5 comments about Canon ZR70MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 22x Optical Zoom, Digital Still Mode, MMC Slot, Image Stabilization and Wide Angle Attachment.

1. As a lot of people mentioned, this product has several good features and drawbacks. The most attractive feature is 22x optical zoom. Video quality is not bad. However, it performs poorly when the light is low. I used it for three years and took a lot of videos. Frankly, I didn't use it with too much care. I was lucky that it didn't die for 3 years.
   
   Then, my LCD went black when I was during a very happy journey last week. My camcorder was bought in China and had a different model name: MV650i, but it is exactlly the same as zr70mc here in US. Hopefully I can also repair it for free here.



2. Canon will repair no questions asked.
   It take 2 weeks total.
   That is great support.
   Talk to anyone else about a 2-3 year old product.
   The funny thing is the part giving the problems is Sony.
   
   I love the camera. It will be around 10 years after the repairs.



3. I presume people had problems with this product (ZR70MC).I guess most of them are CCD related.I owned ZR70MC since 2004 and I noticied CCD problem recently (Camcorder LCD went blank even when lens cap is removed) and one year warranty on product had already expired.Canon customer service was efficient and they repaired it free of cost (they even provided shipping label).When I received camcorder I noticied that record button is not working. Canon customer service or repair center again came to my rescue and they repaired it free of cost (they even provided shipping label).
   I rate their customer service as best.But as some one noted earleir this camcorder doesn't perform well in low light conditions.



4. I've had this camcorder for about 2 years now and have used it for everything from backyard footage to filming corporate events. My kit included the wide angle lens attachment, a standard life battery, software CD and an 8 MB SD card. It performs great. It has great sound through the regular microphone. I even recorded a fireworks display and the fireworks did not overdrive the sound. You could still hear nearby voices even while the fireworks were going off. It has a hot shoe for connecting accessories. Although I always intended to add a microphone to the hot shoe, I never did get around to it. I think the standard mic is sifficient for my needs.
   
   When I recorded for corporate events, I ran the soundboard right into the A/V on the camera using a standard RCA to Headphone jack. This was a handy feature since we were in a warehouse environment and the sound system mixed all the audio. I could film from a long distance and still patch in the audio to make it sound great. The recorded video turned out really superb and my customers were quite pleased. I used the included Studio 8 to edit the video and record onto the DVD.
   
   The still camera is around a megapixel. Not great as far as quality unless you're shooting in good outdoor light. Dark lighting definitely looks grainy on the stills, even with the night shot mode enabled.
   
   The camera model, along with some other Canon DV cameras are affected by a recall. It will freak you out when you don't see any video on your viewfinder or LCD. It just goes black. In short, the cable that connects the CCD (which digitizes the video) gets disconnected. Canon will repair the defect (they will also pay shipping both ways) regardless of warranty status. The process was easy and did not take very long.



5. As others have mentioned, this camera, along with a slew of others from Canon have a CCD problem relating to heat. I just experienced this problem and called Canon per their website.
   
   I made the mistake of referring to the "product recall" to which I was endlessly chastised by the customer service rep because it is really a "product advisory." (I originally bought the camera for over $700, now I'm being treated like trash because I used the wrong words... nice.)
   
   In returning the camera for service, I was told not to use the original packaging and that I should bubble wrap it and place nothing around it in a large box. (so it can fly around inside) They pay for UPS shipping, which she said takes 7-10 days.
   
   Once they receive it, they will determine if heat caused the problem or if the CCD is broken. If it's broken, then I have to pay. Considering that they want it to be flung around inside a large box during shipping, I can see where this is going.
   
   I would not recommend this camera for this problem alone and would not recommend Canon products at all due to their customer service anymore.

5 comments about Sharp VLZ5U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Slot and 8MB Card.

1. I have had all the different brands of all kinds of electronics. After a review, a test and having alot of family and friends view my films nobody had any thing to say but "That Was Great". Easy to use, excellent battery location, No problems or regrets, I guess for all the cameras that were sold if only a few have negative comments thats pretty good. And I live in a rainy climate, and no "DEW" message, or any other have ever popped up. For the price, size, functions and final results. TV hook up or to computer. I give it a Thumbs Up with out hesitation.



2. If not for the DEW function I would give the camera five stars. Unfortunately when the DEW signal comes on there is no camera and there is no override for this sensor. We wouldn't anticipate a problem with moisture living in Arizona but it's been nothing but problems after the first year. Our first dew warning came when we tried to record our sons first preschool Christmas play - we have no video of that or several other events like birthday parties, visits from family, stunts on the trampoline... I'm counting my blessing that we're just out the cost of new camera because I have been sure my husband would land in the ER with an anger induced stroke on those occasions! The only time the DEW function seemed to go away was during the hot humid summer we spent in the Southeast. Go figure.



3. this camcorder is pure garbage, i purchased brand new from circuit city , only used it 4 or 5 times also , i now get the dew message, i tried everything from putting it into bags , airing it outside in dry weather, using blow dryer, using little sacks of silicia then placing the camcorder in a bag to dry it out, nothing works !!!!!
   called sharp customer service got the run around. finally i have given up, this piece of electronics should never have been sold, some one needs to file a class action lawsuit given the 80+ posts i have read all detailing the same thing " identical " problems" !!!!!!



4. We got this camera a few months ago and never used until we finally had some special occassions to record. We were able to record two and on my daughter's 8th birthday party it came up with the DEW error and we tried very hard to get it back to normal. We left the cassette door open for days and no change. Do not buy this camera, it will take away from your special occassion when you least expect it. This electronic device is not worthy. I gave it one star because there isn't a lower rating.



5. I've had this camera for a couple of years now-- it's zoom function leaves something to be desired, and I'd recommend NOT zooming during a shot. In fact, for adequate depth of field you're better off not zooming at all.
   
   Otherwise, it is easy to use, and I haven't had the dew indicator problems that others have had.
   
   So, all in all, I'd say if you can get it for a modest enough price and just want a basic camcorder, it's not a bad deal.

5 comments about Sony DCRHC85 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. This is probably one of the best consumer camcorders out there. Everything about it is quite impressive, like the night vision feature and the touch-screen LCD monitor. Most importantly its got a great picture and it does amazing with lighting which most digital camcorders don't. The size and wieght of this product is perfect for portable use and easy maneuverability. Overall this is a grreat camcorder and really lives up to its expectations and price.



2. This is my first foray into "movie cameras" since having an 8 mm camera a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away --- oops! that just slipped out... The point is, I'm definitely a novice in the camcorder world. My needs are simple: good quality video from point-and-shoot operation; acceptable low-light performance, ease of use, and dependability. I spent many, many hours on research before deciding that a Sony camcorder would best fit my needs, and finally shelled out for a DCRHC40 a week ago.
   
   I was happy but not thrilled with its performance. So today I upgraded to the DCRHC85, and now I'm thrilled. The main differences that made me go for the more advanced model are the larger CCD size (1/3.6" vs 1/5"), the larger LCD (2.5" vs 3.5"), and the different shape.
   
   Some professional reviews of the HC85 rated its video quality as poor, and that worried me, but I've found it clearly superior to the HC40: the colors are brighter and the images are sharper (using both cameras in "Easy" [read "idiot"] mode.) I tried both cameras outdoors in twilight, with the same tape cartridge, and while both gave good results, the HC85 is obviously crisper and truer to color. I also found the HC85's automatic focus to respond faster.
   
   Several other things I like better in the HC85: Less recording noise; finer zoom control (the zoom on the HC40 seemed to have one speed, fast; on the HC85, zoom speed can be controlled by pressure on the key); the larger LCD --- I find its resolution perfectly adequate, and I like the touch-screen controls; and finally, although it's a larger camera, it fit my small hand better than the HC40 (it's "fatter" and allows a better grasp at the top).
   
   Admittedly, my impressions are based on very limited experience with both models, and I'm a real newbie at this, but I definitely find the extra price for the HC85 worth it.
   
   On the negative side is the fact that you have to shell out extra for a decent battery, a separate recharger, and a case. Also, it seems most authorities agree that Canon produces superior video quality.



3. I bought HC85 in July , but got a real chance to shoot for long hours only in October. I found all the controls very very effective and handy. also to add to its video the Still photographs that are captured at 2 Mega pixels are amazingly good. I also tested the Photographs by getting a print and its good enough and comparable with any other camera (2 mega pixel ofcourse).
   Though i am having a problem or rather some confusion about.
   1. Formatting the Video while getting it from tape to hard disk
   2. The video Quality when i view it after writing to VCD is not that good. Probably i am missing some setting while using it
   
   it would be great if someone could help me out on this.



4. This is a great camcorder except for one major limitation: the minimum focal length of the lens. The lens is equivalent to 52mm - 520mm in 35mm camera terms. For telephoto situations it is great, but as far as normal shooting it means that if your subject is close, you will have to back up to get everything on screen. I bought this camera one day before going on a trip to Disneyland and found that I was constantly backing up into people or getting frustrated that I could not get everyone in the picture.
   
   Most new camcorders have a much lower minimum focal length, usually between 44mm - 46mm. It may not seem significant but the 6 - 8mm difference of the HC85's lens at its widest, is VERY NOTICEABLE! I had being using a Sony TRV10 with a 42mm minimum focal length which made the problem even more apparent. This is the only new Sony model with this limitation. Every other new Sony model, including the similarly designed but lower resolution HC65, have either a 45mm or 46mm minimum focal length. I am exchanging my HC85 and upgrading to the Sony PC350 which has a 45mm minimum focal length and twice the video resolution of the HC85. It also has 3 Megapixels of still resolution vs. 2.11 Megapixels for the HC85.



5. I Just pick this up, and I just want to say, this is the best camcorder I've ever seen. You can shoot in total darkness, in full color! You can even shoot in the 16:9 mode! The clarity is exceptional! I also own the SONY GX7 DVD recorder, which I use to transfer my movies and pictures from the Sony DCR-HC85 via the Monster Cable I-link cable. The transfer is flawless! You simply can not go wrong with purchasing this camera! Contrary to a couple reviews that are negative, I went ahead and purchased this camcorder from Video Only, who's prices are comparable to online prices and sometimes even better! I have not experienced any problems what so ever! The Carl Zeiss sonnar lense will have you gasping in awe! And the 3.5 lcd screen is a welcome addition. Perfect for the holidays!

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.

No comments about SONY HDR-HC1 Handycam(R) Camcorder - PAL For Europe.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV70 MiniDV 2MP Camcorder with 2.5"LCD, Memory Stick, and Networking Capability.

1. I purchased this camcorder for interviews and life's fun quirky moments. I am not a camera and film guy, but this camcorder was easy to learn and it has great picture quality. After using it for a few hours I had most of it figured out.
   
   Some Tips:

   -you will need a better battery if you plan on using this camera for longer periods of time. The sony web site has plenty of batteries and has the camera accessory compatibility guide so you don't buy the wrong things.

   -the software bundled with this camera is a throw away. If you want to edit and create great family video you will want to go with better software. There are so many software titles. You may want to research a few, to tailor to you editing needs.

   -many people complain about the included memory stick. They are right it's crap you will need at least 32mb and above to take advantage of the still camera capability of this camera.

   -this camera as with any camera functions best with a clean lens. Be sure to cover your lens at all times when not in use. And clean it with the recommended lens cloth.

   -the camera dose not come with a protective bag you will need to get one. The bag you get should reflect what you will use this camera for. If your just going to shoot vacation and family video you will need a lighter bag. If you take it hiking and mountain climbing you will need a more heavy duty bag. Make sure to take note of the camera's width, height, and depth to make sure you get the right sized bag.

   -always use the included neck strap when ever possible. It will prevent the camera from falling on the ground and breaking should you happen to slip.

   -as with all electronics keep this away from liquids they don't mix well.

   some features:

   -this camcorder has a 2.5inch lcd screen. for some bigger is better, if you want bigger go with the TRV-80 which has a 3.5inch lcd screen.

   -this camera comes with video out ports, a headphone jack for private listening. It also features an s-video port for connecting to newer TV's and VCR/DVD players (s-video provides better viewing quality) You will have to buy an s-video cable.It comes with the standard USB port and wire. It also has a firewire port (you will have to buy the firewire separate).
   It has a 10x zoom, touch screen display (which I think is neat).It has a 2mp digital still camera function as well. So you can take digital still pictures.

   I'm sure i'm missing some features. Read some other reviews to get some more professional views.

   4 Stars

   Hope you enjoy your new camcorder.




2. I have had this Camera for over a year now and found it to be reliable and its pictures of high quality. The Steady shot is rock solid and only jitters when you attempt >20 Zoom. The 120 zoom is grainy so I hardly use it. The memory stick for mpeg and still photos is very handy. The 2 megapixel resolution on the still photos is sufficient for computer display and small photo prints. It makes it convenient not to have to carry a second digital photo camera. I have not tried the Firewire link yet but the USB for memory stick operations works well.

   Overall I am happy with the camera and recommend it for purchase.




3. I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera a year ago. But I've used it A LOT since then and figured I would write a review.

   I did comparison tests with this camera vs. Sony's other lower end camcorders. The color and resolution on this one if FAR superior and worth the extra money. I also compared it to the Canon GL2, a 3-CCD camera. The 3-CCD camera was far better in low light and color, but comes with a much heaftier price tag.

   The good things about this camera have been mentioned by others. And while it may not fit in your palm exactly, it is really not very big. It looks good, and all the features are easy to find. Overall good design.

   There are three things about this camcorder I don't like, but here's what I recommend to solve them:

   The lens always looks like you can't zoom out enough. I'm sure there's a technical term for this, but even when you're zoomed out all the way it looks like your subject is too close. As soon as I realized this, I purchased a Sony wide angle lens, which made all the difference. Especially if you're indoors, you want to take in as much of the environment as possible. It does add size to the camera, and means you can't use the flash for still pictures without removing it. But it gives the camera a nice professional look and feel.

   The second problem with this camera I've read about with other Sony camcorders: the "whirring" noise of the motor as it is taping. When I first got the camera I didn't notice it, but as time went on the whirr got worse. Also, there's a "hiss" that you get with any camcorder. I solved this by getting a Sony external microphone to attach to the "boot". ECM-MS5908C. It's a stereo microphone, and it's far enough from the motor that you hardly hear it, and also drowns out the hiss. I also got a shotgun mic, but that isn't stereo, so I wouldn't recommend it unless shooting subjects far away.

   The other issue is unsolvable, and that's the "slider" zoom in. Instead of moving front to back with two fingers to zoom in, you slide left to right with one finger. It's hard to use, and over-sensitive. I do not understand why Sony sticks with that technology on their consumer models, but not with their 3-CCD professional models.

   Overall, a great camera. I do not use the still camera function very often, so I can't comment on that. I use Final Cut Express for the Macintosh to edit, and everything works smoothly with this camera. (Also, if you plan to do any editting, you get a HIGH recommendation from me for Apple computers. Each Apple computer comes with iMovie, a free program that is SO EASY to use to edit video.)

   You're obviously reading this because you want to know if this camera is right for you. Here's what I say: if you want better picture quality than other home videos you've seen, and are willing to pay for it, this camera is ideal. I highly recommend the wide angle lens and external stereo microphone, which help you make better videos but also add size to the machine. If you want to spend more to get an amazing, broadcast-quality picture, there's a big leap in cost for a 3-CCD camera. But the Sony DCRTRV70 is right in the middle, and is really a good choice.




4. Spend a lot, get a lot more. Although it was a tough choice to spend the money when I purchased my TRV70, I have no regrets. My camera is DA BEST!. After I figured out the Still Picture recording is best taken when not recording video simultaneously, I never looked back. There are so many features to mention but I don't use. The key things to consider:
   - Bigger lens, means better image
   - Good size CCD is a treasure; otherwise 3 CCD is next option
   - Manual focus override; in photography, this is VERY important
   - Backlight control; it's a great override in low light conditions like opening up your camera aperature
   - Manual disable of on-board flash; continue taking pictures when flash is not allowed
   - Touch screen LCD is sweet, don't listen to button fanatics
   - Steady Shot works.... when camera is light, more chances of jarring movements, so here its really important.
   - Memory stick convenience ... buy larger capacity, more over time.
   - Battery Status; Info-lithium means no guessing game. By several small batteries, charge them, and carry them a-l-a Rambo.
   - Don't install Imagemixer software. Instead, use Sony's Screenblast Movie Studio 3.0. You'll be happier.
   - Don't skimp on footage. Take lots of footage. It's easier to edit, than to say... I don't have enough!

   It's unfortunate, Sony is discontinuing the product in 2004. It's a great product! I'm ready to buy a second one so I can get the same footage from another vantage point. Silly, two people using different cameras. :-)




5. This is my fourth camcorder, and first digital camcorder. I bought it to record my child's soccer games to make a DVD to send to college coaches. It recorded steady sharp video in all lighting conditions, including heavy overcast, light fog, and night games under stadium lights. I also bought the remote controll tripod, which makes it much easier to start/stop recording and adjust the zoom (the remote control zoom buttons have the correct sensitivity, as opposed to the camera zoom control as noted in a review below). The only problem I had that caused the loss of a few minutes of video was that the camcorder started displaying "Cleaning Tape". I packed the tape (fast forward to the end and rewound) and recorded over the bad section. I now pack the tape again whenever I insert a new one in the camcorder

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.

2 comments about Sony DCRPC3 Digital Camcorder.

1. This camcorder by Sony is awesome. The color and sharpness is unbelievable. This camcorder is very easy to get up and running. I highly recommend this product to amateurs as well as professionals. Recommendation: Strong Buy



2. I ordered this camera...I took it with me on my trip to Europe last summer and it was absolutely phenomenal. I filmed during the day and at night and all of my footage was great. I will say that i wished that I would have had another battery, but i managed to film each day (for 18 days) and it worked out well.

   You can review your footage by touching the screen lightly, it has a remote control, editing accessories and it weighs approximately a pound~! I walked all over Italy and it was really convenient to carry with me everywhere.

   I really think that this is a great camera and I highly recommend it if you're able to find it for a great price like i did.

5 comments about Sony DCR-PC55 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Silver).

1. If you want to capture every precious moments, this is the right camcorder for you. It's easy to operate and the video is crisp and clear. The sound is pretty good as well. You can also take still picture and video at the same time (thanks to the memory stick).
   
   Don't burn your video using your computer, it took me time to download to a CD or DVD. Instead burn them as you watch them. It's quicker that way.
   
   You will love it the first time you use it.



2. I have own this camcorder for 6 month
   it's a good camcorder, esay to use, easy to bring
   As it's design purpose, PC-55 is enough for home use
   Only one thing I want to mention here, before I buy this camcorder, I thought that I can record video on MS duo in mepg format, and it's easy for post-edit on PC, you know, tansfer a MiniDV tape to computer may need a huge space to save.
   However, when I replay the video which stored on MS, the sreen was full of mosaic
   fortunately, when use DV type to record, this situation never happens. good quality.
   The one press photo button also becomes useless because the bad quality.



3. The camera is one of the best considering the price and the size of it. The only problem I found is that it has not a light, so you will need to buy the external one, if not all the shots that you do at night will be very dark.



4. When you buy a product that is designed and meant to fulfill certain needs, just expect the best performance out of those features.
   
   The PC55 is a camera for the everyday home shooter, easy to use and made with the best SONY quality for one of the smallest MINI DV camera ever created.
   
   If you are thinking about buying this camera don't hesitate one minute, this camcorder is one of the kind, it gives you pretty much the flexibility and video quality of a regular camcorder but with the amazing bring-it-in-the-pocket size and all the coolness and attention that it brings along (let it be your best Ice breaker, believe me it works like heaven!). I work for a camera store and let me tell you: we haven't received one return of this model during the time I've worked there (8 months), which proves the high quality SONY has built into this model. I have been using mine for a few months now and all I can say is that "the product is great... period!".
   
   Let's get real, the 500 bucks you are paying for it is not for the film quality kind of movie you get in the picture (for that you need to spend at least a couple of thousand dollars) but the portability and worriless of no need of the big luggage a camcorder used to be in the past" (some times people don't realize a motorcycle couldn't be compared with a truck or vise versa).
   
   About the picture shooting option, well let's see! A camcorder is for videos and a digital camera is for photos, if you want to have them both in one package, that brings excellent quality, you'd have to spend a lot of more money than if you bought them separately, let me explain you in a few words, the average photo quality for a MINI DV camcorder is 1.3mp or lower (the same quality you get out of your cell phone camera) to be honest with you, the manufacturers add this option just to give it an extra feature and at the same time take more money out of your pocket, with tape less digital cameras it happens the same way, the video and sound quality are very poor; so why bother paying more for a camera with both functions being excellent (there are quite a few out in the market now, starting around $1200 for models of similar size) instead buy two little cameras, one for each use, for half of the price.
   
   If you are looking for a cool, high quality & durability MINI DV camcorder with the smallest size available in its kind, The SONY DCR-PC55 is your BEST option.
   
   To finish, I just want to wish you all enjoy, more than the product, the unmemorable moments you will live with your loved ones because of this little fellow.



5. Ordered product expidited and after a week it was never received. I finally received notice from Amazon that the order was cancelled (by the vendor). My guess is they never had the product to begin with. I'll NEVER use them again. I don't understand why it took over a week to discover the product was not available. I would not recommend.

No comments about JVC GY-HD200U High Definition Mini DV Camcorder with 3.5" LCD, 16x Optical Zoom, with Color/Black & White Switchable Viewfinder WITH BESCOR KLK-65XT VIDEO LIGHT & BATT KIT.