I've been looking for a camera reasonably priced and capable of HD capture and zoom while video.I found Kodak V1073 and Z1085 under my buget but their review weren't that impressive.I thought about Z1012,but its bulky for my liking.
The most important thing to me is HD video (no 1080p, 720p is fine) and the ability to zoom during.
Stereo would be preferred.
Image stabilization.
Zoom past a few X isn't really huge for me. 5x would be nice, but if it's going to be a huge price jump to 10, there's no point.
Please help suggesting.Thanks in advance.
Regards

I found Panasonic TZ5 on web...but don't know whether it zooms while video...please reply and suggest me what you think best

aminulahsan-

Here is a quote from the TZ-5 review attached.

Sarah Joyce

You might need to do a little shopping but the Lumix ZS3 seems close to your specs. I bought it for $299 but I saw it for $249 in an online shop.
Stereo, HD video, 12x optical zoom during video, image stabilization during video.
Here's a demo of the zoom on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc6ulm687rs
Take a peek and let us know what you chose.

Good luck,
Gabie

Thanks Gabie.... i'm taking seriously the ZS3 but you know its above my budget....but i surely would love to have it.Actually i was thinking about Kodak V1073 but i've found so so reviews on the net and horrible battery life concerns me.Can you tell how ZS3's battery performs in HD capture...i mean how long can it shoot in HD mode on a single charge?and also if there's any time limit restriction in HD video in ZS3?thanks again!!
regards

I have sort of the same needs as the OP but I absolutely require a viewfinder and zoom during video. Both are necessary to really show the range of my dogs when I'm quail hunting with them.

In fact, for a zs3 size or slightly larger camera, I would settle for standard definition videos. The zoom and viewfinder are more important than the HD for my purposes.

From reading Amazon reviews, it looks like the Canon SD990 might zoom during video but even Canon customer service can't confirm that. I can't find one locally to check out.

Any ideas appreciated.

Anyone else have anymore suggestions?

I am sorry to say there are no more suggestions. This thread is quite old.

Sarah Joyce

charles, you may want to start your own thread outlining your desires in a camera.

Thanks guys, I was searching through old post, and just thought Id start here instead of posting a new thread. Ill open up a new thread.