5 comments about Toshiba Gigashot GSC-R30 30GB 2MP Hard Disc Drive Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. This is my first camcorder. The price of this product was very reasonable. The only shortage I found so far is it is difficult to control focus when changing the room or during moving. Maybe this is because I am not experienced. The noise mentioned by many people does not trouble me and I think the bad image taken in night may happen in other camcorders not only this band. It's not touch panel so there's no worry about your fat fingers. Anyway it's a good product for beginners.



2. Great product! Now I don't have to carry tons of tape for recording my memories. Fast connection with your computer. Pictures come out great. Sometimes it may be blurry. You might have a problem location an extra battery. The extra SD drives are useful for back up. User friendly.



3. I bought this camera through Amazon and antonline. Its a really nice camera, but it is completely unable to function in any meaningful way through imovie and has no value if you own an Apple Computer. This is because the camera records in mpeg-2 and apparently is inherently non-editable. DO NOT BUY IT UNLESS YOU OWN A PC!!!



4. great amount of storage, lacks audio input, and the auto focus is noisy on it, and isn't fast enough when zooming in. not bad for the amount of recording you can do. the cam is really small as well.



5. The camera size is great, and it is easy to use. Battery life is fine and HD storage space is ample.
   
   The problem is that this camera does not function well at all in low light, and the autofocus is shaky unless you are filming outdoors in good light. Even in these ideal conditions, the cameras is sluggish to focus when shifting from close up to further away and zooming.
   
   Capturing important indoor activities (Christmas, Easter, school plays, kindergarten graduation) is not easily accomplished do to the low light performance and the issues with sluggish AF.
   
   I would not recommend this camera to others.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV80 MiniDV 2Megapixel Camcorder with 3.5" LCD, Memory Stick, Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity, and Networking Capability.

1. Well it started out good... It was nice having high-quality Mini DV recordings, the wireless connectivity, firewire to my computer, and all the other bells and whistles. BUT... after having this Sony for a couple years, and the warranty is out, I am stuck with a dog! It worked fine until right before the warranty ran out. While it was still under warranty, it went in for repairs due to audio cutting out, and all they did was clean it. After a few weeks, it started happening again. TWICE they were unable to fix it! I gave up and just bought a Canon. If Sony can't even fix their own products, I don't think I want to buy them!



2. Buy another camcorder! This one will be a waste of your time and money. On paper this camcorder is great. However, not only is it overpriced and full of extraneous features. It is also difficult to use, has a poorly written manual and horrible support. I tried the SONY product support line at 888-449-7669 twice, but got little help.

   Additionally, writing to the memory stick produces poor quality images, and there is no built in video light. Finally, the PC software that comes with the camera leaves much to be desired.

   My excitement about buying this camera and all its accesories has been replaced with utter contempt for SONY. I now understand why the company has been having so many problems.




3. I am technically competent, but a novice at video photography. Therefore, I spent weeks reviewing a a number of various cameras. I ultimately decided on the TRV 80 because of: the HAD technology, the 3 1/2 touch screen, the digital still, the still pop-up flash, along with the features rich capabilities of this camera. I have used it for about a week and have found it to be very easy to use. The controls are intuitive and the manual has been very easy to navigate. You should also consider the need for various accessoriies. I purchased it with a bundled package which included: tripod, 2 additional batteries, wide and telephoto lenses, case, tapes, cleaning kit, USB card reader, and a four year MAC parts and labor warranty. Add on package was less about two hundred seventy dollars and well worth it. Also spent a long time looking for editing software with good reviews. Settled on PYRO Digital Video, which indluded a 1394 PCI card and software compatable with the Sony camera. They have beginner, intermediate and Pro versions available. So far I am extremely pleased with the camera, and accessory packages. I am able to take great videos now and when I master the advanced features I'm sure the quality of the movies produced will improve. Highly recommend this product and suggest you consider the add on packages, especially the 4 year warranty.



4. What a camera indeed. I just got it three days ago and after reading the manual I see there will be a lot of learning ahead for me. There are so many features this camera has I know I will not use most of them. The video is sharp and the photos are better then expected (acceptable but I will still use my digital camera when needed or preferred). The supplied 8 MB memory stick is only worth a tease, you will have to get at least a 128 MB or greater! Being in the Air Force and stationed in Germany this will be one treat to carry along on up coming trips!



5. The Best Camcorder i have ever had by far. Bluetooth is the coolest thing, and the picture quality is supurb. I would reccomend this to anybody who wants a high quality camera. Yes, you spend a few extra dollars, but in the long run it is worth it.

1 comments about Sony DCRTRV39 MiniDV 1Megapixel Camcorder with 3.5" LCD, Networking Capability and Laser Assist Focus.

1. Read the technical specs... This camera gives all that you want. It is really the optimum camera for this price. I decided to buy a camera 2 months ago and i checked every MiniDV in every brand. Considering i am a sony fan, the latest 3 cameras in the list was TRV38, TRV39 and TRV80. This camera gives me everything that i want, except : poor battery life (you must buy at least NPQM71D) and poor still image quality (it is ok. if you don't plan to print posters. Reasonable in 10*15 cm photo prints). And for indoor use you can get an external light on top for 30-40$. You need a fireware card for your PC in order to transfer the video that you shoot. You can do it by USB, but fireware gives better results while recording on DVD or CD.

5 comments about JVC GRDVL120U MiniDV Digital CyberCam Video Camera with 2.5" LCD & B/W Viewfinder.

1. Please send- my battery for my DIGITAL CAMARA MINI DV
   JVC BATTERY CODE BN-V408U OR BN-V416U



2. I've had one of these for about 18 months...after a year of ownership it started eating DV tapes. I've had three destroyed when rewinding...you get an error message and the next thing you know your tape is in ribbons. Fortunately, I found a place that will repair them but it is expensive ($30 per tape).

   I contacted JVC about the problem...they were aware that their camcorders have this kind of issue but because mine was outside the warranty period they declined to do anything for me.

   If you do buy this camcorder (or already have it) try getting a separate miniDV rewinder for around $20. I've only had the tapes get eaten while rewinding.

   If you're still in the market for a camcorder...don't buy this one!




3. I had the camcorder for about a year and then BANG, this whinding noise starts to happen... I can't record with it anymore... It seems with the slightest touch, it makes a whinding noise and tottally destroys the image... This product was a great deal... Too bad it doesn't work! ...



4. it broke the third time we used it. no power, nothing. now the labor warranty is expired and the tape is stuck inside! do not nuy no matter how great the deal. you will buy buy a peice of excretory waste.



5. I reluctantly bought a display model of the GR-DVL120U about a year ago. I choose this model because of price, shape/size and the fact it was digital. Price was the biggest concern because the soul purpose was for shooting underwater video (if my housing flooded, I would be out less money). The camera is still going strong despite use in some rough environments. The video quality is very good and if works great for connecting to a computer (something my girlfriends Sony doesn't do well). The manual setting on the camera is great because I can lock the focus and everything for shooting underwater. That way it doesn't search for focus in low light conditions. There's lots of different settings you can tweak in the manual mode to work in your environment (I can get good footage 119 ft underwater!) The negative would be the camera isn't very common so it isn't always easy to find batteries or other accessories (like a good fisheye lens)

5 comments about Sharp VLWD450U MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/2.5'' Viewfinder & Built-in Digital Still Mode.

1. People don't realize but this camera is one the best products in terms of value. It's nice size, light, and it let's you both input and out put composite and DV, so you can convert analog video to DV extremely easily. I even sometimes transfer DVD's to tapes so i can watch them on the road either on the large LCD screen or connecting it to the hotel TV.



2. too low quality

   From the beginning, the quality of the record is too low. I can't watch most of the time after recorded.




3. although this camcorder is a bit larger than most minidv camcorders now, it is not bulky and the recording quality is really nice. the zoom mic is really a bonus. I've been using it for almost three years without any problems. the only problem I had was "eject the tape" messages, after the dv tape gets stuck. Some shaking of the tape helps but not always. I assume this might be because of the tape rather than the camcorder.



4. All of the negative reviews of this product are true. It eats tapes, or makes them unusable at a certain point. I, too, was under warranty when this started to happen (after the first tape!). I had to send to to NY, and had to pay for the labor, which was half the price of the camera. When it finally came back, it did the same thing. I don't even know where to go with the lemon laws for this one.



5. I was extremely pleased with this camera when I first got it. It was a great bargain and I got a rebate, too! The features on it were amazing for the price and the video was quality was every bit as good as I expected, if not better. Then, after about a year of being exceedingly pleased with my purchase, my favorite toy started eating tapes. I get the famous EJECT CASSETTE message nearly every time I attempt to rewind now. About half of those times, the machine ends up messing up a part of the tape by getting it stuck in the mechanism. Then I have to carefully extract it myself and rewind manually. Even doing this causes some wear and tear on the tapes now because they just weren't made for winding and unwinding by hand and they sometimes end up getting stretched out a little too far in the process. If you've got the expendable cash and just need a full-featured camera to last you a little while, go for a Sharp. If you need something durable and want some actual bang for your buck, pay more for another brand. I'm waiting for the days when camcorders record onto hard drives... In the meantime, my next camcorder purchase for personal use will likely be a DVD-RAM model. Forget about tapes. But most of all, forget about Sharp.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV33 MiniDV 1megapixel Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick capabilities.

1. 8 months after I bought this camera it lost the ability record video. In fact the screen is black. I can still use the menus and watch old videos but somehow I am looking for a camera than can take pictures. Most camera should be expected to break the 8 month mark with out breaking especially with out outside help.



2. My TRV33 lasted 18 months. While it worked the camera was absolutely excellent.
   
   However, I went to use it this morning and the record screen was totally blank.
   
   I haven't contact Sony myself, but by the sounds of this forum, I think I would be wasting my time if I did. If the reports in this forum are correct, Sony don't seem to care that this is happening.
   
   I won't buy a Sony again.



3. I have had the same problem with my DCR TRV33. I've called Sony previously and they said send it to the repair center but I had to pay for S&H and repair. I thought I was SOL. I keep on checking though, hoping that Sony would see the error in their ways. And maybe from all the unhappy consumers or class action lawsuit, they responded FINALLY! I'm sending it in tomorrow. Wish me luck.
   
   [...]



4. I got EXACTLY the same problem as many of other victims had experienced. All of sudden, after very scarce and gentle use, the camera only showed verticle lines and went completely blind.
   
   What is the good of a camcord if it can't even last more than 1.5 years with less than 10 hours of recording?
   
   I would say that SONY is KNOWINGLY selling defective products to consumers and all of us who had problems should file class-action law suit against SONY for damages.
   
   Any lawyers who are reading this should seriously consider this. You may reap big dollars while helping us to vent some anger.



5. I like the Sony DCR-TRV33 Camcorder Very much. One thing that I like about this camcorder is that I can put video clips on my computer files two different ways. I can input video files to my computer with the AV cable any files that 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-TRV33 can do both and does a very fine job doing it. I highly recommend this Camcorder and feel it is quality plus.

3 comments about Sony DCRHC65 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. My initial impression of the HC65 are generally very favorable. I like the feel and balance of it, and the controls are laid out nicely. The LCD display at 3.5" is very nice, and the touch screen is nice as well, being reasonably intuative and requiring only a light touch which minimizes camera movement while filming. I tried some filming outdoors first, close to sunset, and had great results in the Easy mode. The focus and exposure adjust very quickly and give a good picture. The colors are vibrant, and the image is clear.
   
   The manual focus is a nice feature as well, using a focus ring on the front of the lens, and also showing the focus distance on the LCD display. The zoom works quite well; easy to control the speed, and the button is well placed, although I wish it had just a little more than 10X. The 10X should be sufficient for most applications, and I would reccomend a telephoto lens adapter and tripod if you need extra magnification.



2. I bought the DCRHC65 after trying out the DCRHC30 thinking the larger CCD unit would make a difference in low-light conditions. But I wasn't able to see any difference.
   
   The design of this camera sux. The input / output cable ports are located in difficult spots. The tethered lens cap is ridiculous. Too heavy. Consumes battery too quickly.
   
   If you're considering this camera, compare it with the DCRHC30. The only big difference is the pixel memory and CCD size. Both do analog to digital pass-through. But the DCR-HC30 is hundreds less.



3. I got this camera for $430 at circuit city. I don't think its worth $800, but it has some great features if you can find it for a good price, since it is last year's model. I love the big touch screen. Its really easy to use. The supernight shot plus works great. This camera can see better than me in the dark. Picture quality is good and if you get an upgraded battery (only $20 on ebay) the camera can run for a long time. It doesn't have the built in lens cover, but I just keep my lens cover in a camera bag when I'm using the camera. The camera is a little bigger than some other models out there, but I think it makes it easier to hold and have control.

5 comments about Hitachi DZ-GX3300A 3.3MP DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom.

1. I own a previous model Hitachi DVDCam. I have had several of my DVD's become corrupt and unreadable after I had recorded (and viewed) several videos on them. I called Hitachi and after a LONG phone call was basically told that I had bad luck and they were sorry. It is a porblem with the DVD itself and they do not stand behind the DVD's (because they are from a different manufacturer). My only option is to contact a data recovery service to get back my hours of lost video. Looks like that will cost me about $200-400 for two discs.
   I understand that they do not make the DVD's, but their cameras use them. If I can record my videos on to them, I should be able to see those videos again. The only way to use their DVDCams are to record onto DVD's! Save your money and frustration and don't risk losing your precious family memories!



2. It is great to burn movies directly to a DVD. Once you finalize the disc, just pop it in the DVD player and watch. Also, the picture mode with the removable SD ram card is very good (has integrated flash for still picutures which works very well). Just pop the SD ram in your reader, and download to PC.
   
   One improvement is the indoor/low light capability for videos (which is why only 4 stars). Outside, you get incredibly crisp, good pictures. Inside, you simply don't. The camcorder simply needs more light in order to get sharp video pictures.
   
   It's a very good camera, only question is operation in low light conditions. We are looking for an auxilliary light for this camera to overcome this problem.



3. This camera has only 90 days of warranty,Yes brand new and only 90 days.
   After waiting months of browsing and research on what would be a good DVD Camcorder for our Family moments I have wrongly choose Hitachi because of the price and the nice feature of the 3.3 Mega Pixels...whatever.
   It was my daughter's recital and I tape all the event but when I tried to take a picture and returned to camcorder mode the Access light was flashing and then the disc became corrup the the camera ask if you want to repair but ohhh surprise the disc became with no data like blank.
   3 times happen and the I realize I need to call service and gues what it was only a day after the 90 days of warranty so If I want to get my camera inspected for any defect I'll need to pay 85 usd plus labor plus parts.
   Don't choose wrong think twice.



4. It's a wonderful product to use, with excellent video and still picture quality. This product has been wrongly used, that's why previous reviews have shown that it damages DVD Disks, but the fact is that it doesn't.
   
   Actually I was in the same impression when I used it for the first time using DVD +RW disks, but none of the disks worked in it. Then I studied the manual and found that +RW disks are not fully compatible with DVD Camcorders, so I used the DVD -R and bulls eye, it worked just perrrfect.
   
   I'd recommend to use this camcorder as it is the best in it's category with excellent quality (3.3MP in DVD camorder !!!!) Go for it and enjoy your memories.....



5. This is my 2nd Hitachi camcorder. I had a lesser version from the same series (the only 1 that recorded video LESS than DVD quality!), which broke when I dropped it 3 feet, the day my son was born.
   This one, however, has better video AND picture quality, and has been reliable since I've had it.
   However, you have to read the manual, then read it again, then read it again. And then learn from experience all the things that aren't in the manual (some disks are untrustworthy, only buy name-brand batteries, some video modes are best avoided, it isn't always necessary to finalize, etc.)
   I agree that the warranty is a joke, and these camcorders are not built to withstand anything less than the best handling.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV250 Digital8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, USB Streaming and Remote.

1. Sony camcorders have a factory defect that the ccd screen goes black when in record mode after a few tapes of use. I was asked to pay $270 to fix it. Beware.. there are thousands of such reported problems on this and other camcorder review sites. I would suggest that you read them before buying a Sony product.



2. EXPERIENCE THE INCREDIBLE FEATURES OF THE SONY DIGITAL8® CAMCORDER!
   PLAYS THRU YOUR COMPUTER AND RECORDS TO A DVD...THIS IS A NICE UNIT, EASY TO USE..!
   The Sony® DCR-TRV250 camcorder delivers all the benefits of Digital8 recording quality in a smaller chassis.
   The TRV250 features a 2.5-inch color LCD display and you can make your own digital-quality movies!
   In addition to its crisp, clear digital video and stereo audio, the Sony TRV250 can also stream live and recorded moving video to a PC via USB.
   Transfer video to your PC via iLink interface (also known as FireWire) to edit your masterpiece with the included software.
   Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization smoothes and steadies your images without degrading picture quality. Sony does it with motion sensors--a more accurate system than those used by many other camcorders on the market.
   Now you can capture video even in total darkness.
   Sony's NightShot system uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye.
   You can shoot subjects such as a sleeping baby up to 10 feet away in total darkness.
   Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV250 incredible operating time.
   To keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining--right in the viewfinder!
   The Sony TRV250 measures 3.63 by 4.00 by 7.88 inches.
   FEATURES INCLUDE:
   **) 20X Optical/700X Digital Zoom
   **) 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Display
   **) SteadyShot Picture Stabilization System
   **) NightShot Infrared 0 Lux System
   **) Photo Mode
   **) Digital8 System
   **) 1/6" CCD 460K Pixels
   **) USB Streaming Feature
   **) i.LINK DV Interface
   **) Built-In Light (3 Watt)
   **) On screen Battery Information
   **) InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System
   **) Digital Program Editing
   **) Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes
   **) Picture Effects Mode
   This package includes the TRV250 camcorder, power adaptor/in-camera charger InfoLithium rechargeable battery, wireless remote, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, two AA batteries, and CD-ROM with PIXELA ImageMixer Version 1.5 software and USB driver software.
   
   Model No: DCR-TRV250 (R)
   Weight: 5.5 Lbs.



3. I have not had any problems with my camera, but I have two family members who have the same camera and have had the really common LCD screen going blank. Someone has sued Sony and Sony is going to repair these cameras or reimburse you if you already had it fixed. Go to this link (http://www.sony.com/ccdservice) My faith is somewhat restored in Sony, but it is pretty bad it took a lawsuit for Sony to pony up the dough and correct their mistake.



4. I have read the other reviews about the lawsuit, unfortunately, the blank screen is not my problem. After very little use I found that the battery supplied with the camera lasts considerably less than one tape. So, I thought, "it's new, it's worth it" I bought 2 large batteries, for about $100/battery. The batteries are no longer the problem, after a little more time(less than 6 total hours recorded)the camera dings and flashes what I would only consider to be an error code. Online support was no help, and said send it in. Unfortunately once again, this is a "Flat Rate" fix, and on this camera it is $211, I don't know if I'm going to pay a flat rate to get it fixed, or play with a hammer and have $211 worth of therapy with it. 2 other family members own this camera, one has never been able to watch their videos and Sony said it is a software problem, but not their problem, and the other family member bought a different product less than 30 days of owning it.



5. Great Sony Video Camera for the price. I can use this camera and convert my video to CD-Videos and DVD using the USB and Firewire connections.

No comments about Samsung SC-X205L MPEG4 Sports Camcorder with 512MB Memory & 10x Optical Zoom.