looking for ultra compact with good video recording

[jasyn]

Budget: $300-350
Size: Compact enough to not weight down my pocket
How many megapixels will suffice for you? 10mp+
* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify): Ultrazoom if it's clear enough.
* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10): 10
Do you care for manual controls? Yes for image quality, flash, etc.

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for? I plan on using this camera to still photos, but majority of the time will be to take videos at concerts.

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not? No

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos? Yes

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos? No

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate? No

Are there particular models you already have in mind? No

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD) None

[David Metsky]

If your main use is going to be video at concerts, you'll be much happier with a dedicated video camera, especially at the ultracompact size. You'll get better ergonomics, video, and sound, and be able to record longer. They can also take still shots although that's not quite up to the level of a dedicated still camera.

[jasyn]

what do you mean by dedicated video camera? the problem with majority of these concerts is u can only bring still digital cameras

[jekostas]

You're not going to get good video out of a digital still camera at a concert, especially a compact.

[jasyn]

Originally Posted by jekostas

You're not going to get good video out of a digital still camera at a concert, especially a compact.

well okay not ultra compact .. but at least small enough so it doesn't weigh down my back pocket

[KCook]

No promises!!! But for starters, look at the Fuji F-series, Panasonic ZR/ZS series, and Sony H20. Search on the Flickr photo hosting site and you should find some sample videos to check out.

Kelly Cook

[nyer82]

Panasonic Tz7 / ZS3. Best in class HD recording from a compact. I'll show you some videos. It can definitely do concerts this camera, and probably can shoot great video in places where you aren't allowed a 'proper' video cam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWv90s9dSSo
http://vimeo.com/6140798
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dZ-w_8tTdA