Best pocket camera for HD video and pics

I have been searching for the right camera for days and am simply exhausted so I thought I would check in with this educated forum for recommendations. My video camera died just before Christmas and I wanted a replacement that could do reasonable quality video, stay in the $300 price range and easily fit in my pocket. That instantly eliminated most camcorders with the exception of some of the Sanyo Xacti line and the range of YouTube pocket cams (Mino HD, Kodak Zi6, Creative Vado HD).

I went for the Xacti waterproof E2 for $200. The results were aweful, terrible low light performance, bad video and bad pictures. I know, I'm probably expecting too much for $200 but I thought it would do better.

Now I'm considering the fixed lens, HD pocket cams listed above but am wondering if I could get just as good results with a compact camera that also does HD video and gain the benefits of better pictures, better lens, better camera without sacrificing video quality. Again, maybe a pipe dream!

Ideally the camera would record minimum, true 720P HD video (not HD in 640x480) so it will look reasonable on my 50" Pioneer flat screen and utilize the latest H.264 codec for smaller video file sizes and retain Mac compatibility (not AVI files, MPG4 would be ideal). HDSD storage would also be best as I already have a 16GB card.

My research led me to the new TL34HD but all the reviews I've read on the video quality is that it's terrible. I have a very nice Nikon D70 setup when I want high quality pictures and will eventually get a decent camcorder for higher quality videos but what's the best option for GOOD HD video and GOOD pictures in a pocket size camera? Does one exist?

I really appreciate your opinions and experiences you may have with these issues!

Your message describes this camera so well that this looks like a shill thread.

But look at the DXG-567v and the Kodak Zi6 (same base chassis, the Kodak has a few extra features).

Have you considered the DMC-TZ5? I wish there were a "video shootout" of pocket cameras like there is for miniture camcorders:
http://chris.pirillo.com/video-camera-comparison-test-mino-zi6-vado/

--SONY DSC-T500 is one of the best in HD format.

I am a user of that camera and I was surprised about the fantastic video quality.
On the other hand, the still picture quality is not bad at all.
I am using a Nikon D300, but T-500 always escorts me for video captures.
Best regards.

Alex Permit said:

Have you considered the DMC-TZ5?

Click to expand...

Not only can the TZ5 record video in 720p: As it records, it lets you zoom optically and it refocuses as you zoom or simply as your subject becomes closer or farther. Is there another still cam that offers all three virtues?
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Paul S. in Maryland

Today, I returned my TZ5 because the video was next to useless when indoors without every light in the house on.

We have been looking for a good P/S with good video in atleast 720p. This was our best hope, but now I don't know what to do.

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http://www.photosbycook.com/Portraits

Panasonic FX150. i have the FX100 (12mp) and love it. i do find that i use the 16:9 848x480 video setting more than the 720p setting, mostly due to file sizes. 13x19" prints from my FX100 are easily the equal of prints from my D200 (in good light).
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jnorman
sunridge studios
salem, oregon
Panasonic FX100
D200, nikon 12-24mm ED-IF AF-S DX, 18-70mm DX
Cambo 45NX, nikkor SW 90/8, 135/5.6, 210/5.6
Graflex Crown Graphic 4x5 (1948 model)

Have you looked at this new model from Panasonic on the front page of DPreview?

TS1
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0901/09012705panasonicft1.asp

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Kind Regards,

John

Born in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. I reject EU citizenship. (Gods Gift - No training necessary) / Pentax Espio Mini / Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 / That's it!
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