1 comments about Hitachi DZGX5080A DVD Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom.

1. I bought this camera to replace a Sony Digital 8 that went bad. I wanted to save the time of putting my tapes on DVD, and figured I'd buy a DVD camera.
   
   I like the compact size of it, and it has a decent optical zoom. You can also film in widescreen mode, which is cool, but you can't switch between 16:9 and 4:3 on the same DVD.
   
   Now for the downsides. The main one is that when I try to play back a DVD on the camera (whether it is finalized or not) sometimes I get severe pixelation - to the point where the camera pauses playback. If I put the finalized DVD in any of my players, it works fine. I don't know if this is expected behavior, but I wouldn't think so. I emailed Hitachi support about it a couple of weeks ago, and I've heard no response.
   
   Another problem is the indoor video. The color and contrast are poor. I even bought this model with the light to try to avoid that, but it doesn't help much. Actually, it is too direct, and not powerful enough. This results in it being very harsh within about 5 feet, and ineffective past about 10 feet. Outdoor shots look pretty good.
   
   One last comment is on the finalizing. The automatic indexing is nice, but you have to have the camera plugged in to finalize the DVD. I guess this makes sense, but it is a little inconvenient.
   
   So, overall this purchase has been a bit of a let down.

1 comments about Canon HG10 AVCHD 40GB High Definition Camcorder + Accessory Kit Bundle.

1. Gift for my wife.
   The time she used it she loved it.
   I managed to drop it on a hard floor as I always do and it's like it never happened. And thats good enough for me.

5 comments about Samsung SC-DC173U DVD Camcorder with 34x Optical Zoom.

1. While I bought this as a christmas present for my wife, She has yet to be able to use it. She tried to record a small video and it would not play back. Then the camera started telling her weird things like, the disk is not formated and do you want the camera to format it. When we answered yes, the same message just continued to come up. I called Samsung and was told that there was a patch I could download onto a dvd which could be put in the camera to correct the problem. When I told them I did not have a DVD burner, they offered to send me a disk. After waiting 2 weeks, the disk arrived but was on a full sized CD rather than the mini DVD so I could not put it in the camera to download. I borrowed a computer with a DVD burner and copied the file onto a mini DVD. Then when I put it in the camera, the camera told me the disc was bad. I did this three times with three different discs and the results were the same each time.
   
   I have now sent the camera back to the on-line store which sent the camera. They indicated that they will send me a new one. I am just hoping the software patch has been installed on the new camera when I get it and my problems are resolved. I was hoping to just get my money back and try a different brand but at this point, the distributor just wants to send me the same camera.
   
   Based on my experience to date with Samsung, I don't think I would buy anything else from that company.



2. I've had nothing but problems from this camera. It sucks the battery down lightening fast, it won't shut off sometimes and this weekend, it would skip on the recordings so it didn't record all of the event I was trying to capture. Returning this immediately!



3. Camcorder is Ok but it seems like the batteries go down to easy. Tried
   several batteries, but have the same results.



4. I don't usually write reviews but, I feel the need to let everyone know what a poor camcorder this is. I unfortuantely didn't do any research prior to buying on black friday 1 week before my new baby was to be born. The whole 8 mos that I have owned this I was only able to record and finalize 1 disk with no problems (the 1st disk) since then it stops recording mid disk says "write error" & it won't finalize. I thought maybe it was the disk so I bought some more/different brand of dvd-r it worked fine then mid disk same thing when I press record it says "write error" doesn't record or finalize this time it erased the month worth of taping my new baby. I tried to take it back to the store were I purchased but, since I didn't buy a protection plan and it was over 30 days I am stuck with it. Called Samsung and I have to send it in for the repair. My son is about to crawl anyday and it will be missed. I am not the only one with this problem. Now that I have done some research a lot of people are having the same problem. For something as important as taping precious memories I wish I would have paid more for a better camera. Memories are priceless.



5. I was given this camcorder as a Christmas present when I gave birth to twin girls. I recorded on it and found it would not finalize and repeatedly received a disk error message. I tried again and got the same message. Now I have two unviewable disks with precious family memories on them. When I called customer support I got a woman who barely spoke English who went through several steps with me and then told me to only purchase Memorex RW disks. There should be a warning with the camera. Nowhere in the owners manual is a specific brand name disk mentioned. I did use a Sony disk once and it did finalize but am at a loss as to what to do with others. I am very unhappy with this product.

No comments about JVC Everio GZ-HD30 80 GB AVCHD High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

5 comments about Panasonic PV-GS85 MiniDV Camcorder with 32x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

1. My five year old Sony CCDTRV87 8mm camcorder quit working so it was time for a new video camera since I have small children. Did a lot of research and although most people are pointing to Sony for the product they like, I just couldn't buy another $600 camcorder from Sony and have to replace it in five years. This was the second camcorder from that brand that I had owned and quit after 5 years and I take very good care of them.
   
   I have owned other Panasonic equipment and am very satisfied with their products so after reading great reviews on the PV-GS85, I ordered one. Very fast delivery from Amazon, only four days and it was here.
   
   The Good: Light weight, great picture for sub $300 camcorder. Not as good in low light as the old 8mm. Battery life is 30 minutes with standard supplied battery. After playing with menus for a few days, it was easy to navigate to any functions needed for record or playback. Built in light is a big plus although only good for short range.
   
   The Bad (atleast for me): During playback there is no date/time stamp on the video. I am used to seeing the date superimposed on the video at the beginning of each new recording session on a new day. The date would flash on for a few seconds so that you would know when the shot was taken. This camera has no such function and I assumed that it did since I have owned other brand camcorders (all the way back to 1986 VHS-C) and they all had that date/time function. I found that the date is available if you use the analog output (not in any part of the owners manual) but it is on all the time and is annoying to see all through the video. So if you edit the tapes and transfer to DVD as I do, you have to find video editing software to manually insert an overlay to display the date. And if the tape was shot over a long period of time, you will have to take notes to remember the dates the events took place. Very disappointing for me.



2. 
   After searching for a while for a ~300 dollars mini-dv camera, i decided for this one and i dont regret it.
   
   Has a very good video quality and a steady shot for photos, took pictures from moving cars or on the move and the optical stabilizers are quite good.
   On top of that has a 32x optical zoom to match, those two allows you to take great pictures or film from very far.
   Has decent low light capabilities.
   That turn on/off function when closing the LCD is quite good.
   
   Cons:
   The light is not very useful.
   Comes with a 45~60 minutes battery, larger ones makes imposible to use the viewfinder.
   You have to remove the battery to access AC power, USB and firewire.
   Cannot charge the battery while you have the camera connected to AC
   
   Resuming, is a very good camera in the fundamentals and im happy with it.



3. The PV-GS85 is one of many Digital camcorders I've tried in the last two years, and so far the one that has come closest to filling my need for a versatile consumer grade camcorder to replace my old Analog VHS PV-43 which broke after 13 years and 40+ hours of flawless service. Without going into boring detail, the PV-GS85 offers comprehensive manual controls accessible ( with some dexterity ) using one hand, and can even record stills to the SD card "while" shooting video. Low light performance comes close to matching my PV-43 something that was the norm on old Analog camcorders, but very rare on the new Digital models. It also uses MiniDV which uses a tape like the old Analog camcorders which to some may seem a disadvantage, however it provides the least compression artifacts in a lossless form that you can archive and label with a pen just like the old Analog tapes unlike DVDs where the ink migrates into the media. It also has Optical image stabilization, a very large field of view, a battery which will last as long a tape, as well as an external battery charger which is included. All in all a nice well executed camcorder. Panasonic even offers an optional 10 watt video light ( at extra cost ) that mounts on the cameras cold shoe.
   This cameras not perfect, it doesn't have a microphone jack or manual focus ring like my old PV-43, nor are the stills of great quality ( only one of the camcorders I tested took decent, not great stills and had a flash - it's best to stick with a dedicated camera for stills )but it does provide possibly the best compromise available today. As always, do some research an try out different camcorders and have a clear idea of your expectations before deciding to buy and you'll be happier.



4. This camcorder is great for the normal person. It was not made for the sim-pro or pro vedio maker. This is a very good camcorder for the price. It is easy to work, has great Zoom and the OIS is great. I have used this camcorder every where. Please stay away from the PV-GS80, for a few dollars more you can get the PV-GS85 that does a lot more and I had the 80 and had problems with it the 85 is so much better.



5. as mine. but mine possibly seemed to have poor (defective?) cmos sensor. As a result. autofocus was extremely slow and also resolution dropped too low even in the shade, not mentioning real low light. Overall picture quality in SP was worse than with my old Panasonic with same 680kpix sensor in LP. Maybe just my bad luck...
   Great features are: fantastic OIS; VERY comfortable finger controls; webcam capability.

1 comments about Panasonic SDR-SW20S Waterproof Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom - Silver.

1. Panasonic SDR-SW20 is pretty specific camcorder designed for pretty specific individual. Having wrote that, allowed me to explained some of the good points about this camcorder. First thing you notice is that its a pretty small camcorder and very light. In fact, this camcorder is smaller then some of the point and shoot cameras out there and I brought a p/s camera case to stored this camcorder in. Second thing is that its super easy to use. Its very minimal in design and dial switch with simple on and off button to record. And yes, this camcorder is waterproof and you can dunk it up to five feet as noted. If it waterproof, then it got to be dustproof as well. I haven't tried bouncing this camcorder off the floor but I'll take the manufacturer's word on the shock-proof. It has a 10x optical zoom that worked just fine while recording and an electronic stabilizer that works pretty well. The camcorder do come with several scene modes, manual focus as well as aperture and shutter speed control although its at a pretty basic level. The 2.7 inch LCD worked just fine and its in widescreen mode. The still photo are shot in 4:3 mode. All videos and photos are save on the SD card. I recommended that you get at least 2 gig to get started. It does accept SDHC cards although the manual states that you are better off using a Panasonic brand or else it might not work properly. I'll just buy more 2 gig cards instead.
   
   For the negative side of this camcorder, the video image isn't very good. I would regard the video image to be just average, nothing to blow your mind on but its better then you hope for. The video image really get "noisy" when shooting in dark locations or night times. Its still acceptable but barely at times. Its far superior then the Flip video device but far less then some of the more expensive ones. Let me put it this way, bigger the screen, worst it will look. Smaller the screen, better it will look. This applied even at the XP mode, their highest rating. This camcorder does take still photos but only at .3 mpx, no better then a phone camera. The audio is bit on the weak side and you will get a lot of debris noises no matter what you do.
   
   Reason for my four stars is this, despite of the video image shortcomings, this camcorder fitted my need. I wanted something small, light and bombproof from the elements in a camcorder. I can live with the average video in such a trade off. Due to the size and weight, I can take this camcorder anywhere and used it almost anytime. I like to hike, bike and backpack so this camcorder is perfect. (Of course, bring extra batteries since battery life is pretty short due to the small li-on battery they use for this camcorder.) I supposed it even possible to attached this camcorder to dashboard or on a bike handle and used it that way. The LCD cover does not have to be open for this thing to record. My camcorder fit my needs perfectly but unless your needs are like mine's, you may not be happy with this camcorder since the video image is not as good as bigger ones out there. Just be aware of that.

5 comments about RCA EZ101 Small Wonder Camcorder with 1.5-Inch LCD Screen.

1. i recently purchased the RCA small wonder cam recorder and so far have enjoyed using it completely. it's just so neat and easy to use.
   Sincerly, Mr. G



2. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2RQZCOLW2EW0 The RCA Small Wonder is fantastic. Considering its size and weight, it packs a wollop in terms of visuals and sound. Simple to use. Simple to upload and share. Handy to take everywhere. I've found multiple uses for work and created the character above for safety and product promos. Everyone loves him -- fundamental production quality, but that's part of his charm!



3. the RCA Little Wonder produces great pictures for such a small camera. The movies are easily stored on i-Photo and edited wiith i-Movie. The images viewed on a lcd TV are really great. At $75 this is really a great buy!



4. I bought this problematic beast because of all these glowing reviews and I have to wonder if all of you are RCA employees.
   
   Good- Sure this scrap heap records video.
   
   Bad- It has a corrupted little mind of its own. I can erase every last video then turn it off and later when I need to use it, it will list 22 minutes recording time remaining, sometimes its 24 or 28 but hardly ever a full 30 minutes.
   
   It doesn't use memory cards so you're stuck running back to your laptop to upload the video's every time its full, even though it has some kind of slot in the top that NO ONE knows what for?!
   
   I can record a special moment only to find out later that this creature fails to save it. This has happened to me several times and RCA's advice on reformatting the recorder and installing the latest software from their site hasn't solved anything.
   
   Sometimes I have to turn it off and on again just to stop the endless cycling of recorded video's and get it to read ready to record.
   
   It drains battery life quick, I really suggest buying rechargeable's for this vampire.



5. This was recommended to me by new parents. I sent it to my daugter and soninlaw. They love it. Compact and easy to use. I get a new video of my grandson daily. Just put it in your pocket and go. Very simple to use.

5 comments about DXG DXG-506V 5.0 MegaPixel Multi-Functional Camera with MPEG4 Technology (Silver).

1. We had actually purchased this item with the intent of shooting close-up shots of fancy color diamonds (like yellows and oranges etc) but quickly saw that that wasn't going to work. Even in Macro mode we couldn't get a really good close-up shot of the diamonds in addition to the fact that the true colors were waaaay off. (A Fancy color yellow diamond looked like a regular white diamond in the video)
   
   All in all though it seems a pretty nifty camera for regular shooting of people and events and what not. So we gave it 4 stars.
   
   Daniel Mokhtar DBMdiamonds.com



2. My 2.1 mega pixel phone camera produces better pics than this. I have yet to have a decent pic from this camera. Everything pic I have take is either dark or blurred. If you want to use it as a a web cam it does a decent job. I have regretted buying this crap, that I just packed it in a corner. The videos are just as poor or even worst.
   
   To create a product of such poor quality at that price, is nothing short of greed.
   
   If you opt to buy after my warning then you deserve what you get.



3. The best word that I can come up with to describe this camera is adequate. I did not expect this camera to be spectacular, but I did think that the camera would take decent pictures in dark places. I was wrong! This camera requires a certain amount of lighting. You can change the the brightness of the camera but that only helps a little. The pictures tend to be somewhat grainy if taken a few feet away. I did not try using the mp3 player, nor will I ever because I have no use for it(i have an ipod). I did end up getting a better but more expensive camera. Overall, I would recommend this camera if you are only going to use it in brightly lit locations and do not mind grainy pictures. If you want memorable good quality photographs, I would reccomend investing in a better camera.



4. This is the Honda Civic of digital vid cams.
   Compact, durable, reliable and functional. It's not a "luxury" model but it's better than a lot of other cameras that cost more money.
   
   Most of the people who are complaining about this cam are doing so based on totally unrealistic comparisons. You cannot compare the performance and functionality of an $800 camera to that of a $90 camera.
   
   First and foremost, this is a daylight "outdoor" type camera. This is not an all-purpose "shoot video anywhere" camera. As long as you use it in well lit areas, it's OK. If you're trying to shoot in dark areas or at night, forget it.
   
   I think the "all in one" functionality of the 506v goes a bit overboard (who is really going to use that MP3 player?) but the reason we all bought this model is for the video capacity, which works quite well in daylight. The ability to take decent still photos is a nice bonus. I've never used the voice recorder- the only times I've ever felt compelled to record the voice of something, I felt equally compelled to take video too, so I think the voice recorder may be a bit superfluous.
   
   Thankfully, SD cards have gotten really cheap, so it won't cost you too much to stick in a 2 or 4 gb card and have plenty of recording capability (appx. couple hours with a 2gb card). I'm guessing that the people who whine that the 32mb of built in memory "isn't enough" are pretty technologically unsavvy and had no idea what they were buying. Of course it "isn't enough". Spend the $10 or $15 on a 2gb card and you're pretty much set.
   
   On the issue of batteries... Some people say the AAA battery use instead of a battery pack is a con of this camera. Another reviewer astutely pointed out that a large portion of the costs associated with digital devices are in the battery (and the memory). DXG is able to keep the price on this camera low because the end user gets to decide how much memory they want (in terms of an SD card) and what battery solutions they want to go with. Me? I absolutely, 100% prefer the ability to use stock battery cells. Rechargable AAA's keep costs cheap with the added advantage of being able to run to the store for more cels in an emergency. Can't say the same thing about "battery packs".
   
   All in all, I'm really glad I chose this one. I purchased it for use at ourdoor events and as such, it suits that purpose. It isn't the last video camera you will ever purchase, but it is definitely the smallest, cheapest and handiest for outdoor users.



5. We received this camcorder as a gift and were smitten. What a coincidence that we were in the market for a camcorder and someone GAVE us one. We were pleased with how small this DXG was and I was excited to try it out.
   
   Then we immediately realized that it's not worth $150.00. It's not even worth $20.00 in my opinion, and so we gave it away.
   
   I don't know if there are camcorders in this price range that have better quality or not (as I bought a Canon FS100). But, the horrible quality cannot be ignored. The mp3 option is ridiculous; it is not a selling point and they should've spent such time and effort on better QUALITY than to incorporate mp3 capability. The camera feature is worse than some cell phones, even at 5 megapixels. I imagine that the Flip is better than this, albeit only 60 minutes record time and more expensive.
   
   To receive its "best" recording quality, use this camcorder outdoors in bright light. Any other lighting situation, be it indoors or out, really shows off its... failures.
   
   PROS: The compact size.
   It's very convenient to bring with you anywhere because it will fit in your back pocket or purse, which may lend itself to more use than your larger (better quality) camcorders.
   
   The only person I would recommend this product to are children. If dropped or broken, the price isn't too bad that you would have a heart attack. And, the recording quality is better than cell phones. So if you have an avid director on your hands that's 13 or under and tends to not care for their items, by all means, have them try this DXG out.
   
   If this product was marketed towards children, it would probably get better reviews. But alas, DXG tried to pull it off as an item that was worth it's features and price.

No comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 60GB Hard Drive & 12x Optical Zoom.

5 comments about Sony DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom.

1. I bought this camera as I wanted one that was easily carried because I travel a great deal. I read all the reviews prior to buying it and it has lived up to my expectations and the quality of the videos taken is excellent. I had second thoughts about it not having a light but it takes good videos in low ambient light conditions and the "night shot" feature works well.
   It is a very user friendly camera right out of the box. The only negative feature would be lack of a remote control but for a little more money, Sony makes a model with this feature. All around good camera for the price. You won't be disappointed.



2. I have an HC32 camcorder and my LCD display just died without much notice (it flickered one day and became dark with red hue and died). I searched the problem and it appears that a lot of people have shared a similar story on the net. It happened to my when my camera was about two years old. Similar problems have been reported on HC42 model as well. You may want to research this problem. I am not going to buy another SONY camcorder (it was my 3rd Sony Camcorder in 17 years...one of them still works). I was very happy with it till it worked. But, the LCD problem appears to be a widespread problem. Once the LCD display dies, you can't do much as most of the controls are through the touch screen.



3. This is my second Sony MiniDV camera (my dad dropped and broke my first one). It works great and provides good quality.
   
   There are lots of great comments and reviews out there, and I won't repeat all that stuff. Here are a few quick comments:
   
   - It's small enough to fit in a belly-pack or fanny-pack. That means it's easy to bring along. Cameras left at home don't deliver very good results!
   
   - I thought having the 40x optical zoom would be awesome. It is, but here's my caveat - it's virtually impossible to hand-hold the camera at full zoom and get a decent picture - even with the great image stabilization feature turned on. When you get past about 25x, you'll need a tripod or to brace the camera on a ledge or something.
   
   - Night vision (using an infra-red emitter to illuminate in total darkness) is a great feature, which most people overlook.
   
   Great stuff, as expected, from Sony!



4. Great value, easy to use. Good quality video, can't beat the 40X and features. I would recommend this camcorder to anyone looking for a quality, easy to use product on a low budget. But don't be fooled by the price, this camcorder has a better quality picture than my JVC that I paid $700.00 for three years ago.



5. i own this camera after upgrading from my first sony: a HC21. I like it a lot. It takes clear outdoor videos, Indoors i have to turn on the "back light" features to get a clear pictures. Besides, i edit the video on pc. I love the firewire port for best video quality. I make my home video look like a profesional just with this non-profesional camera.
   i have 2 extra batteries and an extra wall charger, for a serious amateur like me it is worthy ti get what i need. I dont want to run out-of power in the middle of an event.
   So far i am satisfied. I can also do color correction if need it. digital efects and titles, then i burn in DVD.
   I preffer Mini DV than HDD. In HDD every pause you do while recording, makes a thumbnail, when you transfer the video you may get about 200 thumbnails in a 2 hour video. It takes a headache to drop every thumbnail in the storyboard for video editing.
   But using firewire you get just one thumbnail. altought it takes longer to transfer the video, you have to play it to transfer it, and it takes that long.