With HD capability finally making its way into the mainstream point and shoot digital cameras this year its time to pick up a new daily beater.

Only req's are:
Must shoot at least 720p HD & record in stereo
Wide angle lens of at least 28mm or below (35mm equiv)
No bricks, needs to fit in my pocket
<$500...i'll spend the real $ on gear for my SLR, this is just the beater

Take your pick from the 2 lists below...h264 is preferred for working with video, so as usual looks like i'll end up with another canon, though Panasonic has been putting out some respectable gear lately...

Canon Digital Cameras

LUMIX Line-up Comparison | LUMIX | Digital Camera | Panasonic Global

So far my top picks are...
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS
Panasonic Lumix ZS3 / TZ7

Thoughts...

 

Does the Canon G10 shoot HD video?

 

Nope and its a BRICK

The new SX1 IS will do 1080, but again its a brick and doesn't make sense for me since i already have a bag of slr gear. I need a small beater that is stuffed with as many features as possible. The SX200 seems to be the best compromise of my reqs...if im missing anything i'm open to suggestions..