Total beginner - digital camera to $200

[imsir]

Hi.

I am buying new digital camera. I would like to ask what is best buy(price/performance) digital camera that offers:

- 1080p video recording
- supports sdxc memory card
- at least 10megapixel
- at least 10x optical zoom

Is there any on market to $200?

I am not professional, I am going to California trip in few months and would like to use it.

I was looking at this: Canon IXUS 115HS and video looks very good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VzFAYiiX7s

But It has only 4x optical zoom for pictures :P

Please give me an advice, I am total noob.

PS: What should I look when I am buying digital camera? What technical information?
PS2: As I said I am total beginner, do I have to look if camera supports depth of field, or does all new models support it(auto-focus and manual focus)?

Thank you!
Rolando Hilton

[eyalg]

There are few cameras which could fit your requirements -

The two compact zooms - the Canon SX230 from last year and the Panasonic ZS15 from this year,
both cost just above $200 (if you go for the pink SX230 on Amazon you can get it for $199).
Both of them have a large zoom (x14 and x16 respectively) in compact bodies.
The ZS15 wins by a sslight margin, unless you must have stereo sound recording - then it's the SX230.

Another option close to the Ixus 115 you like is the ELPH 310 (Ixus 230) which has a x8 zoom
in a slim body and not too shabby image quality, as well as 1080p video with stereo sound.
However, that's also just over $200.

So, if your budget is strictly under $200, your likely option would be the Panasonic SZ7,
with a slim body as the ELPH 310, a wide angle 25mm lens, x10 zoom and 1080p video.

-eyalg

[tomd]

If you are considering a 'used' camera, you might find a Canon G10 that meets your needs. I'm not sure if the G10 supports your specified sdxc card?

[tmwag]

I recently purchased a Canon 300HS with case and 4G SanDisk card for $150 USD. Easy camera to use and has nice zoom range and IQ for the price.

[Jon]

Originally Posted by tomd

If you are considering a 'used' camera, you might find a Canon G10 that meets your needs. I'm not sure if the G10 supports your specified sdxc card?

It doesn't, nor does it support HD video (1080p). I will point out, however, that regardless of the card size, Canon's PowerShot line doesn't support video files of more than 4 GB, which is typically around 15-20 min at 1080p. It'll also stop at 1/2 hr., even if the 4 GB limit's not reached. So unless you want to shoot a whole lot of video (where a dedicated digital video camera would make more sense as they use a more efficient video format, allowing longer shoots and smaller files), the SDHC 32 GB card size should be ample.

[imsir]

I really appreciate your help.

I got good bargain from my friend and will probably just buy DSLR(t2i) so I can start with my training in video and photo(will need it anways).