Cameras & Camcorders

[swashbucklers]

I'm taking a trip mid-April and I'd been looking forward to purchasing the Samsung HZ15W or HZ10W (pref the 15) for my trip. I would prefer to make this purchase at Best Buy - I have a ton of RZ certificates and gift cards to use on this purchase but do we know if they're going to be carried by BBY at all?

I'd also been eyeballing the Canon SX200IS, but as I've seen on an earlier post, there isn't a date for release.

Any ideas? Or even alternatives? I'm really looking for the HD video, 10+ optical zoom, 10+ MP, and fun manual settings.

Many thanks!

[Allan-BBY Community Connector]

Hi swashbucklers,
 
There are a few cameras currently for sale that have your desired specifications, but they are all DSLR cameras. The ability to have your digital still camera also serve as your camcorder is a fairly new concept in the digital imaging world, and there are not a lot of cameras that do this very well. The three models you mentioned look promising, but at this time they are not for sale from Best Buy®. It is possible that these three cameras will be available for purchase from Best Buy® before mid-April.
 
The two best cameras on the market right now that meet your needs are the Nikon D90, and the Canon 5D Mark II. Because these cameras are DSLR cameras and their lenses are interchangeable the amount of optical zoom is dependent on the lens you get with the camera. The Canon 5D Mark II is much more expensive than the Nikon D90, but if you can afford it I'm sure you won't regret it. The Nikon D90 is considered an advanced amateur level camera, while the Canon is a professional level camera. I have heard nothing but great things about these two cameras, and you couldn't go wrong with either one.
 
I completely understand if these two cameras are out of your price range, or if they are just too bulky for your needs. If this is the case all I can say is keep your eyes open!
 
Thanks for posting,
Allan
Community Connector
Best Buy® Corporate