Camera ideas? HD + light weight + 10Megapixel + Zoooooom

[Earthling]

Im in the market for another camera to assist in lightening the load a tad.
Max $600.
The ideal camera would have a decent megapixel of 10 plus, nice lens, a good zoom of 10 plus, light weight and a definet is the ability to take HD video.
I went to our very limited Electrical supplier in the next big town 90ks away and they offered the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3
http://www.panasonic.com.au/products/sp ... ectID=5481

A lot lighter than the current Olympus SP-570 which weighs in at 480 grams with batteries. Ticks a few boxes however havent read any reviews as of yet.

Thoughts on a gooood camera that will do the above today?

[winterling]

Yes an excellent little camera. A very good site you may or not be aware of as regards camera reviews\comparisons is at
http://www.dpreview.com

[flatfoot]

I like this camera. Freezeproof (except for battery). 144grams! 5 x optical zoom.

Pentax Optio W90

It's a pity it doesn't have gps for geotagging.

[sthughes]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 ticks all the boxes.

Under $600 - yep (~$500)
10X Zoom - yep (12X)
>10MP - Yep (12.1)
Nice lens = yeah not bad I think
Light weight - yep (~200 grams)
HD Video - Yep 720p
http://panasonic.com.au/products/details.cfm?objectID=5494
http://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/advanced/panasonic-lumix-dmctz10.aspx

The Sony Cyber-shot HX5V may also be worth a look. Especially if video is a top priority (1080i).

[nickL]

hey guys

i too am also on the look out for something lighter than the nikon D60 and more waterproof

was looking at this
Olympus Mju tough 8010

they said
The World's toughest camera. With 5x optical zoom, 14 mega pixel and HD movie recording this really is the take anywhere camera. It's waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m, snow proof to -10 and can withstand weights of up to 100kg.

any comments good or bad

cheers
nick

[Nuts]

Ive had a couple of the mju's, not this latest model. Tough, easy to use, heavy?, not the best image quality.

[GerryDuke]

Keep in mind full HD is 1920 x 1080. The Lumix FH3 is 1280 x 720. A great camera!

Gerry

[Rod]

Hi earthling
I have recently purchased the sony Hx5.
It and the panasonic TZ 10 are the main options to cover what you require IMHO
Bear in mind the image quality is 'good' as long as your expectations are in keeping with the fact that they are P&S cameras.
The video is excellent and the feature that had me lean toward the sony is a very cool panorama mode -you basically hit the shutter and 'pan' the subject area by sweeping the camera and bingo a very good panorama.
I haven't tested it walking yet -but I expect it to be fun in Tassie/NZ valleys etc.
On the whole I am very happy with the camera.
Cheers Rod

[kalium]

I'm almost in the same situation. Except I don't need HD video.
I'd probably reccomend Canon G series or a Panasonic TZ series.
When I looked a couple of years ago, the olympus 'tough' cameras had pretty rubbish image quality.

I'm looking at getting something like the olympus e-410 though. Smallest DSLR around, quite reasonable image quality (although it's no D3!) and small lenses make this a perfect travelling camera. More flexibility and image quality than a P&S, but doesn't take up the space or weight of a full size DSLR.
Eventually one of the new micro four thirds is the goal (even smaller, even better image quality, and HD video!), but they are still a bit expensive around the $800+ mark from what I've seen.

[Crum]

Both my dad and brother have Lumix's and are extremely happy with them. The image quality is pretty decent too for such a compact camera

[Drifting]

Used Canon 350D with a 18-55 kit lens and a Sigma 70-300 APO
Not light and not HD but under $600 and you'll get some awesome shots.

On a serious note, whatever you get, make sure it has a good image stabilizer.

AND atleast a 28mm equivalent at the wide end, if not 24mm. That's important.

[Liamy77]

just a thought ... but rather than carry heaps of lenses... dont forget the old 1.4 and 2X converter rings..... especially if you have a couple of Good lenses to start with... you will lose 1.4 f stops or 2 f stops respectively but you double the lense ranges you are carrying too!