5 comments about Sony DCRTRV460 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom.

1. I have had this camcorder for at least 3 years. I received it as a gift. I love it. It's easy to use, takes great still photos as well as awesome video. I make many little home movies with this camera along with my computer. It's zooms in and out nicely, had night shot and the battery charges quickly and lasts a long time. I did require a special cable that didn't come with the camera though. But as a long time user of this camera I must say its worth the money. I know it was under $400.00.



2. I bought this camera in winter of 2004. It was a good camera for about a year and a half. This past summer I started getting the same "Video Heads are Dirty" message that everyone is getting. I've tried cleaning, but am still getting the message. Now it won't even recognize that there's a video cassette in it.
   
   Looks like I need to take it to be serviced, but I fear what the cost will be.



3. I've read some poor reviews on what's happened over time with other people's Handycams, but I must say that mine still works after 2 years, a few typhoons and several 'dropping' accidents. I'm just now beginning to find some of the neat features of this camcorder, too!
   The reason I purchased this camcorder was because of the colored infrared nightshot, which works great! You can take pictures in pitch darkness. Although I must say recently I've noticed problems with the handycam's playback feature. It keeps switching to Hi8 mode when the video isn't taken with the Hi8 feature (this makes the LCD screen turn blue so you can't see the playback). I'll most likely buy another Sony with the color enhanced nightshot, but I think I'll switch to the DVD or harddrive version.



4. Works well. Has fire wire and is Digital Quality. Would recommend this product.



5. I bought mine in late 2005, but didn't use it when I was overseas because the supplied software was TERRIBLE and I never could get it to work. I ended up using the video capture on my separate Digital camera. So, a year later, I fired it up this week and spent an entire day trying to play a video I recorded yesterday on my PC... being a digital video novice, here are the caveats you need to know after I spent all day on it, plus read all 43 review before this one:
   - I like the features of the camera, the zoom and fold out screen, but the pain is usability and working with the videos or pictures once you take them. If you just want to take taped videos, and watch them on a TV using the provided AV cable, it is ok, but NOT if you want to see or use the video on a PC and edit it. So read on...
   - You really need a second battery, which I ordered automatically, which added to the price. Some of the reviews here say you can use 3rd party batteries, but others say an embedded chip prevents using them. Mine was an expensive Sony battery.
   - There are no tapes in the box, so you have to buy some.
   - READ the simple manual first for each task you do... for instance if you try to plug in the USB cable to a pc first it screws up the drivers, and you have to go to troubleshooting sections to manual delete the drivers, then reload.
   - Sony uses a 4 wire firewire cable called "iWire" (they don't say firewire anywhere).. BUT THEY DON'T PROVIDE THE iWire CABLE. So the user wastes time trying to get provided USB cables to work and after two hours trying to install, reinstall and use the TERRIBLE Sony provided "Picture Package" software, or keep flipping through all the touchscreen menus to turn on "Burn DVD" which uses a CD-R (not DVD) and never find a way to transfer the video to the PC. I finally got the low budget USB Streaming player to work so I could see my video in a small screen on the PC, but there was no option to capture it to a file (stupid). Sony also provides an "AV" cable that has three composite rca jacks to plug into your vcr so you could play the video through that method, but I don't have a VCR anymore - I use a Comcast DVR which has the physical jacks, but they are disabled (a whole separate story about Comcast DVRs).
   - Using firewire - finally, I fired up my previously purchased Pinnacle Studio version nine, which apparently can't recognize the Sony USB connection, as it kept saying it was looking for a connection on ieee 1394 input, which is firewire (Sony refuses to say that common name). I finally figured out I needed firewire for best transfer to the PC (and so do some of the reviews), and ordered the 4 wire to 6wire Sony iWire cable by part number (read the Accessories catalog) because my PC does have the standard 6 wire Firewire jack on the back. Just after I ordered it, I found that Belkin had much lower priced cables of the same type on Amazon, or you can order used ones or generic ones. ALSO, I happen to have a Sony laptop, and it has a Sony design 4-wire firewire jack on it (not the standard 6-wire jack), so I ordered a Belkin 4-wire to 4-wire cable to connect my camcorder to the Sony laptop.
   - Sony doesn't provide any memory stick card at all so you can't use that storage feature until you buy one. Other reviews here say 64-128mb are fine for storing the 1mpx pictures it takes. 1-2 reviews say that you can't store movies on the memory stick, but I would confirm that - I haven't tried it.
   - Conclusion:
   - Get a second battery
   - Don't rely on the USB connection for anything except a streaming video to the Sony viewer, but you can't capture it. Go for firewire, which means you need the cable (see below) and a standard firewire port or Firewire card on your pc.
   - Get a 128mb memory stick to start (which means you also need a memory stick reader on the PC or laptop). The HandyCam pictures are only 1 megapixel, so I will rarely use it, but the memory stick is how you transfer the pictures to a PC (There might be a way with the USB line, but I don't want to waste anymore time on their software)
   - Order the 4 wire to 6 wire iWire or Firewire cable for playback and transfer, and if your computer doesn't have firewire, add a card with it. The Sony part number is VMC-IL4615 - but get the Belkin alternate or another supplier - Sony's price is $39.95 when Belkin's is 1/4 of that. (I ordered it, but haven't gotten it yet).
   - Expect to not be able to do ANY work on the PC editing your video with the USB cable or Sony's poor software. Instead, try using firewire and the free Microsoft Movie Maker that comes with XP. OR, expect to pay $100 or more for Pinnacle Studio, or ULead's Movie product, or Adobe's video maker products. Pinnacle has special high end audio visual cards with firewire you might look at. Or just make sure you have a good AV card with firewire and the right hardware specs to use the video editing software (i.e. ATI Radeon, etc.) . MY HP has the right specs, so I didn't need an additional card.
   - To process video files on the computer, you might need to add more memory - if the editing is slow, determine if more RAM will help.
   - The camera doesn't come with a bag, so you will need one.
   - The battery is charged by plugging the power brick into the camera and charging the battery in the camera. It is slow, and means you can't use the camera while charging, but I always have two batteries charged, so that is what you have to live with, or buy an external charger.
   - Misc - I bought an infrared filter and tripod also for the camera.
   - Cost - So even though you budgeted $400 or so for the camera, the true price with all the above is more like $600-700 to actually be usable.
   
   And now, my budding You Tube production might actually happen, once I get those cables...
   VJ

No comments about Sony DCR-DVD610E DVD Hybrid Handycam(R) Camcorder for PAL.

5 comments about Sony DCR-DVD508 6.1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

1. DVD508's battery charging connection is a bad design, after 2-month of using, the plug is not connected well, way too loose. We have to buy a separate battery charger to solve the problem.



2. With Sony's introduction of the 508 I am now convince that they had issues with the 505 model. I purshase the 505 model about two years ago and after one year, the touch screen stop responding to a touch. Now the camera is useless to me as it refuse to take still and video shots. To add more pain, it was past its warrenty period and after I contacted sony, they suggest it be shipped to their factory for repairs and will cost several hundred dollars for it to be fixed.
   
   So, anyone contemplating to purchase and of these units make sure you find out if that model has this apparent flaw.



3. I am a gadget guy that wants to get the best bang for the buck. Loyal to Sony for generations and after many hours of intense internet research I have narrowed down my options to three formats, three top cams. MiniDv, MiniDVD, HDD.
   MiniDv has proven to execute clear video performance for years now. Editing capabilities are simple because it uses a very flexible format known to many editing programs. Transferring to a computer is a bit annoying because you have to wait out the entire length of the tape. The top choice for MiniDv is the Sony HC-96. A bit more expensive than the newer HC-48 but pixly speaking it's worth every cent.
   MiniDVD was my choice. With regards to HDD, the need to always transfer my videos and load up my computers hard drive was not appealing. Invest in DVD-RW, rewritables are a must have otherwise you will have to finalize your dvd before popping it into a dvd player, AND your long term disc cost will be less. Crystal clear CMOS picture, Super steadyshot, and a horseshoe to put an external flash. BTW, CCD replaced CMOS for a while now, but it's back, and the DVD508 flaunts the new updated image capturing technology. A nice feature is the 6.1 pixel still shot, but you will need to invest in a memory pro duo card to utilize it. The top choice for MiniDVD is the DCR-DVD508. second the dvd-408, but do not buy the DVD-308, or dvd-108.
   HDD are becoming more popular. The sole reason to get an HDD is not CLARITY, it's convenience. Sleek, quick transfer time, and for those that don't like futzing around with tapes of discs, this is a dream. Opt for the Sony SR-62 for a few more dollars than the SR-42. The SR-42 is almost the exact camcorder, except for the hard drive size.
   Coclusion: MiniDV, is almost extinct but provides easy editing, cheap tapes, and for $300 you get the top model. MiniDVD, newer, easy to navigate on the camera to specific location, clarity, and 5.1 dolby surround sound. For the price of a low end HDD, your get a High end MiniDVD. HDD, ease of use, 7 hours or video without the need to transfer to a computer(for those long trips). $500 will buy you the lowest end HDD.



4. This camera, like all of the Sony DVD camcorders, creates great movies. However, a MAJOR limitation is that most commercial DVD authoring programs do not work with the proprietary MPEG-2 codec Sony uses when you download the movies using Picture Package to your computer. Also, since Sony is stingy about licensing their codec to other software vendors, it is difficult to find converstion programs out there. Roxio products will not work at all, while uLead sometimes work, but often include a timestamp that you cannot remove. Typically Sony = great hardware, lousy software. No wonder LG and Samsung are eating their lunch.



5. Overall the 508 performs just as advertised and I'm very happy with it. It is compatible with several different 8cm DVD discs giving you different options for recording. I did not realize a memory stick was required for still pictures, so I had to make an additional purchase after receiving the camera - - not sure if the advertisement mentioned it. The menu and touch screen work very well, making for easy set up and review. The Operating Guide is sometimes confusing, but all in all gets you to where you need to go.

5 comments about JVC GRD770 MiniDV Camcorder with 34x Optical Zoom.

1. Bought this from Amazon 3 weeks ago. The image quality is OK. I didn t expect too much from such entry level camcorder. When I tried to adjust the settings I found the "MENU" button doesn t work anymore. If I remove the battery for some time and put it back the "MENU" goes back to work for a few seconds and no response then.



2. I do not think this is a good camcorder. The still shots are garbage and I am going to assume the video is average at best. Although I have not tested video.(Found another brand) I just want those who are looking for a camcorder for the first time to know that there are better than this. Look at other companies. Some say this is a good starter/budget camera. It may be, everyone has different needs.
   
   I also want to point out something regarding Windows Vista! For one, the JVC software stinks. It wont work. Also, at first USB wont seem to work either. Windows will not be able to install the driver automatically. You have to let it try to find the drivers on its own. When it fails you must use the advanced option and point to this folder "C:Windows\System32\DriverStore and click OK. Vista will then find the driver needed and USB will work. You may have to point Vista to the folder a few times before it says everything is ready to use and install. You should now be able to get your pictures from the SD memory card. I will assume that firewire is the only practical way of getting the video from the camcorder. When trying to do this, use the built in Windows Movie Maker.



3. Although this camcorder is relatively inexpensive, it does have enough features to make it a perfect video camera for anyone. No one will know you only paid a little over $200.00! Very small footprint, fits in the palm of your hand. I have another camcorder that I paid about 3 times as much for and unless you are a professional, there really is no difference!



4. I bought this camera as my first intro into recording videos for my family, since I've just had my firstborn son.
   
   The first problem with this camera its is buggy Firewire performance, when I try to upload videos to my computer I can see the video and FF or RW the tape but play and stop don't work from the computer so I have to manually control the camera to capture video. Mind you I have tried it with two different firewire card/cable combination.
   
   The worst part is that the Menu button stopped working after two months, I have recorded only 30 minutes of footage with the camera and the menu button does not work. As another reviewer stated, if you remove the battery for some time, 2 days in my case, the menu button works again for about 5 minutes and then dies again.
   
   JVC support is nonexistent, if you email them they replay that they will contact you in 5 days, which it didn't happen, there is no firmware/software updates for the camera, and if you think you'll find much information on the net about it, think again. And as I don't live in the US, I'm stuck with the faulty camera since there is no place I can take it here.
   
   My advice, don't buy this camera, it will save you all the trouble, and you know JVC won't be getting my money again, should have gone with a Panasonic or a Sony one, lesson learned.



5. I've only had the JVC GR-D771(U) for about 3 hours and I'm already sold that this is the model for my family! There's still plenty of time to discover the quirks of this device, but at this present time I only have positives to say. First off, the A/C adapter is dual voltage. That's an absolute must if your traveling (or stationed) overseas. The camcorder comes with a USB cord in the box, BUT also has a firewire port that can be utilized to transfer video to a computer or recording device. It's extremely easy to use (which in most cases means limited capabilities)EXCEPT in this case...
   *it's got wind noise cancellation,
   *a stability feature (called DIS, but I don't know what it stands for)which comes in handy when your using 900X digital zoom
   *16:9/4:3 formating
   *270 degree rotating LCD so you can see what you look like while recording
   *2 or 4 channel stereo sound recording
   *a blinding LED to illuminate subjects in the dark (there's also a night recording option but I haven't tested that yet)
   *you also have the sweet ability of dubbing images from the miniDV tape to the SD/MMC in playback mode
   *There's B/W, sepia, strobe, and mirror options as well as fade in/out effects
   * You can also use this as a webcam with at least windows messenger, I haven't tried yahoo or aim...sorry
   
   I'd say the only bad thing about the JVC GR-D771(U) camcorder is that there isn't enough time in the day to play with it!

5 comments about Panasonic SDR-H200 30GB 3CCD Hard Disk Drive/SD Palmcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

1. The panasonic SDR-H200 has met & exceeded all my expectations.
   I did a lot of research, and read many reviews. In the beginning, I fully expected to go with a JVC or Sony camcorder, but found the Panasonic SDR-H200 blew them away! The SDR-H200 is the bast value hands down: Color, picture quality, features, ease of use. Panasonic uses the same 3 CCD technology in the SDR-H200 camcorder that is used in the really pricey $1,500+ camcorders.
   I bought this camcorder ahead of a recent trip to Hawaii, and it met & exceeded all my expectations. They say not to plan for good still pictures from a camcorder, but I found this panasonic camcorder takes great still pictures, in addition to awesome video. Made a great second still camera for our trip.
   This camera has a ton of features to satisfy the video aficionado. I learn something new every time I use it.
   I got great battery life, 3+ hours between charges, as long as you keep the view screen light level turned down to a reasonable light level. Even at the low light level the view is really good.
   The remote works great for running the camera while taking couple shots on a tripod, or reviewing footage with a TV.
   Thanks to the folks who provided recommendations in this forum on manipulating the files. I'm learning the best ways/software to manipulate my files.
   I've bought a lot of books through Amazon.com, but this was the first time for electronics. Worked out great! Great price, turn around, convenience, review info.



2. Very easy to use, very good video quality, plenty of manual controls.
   Handling is pretty good, just weird to have the battery coming out so much, especially when using the larger capacity batt... but does not interfere with the controls.
   Joystick is very precise, zoom is sensitive to your touch and will go fast or slow as needed.
   Not so great on dimmed light, but video light will help, however with some noise in the pic.
   Compact, light, very easy to transfer data to pc and edit or burn. Heard issues with mod. files... I use cyberlink power director and everything is smooth (the enclosed software is ok).



3. I had it for about three months. No problems what so ever. I just don't like the fact that I need to connect it to a power plug as opoosed to running it on battery when transferring files to the computer.



4. Have owned SDR-H200 for about 8 months.
   
   Pros: Decent price, good video quality in well-lit areas, no tape, digital recording.
   Cons: poor low light video quality - not unusable, but noticeably grainy picture. Cannot get widescreen mode to work. Video clips are coming in as 4:3. Supplied software leaves a lot to be desired.
   
   recommended.



5. The product is amazing. But I did not get the Power cord (I bought it refurbished, but still a wire less is a wire less). It is necessary for transferring to PC. Need to be sure you got everything.

5 comments about Panasonic PV-GS39 MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom.

1. You won't go wrong with a Panasonic DV. I've had a few models. I have several of this model for my business. They're rock solid reliable, nice and small for portability, and the quality of the recording is very good



2. I need an extra battery for my PV-GS39. I can't seem to find it anywhere. Can anybody give some info on where to find one.



3. I bought this camcorder back in August last year right after my vacation, not so smart but I needed a new one just didn't act fast enough. That's the lesson I learned here. Although you have a 1 year Parts warranty you only have 90 day for labor. You wouldn't think that would be bad but guess what, it will cost $200 for labor no matter how large or small the job. I unfortunately didn't test the video output through the television until recently when I discovered it wasn't working. I had never used so I'm guessing that it never worked. I tried to explain this to Panasonic service center but they weren't having it. I paid $299 and I cannot see paying $200 to fix something that didn't work in the first place. The moral of the story is, it's a pretty good little camcorder for the money. Just make sure you test every little feature within the ninety days because you'd be better off buying a new one if it goes wrong after that.



4. I bought this last Christmas for my husband. Here it is, November of the next year, and we still have trouble using it. It is NOT user-friendly! The connections to PC or TV are not easy, and forget that, just shooting movies are a challenge, especially if inside. There's a lighting feature we still haven't figured out, and apparently we have a lemon, as there are 5 blue bands that span across our movies in playback. Sounds like we're not alone...
   Also, I can't find any info on the Panasonic website about this model, or it's problems.
   
   Buyer beware!



5. So, I bought this camera, and truthfully I really wish I hadn't. I guess the only thing I don't like is even with the light that you can turn on, nighttime shots are really, really poor quality. I don't know what it is about this camera, or many camera's panasonic has put out, but the minute it gets a little dark - FORGET ABOUT IT!
   
   Other than that, the battery is long lasting and it truly is really simple to use - I mean no brainer, really!
   
   It's small, so I can take it anywhere with me and not think I am carrying something bulky- love to put it in my purse, other than the night thingy, its a fine camera.

5 comments about Panasonic VDR-D300 3.1MP 3CCD DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

1. When it works, it's great. However each time I go on a research trip to Europe or N America (ie. costing me a lot of cash) an intermittent fault occurs where the image (in still mode or video)drops out the red range, so the recorded image has a blue cast. I am an art historian, so bringing back faulty data is not good for my research. And dealing with Panasonic Australia is a nightmare. Neither the shop, or the repairer, or the company will take final responsibility. I have sent it away twice, and today send it back for another test. Even when you provide them with the hard evidence of the fault, the camera comes back just as it was. Next stop the small claims tribunal...



2. purchase this for christmas gift 12/6/06. not used unitl 12/26/06. camcorder eject door stopped working 04/06/07. emailed Panasonic for warranty repair- no reponse 3 wks-called 800# in manual and was told to ship to Bigston Corp for repairs-BIG MISTAKE-DO NOT SHIP ANYTHING TO THEM-
   Bigston rec'd camera 5/10/07. 5/14/07 Bigston called and said repair not under warranty- would cost 207.50 to repair expect repair 2 wks., i okd that and they charged my cc 5/16., 6/4 called Bigston, no idea regarding repair, now they say add'l 85.00 for rear assby, i okd-then they charged my card 119.23, said 3-4 days for repair. June 18 i call Bigston no idea why my camera still is not repaired, could not get manager to call me back
   6/19 they called said they had to order part!!!then they shipped camera back with an invoice that says i am due refund of $12.50. when i called them they said the invoice was wrong/mgr changed it after shipment!!!!!
   i paid $ 326.73 for repairs on a camcorder that cost 500.00 4 months ago!



3. If one takes a fairly good video that needs no editing, a TV presentation is very simple but limited to about 18 minutes, which is the capacity of one side of the mini DVD-RAM disc (which I prefer to use!).
   
   Computer download, editing and ultimate burning to a normal-sized DVD is done with the bundled, two-part Pacman-style software whose manual is large but not very explicit or user friendly.
   
   I recommend that one use only re-writable DVDs for the in-camera media as for burning presentation discs unless one is in need of shiny coasters...
   
   I teamed up with another user and we help each other with computer-related problems. The quality of the camcorder's video output itself is excellent.
   
   This is a five-star device with three-star software.



4. The camcorder came from the manufacturer, broken....and the company I purchased it from, was not customer friendly....as of today, I am still waiting for it to be fixed.



5. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RH769ADHN9DGW Here's a sample of what this little camera can do. Believe or not, I shot my daughter's recital from about 30 yards (using the zoom feature, of course) and in a dark auditorium. Notice how the lens picks up all available light and the sound is clear. I had the camera sitting on my knee and the video (even with the zoom maxed out) is very smooth. I LOVE this camera...imagine how bright and clear the picture is in the broad daylight! It really is a clear picture.
   I like the option of burning immediately to a DVD. Sometimes if I'm at my family's house I will shoot some footage and now I'm able to burn it and leave it with them.
   I've had no trouble getting the video files from the camera to my computer...because I'm using the USB cord that came with it. I'd rather use my own video editing software, as I didn't like what came with the camera. I use AVS Video Editor, which does a superb job. I can create videos in just about any format. As with any new piece of technology, it takes some getting used to. I've used the camera with both Windows XP and Vista and I've had no compatibility issues. Enjoy!

5 comments about Sony DCR-SR62 30GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom (Handycam Station Included).

1. This camera takes good video quality and good picture quality (about 1MP). I bought this camera to possibly be a good all-in-one camera, pictures and video. The 30GB holds more than I need and it is easy to transfer to a Computer. My only problem at all with this camera is that it does not have a flash. I believe the Sony SR200 and SR300 have a flash. So, it turns out that for taking pictures indoors it is still better for me to use my other sony Camera. Other than that this camera fits all my needs and I think it actually works out better that I use this camera for video and the other for pics.



2. I was amazed at how this worked. The light for darkness blew me away. I wanted the next size up but this one was the better buy for the price.



3. Easy to use, good videos. We're not descriminating, so there's not much I can say that hasnt already been said. Takes great videos for the price; easy to use - right out of the box, we connected it to the TV to view the videos and were very pleased with the results. I especially like the fact that I no longer have to deal with disks or tapes.
   
   Only problem is that these small handhelds are geared towards right-handed users. You cant really hold/use it with your left hand as all of the controls, and also the screen are on the left side of the camera. I suspect most of the small handhelds suffer from this problem.



4. Parents bought the camera and it was too late to return it. Pros: very light and easy to use. Everything functions very well. Cons: Image quality sucks and you must use the dock to transfer files to computer. For the image quality alone i would have returned this but i cant anymore. Would i buy again? for the price, definitely not.



5. We got this when we are expecting our first baby. It's rather easy to use overall. Videos are gorgeous and we couldn't be happier. It holds hours of video. However, the still photos are of VERY poor quality. Thank goodness we brought our regular camera to the hospital. We had hoped to only have to lug one piece of equipment around, but the photos simply are of poor color and very blurry. We also are unable to figure out how to upload the videos using just the camcorder. You have to have the base, which means another piece to lug along if you are uploading on vacation.

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

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



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



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



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



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

5 comments about JVC GRD72 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom.

1. This is a cute little perfect camera. Other than the fact that the CCD Base Assembly needed replacement after a few months (generating a LENS CAP ON error even though it's not in place), it has always been an excellent camera. As far as the CCD, just call the 800 number mentioned above, give them your serial number and other pertinent info and you're set. I live near the factory in Cypress and I had camera back in one week! That's service! And it was free!



2. I thought my JVC Digital Camera was handy, easy to use and worked pretty well for what it was... then one day at my daughter's ballet show, I turned it on (I made sure I charged it all night) and it wouldn't record. It kept saying that the lens cap was on. I am so frustrated and sad. I spent a good chunk of money on this item and don't know what happened... still don't have a way of recording my daughter's milestones....
   
   Don't buy it, if you have other options.



3. Junk. You will get a lens cap error in about a year or so, where it will tell you lens cap is on and you will not be able to record anymore.



4. camcorder works as expected, nothing too wonderful but is what I wanted. the still pics are a little fuzzy, but it the rest of the features are easy to use. I use it for track and field filming. I have many different kids use it with little trouble.



5. JVCs are great if you don't need any accessories or never need customer service. if you do you are in trouble. I bought a JVC video recorder last year and despite it being new it came without most of the accessories offered with it--things you'll probably need such as the cable to connect it to the TV and the one to connect it to the computer. I had to buy each of these for $40 each--they would not ship them, and also had to buy the software that was supposed to come with the camera. after all that, the leads broke and the camera started eating tape. the customer service was useless and I finally just threw it out. I had owned this JVC product for less than a year and will never buy another one.