No comments about Panasonic VDR-M75 1MP DVD Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

5 comments about Sony DCR-TRV730 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode.

1. My comments on this camcorder are to help those who are not into specs but just plain English about this product.

   First, my dislikes about this camera is

   1. Black/White electric viewfinder - but the view is bright and clear
   2. Don't expect to take great clear 35mm quality still pictures. The print quality is a bit grainy. You are better off buying a separate camera for still pictures; but at times, it adds excitement having a still shot here and there on your video recordings.

   *Now, the good stuff* this is why this camcorder is rated a 5 (Best) *PICTURE QUALITY

   This is the best video picture quality camcorder that I have owned. I previously owned a Canon UC20 with 410,000 pixels (great picture quality). This Sony DCR-TRV730 has at least 1,070,000 (according to the manual) pixels, which produces great color, clear and sharp video quality video recordings.

   *Minimum Illumination needed is seven Lux/ zero Lux NightShot modes*

   I was most impressed with the "Infra-Red NightShot" capability. Again, clear, sharp pictures. I put this camera through a test and I did not use my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" - by recording in a room (with people inside the room) that was very dark - all lights were out and no sunlight. I was amazed with its quality and the clearness. The built-in infrared light was sufficient for a 20' X 30' size room. Note - NightShot will produce monochrome color. When I turn on my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" (which has the capability of using its infrared or halogen lighting) the distance shooting was even greater and brighter, sharper picture quality. I advise purchasing an optional video light for inside recording, so you will get brighter, truer color and clarity. Even without the video light, normal room lighting still produced nice quality, clear video pictures. With the NightShot turned off and no optional video light, you will need sufficient room lighting in order to have excellent picture quality.

   *Built-in 18X Optical /500X Digital Lens*

   I also purchased the optional Sony .7x 37mm Digital Camcorder High Resolution Wide-Angle Conversion Lens (VCL-HG0737X). This added additional width and depth to my recording. The built-in lens did not have sufficient "width" for my recording in small close areas inside my home.

   The supplied Infolithium battery pack with the Accupower meter system is rated for approximately 2.5 hours of recording. I was only able to get approx. 1.3 hours due to the way I take pictures - I work the camera - focusing in and out and using the fade mode, giving my video more of a professional appeal. I also make use of the Still Picture mode and use the Memory Stick to save those still pictures. I then transfer the pictures onto my computer. This battery communicates with the camcorder. It tells you how much remaining power in the viewfinder and on the back of the LCD display. Great tool and accessory.

   Super Steady Shot Picture Stabilization System allowed me to take smooth looking video even when I had the shakes. I put the camera through another test -- I recorded a picture while riding in an old vehicle with poor shocks absorbers - if it was the excellent sound quality, which allowed you to hear the bumps and dips while riding, but the picture was flawless.

   *8 Different Picture Effects*

   This camera also allow you to change the picture affects to Black and White, Sepia, Negative Art, Pastel, Solarization, Slim, Stretch and Mosaic. This just adds pure fun to the video recordings.

   This camera also allows me to still view my old 8mm tapes. I now record using Hi8 mm tapes.

   Overall, I would not trade in this camcorder for another brand. This camera produces crystal-clear Digital8 pictures and CD quality sound. This camera allows an amateur photographer to feel and produce professional quality pictures.

   You will also need to purchase another/stronger battery packs for those extended recordings. If you plan to record your Childs school program or take a family trip to Disney World/Land, you will definitely need a stronger battery. I suggest the "NP-FM70 or the NP-FM91 InfoLithium battery pack. Depending on your purchase they are rated between 5.5 hours to 10 hours estimated recording time. You should also purchase an optional video light, such as "HVL-IRH2" (approx [amt]) and an optional wide angle high grade lens, such as the Sony VCL-HG0737X. I paid [amt] including shipping for these lens. The price I paid for this camera was [amt] (new) including shipping and 8meg memory media stick. I got a Great Deal. This camera alone estimated US selling price is [amt] without shipping and only 4meg memory media stick (standard with this model). Be prepared to pay at least [amt] + shipping charges for this model without the optional accessories.




2. Used this for school and we are finding it works very well, so well, that our own high school is using this type of camera for all use of cameras for the school. Very reliable, high quality camera with easy to understand feautures and an easy way to film and to hold as well. Did have problem with lighting and trying to pick up sound at the same time but still very good.



3. This is the first camcorder I have bought. I did a lot of research and finally decided to go with the Sony DCR-TRV730... and I am glad that I did.

   The picture is great!! Very crisp and clear DVD quality.

   It is very easy to use. Within 5 minutes, I had it setup and ready to use. The controls are intuitive and well placed. However I would suggest reading through the excellent manual when you have a chance to learn about all the features.

   The zoom is clear and the image stabilization works great. The night shot is really neat, but the "Super Night Shot" is only suitable for use with a tripod.

   There are many built in special effects, like faders, B&W, Old Time Movie, etc...

   The only thing to remember is that you will need IEEE 1394/FireWire ports and cable if you wish to copy/edit the video to your computer. The included USB connection is only for still images and MPEG movies on the memory card.

   Overall a great camera, with professional results.




4. This camera obviously has great features at its reasonable price. The night vision is a very creative (however unnecissary) feature that I found to be fun to show to your friends however not needed for filming very often. Unfortunatly, you may find yourself using nightvision often because as you take stills in lower light conditions the quality decreases. This decrease is only noticed when looking at the pictures on a computer or on paper (or when looking at movies on a TV screen). However, this camera tends to be cheaper than most others because it records in a Digital 8 format. In other words, it records digitally on to regular Hi8 tapes which are generally cheaper than most miniDV tapes. However, keep in mind if you buy a 120 minute Hi8 tape, this camera will only record 60 minutes on to it because the data takes more room. The camera, however, is very user friendly and can run almost completely automatically as well as manually. The autofocus is very efficient along with an excellent optical zoom and an oustanding digital zoom (although quality does decrease with digital zoom). The camera acts extremely well in brighter conditions and clearly out performs many other cameras, it's the indoor low light coniditions that still need plenty of work.



5. I love this camcorder! I can get the close ups skinnaMAX can't touch. The zoom is top notch and the wide angle action catches the nips. I would recommend checking the manuel as it gives the down low you can't get just by trickin the gadget. The nightvision brings the dish to light and makes the digital quiver. I would encourage those who haven't to experience the Sony DCR-TRV730 for themselves.

No comments about JVC GRD775 / GR-D775US / GR-D775US MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7 LCD Screen.

5 comments about JVC Everio GZMC100 2MP 4 GB Microdrive Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. It has all the perfect features, but one down-site is Zoom noise. The noise appear when you recording at a quiet place and zoom in/out fast. I think the mic is too close to the lens motor.



2. I bought this camcorder at Bargain ultimate through Amazon. It was delivered to me as promised and I got everything as I expected. I realy like this camcorder. It's so convienent to carry and shoot.



3. I run trails. I need three features in a camcorder:
   
   1. Shockproof and weatherproof. I've trashed two Mini DV camcorders, sending each back to the factory twice for repairs. Tape drives can't handle bouncing in a backpack. Also they can't handle rain.
   
   2. Small and light.
   
   3. Good picture quality. Mostly I pull still photos out of the video. For running, as with most sports, shooting 30 frames per second instead of 1 or 2 frames per second with a still camera is the difference between getting the right shot or getting almost the right shot. As Mark Twain wrote, the difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. I'd rather have a 0.3-megapixel video still of the right shot than 8 megapixels of almost the right shot.
   
   When MPEG camcorders (which record onto memory cards, not tape) came out I looked at three: the Panasonic SV-AV100, the Samsung SC-X105L, and the JVC Everio GZ-MC100U. I ruled out the Samsung because it records only low-quality MPEG4, not the better quality MPEG2. The Panasonic is smaller and lighter (6 ounces) than the JVC (11 ounces), but the JVC can also shoot 2 megapixel still photos. The Panasonic has a 1/6" CCD and a smaller lens. The JVC has a 1/3" CCD and a somewhat bigger lens. I presumed that the JVC would have better picture quality than the Panasonic. (Panasonic recently announced the better-quality SDR-S100.)
   
   I've used the JVC for a month. In general it's pretty good. I have several video stills that are just the right moment. In one, a woman winks at a friend. In sports shots I captured the athletes at just the right times. The pictures are good enough to use for most anything. And the camcorder is small enough that I have no excuse not to bring it with me everywhere.
   
   On the downside, the video colors are always somewhat weak, even in daylight.
   In low light the colors desaturate to black and white. This is good because you can shoot video in quite low light. The 2-megapixel stills have better color but still look a bit "off." The lens is acceptable except for high-contrast subjects, such as branches against a bright sky, where it completely loses detail. No, this camcorder doesn't look as good as my big camcorder or my still camera, but it looks acceptable, and it's with me when the big camcorder and camera are left at home.
   
   The biggest problem in my pictures is slow shutter speed. If I use the 10x zoom handheld I get motion blur. Sports subjects are often moving so fast that they blur. The shutter speed isn't adjustable but my guess is that it's always shooting at 1/30 of a second, to give the CCD enough light.
   
   The JVC also works as a voice recorder. This feature works extremely well.
   
   Downloading the video to a Macintosh requires the free application "MPEG Streamclip" plus Apple's $30 MPEG2-Quicktime coder. Importing to iMovie becomes a 2-step process. No big deal.



4. Pros:
   Its really small. I mean small. It will fit in most medium size camera cases.
   
   The still pics are acceptable. I have a sony p41 4.1MP and it comes close. With the 10x zoom I dare say it's more usefull than no zoom and more than makes up for pixels.
   
   It is extremely simple to use and to figure out.
   
   The .mod files really are simple to use and transfer. I bought a card reader and can burn dvd straight from the microdrive. The dvd does not have to be 'rendered' unless you add effect or modify the files. This saves sooooo much time! There is some processing time in making the menu but way faster than time for time because it records in the actual format that ends up on the DVD.
   
   There is a shutter setting for low light condition that saves this camera from being useless in many indoor conditions. The draw back is slightly less accuracy in movement. Movement will blur past 1/30 shutter speed but its better than looking at black and 1/30 is actually a pretty darn good compromise between light and action.
   
   Microdrive/ compact flash and Secure digital formats are getting cheaper and cheaper so you can expect to achieve great recording times. There is an economy setting that does 5 hours on 4G, that's better than mpeg 4 at 30 fps! And the quality is only slightly worse than the highest setting!! I can't see needing more memory than 4GB.
   
   The 10x Zoom is good and is touch sensitive so you can zoom really slow or fast. I bought a .45 wide lens and a 2x zoom lens that will expand its capabilies. Both lenses were $50 on ebay. I got the Camera for $375 on ebay and there don't seem to be many around.
   
   In my opinion the 4GB microdrive is a way better medium than the mini DVD format because there are no recurring costs and the full size dvds that you end up burning are cheaper and you won't have one event spread out on three mini dvds. I'm also guessing that there is a much lower error rate on the flash memory than a spinning disk. It was tuff to pass on all the new mini dvd cams comming out but I'm really glad I did because of the 1hour limit. Of course with the 1 hour battery limit your still changing something out in the middle of taping. Still better than minidvd though.
   
   Cons:
   
   In medium light conditions the auto focus is kind of slow. It can 'hunt' or lose focus for up to a few seconds. Kind of lame but it doesn't happen all the time and it can be manually focused in challenging environments. I'm sure other cameras do a lot better than this in autofocus.
   
   Don't expect good low light results on automatic settings, you won't like it.
   
   There is definately a heat issue with this unit. I have not recorded long time periods but the manual says it shuts down if it gets too hot. I kept it on for an hour goofing around and heat was definately concerning. I think the source is the battery but as long is it stays on and records I'll forgive it.
   
   Battery life is not impressive. Youll get 50minutes to over an hour on a battery so if you want to fill the memory in one outing buy two extra batteries. The battery life is actually the average among camcorders but the draw back on this unit is you can't buy a buff aftermarket battery because of the size restraint. You have to expect some comprimise because of the size though.
   
   The screen size is also kind of small as far as camcorders go but I'm okay with that as I get no enjoyment out of even the biggest screens, I just want to get it to DVD and sit on the couch. I do wish you could close the screen and maybe save battey life while recording, but that turns the unit off. I put it on a small tripod and record a live performance so I don't need to monitor anything.
   
   While this unit is amazingly small and will most certainly make it to events that you might not want to look like a tourist at, it seems very dense. It's got some metal in there or something and I would be very scared to drop it unlike featherwieght digital cameras of the same size.
   
   If your a video quality freak you might not want to get into this camera. The colors while acceptable are dull and I'm sure the cheapest miniDV cam looks better though you might end up a library of miniDVs that require too much labor to get to DVD.
   
   Start up time is about 7 to 10 seconds from power off to record. That's really not that bad but not as good as many digital cameras, and if your johny on the spot looking to film the next rodney king video you might want to consider this.
   
   Conclusion:
   
   If size and convenience is what you want than this camera will fit the bill. If you want this to compete in low light and video quality with similiar priced miniDV camcorders, none of the mpeg2 cameras can come close in price/quality. I'm sure the technology has not matured yet so I wouldn't pay new full price for this, that would be crazy.
   
   Overall I'm blown away by this thing because it does the job of a digital camera and a camcorder to a very acceptable degree and I'm more concerned with size portability and convenience than impressing Speilburg with video quality so it's a match made in heaven for me. Again I would not pay pay full new price for this 'about to mature' technology but if you can find one in good condition for close to 400 or less your in for a great experience!



5. I've had this unit for about 2 weeks now, and I really like the convenience of its size and digital file transfer, but I'm very disappointed with its color performance. In less-than-ideal lighting conditions, the image is dark and the color is very washed out. With bright ambient lighting, it's acceptable, though not nearly as vivid as my old Sony Digital 8mm. I concur with most of the cons already mentioned here, including the slow boot-up time and mode switching between video, photo, and voice recorder.
   
   I've also had numerous instances when it has trouble locking focus on a subject. This is annoying, and from my experience so far, I don't feel that the manual focus options are easy enough to make an override effective in these cases.
   
   Battery life is short. With my limited use so far, I do not feel that it would last an entire hour under normal use. In three days, I got about three 10-minute sessions on a single charge. Sure, it may have lost a little charge over the course of a few days, but under the circumstances, I consider this very short battery life. However, I did notice that there are eBay sellers selling knock-off batteries and chargers for very attractive prices.
   
   The included software, though extremely basic, makes it easy to quickly create a DVD. Using the provided templates, you can make a DVD with a simple menu, chapters, photo slideshow, and transitions in just (10) minutes (not including recording time).
   
   Overall, I would have no MAJOR complaints with this cam if it weren't for the low light/color problem. I consider the other issues to be relatively minor. Personally, I wouldn't value this unit over $300, considering the quality of most cams out there these days. But, for the price I paid ($240 special at ABC Wharehouse), I may keep it just because its small size gives me no excuse for not taking a camcorder everywhere I go with my young son. Elusive memories captured in sub-par color are better than missed memories any day!

No comments about 3.1MP Mini DV Digital Video Camcorder Camera DV182F 32MB 1.5 Inch LCD Screen.

No comments about Mustek 6-in-1 Multi-Functional Camera.

No comments about SVP HDDV-2880R 16MP Max TOUCH BUTTON 2.5-inch 270 DEGREE LCD Digital Video Camcorder + FREE 4GB High Speed SD Memory Card.

5 comments about Sony DCR-DVD301 1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. While I know that a bigger lcd screen is going to eat up the battery faster, a 3-1/2 inch screen is an awesome thing. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, and also I sometimes like to share what I have filmed with my parents right away; the bigger screen is a significant advantage. I don't really care about the new touch screen technology--in less than careful hands I would think that your lcd could be "toast" pretty quickly. Thus I don't mind having "buttons" to push. The adjustable viewfinder (now becoming a thing of the past) is a good thing too. The picture quality was great, and the disc finalized, played back in my dvd player without a hitch. The only complaint I would have is about the battery-- the one that comes with the camera runs out pretty quick, even if you aren't using the lcd. I was going to get one of the bigger ones, but they seem significantly bigger and heavier. So I just got another one of the small ones. It would also be nice if Sony would include a compact/travel charger instead of forcing you to purchase it separate; then again, I guess that's why Sony makes the kind of money it does . . .



2. I use this camera for training purposes. I need every recording to come out perfectly so that I amy critique the participants. The camera does everything it says it will do but it does not read discs well. Last week, of 3 participants in the room, the recordings failed twice. Bah, humbug Sony! I can't afford to lose a recording when my clients are paying for the training.
   
   I'm looking for another camera.



3. Don't get Memorex dvd-r! I know people buy Memorex for its price. It well known Memorex doesn't work well with any burners. Go with Sony, Verbatim, Fuji, or TDK even though you pay a bit more.



4. I bought this last year with extended warranty as I have kids at home. I bet they tried their best to damage the camcorder but with no luck. That's about robustness.
   It's big screen is a great feature I don't find this in latest 403. I have tried many brand of DVD's and have not experienced ANY problem with recording or playing back.
   Things I like about latest 403 is, it has got 3MP still photography, a flash and a shoe to fit light. Otherwise 301 camcorder is very good espcially with marked down price. I feel like buying one more after gifting mine to my dad (against my will !! He loved it so much and he asked me first time for something and I coudn't say no).
   I have seen 403 and if price and size (of LCD) dosen't matter, I recommend buying it. Otherwise 301 is the best.
   I have also heared lot of guys complaining about the editing software that ships with this camcorder. Honestly for starters, it's better than pinnacle or other high tech softwares because it's easy to learn and is targeted for entire range of users.
   Net net, this is a good deal. And if you got few extra bucks, go for 403.



5. This camcorder is the best thing i could have ever purchased, the screen is HUGE,,,,,,the quality is the best, the easy edit software is the best, easy menus, I LOVE IT!!!

5 comments about Sanyo VPC-CG65 6MP MPEG-4 Flash Memory Digital Camcorder (Black).

1. I looked at just about every camera on the market and this one matched all my needs. For me the hardest part was desiding between the sanyo models, as they have so many that are closely related. It ultimately came down to this one and the HD1A, which are about the same price. th VPC-CG65 won out for two reasons: the h.264 encoding, and the low light image quality. I've only had it for about 2 weeks, so I can't say much about its durability beyond that it is well designed. The only things I was disapointed in was that you can't directly manipulate the aperature and shutter speed, though you can still control them through the presets so it's not that big of a deal. and I would have prefered a wrist strap to a neck strap.



2. I just got it today and started shooting and having fun with my children, video quality is better than I expected, audio is good too and the best of all, my family in south america were enjoying the videos just a couple of minutes after I shot them... the size is unreal and it's really easy to use. I got a 4 GB memory card for 35 bucks, you can't beat that, no tapes or cd's to buy and they only hold 30 or 60 minutes of video, plus you can edit your videos, add text, music, etc... Happy!!!



3. This is the absolutely slickest camcorder I have ever owned. It is very simple to operate, and the instruction manual actually makes sense ! I have made stills, and videos, uploading both to my computer and onto the Internet without a problem. This camera would be a bargain at twice the price.



4. I've had this for about 2 weeks now. WOW! I am really impressed with the video quality of this hybrid camcorder. I have since taken a bunch of videos and burned it to a DVD using the included Ulead software. I was blown away by the video quality. I owned a Panasonic MiniDV camcorder before and you just can't compare the 2. The Panasonic was really dull and bad. On this one, videos are stored in an SD card. I have an 8GB SDHC and it's so easy to take videos and upload them into the PC. No more of the waiting overnight for your video to be transfered from MiniDV to your computer. I was skeptical initially but now I can say that this one is a keeper.
   
   Oh it also takes great still shots. Maybe not as great as my Canon SD700IS, but still takes really good still shots. This is the problem with current camcorders today. They will take good videos but take really pathetic still pictures. These hybrid camcorders are changing the landscape. And Sanyo is definitely taking the lead on this.
   
   This camera has everything I want or need from a camcorder. Small compact and very handy, takes really good videos and takes good still photos. It fits right in my pocket and it's very light! No need to bring that huge bag with all the extra tapes, batteries and the likes.
   
   I am now a Sanyo believer. Love this CG65!



5. First of all, I am a novice video camera user. My first priority was to have an easy to use video camera that would take good video that was easy to transfer to a PC. After reading the reviews of this and several other cameras I decided to purchase this camera. The camera has met all of my expectations. It is so easy to use and so easy to transfer the video to a PC. Using a free online video converter I was also able to use Windows Movie Maker to edit my video. I am an educator and I wanted to be able to use my camera with Windows Movie Maker for digital storytelling.
   
   I love this camera. The sound quality, the still picture and video quality are exceptional for the money. The camera is a lot smaller than it looks in the pictures and like others who have reviewed it state that it's small size makes you want to carry it with you everywhere (and I do!).
   
   I highly recommend this camera for it's quality, ease of use and especially if you are looking for an easy way to transfer your videos to your computer.

1 comments about DXG 567VP 5.0MP HD Camcorder with 2.0-Inch Hi-Res LCD and 2x Zoom.

1. I was weary to buy this product because no one had reviewed it. I've never written a review myself but I think I should put a stop to this thing's despicable anonymity.
   
   It's a HD camera purported to have been squeezed into a tiny hand held shape for a mere 130 some dollars.
   
   Yes, That's right... it's way too good to be true.
   
   The long and short is... because of the high(er) resolution (this is 720p not 1080i --full HD current standard) the actual frame rate of your films will be around 15fps, not the reported 30 fps. The result is nauseatingly jumpy video. Couple that with lackluster low light abilities and a real crappy image stabilization system and you get video that is UNWATCHABLE.
   
   I returned mine and am going to get the more proven and able Flip Video Ultra.
   
   I know it's cheap, so maybe I should go easy but... It doesn't really do anything but produce unwatchable video. What would I pay for that? Not $100, not &10 not nothin'!
   
   Stay Away.