Okay ... the summer is coming closer, the concerts of Coldplay as well and I want to be prepared :wink3:

 

I am currently searching for a new compact digital camera :)

 

At the moment my small digital camera is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1, so a really old version, with only 4.0 megapixel and a 6 x optical zoom.

I used to be really satisfied with this camera and the way it worked, but of course it's way too old and I don't have a microphone included to make video recordings with audio.

 

That's why I'm thinking about buying myself a new camera.

I have my eyes peeled for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 (DMC-TZ5-EG-TA) 'cause it has a 10 x optical zoom, a 28 mm lense and video function in HD quality.

You can also zoom in and out while filming a video and I was told that not many cameras can do so.

 

In every test article you read something about noise but honestly speaking, I'm fed up with it.

For more professional photos I have the Nikon D60 kit with 2 different lenses and now I just want to have a 'pocket' camera.

 

The most important thing to me would be, how the audio quality (especially with concert videos) is ;)

 

You see loads of videos on YouTube but sometimes the sound quality is just awful and it destroys the whole video then.

 

So has anyone of you experience with compact digital cameras with a large optical zoom and a good video/audio quality?

 

I am open for any recommendations :)

 

Thanks!

I've got myself a Panasonic DMC-FZ8 Lumix which is a great camera but you must take pictures on a steady place and not move at all. This is the only inconvenient. Pictures are awsome with this camera. You can zoom up to x18. I took POLICE at a concert in Stade de France two years ago and even though i was far away from the stage, pictures are quite good. As for the video, you can't zoom. I hardly take videos though. On the picture below I was very far away from the stage.

 

 

http://www.zshare.net/image/5390433217593a4e/

Thanks for the advice :)

 

I checked back to see how the camera looks like and honestly saying, it's a bit too big for me, as it looks more like a DSLR camera ;)

 

I was searching for a more 'compact' and smaller camera and I guess the DMC-TZ5 is fulfilling this requirement.

 

But as I am also interested in the video function, I need to find one where the quality isn't too bad ...

 

Btw. I really like your sig gif :)

You're welcome.:) Ask a clerck's advice at the cameras department of a store, it's what i've done when i've bought mine. You could compare them.

You're welcome.:) Ask a clerck's advice at the cameras department of a store, it's what i've done when i've bought mine. You could compare them.

I personally wouldnt , they`ll be after a sale at best and on commission to sell you the most expensive one at worst , do it but keep an ear out to see if they are being objective with their opinions .

 

When I got mine I compiled a list of what I wanted from it , how important each of those was and which I could live without as a possible compromise and how much I was prepared to spend on it all .

Very middle age and sensible but it works for me , I read quite a few reviews that also gave me insights that I wouldnt have thought of as well .

 

Id read as many reviews as possible , disregarding ones at either end of spectrum - the kissarses and the braindeads . My Mrs is a professional photographer but her uses dont stretch to gigs so her opinion wasnt any good about my camera apart from the aspect of the lens quality I should look for and how to use the bloody thing :)

@ Rob

 

Thanks very much for your tipps.

 

I would have reckoned that it wasn't the best idea to go into a shop and ask a sales person as I also think they are just looking for the profit or they will suggest you a special brand because they are on provision ;)

 

Otherwise I've done that and when I've mentioned that I was looking for a camera for good audio quality videos I wanted to make at concerts the expression on his face said everything :laugh3:

 

What kind of camera are you using?

Im using a Canon A590 , not bad at the time , but my daughters Kodak is even better as its very very small (got it for her for Xmas) , I bought the Canon for its video capability , but more for use as a temporary camcorder replacement than to take to gigs .

 

Id look for one that will give good pictures even with low/poor light (my wife just told me a camera with at least a capacity for ISO 1600 - the video function might not use the ISO function she added) but the stills should come out better . And for me a zoom function is an absolute necessity .

 

Distortion of sound is hard to stop and will most probably be only be helped by where you are stood , if you look on YouTube I have seen some good gig video with good sound - could be worth an email ?