I have gone OT a few times here on this matter so figure once more as we now have the outcome!
Opened my new Panasonic Lumix FZ 35 today and shot a test vid in low light to check the ability of the autofocus. This was done in the AVCHD Lite setting but rendered to AVI to show on
Youtube. Much better than the Canon SX1 IS which I sent back today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_3_ZwpeY5E
This is a similar video only this is an AVI rendering from an MPEG 4 original as opposed to the AVCHD Lite in the first test vid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58gh0JAx57I
Just came in (12:30am Dec 24- Happy Christmas Eve!)- dawned on me let's see what this thing does for the night sky- checked scene modes and had "starry sky"! Choose 15, 30, or 60 second exposure! I chose 60. Wow.
I have to send you to it on Photobucket so you can really get this! (click to enlarge.) Note Orion at the top, and the movement of the stars during the exposure! This is incredible!
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn133/ejud2001/20101223SkyNight.jpg
The camera itself is lighter, and only slightly larger than my beloved Oly C-740. Much bigger LCD screen on back, and bigger lens. Also has threads for attaching auxiliary lenses, such as a poloroid and UV lenses or the 2x and 1/2 x options.
Will be giving it a run at WDW over Christmas...
Thank you for your indulgence and I think we have a winner!
Jud