I’m always in the market for a new camera, but can never settle on a new model to replace my ageing Canon Powershot A520. The new purchase has to do HD video and needs to produce some super clean images at a moderate ISO. And it has to fit in my pocket (have the dSLR for real photo outings). And built in GPS would be awesome, as doing it after the fact with a trackfile or by memory is a pain. A few new models by Canon are starting to support my needs, but I still read that their HD video isn’t great, and they don’t do stereo audio. A few Panasonic models fit the bill, but they are priced a little out of my range for a secondary pocket camera.
Today Panasonic announced 3 new models, two of which are interesting. The Panasonic Lumix ZS7 SuperZoom does the HD, has more than enough zoom at 12x, and has built in GPS. The Panasonic models have come along way in picture quality and size. Their other model is the Lumix DMC-TS2, a camera that does HD and has underwater shooting abilities in a small package. I hope the DMC-TS2 has the same improved image quality as most of their new offerings, because I have been less than impressed with the photos from the other underwater cameras (I’m looking at you Samsung).
I’ll have to see how these cameras get priced in the marketplace.
I’m feeling your struggles with the decision. I, too, have been on the hunt for a camera that meets all of my expectations. I’ve also been waiting for Canon to come out with a really great Shockproof/Waterproof alternative to the Olympus, but their attempt so far has fallen short (big time). I’m very much leaning towards the Lumix DMC but am also weary of the $400 price tag…