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Five cameras for aspiring movie-makers

By Leonard Goh
April 25, 2008
If Steven Spielberg was born a couple of decades later, he would probably be spotted wielding one of the five cameras mentioned below. Compared with conventional point-and-shoots that can record only in VGA (640 x 480-pixel) quality, these shooters are all capable of capturing HD-quality video clips at 720p, which means the resolution is 1,280 x 720 pixels. Much cheaper than HD camcorders, these devices can also snap high-resolution pictures, too. What more can we ask for when the best of both worlds is now in one compact form? But keep in mind that these recordings take up huge chunks of space in your memory card. So invest in either a high-capacity flash media, or bring along more flash cards if you intend to shoot video clips.

Click here for a feature comparison table.
1.  Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ15
 
CNET Asia rating: 7.8 out of 10
The good: 10x optical zoom in a compact form; accurate Intelligent Exposure mode; HD video recording; clear 460K-pixel 3-inch LCD screen; captures detailed images with vibrant colors.
The bad: Top dial easily sets to wrong position; no option to switch off Extra Optical Zoom.
The bottom line: With a 10x optical zoom, 28mm-wide lens and HD video recording packed into one compact form, the TZ15 is probably one of the most versatile Lumix compacts we've come across.

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2.  Samsung NV24HD
 
First take
Samsung takes a revolutionary step in its compact digital cameras by giving photographers the chance to capture HD (high definition)-quality video with its new NV24HD. First unveiled at CES 2008, this lightweight stylish compact pits itself against other major players in the market. Not to be outshone, the NV24HD has a wide focal length of 24mm--one of the widest lens in a point-and-shoot that we've seen in recent years.

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3.  Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX36
 
CNET Asia rating: 7.6 out of 10
The good: 25mm wide-angle lens; HD-quality video recording; elegant design; maximum ISO of 6,400
The bad: Slightly soft images; focusing a tad slow.
The bottom line: A worthy successor to the FX33, the FX36 is a compact powerhouse capable of delivering decent-quality pictures and HD videos.

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4.  Kodak EasyShare M1033
 
Designed like a stealth bomber, this 10-megapixel shooter houses a nice 3-inch LCD screen on the rear. A 3x optical zoom lens covers the range from a typical 35mm to 105mm. Specs aside, the looks of this camera are enough to warrant a purchase for fashionistas.

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5.  Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520
 
In all sense of the word, we can't wait to lay our fingers on the 3-inch touchscreen of the FX520. What's more, the 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens is coupled with 5x optical zoom. What you can expect from a flagship FX-series camera is all here: High ISO of 6,400, face detection (can be selective by using the touchscreen), Intelligent Auto and oodles of scene modes for different shutterbugs.

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