cfr

I'm not a camera guy and need some help.

Here are my requirements,

1. must take AA batteries
2. at least 10x optical zoom
3. must take 720p HD video but would prefer 1080p; for the suction cup mount on the Jeep, of course!
4. must use SD-style memory card (or compatible)
5. good image stabilization
6. fast startup time (power on to taking picture or video)
7. must be able to zoom while taking video (for mom at the soccer game)
8. weather resistant would be nice

The last time I bought a camera, I had the same requirements and ended up with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 which does not meet the last two requirements. My wife also hates the Lumix user interface.

I'm flexible on price, but something around $200 would be great (but maybe I'm dreaming).

TIE1ON

Sweet dreams brother ... !
Lumix really does have most all beat hands down for the price range.
For video you can zoom while shooting I think you may have to go to a video camera.
BTW the 1080p on all Ive seen so far is jerky ... so watch out for that.

cfr

Yeah, it's a tough set of requirements to meet. A while ago, I used a site that allowed me to select most of these to narrow down my choices. Can't find that site again. AA batteries is tough one (want to grab batteries at the corner store if I have to) and it's really hard to find something to allows zoom while taking video without actually trying one.

Any recommendations for something with 720p video that's not the Lumix?

rlew0083

Check out steves digicams, they have good reviews that can help.