5 comments about Vivitar DVR-310 3MP MPEG4 Camcorder.

1. I bought this camera, my first video and digital camera, in the hopes of taking wonderful movies of my honeymoon & my new stepson and I feel cheated. I could have taken my money and thrown it out the window. The LCD screen doesn't let enough light in to see when you try to take the picture. And the video camera? Even worse. It's for outdoor use only unless you have florescent lighting in your house. It's impossible to take a good picture. You have to try and line it up 5 times to get it right and by that time you've totally drained the 2 AA batteries that it runs on. I called Vivitar and they wouldn't even hear of refunding me my money despite the fact that I'm so unhappy so if anyone has any idea what I should do with a camera that I don't want, please post it here cause at this point it's a paperweight. Don't waste your money on it like I did.



2. I bought this cheap and nasty "thing" and was utterly speechless to test this out before xmas, and the alkaline batteries (supplied) drained within a minute! (eh?) yes folks - it cannot do what it is upposed to do!. Avoid this at all costs unless you like hassle and losing money, by buying a proper product. Vivitar must be getting hard up. I used to use Vivitar lenses in my SLR (excellent quality) and flashguns (again excellent!). So imagine the suprise in store with this lump of you know what!.
   Again - Avoid Avoid Avoid, like the black death.



3. i luv this camera....i was excpecting an ok camera that was just for taking pics....i was wrong....i luv this thing, it has a mp3 player, a video camera, and stills, everybody that visits me tells me that they are gonna take this camera home with them.....i luv it....
   
   
   buy this and i will garentee that u will luv it 2



4. The video quality on this camera was very poor in normal household lighting. To be fair, I didn't test it in the outdoors, but to be honest what good is a camera you can only use outside? It was simple to operate. I chose this camera because I was familiar with the Vivitar name as a good camera maker. This offering doesn't really come close to living up to standards.
   
   The price tag is good, but you're setting yourself up for frustration if you want to try and use this as a camcorder. Don't waste your money. Still pictures might be ok, but the video was just plain sub standard.



5. Its not as bad as some of the reviews state. Its easy to use and download in your computer. Ya it eats batteries up!I guess that is what I dislike about it. My suggestion is to wait for a sale, if you can pick it up for under say $80.00 go for it !!

5 comments about DC DXG-202V Tapeless Digital Video Camera.

1. I have one of these little camera's. I love it...use it everyday.
   It's not the greatest obviously or it would cost more, but the still pictures come out great and video mode isn't that bad. I've upload many videos to the internet using this camera and they turned out perfect.
   I've never had any trouble with the battery compartment like others had said. The only two down sides is: you need a fair amount of light and there's no tripod mount, but it's flat, so you can just sit it on top of something like I do. The battery life if pretty good also...a definate keeper!!!



2. This camera sucks!!! Don't waste your money! It's too complex to work and you can only use in heavily lighted areas!! I hate it!!!



3. A superb, easy to use and well made device. The photos are very good but it's the video that really excells. I'm using it as a web cam to send video over the internet and the quality is astonishing. Glad I bought this machine!



4. This camera is horabile you have to be in bright areas it takes like five minutes to take the picture
   
   
   
   
   BUYER'S SHOULDN'T BUY



5. This camera had shut off when left alone for filming. When I played it back there was a loud buzzing sound in the audio. I was very disappointed in this product. I'm still waiting for word on my refund.

No comments about JVC Digital Video Camera, GR-D347US.

No comments about Sony DCR-SR62E Handycam(R) 1.0 Megapixel PAL Camcorder.

No comments about Sony Handycam HDR-HC5E - Camcorder - High Definition - widescreen - 2.1 Mpix - optical zoom: 10 x - supported memory: MS Duo, MS PRO Duo - Mini DV (HDV).

No comments about SVP Xthinn-8368 Black 10MP Max 3x Optical Zoom 3" LCD Digital Camera.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV11 Digital Camcorder with Builtin Digital Still Mode.

1. The Sony DCR-TRV11 is Sony's least expensive MiniDV camcorder. There are cheaper Digital 8 camcorders, but MiniDV allows you to hold more video and is more compact (although MiniDV tapes are somewhat more expensive).

   MiniDV

   MiniDV tapes can be used in the LP mode for increased capacity without compromising the picture quality - since the data is stored in the digital format. You should be careful with the tape loading mechanism though - it is quite fragile and you can accidentally bend something if you press it in the wrong place.

   PICTURE

   This MiniDV camcorder offers the resolution of up to 500 lines (other digital video sources like DVD players and DBS offer similar resolution), higher color bandwidth (Sony claims three times higher than VHS) and virtually no video noise.

   The picture is very sharp and clear. You have 10x optical/120x digital zoom, the camera also uses Carl Zeiss lens for better picture quality, special coating reduces glare and increases contrast. Since the recording is digital, the quality will not decrease over time.

   The camcorder has an ADC (analog-digital converter) that converts an analog signal you pass through the analog input, so you can either record it on the MiniDV tape in digital format (for archiving purposes) or send it through the IEEE-1394 (i.Link) initerface to your computer or another device.

   SOUND

   TRV11 uses the Digital Audio Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) - similar to CD recording technology, with 12-Bit or 16-Bit modes. This allows for a dynamic range of more than 96dB, since audio is stored separately you can use Audio Dubbing that allows you to add a stereo track of music or narration. The sound quality does not deteriorate over time and there is no "background" noise introduced by the medium itself, as happens in analog world.

   CONTROL INTERFACES

   There is an L (LANC) Editing Interface that provides standardized connection for synchronized operation of camcorder, VCR, and edit controller. TRV11 also has an I.Link® Digital Interface (FireWire, IEEE1394), which is a two-way input/output that carries digital audio, digital video and control signals to compatible digital VCRs, edit controllers and computers.

   The TRV11 also has the Super Laser Link® Wireless Transmitter, which uses infrared light to make a wireless connection from the camcorder to your television up to 26 feet away. The transmitter is built-in, so you can buy a receiver and connect your camcorder wirelessly. The IFT-R20 IR receiver is optional.

   Memory Stick

   You can use the TRV11 as a digital still camera at 640x480 resolution (enough for emailing), the images are stored on a supplied 4Mb Memory Stick. You can use the supplied PictureGear Lite 4.1 software to transfer images to your PC (using the supplied serial cable), edit and store/catalog them.

   FEATURES

   The camcorder features a 680,000-pixel HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD (the high resolution increases the picture quality) with low noise design. It has 7 modes AE, manual focus and manual exposure in addition to automatic ones.

   Manual focus is controlled by the ring, which also looks cool. You can switch between manual and automatic focus using a switch on the left side of the camcorder (by LCD), it also has a position for "infinity" focus.

   The camcorder has a 3.5" 184,000-pixel LCD in addition to the color viewfinder. The 2x playback zoom allows you to zoom in during the playback. You can also shoot in total darkness with Sony's Super NightShot™, which enables you to shoot subjects up to 10 feet away. The system uses a built-in infrared light; the optional IR light can extend the range to up to 100 feet.

   The Super SteadyShot system can be employed for image stabilization There is also a built-in speaker (you can control the volume) and camcorder comes with a remote control and an intelligent accessory shoe (which accepts accessories ranging from lights, IR lights and photo printers to microphones that "zoom" with the camcorder).

   The camcorder has 8 picture effects (6 digital effects), 7 A/V fader modes, 16:9 and LP mode recording.

   The digital and picture effects can be used independently (some of them can be combined). The cool A/V fader modes I like include "dot" and "bounce". You can also manually adjust (if you want, otherwise it's automatic) shutter speed and exposure.

   VCR

   The VCR mode allows you to see your material. When you switch to it, the VCR buttons appear on the upper black panel, backlit by the amber light (they are invisible in other modes). In "camera" mode you can use "Edit Search" to look through the material to find the insertion point, or use "End Search" button, located under the LCD to find the end of your last recording.

   POWER SOURCE

   The power source for the camcorder is an InfoLithium® battery, which has large capacity and no "memory effect", that "old" Ni-Cd batteries used to have. The best feature: you can always see the approximate remaining power: AccuPower™ meter shows you the remaining battery time in minutes on the camcorder's LCD or viewfinder - this estimate is very accurate.

   The Stamina® Power Management that power consumption and extends battery life when camera is not in use - you can shoot for up to 11.5 hours with an optional battery.

   The backlit LCD on the outer side of the 2.5" color LCD shows the remaining battery power in minutes while charging and tape counter when operating VCR.




2. I bought my Sony DCR-TRV11e in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My intention was to learn and play with the gadget, and later on continue with editorial features on my computer. So far my learning and playing have been FUN!

   Next step was to utilize the digital features, including editorial tasks like removing bad shots and make a library out of live photoscenes on my computer. I bought a Pinnacle Studio DV according to recommendations. Unfortunately the program worked fine, camera was found via Firewire, but communication with the camera was not possible. Reason:? Camera found, but speed not adequate. Needed: 4000 pixels pr sec. Possible: 3.400 pixels pr. sec.

   My computer is a Fujitsu Siemens P4, 1.4 mhz with 512 Mb RAM running on MS Win 2000 and would hardly have a problem to accomodate the need for speed. Consequently I am stucked with a GOOD camera, but no more FUN! I have asked Sony for support, but they don't seem to waste time on customer feedback. Therefore the rating of a good camera is low.




3. A little pricey but this camera is loaded with features. You can send wireless video directly to your television or monitor using the laser link. Many other features make this a gadget persons dream come true. An all around great camcorder.



4. I had this camera for 2 years and had constant trouble with the door mechanism for the tape. It opens from the bottom and the tape pops up! Many times it got stuck and finally it would not open. $400.00 to fix it. SONY SERVICE IS TERRIBLE, we are now forced to buy another camera as it's not worth fixing for $400!



5. i bought this camera by mistake around 3 years ago, in NY city for 1300$ plus aditional battery, lents, etc.... While the first year, the camera show and exeptional preformance, latter i had some few problems, it all started with the Cassette Jaming and latter on the camera wont record due to some problem with the reading/recording mechanism... final solutions was 400$ best buy fix witch i compleatly refuse.... today this camera is worth 400$ on ebay...
   
   During my good experience, this camera travel around the world, not to metion Israel,the Desert, Las Vegas,Egipt,France,Caribean,etc... during travel time!! the behavior is great! even is a 120-240v included so no worrys...
   
   Effects and Editing is easy and very profetional, i have some awards won by this camera!,...
   
   but now is time to get a little pro with HD Cameras!!!

5 comments about Canon Optura Xi MiniDV Camcorder w/11x Optical Zoom.

1. I bought my Canon Optura Xi two months ago. I almost bought a Canon GL2, until I studied the spec sheets. Both camcorders have the same features: 16-bit stereo recording; f/1.6 lens; 11x zoom; Av, Tv, and manual exposure control, etc. What stands out as different in their spec sheets is their CCDs (the chips that record the image). Digital video (DV) is 640 x 480 pixels, or 307,200 pixels, or one-third of a megapixel. NTSC broadcast video is 525 lines with a 4:3 aspect ratio, or 367,500 pixels. To get color you need three times that number of pixels (for red, green, and blue), or about one megapixel. In the past, CCDs had far fewer pixels, so camcorders had three chips to get enough pixels. The GL2 has three 1/4" chips, each with 380,000 pixels. Three chips demands a lens three times bigger. Splitting the light three ways requires a big, heavy prism. 3-chip camcorders are big, heavy, and expensive.
   
   The Optura Xi takes a different approach. It uses one chip with 1,230,000 pixels. The CCD is between 1/3" and 1.4"; in other words, bigger than the GL2's 1/4" chips, but smaller than the XL1S's 1/3" chips. (Pro video cameras have three 1/2" or 2/3" chips, making them much bigger and heavier.) The Optura Xi has more pixels than the GL2, yet doesn't need the prism. The lens and body are smaller and lighter, and the Optura Xi is half the price.
   
   I've found that my Optura Xi has accurate colors (unlike my old Canon Optura 200MC), and it performs well in low light conditions. The GL2's colors look a little better (more saturated) but only a little. The Optura Xi looks much better than previous one-chip camcorders.
   
   Apparently the size of the pixels make a difference. Imagine a CCD with tiny pixels the size of one photon. The state of such a pixel could be described with a one or a zero (either a photon hits the pixel, or no photon hits it). Imagine a CCD with pixels one million times bigger. You'd need a number between one and a million to describe how many photons hit each pixel. This illustrates that a camcorder with bigger CCDs (and a bigger lens) should produce more color detail, especially in very bright or very dark parts of your picture.
   
   The GL2 is only slightly better than the Optura Xi, and costs twice as much. To get a camcorder substantially better than the Optura Xi you'll have to pay many times more, such as for a Panasonic AG-DVX100A or a Canon XL2. I'm saving my money until HD camcorders are available. (I don't consider the JVC GR-HD1 to be high-def, as it has one 1/3" CCD with 880,000 pixels trying to fill a 1280x720 one-megapixel format!)
   
   My advice is to buy the Optura Xi, then spend your money on microphones, and good tripod, lights, video editing software, etc. You'll make better videos than people that blew their budget on a GL2.
   
   Another word of advice. I did a "price search" on the web and found various places advertising prices lower than Amazon (and lower than eBay prices). When I ordered from them, they were "out of stock" and tried to bait-and-switch me to other camcorders. I found that the lowest prices for camcorders that really existed are on Amazon.
   --
   Review by Thomas David Kehoe, author of "Hearts and Minds: How Our Brains Are Hardwired for Relationships"



2. I recently purchased this camera for $1000 (with the $200 rebate) this was a steal. I had a Canon ZR65 earlier and I wasn't too happy with it's low light performance and hence decided to buy this camera. The other thing I didn't like about the ZR65 was it's inability to reproduce true colors.
   
   This camera is amazing. We took a helicopter ride recently and the pictures of the sky , the terain was stunning. Once we played it back on our TV, the quality was was as good as broadcast quality playback. It was truly amazing!!! I highly recommend this camera.



3. This cameras amazing one of the best canon has to offer (for the price anyways) this camera has great zoom features not to mention it takes great pictures which is half the reason I bought it. I recomend buying this if you have nice video editing software...I dont think imovie will cut it but vegas 5.0 is very compatible with this camera..I have not had a problem yet...



4. Nice features which are included because Canon saved money by using a cheap tape transport. Within very little time expect to be continually exposed to the "Remove the Cassette" which can, apparently, only temporarily fixed at the Canon Repair Center. It appears that the cheap transport is not model specific. Caveat Emptor



5. I've owned the Optura Xi since June 2004 and my experience has been wonderful. I am a novice user in that I have not spent a lot of time learning the intricacies of the many, many features on this camcorder, such as the aperture settings and things of that nature and outside of using the zoom feature, I let the camcorder figure out the best options for what I am filming.
   
   But what I can share is that the video is clear, crisp, and I give it very high ratings. The image stabilization is great and the zoom feature is awesome. The audio is so-so and if you are filming something that requires adequate audio, you may want to invest in one of those boom microphones that can be attached to the camcorder. The low light limitation is also pretty frustrating and the filming in my house did not have very good results more than half the time. I had to turn on way too many lights to get a halfway decent video. I have actually broke down an ordered the VLF-1 auxilary light to combat this limitation. I haven't received yet, but I am pretty sure it will vastly improve my problems when filming indoors.
   
   All in all, it has been almost a year and I still get a thrill when I play back something that I have taped and see the clarity and resolution. I have also made some great DVD's of home videos, with music, cut scenes and narration...pretty cool, indeed!!

1 comments about Canon GL2 Mini DV 3 CCD Camcorder & 1GB Pro Opteka Accessory Kit.

1. This is a very good deal for all that you get in this package. The shipping was fast and I am pleased overall. Good job 47th street.

No comments about Sony HDR-SR11E PAL System 60 GB Hybrid HDD/Memory Stick High Definition Camcorder, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens, 12x Optical Zoom.