Making Videos while in zoom? Any idea if the sx200IS allows you to make videos while in optical zoom? I think my previous canon didn't allow it.Thanks!
391681
Look up "canon chdk". It's a firmware that you load from your sd card. I'm getting optical zoom in my SD800IS, along with many other features, like shooting in raw, and control over shutter speed. For those cameras with aperture control (mine just has a NS filter), you can even adjust that.Still, I really like the looks of the SX1 coming out. I'm going to start saving for Christmas now.
391682
I was gonna buy an LX3 .. might wait til this comes out and see how it fares. Nice companion to my 5D
391683
Thanks for the opinion on the LX3, I think I'll wait for one of the these new Canons. Agree with your point on megapixels too, it's seems like 12mp is probably overkill for these small image sensors, so I expect I'll probably crank mine down to 10 or 8 to see if I get less noise. Digic 4 sounds pretty cool too, hopefully that will help.
391684
I don't hate my Panasonic LX3, but if this new Canon SX200 had a faster lens, I would ditch the LX3 in a heartbeat and get the SX200. I guess I'll just wait until the reviews and photo samples come out.
391685
I noticed that the SD 960 actually has a faster lens than the SX 200, but I much prefer the beefier body styling and extra zoom on the SX 200. I just wonder how much a difference F/3.4 compared to a F/2.8 in a compact camera like this would really make? I've also been thinking about picking up the LX3, but hearing you say you would trade in makes me wonder, have you found the F/2.0 lense to be a big difference compared to other compacts?
391686
I think I will buy the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 hybrid camera when more positive reviews are available, probably in April. It has stereo sound recording, usable zoom while taking video and 3" 460K resolution LCD. The only minor drawback with it is it does not support manual mode. There is no RAW mode too at this time, but that's software and they can easily add that later in new firmware. It also costs about $50 more than the SX200.Of course the SX1 IS is better, but that is a different class of camera and too bulky for light traveling.
48517
Yes you can use the 4x optical zoom while shooting video. I just verified this with my camera in hand.
1127243
> can I zoom while in video mode with the TX1?"Users can optically and digitally zoom during video capture."(http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Canon-Reveals-TX1-with-HD-Movie-Mode.htm)
48519
I also consider this an important feature. I was decided to buy this camera, but when I was in the store checking whether I could zoom while in the motion picture mode and I discovered I could not do so, I gave up... It's a pitty because apart of that, the camera is nearly perfect for me...Ken Techbuyer, maybe you should have start recording instead of only selecting the motion picture mode? This camera has no zoom while recording movies.
1943434
I want to buy either the Lumix F35 or Canon 20-IS and have been reading the reviews. For the moment I am favoring the Lumiz on the weight difference but have one question which I cannor find information about. In the movie modes can you use the zoom features. I know some of the lower end cameras with less feature lock the zoom when taking movies. The Lumix site you give saws "many" of the features are available in the movie mode but does not specify the "zoom".
948236
Well, that's kind of my point. Why get the SX1? It's going to be too big to have the p&s; convenience, and the quality won't even be close to even the Rebel (especially if they release a new one in the next 6 months.The SX200IS should be small enough to carry everywhere, and have close to the quality of the SX1.As much as the SX1 interest me, I'm having trouble figuring its place in my, or others, camera needs.
1950936
Your responses have been very helpful! I have always used Sony cameras and when looking to upgrade to a good zoom, I find Sony does not have a date stamp on any of their higher end cameras :-( so I'm looking to Panasonic. My question to you is - will this Panasonic FZ18 do well when just set to automatic when used for zooming? I like GOOD pictures...but don't like fiddling with the camera and losing the "moment." Also, what is the difference between OPTICAL zoom and DIGITAL zoom? Thank you.
1881826
Yes, you can shoot continuously with the SX10is but the three options available are outmatched by those of DSLRs for subjects moving fast and unpredictably -- because of viewfinder blackout, display lag, and slow fps rates. All you can do is hold down the shutter button and hope to get lucky, which actually works pretty good for action in one spot (like an osprey about to settle onto a nest or a batter swinging at a pitch). The movie mode affords another option for tracking subjects and getting high-resolution still pics simply by pressing the shutter button while filming. The images are recorded at whatever pixel and compression settings you select (not at the lower movie choices) and the viewfinder remains more or less continually available to follow the subject (ISO, however, switches to auto). In review the movie displays first, followed by the still pics, which makes editing simple. Despite all its many virtues and versatility, the SX10is is at a disadvantage when shooting continuously in situations where the action changes direction abruptly, especially when it's moving rapidly toward and away from the camera -- as in soccer games and children at play, situations for which DSLRs with smart focus-tracking and high-rate fps features are better suited. If you absolutely need the high-performance features of a DSLR for the kinds of shooting you (want to) do regularly, then invest the extra bucks to get a good body and lens combination. Otherwise, feature for feature and dollar for dollar, limitations notwithstanding, the SX10is is hard to beat for all-around photography. Just take some time to get thoroughly acquainted with the options for continuous shooting and expect to practice for a while before frustration gives way to proficiency.
1929361
So is that a "yes you can" or "no you cannot"? I cannot tell from the YouTube videos if they are using optical or digital zoom.
194976
Canon discontinued this camera? I thought it came out last year and was the top camera to buy in its category? I am personally very dissapointed in the quality of the video and regret buying this camera.
154005
To L. Jones : I have a new SX230HS, and this was an excellent post ! You are right on. I also have a feeling you are a Canon support rep., but thanks anyway ! You are right, some people believe there is a magic $200 camera out there, the size of a disposable, and the performance of a Canon DSLR. I think the SX230 is a very usable unit.A lot of $100 cameras can stop motion outdoors, but I'm not aware of any $200 camera that can in low light unless you use flash.
844348
I was all set to buy the SX200 and have been a die-hard Canon fan for many years, but I am not ready to dismiss the ZS3. Yes the camaralabs.com review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml) talks about the focus issue on the ZS3 but overall the review is very favorable and it is unclear whether it is an issue in all situations or just the challenging scene in the sample video. Furthermore the Canon SX200 not only does not zoom during video, but auto focus is disabled altogether in this mode. I think I would rather have my focus hunt a little than go completely out of focus as the subject moves. I was all set to buy the SX200 and have been a die-hard Canon fan for many years, but I am not ready to dismiss the ZS3. Yes the camaralabs.com review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml) talks about the focus issue on the ZS3 but overall the review is very favorable and it is unclear whether it is an issue in all situations or just the challenging scene in the sample video. Furthermore the Canon SX200 not only does not zoom during video, but auto focus is disabled altogether in this mode. I think I would rather have my focus hunt a little than go... » Read More I was all set to buy the SX200 and have been a die-hard Canon fan for many years, but I am not ready to dismiss the ZS3. Yes the camaralabs.com review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml) talks about the focus issue on the ZS3 but overall the review is very favorable and it is unclear whether it is an issue in all situations or just the challenging scene in the sample video. Furthermore the Canon SX200 not only does not zoom during video, but auto focus is disabled altogether in this mode. I think I would rather have my focus hunt a little than go completely out of focus as the subject moves. « Show Less
2178177
Ben, the images out of the SX200 are not blurry at all, even in low light conditions due to the wonderful stabilizer.I was worried at first, then I printed out some pics 8 X10 and WOWWWWWWWI do not miss the Superfine anymore. In addition to that, now I am able to email full resolution pics :)I am still an S80 owner. The SX200 is much faster in everything even zooming at max and in low light conditions.
2161447
With this Sony model you cannot take a still photo while shooting video. On some previous models you could. Sony took that feature away on this one - and I was unhappy to find that out (after I bought the camera)
298159
I think s4 is better, after using zoom for a while, I feel lazy when taking my zoom with me. Because it is heavy as a camera. With s4 and a camera, it will be perfect.
1918120
I've had very good results using the optical zoom on both stills and videos. I was impressed with the video sharpness at high zoom settings. I've only used the digital zoom on stills. It got in really close with OK results but wasn't as sharp as I would have liked. I was using 1600 ISO settings which may have contributed to some loss of sharpness.
423992
Yes you can. Video does blur some as zooming but focus again once zooming has stopped. I was doing a video of a waterfall and noticed while watching it on TV that the sound was distorted while zooming. But was okay after zooming stopped. Overall it does okay.