Suggestions: Digital Camera with video

[youngestchild]

Hello....

Looking for a fairly compact digital camera with at least 4-5x optical zoom and a decent video quality (reasonable size and no mechanical noises) ... anyone have a suggestion?

also, a camera that will transfer video via firewire?

thanks...

 

[Keebler]

I was incredibly surprised by the quality of the video (640x480) of the Canon S3 IS I had. It's not the smallest camera, but not too big either. The camera used USB and to be honest, I don't think any digital camera's use FW. I think that is reserved for camcorders, but i could be wrong.

it also has 12x's zoom and the pics were fantastic.

There is a new S5 out with 10 MB pixel, but the S3 was 6 I believe which is still perfect unless you really want to blow them up.
So, you could get an S3 for a good price if you look around.

I only sold mine b/c i wanted an SLR and the feature i miss the most.....

no video on the SLR

Cheers,
Keebler