Camera for family pics + video

[DBM]

Hi,
I'm looking for a camera I can use to take family pics and videos of.

I thought of going for a dedicated still camera, and a dedicated camcorder, but it's just not convenient at all.

So, seeing as most p&s cameras have video functionality, I just wanted the best one.

I would like the option of blowing the pictures up to about 8x10, and according to this site (http://www.design215.com/toolbox/megapixels.php), I'd need a camera with at least 8 mega pixels.

I was looking at some cameras online, and the Panasonic DMC-LX3 looked appealing, and has a 720p shooting mode.

Budget is $600, but obviously, cheaper the better.

[gotak]

Just look online at sites like dpreview. A lot of P&S now have HD recording.

LX3 is a good choice unless you want more reach with the lens.

$600 is pretty much a top end budget for point and shoot cameras. You can pick whatever is out there and it'll be more or less within your budget. If you can stretch a bit you can get the Panasonic GF-1 which isn't a point and shoot but provide you with better image and video quality. It's bigger though and the lens is interchangeable and doesn't collapse into the body. It is a lot better though for photos than even the very good LX3.

Here are others:
http://www.vistek.ca/store/DigitalCameras/242925/canon-powershot-sx200-digital-camera-black.aspx

http://www.vistek.ca/store/DigitalCameras/242655/canon-powershot-sd780-digital-camera-black.aspx

There are lots of them and unlike DSLR don't tend to get as well reviewed. But in general from experience Canon, Sony and Panasonic make good P&S cameras.