No comments about SVP HDDV-3000 12MP Max. 6-in-1 Multi-Functional Camcorder with Rare Huge Flip LCD! (8GB SDHC Card & Tripod Included).

5 comments about PANASONIC AG-DVX100 Professional MiniDV Camcorder.

1. It does not come with the mike as shown on the picture. Mike sells separately. But for me the bilt-in mike is more than enough.
   I'm using this camera since April 2003. No defects, works perfectly, completely satisfied. It is recommended to use only one kind of DV tape for this camera. Choose either Panasonic MQ or PQ (or other professional quality tapes) and stick to them.
   Buy a clear protective filter (72mm) and put it on the lenses as soon as you open the box. There is a great bag made for this cam by KATA (around 100 dollars). Get an extra Battery (larger that the one that comes with it. Around 100 dollars). The battery that comes with it will last about an hour. I bought an additional Panasonic camcorder for 300 dollars, just to use for rewinding and capturing tapes from DVX100 (there is no loss of quality). This and the use of the same kind of tapes prolongs the life of camcorder (I don't know exactly for how long, so you might consider not following my advice).

   Most of the newer Editing software is now capable to handle DVX100 24p format.
   This cam was released in December 2003. As of December 2004, in my opinion, it is still the best Professional camcorder in the price range of 5000.




2. I have been using this camera since January 2003 to shoot documentary material in Iraq. I have to say, it really is a good camera. For the price, it is even amazing. Even in the hotest weather in August -- which gets up to 125 degrees F -- the camera continued to function normally. I had to gaffer tape the cassette door closed to prevent dust and smoke from clogging the works, which the owner's manual says you shouldn't do because it causes over-heating, but the camera survived even that. Sometimes in extremely dusty situations you will notice noise on the recorded material, but it clears up quickly due to the self-cleaning heads feature.

   In terms of picture quality, the thing that really sets it apart from other DV cameras is the 24 fps progressive scan aspect. This means that your video frames wind up looking like photographs or cinema frames because there is no interlaced "comb" pattern on moving objects. The 24p format alone is enough reason to choose this camera over others, I think. The last documentary I shot was with a Sony DSR-500 camera, which cost about $13,000. I think the DVX-100 images hold up well by comparison. The Sony, though recording interlaced images, had better image processing to extend the dynamic range, which I miss, but I guess that's what the extra $10,000 buys you...

   That and the ability to shoot anamorphic images, which the Panasonic DVX-100 will only do with an add-on anamorphic converter that, I think, costs about $700 and might prevent you from super-close focusing. Without the converter, the lens on the DVX-100 can focus right up to the glass when it's zoomed wide. However, the smallest area you can focus on is about 4-5 inches across, which makes it a little difficult to do super close-up work. Not a big draw-back.

   Now, after about 160 hours of fairly intense recording in the dust and heat of Iraq, the camera has developed a problem with the flip-out LCD display. Everything else continues to work fine, and I can still film using the eye-piece viewfinder (not as sharp as the LCD). I will probably buy a new DVX-100 and use the one I have now as back-up.

   If you want to edit 24p material from this camera, the best (and as far as I'm concerned, only) option is Final Cut Pro 4 on a Macintosh computer. This is working well for me in the field using a 17" Apple G4 Powerbook and 500GB Lacie external Firewire800 hard drives, which you can "daisy-chain" together. No hardware / software problems at all so far.

   A couple things wrong with the camera design: The sound level dials are positioned on the bottom edge of the camera where they have a tendency to get turned by accident. Solution: tape them down with a piece of gaffer tape on the lower half of the dials that you can peel back to adjust levels. Otherwise, audio recording with this camera is great -- the same quality as the Sony DSR-500 camera when using an external XLR mic, though lacking an "auto levels" setting. Other things on the wish list would be some kind of sun-shade for the flip-out LCD -- it is really hard to see the images in bright sunlight, and correct exposure is diffcult to judge.

   In the future, I hope that there will be a HDV version of this camera that records 24p HD with better dynamic range + an integrated upgrade to Final Cut Pro for editing HDV firewire output. Also, I would like to see this same camera made with a slightly more durable design -- even if it cost a bit more. It's absolutely a great buy and a great camera, but for extreme conditions encountered in many film shoots it would be nice to have a truly professional, less plastic model (with a sharper eye-piece viewfinder).

   But almost no serious complaints -- an amazing camera.
   That said, I should mention that Panasonic has just come out with a newer model of this camera, the DVX-100A, that addresses some of my concerns listed here. Costs about $4,000.




3. The AG-DVX100 has killed 16mm motion picture camera systems and 16mm film stock except for the die-hard motion picture fans. The bottom line is - do not shoot 16mm or Super 16mm because this camera produces cine images that are better than 16mm and Super 16mm on DV, which means that it is also cheaper because you do not need to buy and process 16mm film stock. If you blow this video up to 35mm the image quality is still better than 16mm film formats.

   However 35mm still rules... but the future for digital looks good.

   Also the problems with this camera have been corrected in the AG-DVX100a version so you may want to hold back until you see that one on-line here. You would also do well to get the AG-LA7200G anamorphic lens so that you can shoot in scope with a squeezed digital image (Just like a real anamorphic lens!)!

   Bottom line. This is a top of the range domestic camcorder with pro qualities. 16mm motion picture camera users should use this in their productions instead. It is a waaaaay cheaper and looks better. The cine-switch technology in this camera is based on the same system that Lucas used to film his New Star Wars movies with. Also the PAL version does not have 24 fps but this does not matter because PAL is 25 fps and the difference can not be noticed with the naked eye alone and transfer to film is easy with 25 fps PAL but not so easy with 30 fps NTSC so the NTSC version of this camera can also shoot 24 fps for that. Also this camera is loaded with functions. There is not a single thing you can do not with it but! and this is a big but! the NEW AG-DVX100a will address the negatives that the AG-DVX100 has (zoom problems and focus problems and other things). Keep an eye out for the AG-DVX100a although it may be $1000 more expensive than this one but should be no concern to those who had to shoot on expensive 16mm film equipment with expensive 16mm film stock and expensive 16mm processing and expensive 16mm to video transfers.

   16mm is dead.




4. - Excellent picture quality
   - Very nice large viewfinder
   - Lense equivalent to 30-300mm gives excellent wide angle and zooming images.
   - Can't beat the large LCD (can't see anything in the sun though)
   - pretty stable manipulation in wide angle... but needs support on zoom.
   - Auto white balance works great.

   - Autofocus only in 60I. Manual only in 30P / 24P
   - Bad on-camera microphone, it was expected.
   - No info from panasonic on the 24P operation, read your FCP/Adobe manuals well to understand how it works.

   Make sure to only use the 63min PQ panasonic tapes!!!
   Of course you will have to buy a good microphone like the K6/M64/M66 or AT897.
   I suggest you to get rain/dust slicker if you're going to shoot in the countryside/desert... you don't want dust/rain to get inside.
   You also going to have to buy a DV deck or a cheap DV camera for playback not to wear the video heads....

   Just be creative now.




5. Hello..

   You've heard it all from the other reviews.

   The cons:
   - No autofocus in 24P... and that really sucks.
   - No remote control for focusing either!!!
   - Microphones do not sound good.. but that was expected. So get external microphone
   - Don't expect to shoot during lowlight environment in 24P... it's just not made for it.
   - Expect to buy a lot more stuff after this.
   - The manual is really BAD. If you don't know how to use this camera, you have hours/days before understanding it all.

No comments about Digital Concepts Digital Camcorder, Swivel 1.4" TFT Screen, Still Photos, TV In/Out - Blue.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV350 Digital8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Stick capabilities & Remote.

1. I would like to start of by stating its great film quality. Also with its perfect resolution and zooming, it makes this a bullzie for sony. On top of its great control, it has simple and easy to use and fun features. I was very suprisied when my parents bought this also and learned how to use this withen two days [a new world record ;)]THese features include fade, freeze frame (great for an intro) and many others. While the playback on the camera is OK, the sound isnt very good, but then again, you werent ment to watch the movie on the camera, watching it on the TV is what your supposed to do. Which brings me to uploading, The loading it onto the computer takes a longggggggggg time using a USB cable, but using the FireWire(which i am disappointed to say does not come with the package but is supplied at a low price on Ebay) takes a matter of a few minutes. Watching it on the TV is what it all comes down to, because, thats just what you want. To watch your Steven Speilberg movie on the big screen ;). Anyways...My friends and i have a blast fooling around with the features while making suprisingly excellent movies.
   Overall: 4.5 STARS Great product



2. Considering this camera is my first, I think it is a decent camera. I am a high school student who loves to make short films. Even though there are better cameras, I think this camera is very good considering it's price. You need, however, to have a decent amount of light in a room you want to film. Another flaw is the camera does not come with a firewire cable (iLINK). I had to go purchase my own which was about 30 dollars. The editing program that came with this camera is terrible. If you are going to purchase this camera, you should get another editing program as well.
   
   I've had my camera for a little over a year now, and it is still in good shape.
   
   I recommend this camera to any who are looking for a camera at a low price.



3. I was looking for a camcorder to transfer my old 8mm tapes to computer and then probably to some other format. The model I purchased from the seller was just what I was looking for. It was priced a little higher than similar models from other sources but I was willing to pay the difference for one in great condition. When it arrived, I found that Garron (the seller) was true to his word. Although I've not explored all the features of this unit yet, it has performed admirably in the short time that I've owned it. Thanks again Garron.



4. I like the Sony DCR-TRV350 Camcorder Very much. I agree with all of the positive reviews I have read about this Camcorder. One thing that I like about this camcorder is that I can put video clips on my computer files by either inputting to my computer with the AV cable any files I put on my memory stick. I also can input video files to the computer using my Firewire cable. Some Camcorders do not have the firewire connecter and some do not have a memory stick that allows you to do a video file over one minute in length. The Sony DCR-TRV350 can do both and does a very fine job doing it. This is an excellent Camcorder and I highly recommend it.



5. I love this camera, we have had it for years, replacing an older JVC model. It is very user friendly, other family members have it too. We have hours of video of our children. I was not able to transfer any video to my new computer with VISTA on it. We finally discovered that if you get a 4 pin/6 pin firewire it will work. I successfully downloaded 4 hrs last night. I was thrilled. We did get an adapter for my Express Card slot because I do not have a firewire port on my labtop.

No comments about VHS C Analog Camcorder, 20x Hi Definition/750x Digital Zoom (PANPVL454).

5 comments about RCA CC6263 VHS-C AutoShot Camcorder.

1. I got this Camera For christmas. It's Good quality, Lightweight,Portable And a all around good camera. There were onle a few problems. There is no light on the camera there is suposed to be one but i duno what happend. The door is kinda flimsy i havent had problems with it but i would think that for some people that might be a drawback. i also noticed that the timelapse features are kinda bad but other than that it's a very good camera. If i were u and i was looking for a cheap good camera i would get it. I did



2. This camera has many good features, and I found it easy to use. Unfortunately, after only 14 months of light usage, the electronics developed gremlins. The viewfinder suddenly went from color to black and white, the door began popping open on its own, and soon the viewfinder was only working half the time. The camera wasn't abused; I was filming with it one morning and it was performing normally, then suddenly not. I attempted to get a repair estimate and it wasn't easy, even at designated RCA repair shops. I was told that it would cost less to buy a new camera than it would to have this one fixed. I'm disappointed in RCA re this product. Granted, it's an inexpensive camera, but I expected a little more longevity than this.



3. Lights, Action, Camera...This is a very good camera; light, easy to use, simple to understand, all controls are easy to reach, picks up the sound of a needle dropping on the floor, vcr mode lets you playback what you taped, and great in low light! Also, less gadgets mean longer battery duration! But, it does NOT have a view screen on the side (that lets you take your eye away from the viewer), or a speaker to let you hear sound during playback, or a light.If you like to keep things simple, Buy It!...fade to black.



4. this is a good camera ...the door is flismy
   and i had the battery lose its charge several times
   my new problem is the viewfinder decided to give up on me
   with a white screen ...grrrr
   anyways it was an awesome camera while it lasted
   rock and roll!



5. I concur wholeheartedly with all the good reviews here--we've had this camcorder for many years now and have shot hundreds of hours of video with it. It's great! One possible design flaw is the rotating eyepiece or viewfinder. Over the years the ribbon cable inside it wore out and I had a dickens of a time finding another. There are parts lists several places but no diagram to determine the part number, even from RCA (Thomson)service centers. If your display has gone to black and white or otherwise fritzed out, try moving the eyepiece down toward the stored position and see if it comes back (mine did, in green). If so, this cable is likely what you need. The part number for the cable is TCE 244342, and with shipping it ran about $30. Well worth it to keep this camera going. Order from Thomson Consumer Parts at 800-338-0376. As of this week they had about a hundred left in inventory. Good luck!

No comments about Hitachi DZ-BD70A BluRay 5.3MP DVD High Definition Camcorder 10x Optical Zoom.

3 comments about Canon ZR400 MiniDV Camcorder w/14x Optical Zoom (Dark Metal).

1. My intention when I was finally ready to purchase a camcorder was the Optura 85. I had picked it over the ZR 400 for the accessory shoe and flash. However, given that our vacation was a week away, the Optura would not have been shipped until well after we returned.
   
   We took the ZR 400 on our trip to Disney World and it performed very well. Outdoor video was great. Indoors it performed quite well. In the Playhouse Disney show it adjusted well and captured the show with great resolution and focus.
   
   I was also looking for a camcorder that could do analog-digital conversion and this function has been excellent.
   
   It only looses a star for a touchy on/off switch. I had it in a camera bag with my digital camera and somehow it got turned on in the bag. I captured great audio of the "It's a Small World Ride," but no video.



2. ZR400 is a good miniDV camera with many options. It's not overloaded with too many manual control options, but it has just enough feature tweak (such as shutter speed, aperture size tweak) and a variety of automated modes to satisfy those few who would like a bit more refinement on casual vacation videos. It does not have mic input or hotshoe for external lighting connections, so it is definitely for casual vacation video and good lighting shooting.
   The size of the camera is one of its major attractions for me. The camera is just the right size to be held with one hand without feeling too small, while it's small enough to fit in large pockets and easily slips into any kind of bag of decent size. Under normal day light and indoor lighting conditions, the colors and video quality are excellent. Under candle lighting or lighting with shaded lamps, the noise is visible in the video, but not overwhelming. The color tones are still good even under poor lighting. At this price range for video cameras, the noise performance is about average. However, for casual viwers, this is not an issue.
   The only draw back maybe the bottom loading mechnism for the miniDV tape. Like almost all the miniDV loading mechnisms, the system works a bit finicky. But not too distracting as long as you follow the instruction in the manual. Bottom loading on the camera makes changing tape while using tripods a bit more complicated than need to, but that's not a big deal.
   Image stablizing works well even at the very long end of the zoom, I think the zoom range and the electronic stablizing in ZR400 works well as a combination, the long end is long enough for almost all cases while stablization is still good. Camera with longer zoom will suffer from dizzying camera shake even with digital stablization. So the ZR400 has just the right zoom ragne for its electronic stablization capabilities. Wide angle adaptor make the field of view acceptable for wide angle shots, but it's a bit cumbersome to have to put on a wide angle adaptor. It's no big deal, but I just wish the optical zoom lens would be wide enough on its own.
   ZR400 takes SD cards for digital still photos and digital M-jpeg vidoes. I see little merit in using the jerky M-jpeg video when the high quality miniDV is readily available at hand. The still pictures are capture at about 1 meg pixels. It's OK for quick snap shot. Any cheap dedicated point and shoot digital still camera will put the still images to shame, but this feature is more of a bonus anyway. DO NOT BUY THIS for still image use, you will be disappointed.
   Note, there're NO (note NONE) DV editing software that comes with the camera, so you will need something like Adobe Premiere Element or Ulead Video Studio and firewire on your PC to transfer the DV from the camera to your computer. Photo organizing and editing software comes in the package. Since I have photoshop, I never really paid too much attention to those. Mac guys are lucky they have iMovie, the windows movie maker is really too simplistic for most uses.
   Canon should included a battery charger with this model instead forcing the battery charging be done with the camcorder plugged in. A separate battery charger is available for a charge from Canon. Battery life is not a problem, since I normally use video very sparingly. The battery came with the camera last about 1.5 hours shooting time, enough to shoot a full miniDV tape in SP with reviewing and tweaking or a full tape in LP (which I never use). Many high capacity batteries are available for Canon ZR models from a variety of vendors for reasonable prices. I have one that will last 4 hours for about $50.



3. This cannon ZR-400 is a great choice. The new CCD has an excelent performance with very good quality.
   If You buy this, think in a second battery (same size)

No comments about SVP HDDV-2600-Bk 12MP Max. Multi-Functional Camcorder with Rare 3.0 Inch Huge Flip LCD! (8GB High speed SD Card Included).

5 comments about Panasonic PV-GS9 MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom.

1. For the price this Camera Rocks !! I've had it for close to 2 years and for the price it's awesome.. I've used it to video tape Basketball and Football games .. Just an outstanding value.. The battery last at least over an hour .. Picture quality is great .. Check out some of my video at www.pleasantgrovesports.com .. Go to either Basketball or Football links .. click J.V. and then one of the kids last name for a short video clip..
   
   I shot all of the football video from the stands .. outstanding zoom !!
   
   If you can still find this video camera ... buy it .. especially if it's around $ 200 dollars ..
   
   I use pinnacle 9 and adobe for video editing ..
   
   My camera came with the standard A.V. cables .. and i expected to have to buy, or have , the other cables needed to connect to my computer ..
   
   Thanks Panasonic !!



2. I've had this camera for 2 years now and for the price it has done alright. Recently though, just as someone had mentioned in an earlier review, it stopped connecting to my PC via the firewire. I plugged in a friends JVC and it worked fine, so I know it's not the computer or the cable. Its past warranty obviously... I don't think I'll pay to have it fixed. I just wish this would have lasted longer. Time for a better one - this time made in America !



3. Well, I just read other reviews and I was surprised! First of all, I had a USB cable that fit the camera and plugged into my computer, so I didn't have that issue. I'm sure I would've been frustrated as well if I had to go purchase one. Personally, I was able to edit and create movies on my computer with no problem, using the free software that came with my computer (Sony VAIO, 3 years old). So I guess maybe I was lucky, but I have had a very good experience with this camera. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the picture quality on my movies isn't the greatest. This camera is a little outdated though, so I can't complain. Plus, for the price, it has been outstanding.



4. Yo uso esta camara para montarla en motocicletas deportivas expuesta a mucha vibracion, somplemente nunca ha fallado, segue trabajando como nueva a pesar de ya tener mas de 20 horas grabadas bajo estas duras condiciones.



5. beware of the low price, panasonic has managed to make the price so low ($350) because they don't give you any software for the computer (to transfer or to edit), and no cables for the computer. I can't believe they would neglet to put them in the box. Your better of with PVGS 15 as it comes with the software and a USB cable, the price is $500, but the software, cable, and still picture on sd make up the $150 price difference.