Ask Engadget: Best small camera (with good video) under $600?
By Darren Murph 
posted May 8th 2009 12:44AM
posted May 8th 2009 12:44AM
We know, you were hoping to just glance over today's hottest articles in the world of consumer electronics, and along comes this: something that actually asks a little of you. Trust us, it'll be alright, and hey -- after you've replied, you can send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com. "The family and I are headed to Walt Disney World in June for the first time. I have a Canon Digital Rebel and a Canon GL1, but really do not want to haul either or both of them to the Magic Kingdom with us. So, the question is: what is the best camera that does great stills and video and is super small? Under 600 bones preferably. Thanks!"
No Rich, thank you for making us all envious. Be sure to take the advice that'll surely flow in comments below and send us picture postcards while waiting in line to ride the Tower of Terror for the forty-third time. (Seriously, do not miss Tower of Terror.)
Panasonic / Lumix LX3.
- Super fast (for P&S) f2.0 lens
- Nice wide 24mm Leica glass
- 720 HD video which looks great
- It shoots Raw
- Has a flash hotshoe
- full manual controls
My only complaint is that it is just a tad too large to be pants pocket-able.
If you're looking for a small camera and have high standards take a look at the LX3s shots on Flickr and go over to Vimeo and download some people's HD shots. You'll be impressed.
Wow. I was kinda surprised that my question got featured and so quickly. Panasonic Tz5 and ZS3r have been in the running. lots of love here for the Panny cams.
No love for sony? probably because of memory stick. this cam http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665775624 is on the short list.
thanks engadget for posting my question and loads of thanks to all of you that responded!
I have a Sony DSC-S85 that is part of my work kit after about 8 years. It's a great, not-so-little camera. I did look into the newer models when before I picked up my TZ5, but didn't find a compelling Sony alternative. I'm no fan of the memory stick format either, so that didn't help their case.
I know mine is outdated, but I just love my credit card size canon sd1000. It's simple and easy.. shoot, film and view. What else do I need?
Another vote for the LX3. The wide angle is so much more useful than a longer tele in this format, it's got the fastest lens out there. Great handling. Very decent 720p video (again the glass giving it a big advantage over most other offerings).
anything but panosonic...
I love my Lumix LX3. Got mine for $375. If you don't mind getting up close to the subject, you will be stunned at the photo quality (especially low-light... I can't tell you how nice it is to be on the street at night or in a bar and not use flash at all!) and the HD video. Something not usually advertised that I find fun to play with is the macro length - the LX3 can focus on something that is right up against the lens, for still and video. Combined with the ultra-wide angle, this makes for neat video-textures (think bubbles falling in a glass of Guinness in HD), macro shots, and zoom-in-to-focus fun.
720p tops out at 24fps, though, so if you're doing action shooting maybe look elsewhere. The mic isn't too great either, I must say.
Plus, the full control makes it fun to experiment and it is a uniquely handsome device--I'm partial to the black model. After all, it's good enough for Leica to put their badge on it (at a huge premium). It feels a bit like a tank, but at least it's smaller than the g10.
also goto http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK
its a firmware addon for most canon cameras, adds these features!! RAW feature is so awesome. going to put this on my three year old sd630 which i love!!!
Major CHDK features
* RAW - CHDK can record raw files, giving you access to every bit of data the sensor saw, without compression or processing. Raw files can be manipulated on the camera, or processed on your PC. CHDK also has experimental support for the open DNG raw standard.
* Override Camera parameters - Exposures from 64s to 1/60,000s with flash sync. Full manual or priority control over exposure, aperture, ISO and focus.
* Bracketing - Bracketing is supported for exposure, aperture, ISO, and even focus.
* Video Overrides - Control the quality or bitrate of video, or change it on the fly.
* Scripting - Control CHDK and camera features using ubasic and Lua scripts. Enables time lapse, motion detection, advanced bracketing, and much more. Many user-written scripts are available on the forum and wiki.
* Motion detection - Trigger exposure in response to motion, fast enough to catch lightning.
* Edge overlay - Detect the edges in a scene, and display them later. Ideal for timelapses, stop-motion, stereography and much more.
* Live Histogram - CHDK includes a customizable, live histogram display, like those typically found on more expensive cameras.
* Zebra-Mode - Displays under and overexposure areas live on the screen.
* GRIDS - Create custom grids and display whichever one suits your shooting conditions.
* Multi-Lingual Interface - CHDK supports about 22 languages, and adding more languages is simple.
* DOF Calculator - Display detailed DOF information on the screen.
* Customizable OSD - Improved display of battery status, free space, camera parameters, and much more. Fully customizable with an on-screen editor.
* Filebrowser - Manage files without a PC.
* Textreader - Display text files on your camera.
* Games - Play Reversi, Sokoban, Mastermind or 4-in-a-Row on your camera.
* USB remote - Simple DIY remote allows you to control your camera remotely.
* Benchmark - Compare the performance of your SD cards.
* User Menu - Edit your own customizable User-Menu for fast access to often used features.
* there is even more → read the Manual & explore this wiki.
There’s really only one choice – the Panasonic DMC-LX3S $420 – Search for “dpreview prosumer group” to see what I mean. The best low light performance because it has the biggest sensor in a non-DSLR. For shots of plays, concerts and fast kids indoors, the only better choice is a DSLR. It’s thin, has a big display, it’s easy to use plus advanced features. It shoots video at 720p in a format you can play in Windows Media Player and QuickTime. My favorite feature is the 24mm wide angle.
Man... that LX3 looks really tempting. I'm currently shooting with a 24-60mm f/2.8 on my DSLR anyways, so I dont mind the limited zoom. What I'm sold on for the LX3 is that f/2.0 @ 24mm and f/2.8 @ 60mm. I LOVE wide aperture/low DOF shots, as well as shooting handheld in low light w/o flash (mainly cuz I don't own a hotshoe flash...) and its very difficult to get below 2.8 on a P&S. Hell, most P&S cameras are around f/3.3 or more at their widest. Just gotta find a store with this camera in stock...
compact Lumix DMC-ZS3
ultra canon sd780 or sony t90/t900
I am going to get a Lumix DMC-ZS3. Not sure if it is the best, but it is highly rated. Should be shipping before June?
"Ask Engadget" sucks, here's why: It's merely a venue for fanboys to rave about whichever product they prefer.
Get a few of the editors together to read over all the comments after 3-5 days or so, and come up with some CONCLUSIONS (yelling not intended but no option for italics)
Otherwise you guys rule
I haven't finished testing yet but so far I am loving the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 AVCHD Lite ensures compatibility with the edit software I already use.
A Sony T90 or T900
any of the Cannon Power shot - as long as it has 4 AA batteries - they'll last way longer than models with just 2.
Canon SD970IS
I am on board with the Panasonic TZ5. I have one and it is wonderful. If you need better video, or stills, you will have to step up to dedicated units that are top tier. I take good looking 720P HD video on my point and click TZ5. It picks up the audio quite well, shoots great at night when there is decent light, and has a killer optical zoom. My mother has a 4x as expensive DSLR that shoots the same quality pictures, but has much more adjustments. For the am/novice type, the TZ5 is a perfect camera. It takes fast shots, don't have to mess with controls, and you can do HD video with zoom. Doesn't get much better IMO.
Chalk another one for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 that is due out any day now (already available in Canada and the UK.) 720p video with a huge optical zoom (can use zoom while in video,) small form factor and fantastic photos all for under $400 (I have one on pre-order from buy.com for $344 shipped.)
I've been researching a new point-and-shoot for the last couple of months and the ZS3 is the best in it's class.
I'm surprised so many people don't seem to care about lousy audio...
I loved this thread because I have been considering buying a low price HD video camera like the Flip Ultra or Creative Vado HD. My number one issue with those is the lack of image stabilization. I was also worried about the sound quality out of those types of cameras. So when I came across this thread and realized I could get a point and shoot with the same HD video capability, I eagerly read every posting.
For sub $400, I'm leaning toward the TZ5 or TZ7 (the later being a little hard to find online...new?) But in addressing my audio fears, the only camera that seems to have good quality audio is the T900 by Sony as it sports stereo sound. Unfortunately, I don't want to deal with proprietary Sony memory sticks. I'd rather stick with universal SD cards so that kinda of rules out the Sony (though it does seem to be the best option otherwise.)
I watched a few of the sample videos that were linked in the thread and the sound from mono seemed pretty good, but most of the example didn't feature any talking or human interaction. Anyone have some thoughts on this? Essentially I'm looking for a reason not to buy a "bulky" traditional video camera. If this can successfully replace a camcorder AND my old Nikon CoolPix, I think Id be the happiest man alive (and my wife wouldn't get mad at me for not carrying the camera on trips.)
i would get the Canon Powershot G7. it shoots video at a high resolution 1024X768 and your canon lenses will fit on the G7. check out the specs online. the G7 has higher video quality than the G10. it should cost you $400 and under.
i'm sorry. the price was wrong. for new $400 and up. for used $400 and under. i got the G7 about 2 years ago for $325 new. this is a really great camera for you, if you can get it at the right price.
TZ 7 all the way! 12x zoom while filming, 720p HD (don't really use), WVGA video (this one i use). Wide, Mega OIS, Stereo MIC.
this new Canon as entered the picture though I am still leaning to Panasonic.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=18183
Rich,
Definitely check that camera out in the store first. I have the G7 my wife has the PowerShot SD870 IS. The SD870 is very nice for fitting in your pocket. takes very nice pictures. Going by what me and my wife have that canon you are looking at is a good choice. It's perfect for what you want. i just don't like the little control buttons.
The G7 is bigger but it may be worth your time to look at it. my brother has similar cameras as you and he loves plugging his canon flash and lenses on my camera and taking pictures. i think he has the G9 now. you can adjust a ton of settings. your learning curve for this camera will be quick. i don't mind carrying it around, but the smaller one is nicer in your pocket.
You have lot's of choices available in your price range. i don't see you getting a bad camera from any one at that price. canon, sony, kodak, panasonic, whoever you chose.
Canon SX10IS Great photo and video and colors really pop.
sony cybershot t900 is the best for me
http://savercheaper.com/camera/cheap-sony-cybershot-dsc-t900-12mp-digital-camera-with-4x-optical-zoom-and-super-steady-shot-image-stabilization.html