Point and shot camera with best video

[Hal]

Hello,

I want to buy compact point and shot camera with relatively good quality pictures and best offered video quality.
I have narrowed my options to Cannon 870, Canon 1100, Panasonic 500 and Panasonic 35.

Which one has the best quality video? Can we compare Panasonic's HD with mono sound or Canons 640*480 with stereo sound and say which one is better?

Thanx

[Photo-John]

This is a tough one, Hal. You may actually want to post on our Digital Video forum. Personally, I almost never use the video function on digital cameras. We did shoot a bunch of tradeshow video with a Canon PowerShot A640 a couple of years ago and were very impressed, though. I think it's really going to depend on your intended use and expectations. If you're a serious video person and used to real camcorders, then you should probably be really choosy. But based on my limited experience, if you're not really a serious video person, most point-and-shoot digital cameras are pretty impressive now. I wouldn't shoot a wedding with one. But for short tradeshow videos uploaded to YouTube, they'll pretty much all be great.

I know that may not help much, But I hate seeing a question go unanswered. Like I said, you might try posting on the Digital Video forum. And in the meantime, I'll see if I can get one of the video guys to come answer this post.

[Liz]

When I was looking for a digital p&s about a year ago, I noticed in my research that reviews and personal reviews commented many times on the video capabilities of the Canon S3 and Canon S5. Some people who use the videos on their p&s cameras stated these 2 cameras are the best for video. I have no personal experience, but I was surprised at all the comments on how well these models do. I believe it is one of the few that you can zoom in and out while you're using the video.

Both of these cameras you can get for a good price since there will probably be a new version of the S series soon. Check around. Check out the specs - both from reputable dealers. The S3 is a used item.

ETA: both of these cameras are very good p&s cameras with a zoom range of about 38mm to 432mm. I used to own the S3 and got sharp images with good color rendition - it's a bit larger than the usual smaller digitals - barely pocketable, but very light weight.

S5
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...S_Digital.html

S3 (used)
http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/Produ...BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

Liz

[Hal]

Thanks for advices,
I accidentally went today in a radio technicians room and was able to listen the difference between mono and stereo sound. The technician explained that you can feel the difference only when you record sound from more than one sources which is usually the case in music orchestras which are not my primary video target. He also said that the microphones on digital cameras are poor sound recorders which is another reason why mono sound movies are more and less the same as in stereo ones.

So, am thinking to go for HD mono video....