digital camera video advice/recommendation

[Franko170]

Hi all -

Am using a Nikon D90 for main camera, and a Canon S3 1S to shoot occasional video footage of various subjects - including sports.

I want to shoot 720p video, autofocus with zoom.

Am looking to replace the Canon with one of these two:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

and appreciate your opinions or third option.

I have managed to get acceptable video footage of night-time football with my old Canon S3 1S, even though it's not real fast to focus, by anticipating action. IMO a great little camera.

[Photo-John]

I'm not sure I understand. You're using the D90 for video and the compact Canon as a second video camera? Have you considered getting a dedicated digital camcorder. If you want to shoot video - especially at a distance, I think a compact digital camcorder from Sony, Canon or Panasonic is probably your best bet. You'll have more lens and better video performance in a small package. I'm not an expert in video cameras. But I expect the continuous auto focus would be better than the Canon S3 IS.