Compact cam with 5x zoom min and video zoom?

[jrbazil]

Hi,

I've been reading all over the net and my head is getting clouded with different views etc.. I'm after a compact camera that has good video capture. One with video zoom function.


Requirments:

Compact Camera
Video 30fps, 640x480 min, Zoom Function
Megapixels 5 minimum
Optical Zoom 5x minimum
Battery Lithium Ion

I understand the Tz1 has video zoom function but the Tz2 & Tz3 don't? I was thinking of purchasing a Tz3 but because I really want the video zoom function i'm now thinking of getting the older Tz1. I understand the Tz1 picture quality isn't as good as Tz2 & Tz3 but i'm not too worried. Good video options are more required here.

Thanks
Jrb

[zero_0_zero]

The Canon S3 has an excellent movie mode, with stereo microphones, video zooming, and the ability to capture a 6mp still photo WHILE recorded the movie. It's currently $280.

The Kodak Z712 IS doesn't have as many movie recording bells and whistles, but it still has video zooming. It's a bit smaller and lighter, and cheaper at $200.

[David Metsky]

If you want optical zoom in video you are restricted to a very few compact cameras. The TZ3 dropped that feature that was on the TZ1 (I don't think we ever got the TZ2 here). If you can find a TZ1 that might indeed be your best choice. I don't know anything about the Kodak Z712 but it sounds promising too. Anything else will be much larger and will probably take AAs; but frankly AAs aren't a big problem and many folks think of them as an improvement.

If you are willing to accept digital zoom with video (not that same thing but adequate in many ways) there are lots more options.