Looking for an ultra-zoom that can capture in 16/9.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

In doing research to buy an ultra-zoom, I noticed that the Panasonic
DFC Z20 & Z30 and possibly others in the range can capture at 1080i HD
TV resolution. Do any other cameras in that class offer the safe
feature?
I realise that the sensors and TFT are 4/3 ratio, so I'm wondering how
the shots are framed in the TFT when shooting 16/9? Does anybody have
experience of this?

I'm looking to mix stills with HD video, which is why I figure it
would be easier to shoot the stills in 16/9.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Fri, 16 Sep 2005 16:40:59 GMT, junktin <junktin@telus.net> wrote:

>I just put my Panasonic FZ20 into HDTV mode and took a test shot. The
>resulting picture as viewed on the LCD screen both before taking it and
>when viewing the result had about 1/8 inch black bands on the top and
>bottom of the screen CROPPED from what would be viewed in the normal
>high quality mode. That is, detail I could view at the top and bottom
>of the viewed scene in my normal shooting mode is not visible in HDTV
>mode so I would have to move back slightly to get that in if I desired
>it. At least what you see in the screen before you take the photo seems
>like what you would get in the final photo.
>
>Dave
Thanks Dave,
I understand what you're saying but I'm not clear on how the
experience was for you. Would you be happy to shoot a lot of footage
in 16/9 aspect ratio?