1 comments about DigiLife All-in-One DDV-C330 Camcorder.

1. Bought one awhile back and i'm still using it. Works great and it wasn't to expensive.

2 comments about DXG DXG-589V 5.0 MegaPixel Ultra-Compact Digital Camcorder and Media Player.

1. We cannot recommend the DXG 5.0MP Ultra-Slim Digital Camcorder -- and perhaps some extra scrutiny should be given to any product from DXG.
   
   We purchased the unit for evaluation, based on mfg features and benefits. Unfortunately we found not only poor workmanship and construction, but poor image quality as well. The view panel seemed poorly attached and all materials seemed thin and fragile. Controls are small and difficult to operate, and the software not intuitive. No memory card was included.
   
   The video smeared badly, has poor color balance and is considered unacceptable video and audio quality. File transfers to computer were problematic and actually did not work at all on the Mac. In today's world, making a video camera not Mac compatible is totally unacceptable.
   
   BEWARE : this camera is ONLY available through 3rd party vendors as well -- NOT AMAZON. Our attempts on any support have been problematic, and the vendor has a 30 day return policy, and does NOT pay freight.
   
   We CANNOT recommend this product nor the vendor.
   
   DTG Magazine



2. This product was exactly what I wanted it is small and compact, good quality images and sound.

1 comments about VistaQuest DV7B 7 Megapixel Digital Video Camera (Blue).

1. For some reason the video won't download with the program that comes with the camera. From what I've read on the 'net, I'm not the only one with that problem. Can't figure out how to download music to it, but I didn't buy it for the mp3 player.
   The camera part is awesome. It takes wonderful pix for it's pixel size. Very easy to use (aside from the video download and the mp3), and it IS an awesome price. All in all, I'm very pleased with it and I would recommend it as a digital camera.
   If anyone out there knows how to get the video to download let me know.

No comments about SVP HDDV-3001 12MP Max. 6-in-1 Multi-Functional Camcorder with Rare Huge Flip LCD!.

5 comments about Sony DCR-HC21 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom.

1. The camera is great, the image cuality is awesome and the conection to the computer trough digital cable absolutely aginst dummys.
   
   I recomend it.



2. I bought this camera a year ago for general family use. For that purpose, this camera is fine (a wider angle lens would have been nice). Its color capture is great, it's ergonomic, light weight, everything a camcorder should be--with one major exception.
   
   No EXTERNAL MICROPHONE PORT!!!
   
   Big deal. So what? The built in mike is mediocre at best. If you need to isolate a set of sounds or voices (say, recording a small group conversation, or interviewing someone in public), you're screwed--because this camcorder lacks the one feature included on most camcorders since the invention of camcorders--an external microphone port. Instead, they include a LANC port (not for microphones) that you can use to sync together multiple Sony camcorders. Most people I've talked to (including the store that sold me the camcorder) have no idea what a LANC port is nor what it does.
   
   A microphone port would have made this camcorder functionally complete. Sony engineers included one on all of the other DCR-HC series--why not this one?
   
   Dirty pool, Sony. Dirty pool indeed.



3. This is the first Sony product I've ever bought - paid $400 and a year later paid $310 to fix dead firewire port that only successfully completed one video transfer from camera to computer. It took them 3 months to fix it. How can I possibly buy another Sony?



4. I used this camera a handful of times, I noticed that the lcd and viewfinder was black. I was able to hear audio but no video. I did some research and found out Sony had a lawsuit against them regarding the CCD on some of their cameras. Well they refused to fix the DCR HC21 because it was not on their list but the problem was exactly the same. I will never buy another Sony product again.



5. I have owned this camera for two years now and it has work flawlessly. It is my first video camera of any kind and it is better and easier to use than I expected. The picture quality is great and the size makes it easy to take anywhere. I did not expect it to be the best camera on the market but I am satisfied with what I got for the price and when I'm ready, I'll upgrade to a more expensive, better camera (after two years I'm still happy with this one).
   
   As for some of the bad points brought up in other reviews:
   
   >"The software that comes with it is junk" - this is true, use the software that came on your computer or spend a little money and buy video editing software. You'll be happy you did, even the cheap ones work fairly well and the more expensive ones just get better.
   
   >"There is no microphone/headphone jack" - No, there isn't, but many comparable cameras have the same problem, this is usually something you find on a camera that's a bit more expensive.
   
   >"Customer Service is Poor" - I don't know as I have had no reason to deal with them.

5 comments about JVC Everio GZMG21 20GB HDD Digital Media Camcorder with 32x Optical Zoom.

1. a good DV camcorder! the reason i did not rate it as 5 stars is i don't like its light function. The light is a little bit weak.



2. This camera does what I want; allows me to take quality footage of my daughter as she continues to grow. I don't record film footage in a cave, so I have no complaints about the low light conditions. If what you're looking to do is capture precious moments as keepsakes, then this ought to meet the need.
   Pros:
   *Hard drive storage, so no disks to tote
   *Small bodied, light weight
   *Easy connection to TV or other media for playback
   *Controls are fairly easy to navigate
   Cons:
   *Battery life is short; buy a spare or two, as well as a separate charger (shop online for bargains)



3. I purchased this a few months ago, and am not very happy with it. Operationally and functionally it works fine. However, I'm not at all happy with the quality of the videos/pictures. I had a small digital I bought for $125 and the video quality is the same. Also, even after making the adjustments and settings recommended for low-light and indoor photography, it is not very good. And then, you have to reset for outdoors, then reset for indoors, etc. If it involved one or two adjustments, it would be fine but it's a lot of hassle for poor quality you end up with. Also, this just may be me, but it's so light when you use zoom it's very hard to hold it steady and the image then gets blurred like it's out of focus. For a $500 range camera, I would look at something else.



4. its a great camera except burning the DVD procedure is hard. It was hard for me to Edit and burn the DVD. Its good for those people who have great knowledge of Photo/Movie editing software. indoor recording is not that great eigher. great for Outdoor recording.



5. We have had this unit for a year now and are pretty disappointed for the money we paid. We upgraded to this JVC hd model from a Panasonic minidv that was great. First indoors the camcorders light is nearly useless at more than three feet. The video picture qualty is terrible unless you turn the frame rate down. I think basicaly this is a good unit for the bright outdoors. The camera is well thought out functionally has great controlls. The software that came with it is somewhat usefull but not good or up to par for the cost. I sold our 5 year old panasonic for a 100 bucs and I really miss it.

3 comments about Sony Handycam DCR-TRV250 Studio - Camcorder - 540 Kpix - optical zoom: 20 x - Digital8.

1. We purchased this product in 8/03 and have hardly used it since then (maybe a total of 10 hours recording time). We brought the camera with us to record the first few moments of our second daughter's life and, wouldn't you know, that's when the camera started failing. We were able on that date to reset it and get a few moments of video. But the next time we turned the camera on, we got the same "error" message and could not reset. The "error" message was mysterious-- the code was not in the booklet that came with the camera (with the other error codes) but I found it online. The code combination revealed and error that we should be able to service, which was supposedly that the battery in the unit was not an Infolithium battery (Sony's patented battery) and should be replaced with the proper battery. Problem was, the Infolithium battery was in the unit and the code came up even with no battery in the unit (running on AC power). I looked online and found that several people had the same problem with their cameras. I contacted Sony and got absolutely nowhere with them after speaking to 6 people and 3 levels of management. They were incredibly evasive, gave conflicting information and ultimately did not care whether I, the customer, remained a satisfied loyal Sony consumer or not. I tried to explain that the issue clearly indicated a defect in the product, not a wear and tear issue, and that Sony is responsible to correct defects (this product, in fact, already had one defect recall out (four years after the problem first was reported) because the LCD screen fails). Sony wants $225 to repair this camera, which you can see is ridiculous in light of the camera's price. All in all, the camera has been a failure and Sony is not a responsible manufacturer.



2. I bought this used an unlike the reviewer above found Sony to be excellent when it came to the recalled CCD program. This camcorder didn't work yet Sony repaired it throughly. Now it is better than new, shots perfect, captures stills, streams video like a vcr and is one of the very few with a night vision. I really like this unit. I'm selling it because that is what I do, plus I want a DVD or a hard drive camcorder.



3. I have had this camcorder for about 4 years now and I have to say it is the best. I was recently in the market for a new camcorder simply because I wanted to update my video equipment. I decided to look into several different formats and I have to tell you that the quality of the new camcorders are horrible as compared to this.
   
   The New camcorders (Optional Reading)
   I have tried several camcorders as I was looking for a light weight smaller camcorder. Let me tell you about my experience. The first camcorder I purchased was a Hitachi Hybrid Camcorder DV-HS500A. This is a combination Hard Disk Drive and DVD camcorder that I got open box at Circuit City. I was very impressed with it for about four hours. When it got dark I noticed that the picture quality is horrible in low light. I tried all settings and I must tell you it was of no avail, so off I went back to Circuit City. I then bought a JVC GRD-850 which was a great
   camcorder except I could not download any video to the PC. This is because it had a firewire port however it was disabled. Finally, I tried a Panasonic PV-GS85 but the picture quality was way off and washed out. Not to mention the grainy video in low light. This is when I finally gave up.
   
   The DCR-TRV250
   The big thing about this sony camcorder is its many features. The biggest feature is the availablilty of the HI-8 Camcorder tapes. Why is this a feature? because its cheap. Best of all, each tape holds 120 mins of
   recording. A MiniDV tape holds 60 mins max, a DVD 30 mins and a Flash drive....well it depends on the Flash Drive. Right now the only thing that holds more time is a Hard Drive Camcorder.
   
   Picture Quality
   Pictures quality is live and vibrant and accurately reproduces the true colors of the scene.
   
   Night shooting
   Because of the 1/6" single CCD night shots are incredible. Very little grain, if any at all. The best thing is the bright light built into the unit and Night-Shot which gives you night vision.
   
   Still Camera
   This is not one of the best features. The camera is < 1MP and records onto the tape, but trust me your better off using a digital camera.
   
   Battery Life
   The supplied battery last about 1 hour depending on if your using the LCD or the viewfinder. I recommend the viewfinder. The extended life battery lasts about 4 hours. I tend to use both batteries.
   
   Backlighting
   Here is a feature that I like, if the background is brighter than the foreground (ie. the sun is behind you) you can press the backlight button to brighten your face. CAUTION: Do not point the camera directly into the sun, it will damage the CCD Sensor.
   
   Output and Connectivity
   The Camera comes with the a S-Video connector to connect to a TV's S-Video port, a A/V Out connector to connect to the RCA Connector, Firewire to connect to the computer and a USB Port as another connection to the computer.
   
   Overall this is a great camcorder however it is not without its caveats.
   
   1. Its Heavy.
   2. It does not interface with Vista.
   3. Large compared to newer camcorders.
   4. No memory stick slot.
   
   
   The good points.
   1. Stable and proven technology
   2. Night vision
   3. Excellent in low light conditions.
   4. Backlighting.
   5. Video light.
   6. In-expensive tapes and 120 mins in LP Mode.
   7. Download videos to PC using most available video software (ex. Windows Movie Maker)
   8. Adjustable viewfinder.
   
   A great buy. Pick this up if you can. Many people still search for this camcorder as it is backwards compatible with 8mm tapes.

5 comments about Panasonic PV-GS29 MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom.

1. I like the camara and the zoom was good. I returned it because I was very disappointed with the resolution. In todays world, I expected better.



2. I bought this camcorder recently and am very happy with it. It is very easy to use and has good recording quality. The low light indoors isn't great but no camcorders in this price range are. I've used it several times and it works fine. I recommend this and the price is unreal.



3. This is very nicely built, simple features, takes still pics as well.
   As long as your not a professional filmer that needs HD, go for it.
   Video & sound quality is great.



4. I WANTED A NEW CAMCORDER. I DO LIKE THE VHS-C VERSIONS, BUT THE QUALITY IS NOT AS GOOD AS A HI8 FROM SONY WHICH I HAVE. I DID NOT WANT TO SPEND ALOT OF MONEY. I KNOW A NEW CAMCORDER WOULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE. I FIGURED, IF I CAN FIND A USED, BUT IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH A GOOD PRICE, I WOULD BUY IT. AFTER LOOKING AROUND ON AMAZON, I FOUND THIS GREAT LITTLE CAMCORDER. I WAS SO SURPRISED HOW SMALL AND COMPACT IT WAS, WITH FEATURES OF A VHS-C AND A HI8. IT USES MINI DIGITAL TAPES WITH A 90 MINUTE RECORDING TIME. IT HAS A BUILT IN LIGHT, LARGE LCD SCREEN, A JOYSTICK TYPE OF CONTROL, WHICH IS VERY EASY TO USE. YOU CAN PLAYBACK ON YOUR TV WITH THE RCA CABLES, OR USE A PC WHICH I SEE IT CAN DO, BUT I'M NOT REALLY INTERESTED IN DOING THAT, CAUSE I USE MY DIGITAL CAMERA. IN FACT, YOU CAN TAKE PICTURES ON THE CAMERA MODE. YOU HAVE TO PRESS IT LIGHTLY, CAUSE IF YOU DON'T, YOU CAN GET MORE THAN ONE PICTURE OF THE SAME THING. YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR THE SHUTTER WHEN YOU ARE TAKING THE PICTURE. THE ZOOM AND VOLUME CONTROLS ARE ONE IN THE SAME. WHEN YOU PLAYBACK WHAT YOU RECORD. ZOOM FOR RECORDING, VOLUME WHEN USING PLAYBACK. IT SAYS STEREO ON THE LOWER FRONT OF THE CAMCORDER. THE BATTERY LASTS A LONG TIME, BUT YOU ALWAYS NEED ANOTHER ONE, WHICH I ORDERED FROM AMAZON. IT COMES WITH A BATTERY CHARGER LIKE A VHS-C, SO YOU CAN USE THE CAMERA, WHILE CHARGING ANOTHER. IT FITS RIGHT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND, AND THE CONTROLS ARE GOOD FOR A RIGHT HANDED PERSON, IF YOUR A SOUTHPAW, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE PROBLEMS, I KNOW, CAUSE MY SISTER IS A LEFTIE AND IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY. IF YOUR RIGHTHANDED LIKE ME YOU SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM. THE ONLY THING I DID NOT LIKE WAS, THE PLAYBACK IS NOT AS CLEAR AS A HI8, AND YOU HAVE TO MOVE THE CAMERA SLOWLY, CAUSE IT GETS BLURRY. ONE GREAT PLUS IS THE VIEWFINDER IS IN COLOUR WHEN THE LCD DOOR IS CLOSED. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE, IT'S VERY HELPFUL. OF COURSE, IF YOU WANT A BETTER PICTURE QUALITY, YOU NEED A MORE EXPENSIVE MODEL, OR A HI8 WHICH I FIND HAS THE BEST QUALITY WHEN IT COMES TO USING TAPE CAMCORDERS. IF YOUR GOING ON A TRIP, IT'S FANTASTIC. YOU DON'T HAVE TO CARRY AROUND THE OLD-FASHIONED CAMCORDERS, WITH EXTRA TAPES AND LARGE BATTERIES. EVEN THE BATTERY IS VERY SMALL, BUT DOES NOT LACK QUALITY. THE CAMERA IS SMALL, THE TAPES AND EXTRA BATTERY ARE SMALL, HOW CAN YOU LOSE.... I'M GIVING IT A 4 RATING FOR THE BLURRY PICURE YOU CAN GET IF YOU ARE MOVING AROUND TOO FAST WHILE RECORDING. I HAVE YET TO RECORD OUTSIDE CAUSE I JUST GOT IT. LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT. I HOPE THIS HELPS. THANK YOU.



5. I have been using panasonic camcorders since the last 6 years. I have found the Panasonic pvgs29 to be very impressive. I wanted an economical camcorder that had a high optical zoom (very important - not digital zoom) and this was the right piece. I often use it for family videos and i am impressed with the video quality that this camcorder produces. It comes with a AV cable that i use to connect to TV and watch...awesome clarity in my 1080i TV. If you are looking for a not so expensive that give great recording quality there is no looking further.

5 comments about Aiptek MPVR 6MP MPEG4 Digital Camcorder with 4x Digital Zoom.

1. The camera will not download into my pc. There is a problem with the download port on the camera. I e-mailed the manufacturer and as of yet have not recieved a response.



2. My husband bought this for my birthday almost 1 1/2 years ago. The camera took blurry pictures and the video is only able to record is you stand still and not walk around. Otherwise the movie becomes distorted.



3. I ordered one of these camcorders, it worked for less than a year, rather than go thru the hassle of repairing it thru the mnfr, like an idiot I ordered another one just like it thinking I could save money using same batteries and chips...wrong. Second video camera arrived in april, dead in June. does not recognize the memory chip, says the memory is full in five minutes with a 2 gig chip? no way. emailed tech support, email bounces, called tech support, guess what...sorry we are experiencing a HIGH VOLUME OF CALLS TODAY, ...duh....i guess so. what a waste of money. do not buy this brand. junk.



4. it works fine, the only problem is that the image drags if motion is medium to high speed. not SDHC compatable so use no bigger than a 2gb card.



5. I got this camera for Christmas awhile back, and I adored it! This camera takes amazing photos and for a great price, too ! I'd recommend it to anyone. (:

5 comments about Aiptek DV5900 5MP Pocket Digital Camcorder.

1. This is my first camera and I use it for still photos and for video. The flash drains the batteries, so try not to use it too often. The sound for the video almost sounds like talking in a can. If the camera is held very still the picture is fine. If room is slightly dark, the camera will not pick up anything in the room. The camera is handy when traveling, but is hard to hold when filming.



2. The camera and video work, but neither are the best quality. I bought it for my 17 yr old though and she loves it and uses it all the time. I guess it depends on what you are using it for. If you want good quality pics this is not the best choice in a camera.



3. I bought this camera with the undrestanding that it was small and the price gave away the fact that you may not get much. But I never would have thought one could box such a peice of poo and let/allow others to purchas it. My story of "Joy, to This isnt even a good toy" I wanted something compact that my wife could purse away until our children did somethig cute or fun. We were able to use it twice with the children and then the dial on the sidr containing features fell off...and i mean not just the knob but even the switch attached to the curcuit board...so after two grainy videos that made my kids heads look like MAX HEADROOM it was finished...I should have and now can suggest to everyone that you should save a few more $99 and get something way better



4. After maybe two or three videos with this product, it gave out on me. I pressed the button, it stuck and never worked again. No damage or misuse. I didn't expect much, but I was at least expecting it to last a little longer.



5. I got this camera about 4 mos. ago, and have waited until I fully used the camera a lot to write this review. So here we go:
   
   The Pros:
   
   1. This is a cheap camera, and won't hurt your budget.
   
   2. This is a great camcorder for vacations, where optimum picture quality isn't your number one concern.
   
   3. This camcorder is small and very easy to operate.
   
   4. The camcorder comes with a USB cable and it is easy to post videos and pictures onto your computer.
   
   5. It's a camera and camcorder all in one.
   
   The CONS:
   
   1. This camcorder ISN'T COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS VISTA. I found this out the hard way, when I couldn't even so much as play my videos on my computer, unless I uploaded them on Youtube, then watched them. I watched the videos on my brother's computer, which has XP, and it was fine. So watch out.
   
   2. This camera comes with features that actually take away from the quality: For example, there is a built-in microphone that sounds like you're talking into a tin can. Also, the camera is only battery powered (2 AA batteries), with no AC adapter. If you even wanted an AC adapter, there is no jack on the camcorder to use one.
   
   3. The product eats your batteries if you happen to film anything over an hour in length. Duracell usually lasts longer, but I'd recommend lithium batteries so they last. Cheap, dollar store batteries take about five minutes to die. Also, the flash on the camera will drain fully powered batteries.
   
   4. Whenever you record a video and stop, that is the end of the video and you cannot continue the same recording on the same file. For example, if you were making a movie just for fun, and you stopped the recording to cut a scene, you'd have to start another video file to do that. It's irritating if you're trying to make a movie.
   
   5. The picture quality suffers drastically unless the lighting is really bright.
   
   6. The zoom is worthless, and when you zoom something, it is just blurry.
   
   Well, that's about it. If you want a camera to kind of fool around with, here you go. If you want a camera to do anything semi-serious with, you should just pay a hundred more and get a better one.
   
   If you want to see examples of the camera in use, check out my youtube page: www.youtube.com/user/fillingthevoidreview
   
   Good luck.