Time for a digital camera?

Thank you snapshot2 for the info.

I do have a camcorder--what I would LIKE to have is a digital camera--one that is good enough to shoot indoors, in low light, and also able to capture HD video, without a lot of noise.

If I need to reduce the amount of megapixels, that's good to know.

And apparently, all the other qualities are pretty much a given.

Maybe I am so overwhelmed I don't even know what's possible anymore.

Are there any brands you prefer over others? Is there a way to plug this information in somewhere, and come up with a list?

Any models you know of that fit the bill?

Again, any help would be great, and I'll keep asking till I think I've found at least 2 choices.

Here are two sites that have search for specific features:

http://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu#!

http://www.imaging-resource.com/compact-cameras

I am guessing you want to video a music concert.
That is a common goal when someone wants a good low light video camera.
I have yet to see a satisfactory result from a digital camera.
The main problem is audio - digital cameras have a simple audio circuit and usually a cheap microphone.
If you are too close to the music, all you hear is the drums and a singing voice just disappears behind them.
Camcorders tend to have better audio circuits.

The video is usually pretty good. If there is blurring due to low light it is not that noticeable and usually acceptable.

It is difficult to capture a live concert. The result is not as good as a live performance.

Brands - stick with the name brands: Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, etc.


...

Thank you. You are definitely helping me, but I should have left you know what I plan on doing with the camera.
First, the reason I wanted video, was for capturing my dog and child interacting inside our home (i.e., low light). It seemed the reviews I read on this pointed to the sound of the zoom overpowering the actual interactions of the video subjects, and I will probably be uploading them to a facebook page--which is why I also want the digital still--so I'm able to get my pictures online.

I'm sorry to keep bugging you, but the more I read on websites and reviews, the more confused I get. . . .

You are unlikely to find a compact camera with a silent zoom motor. That is found on some DSLR camera lenses.
Canon calls theirs Ultrasonic motors.
Nikon calls theirs Silent Wave motors.

Such motors add to the cost.

Makers of compact cameras usually resort to trickery to mask out the sound of zoom motors and focus motors for video. Some will reduce microphone pickup during a zoom. Others will kill the microphone during zoom. Those tricks will be noticeable if there is background music present.

Most digital camera reviews fail to mention the problem of motor noise during zoom or focus.

If anyone knows of a silent zoom digital camera, let's hear about it.

..

The other noise that I want gone is when I take a picture and the mirror swings away. If I replace what I have, mirrorless is what I'll shop for.
Bob

Make sure your camera has an audio input jack. If you want to avoid zoom or focus noise, just use an external microphone. I know, it makes things a little less portable / convenient, but not unworkable.