts so easily). Any recommendations that would match the following:

No budget

Prefer Small as poss

Viewfinder

10x Optical Zoom +

Lithium rechargable

continuous/interval shooting (pref fast than every 10 seconds)

5mega'pix minimum

Good video capture (pref AVI)
with good sound recording
clips to last length of memory card

fit in pocket, this might be too much to ask with a 10x zoom ?

Many thanks
Jrb

[David Metsky]

Panasonic TZ1 (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_tz1-review/)

-dave-

[JPW2020]

Hi,

Lookin to replace my Pentax SV as want more optical zoom and better video as the sound on this pentax is terrible (the mic is too sensitive and distorts so easily).
Agree with TZ1 but sound quality is only average .Video files are Quicktime but can easily be converted to avi with free software such as MP4cam2avi which can be found at http://sourceforge.net/projects/mp4cam2avi/

[jrbazil]

Thanks guys. Funny because after looking at the Tz1 i thought i'd post this thread to see if anything else comes up....

Maybe mp4 will be ok. At least i could save these video clips on my ipod and yeah guess I could convert them to AVI if needed.

I sort of don't really expect the sound quality of videos to be excellent but good enough for your ears not to burst like what the Pentax SV produces.

Just out of interest..... does anyone know what camera produces the best quality video clips?

[jrbazil]

Actually after reading the review and checking out the video example I'm more than happy with what the Tz1 produces.

I think i'll go for this cam..... just a shame no electronic viewfinder.

Thanks again. Jrb

[JPW2020]

Just out of interest..... does anyone know what camera produces the best quality video clips?

Probably the Canon Powershot S3 IS. It also has high quality stereo sound.However it will not fit in your pocket.

[jrbazil]

Hi,

Is the Canon Powershot S3 IS still the best camera for video quality?

Are there any other alternatives, ie smaller cameras?

Thanks
Jrb

[David Metsky]

I assume the S5 has slightly better quality if the new chip focuses better. But the S3/S5 are pretty much it for now.