New camera choice?

[Rufous]

Upon further evaluating of my needs I am pretty sure that I want a new camera, not a camcorder. I want approximately 20+ optical zoom though. Some that I am considering are below. I definately want to be able to take good video clips though too. My current Canon Powershot S50 does a decent enough job for my needs as far as photos and videos go but it will only take a 3 minute video clip. I want to be able to take longer videos, ten or more minutes. Also I really like the articulating/tiltable display screens that some of the cameras have, in particular the Canon SX20. I hunt by myself quite a bit and can envision trying to capture the kill shot on video by myself. It would be much easier to accomplish with the camera on a tripod off to my side or perhaps even below me between my knees. I could adjust the camera onto the animal without needing the camera to be at eye level right in front of me if I had the articulating screen. Anyway here are some of the cameras I am considering at this point. I would appreciate some help sorting out the best candidates.

canon sx1
sony dsc hx1
panasonic dmc fz35
pentax x70
kodak z980
fujifilm s2550hd
kodak z981
fuji s8100fd
samsung hz25w
fuji s1800
nikon p100
canon sx20
olympus sp 800UZ
fuji hs10

[wabow]

I dont think your going to get everything you want out of a point and shoot camera or even a dslr for that matter. Ive got the 7D and the video is acceptable at best and there is no way the cards are going to hold alot of video. Ive got a T1I and the video is pretty much worthless, the af hunts so its loud and never in focus. DOF also becomes an issue when trying to get good video out of a regular camera. If I was going to video a hunt I'd get something like a cheap Sony handy cam and a use a real small point and shoot for the stills. I drag my 50d and 5d everywhere but they are both to bulkey and loud during a hunt.

Don

[Rufous]

Don, thanks for your comments. I am really pretty uninformed about all this. Why would a cheap camcorder give better videos than a camera?

[wabow]

First cameras are not efficient as far as space goes. Real mini dv camcorders will hold many times the video, heck even a 8mm tape camera. Video cameras especially cheap one have a infinate depth of field. Cameras on the other hand limited the depth of field based on aperture size. For example if its dimmly lit or shaded the camera or the user will select a smaller aperture number (bigger hole). This reduces the DOF and can limit it so far that the video is useless. I can use a canon 50/1.2 and take a picture of the tip of your nose that is in perfect focus and the rest of your face will be gone in a blur. If you moved forward your face would come into focus. If you moved back nothing would be in focus. With a cheap video camera a few feet in front of you would be in focus and everthing behind you would be in focus. The camera is never going to keep a deer walking toward you in focus well enough to give the same video as even a cheapo video cam.
Sorry Im not very good at explaining how cameras work without getting into the techno bull. Iv got the Canon HV40 and it makes pretty good stills but the Sony handy cam also works well at 1/3 the price. Cambell also sells a riser cam that my buddy uses and its pretty awesome.

Don