CNET Asia
 
 Print    Email     Bookmark     Share

Point-and-shoots with HD video capture

By Leonard Goh
December 31, 2008
Just when we thought HD-video recording in digital still cameras was a gimmick, Canon proved us wrong with the EOS 5D Mark II dSLR which rendered beautiful full-HD (1,920 x 1,080-pixel) clips. And with the megazoom PowerShot SX1 IS coming into the picture, full-HD video recording capabilities could be a mainstream feature for point-and-shoots next year.

While budding movie-makers can use these cameras to shoot short films, they should consider investing in an external audio-recorder for better sound quality, more flash media and a powerful computer to process and render the high-resolution clips.

Will this spell the demise of camcorders? It is difficult to predict now, but we will have a clearer picture (no pun intended) in 2009.

Click here for a feature comparison table.
1.  Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3    
 
CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10
The good: High-resolution multi aspect ratio image capture; F2.0 optics; highly customizable modes which can be saved; large sensor delivers impressive image quality.
The bad: Unable to capture full-resolution images in 16:9 format; use of lens cap may be an issue to some; bundled RAW image-processing software not up to the job.
The bottom line: The LX3 is a good camera with an excellent feature set that positions it way beyond any conventional point-and-shoot on the retail shelves today.

Review | See full specs | Rate this
2.  Canon PowerShot SX1 IS    
 
CNET Asia rating: 8.2 out of 10
The good: Great image quality; full HD video recording; 20x optical zoom; dSLR feature set.
The bad: No RAW image format capture; no external microphone input.
The bottom line: The SX1 IS is really the ultimate bridge between a digital still and digital video camera. If you can bear to part with the cash, you won't be disappointed with the superb HD-video and image quality.

Review | See full specs | Rate this
3.  Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T500
 
CNET Asia rating: 7.2 out of 10
The good: 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD; HD movie recording with stereo sound; 5x optical zoom.
The bad: No wide-angle lens; noisy images at ISO 400 and above; unimpressive battery life.
The bottom line: The Cyber-shot DSC-T500 paves the path for future HD movie capture-enabled T-series to follow and we certainly hope to see better image quality then.

Review | See full specs | Rate this
4.  Samsung NV100HD
 
CNET Asia rating: 7.2 out of 10
The good: 28mm wide-angle lens; stylish design; HD-video-recording capability; fast-performing High-Speed burst mode; touchscreen operation.
The bad: Noisy images above ISO 200; inconsistent autofocus; awkward positioning of popup flash.
The bottom line: The NV100HD is a stylish point-and-shoot that has plenty of functions for shutterbugs who want everything, but we wished its image quality could be better.

Review | See full specs | Rate this
5.  Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD
 
CNET Asia rating: 6.6 out of 10
The good: Wide-angle and long zoom; clever playback features; decent images.
The bad: Counter-intuitive controls; occasionally over-zealous noise reduction.
The bottom line: Although we just can't get on with Fujifilm's controls, the Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD has a decent lens and enough flexibility in its shooting options to get us past this initial hurdle. Given time to get used to it, we were pleased with the image quality and good playback features.

Review | See full specs | Rate this
« Back to Digicams

More Resources From CNET Asia

Top 10 digicams of May 2008

Which model made it to the charts for the bestselling cameras last month? We find out.

Stylish touchscreen compacts

Underneath these swanky shooters are features which give them that special touch.

Superzoom cameras: To infinity, and beyond!

These five megazoom shooters will get you up close and personal with your subjects.

Top 5 budget dSLRs

It's time to bring your love for photography to another level. Chuck that compact into your drawer and drool over these five budget dSLRs.

advertisement
 

CNET Asia Buying Guides

Before heading to the stores,
CNET fills you in on what
you need to know to find the
perfect product match.


 


Sign up for updates!

Every fortnight, we'll teach you the latest tricks in digital photography. View sample »