How much optical zoom does a video camera need?

I need to buy a new point and shoot camera. (digital) and i need one with good zoom on picture and video.?

• i prefer canon powershots and was looking into the SD880, i currently have the SD750 and love it!!. i really need a camera that will capture the moment like during concerts and can take a good quality picture with a semi fast shutter. the 750 was slow but i still loved it. thanks in advance!

• Answer:

  If you are really on a budget and want the best quality for the money, check out the P&S Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 [with a Leica lense] which has more features than most pro DSLRs that require auxiliary lenses not even equal to the single initial full-range lense that comes with the FZ28. It is reviewed at: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/panasonic_fz28_pg5.html It just came out on November 4, 2008. It's an all-in-one 10.1 megapixel digital camera which includes (i) built-in image stabilization; (ii) HD720 quality video [Quicktime] which permits zooming while videoing skateboarding, action sports; (iii) a 18x zoom [27 - 486 mm (35mm equiv.)] "Leica" lense for nature and concert photography; (iv) up to 0.39 inch macro option; (v) up to 6400 ASA; (vi) takes up to 380 pictures per 120 min. battery charge; (vii) has a "burst speed" of 13 fps; and sells new for $430 at amazon.com. in the U.S. Here's an actual handheld picture of the moon: http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/bf/1b/a83ac060ada0881604bad110.L.jpg Good luck!