... there are better cameras out there for around or a few dollars more than this. It films grainy.. even in the HQ mode, even if a room is day lit well, it still films poor unless something is front lit. Im not a fan of this, and very disappointed in sony, I usually always stick with the sony brand for electronics and this is a first huge let down. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony DCRSX40/L Palm-Sized camcorder with 60X Optical Zoom (Blue)
... This is an extremely convenient, easy to use digital camcorder and camera. It fits very nicely into both my pants pocket and small pockets on skirts, and the controls are very easy to use. It has good zoom control, is easy to switch back and forth between movie and photos, and allows photographing while also filming at the same time (which used to require a high degree of coordination with camera in left hand and video in right).
Best of all, it is fully compatible with Macintosh OSX (at least with iPhoto and iMovie 09), working seamlessly once it is USB connected. This is no thanks to Sony, who had terrible documentation that actually misled me into thinking the video was not compatible and that only photos on the memory stick (which I did not buy) would be compatible. I am very glad I decided to just hook it up anyways, and Mac OS X came through to the rescue!
The GPS tags worked perfectly with iPhoto (you just have to make sure it has found its location before shooting, as the movies and photos taken before this is done remain untagged). While it lacks night vision, it makes up for it with manual focus and automatic optimization of focus and exposure on faces. Recommended for its compact all in one and convenient use. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom (4GB Memory Stick Included)
... We needed this camcorder for a family reunion. We are very satisfied with our pick. Very easy to learn and took very good video. We have a very good recording of the happenings at our reunion. It had enough internal memory that we were able to get an evening and the following day recorded. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony DCR-SR47 Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder (Blue)
... The similarities: both are small, slightly larger than pocket sized, and both have a manual lens cover.
My unit's lens cover had a hard time closing. This was at any angle and appears to be a persistent problem. I did not experience this with the MX20. This may be a new issue Samsung needs to address. Both units have good quality Schneider lenses with multiple coatings. It would be a bummer to have the lens get damaged because of a faulty cover.
Both units have swivel handles on the right side and have standard camera mounts. The difference between the 34x zoom of the SC-MX20, and the 42x of the SMX-F34 is negligible. Anti-shake helps the zoom focus better at longer ranges. The difference between the ranges just isn't that impressive.
The boost in the SMX-F34's internal memory eliminates the need for a memory card (I currently do not have one installed). A memory card makes transfers to external devices a snap, but isn't necessary. Given the battery life, 16gb is more than enough even at higher resolutions.
The SMX-F34 has a `still images' mode. Another addition is 'time lapse' which is the one I really wanted to try. This turned out to be something of a bummer.
When the camera is in use and plugged in - it does not charge. The time-lapse video I made lasted 7 minutes 39 seconds. I started it Tuesday morning and stopped it Wednesday night. When I unplugged the camera, it gave me a low battery warning and shut down. I checked the connection then tried making another time-lapse that lasted 24 hours. No, it didn't work.
The 3 hour battery charge isn't nearly enough to keep an overnight time lapse going. This was disappointing. I thought it might be possible to use the SMX-F34 as a short term surveillance camera. This is just not possible given the short battery life.
Still, given that the prices are similar, the SMX-F34 is the better buy due to the increased internal memory. Watch out for that faulty lens cover. This problem may not have been specific to my unit.
A further note:
I would encourage you to NOT skimp when choosing a tripod! At the higher magnification a tripod becomes necessary. Pick a good one. The one I used I purchased because it was light and cheap. It was supposed to be used to hold a pair of binoculars (10x), at 34x or 42x ev. It ended up slipping.
...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black)
... I haven't had the camcorder for too long. What I can say is that I am soo thankful I bought the larger capacity battery. The original lasts about 30min on the highest settings. The high capacity battery is almost 3 hrs. The stabilization really makes this camera worth every penny. I am still messing with some of the settings to get the best picture for me. Quality is really high, almost too high. Transferring about 80min of video (60i mode) via the included USB took about 80min!!! I have since turned down the resolution a bit.
I do recommend this camera and have shown it to a few friends who are now looking to get it. The additional battery is a must, so factor that in the price. I have an Apple (running 10.5.7 iMovie '09) and had no issues importing and editing video without the need for Canon's software.
All in all, this camera was worth it for me. It has everything I want at a reasonable price. This will keep me for the next 10 years. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Canon VIXIA HG21 AVCHD 120 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom
... A quick one here:
I have several of the small video cameras- the Flip MinoHD, Vado, Flip Ultra..
There is a lot to like with the Zi6- nice LARGE screen, good build,sensational outdoor results , the battery set than can be recharged, SD card slot (**see urgent and important note below, particularly if this is a gift**).
As with ANY of the smaller cam's, image quality can suffer inside unless the room is well lit. If you are inside,and want vibrant color, you will need to add light to get the best result, unless the room is flooded with sunlight.
Without extra light, indoor shots can vary - at times acceptable, at times not. Night shots or dim rooms will not produce an acceptable result.
This product comes with all the cables you might need to connect to your TV-- very WELCOME!
Software is good, if basic. Even a novice can edit a video with reasonable ease. Though many never bother with editing, I assure you the end result is well worth the effort! Try it!
Outside, the Zi6 shines, with vivid true to life colors, just as the Flip models enjoy. I did note that sometimes the blue's ( like the sky) were ultra vivid, though not un natural.
As far as ease of use, it is quite simple (if you read the directions) but is not quite as simple as a Flip. I found the soft keys on this one to be hard to work with at first.
This product is optimized for YouTube- you cant miss that feature as there are notes on the box, and stickers on the camera. Unedited footage could be downloaded within 5 minutes or less.
All in all an excellent value.
Now to compare to the Flip products - both the Flip Mino HD and the brand new Flip Ultra and Flip Ultra HD are more expensive,and are market leaders in this sector.
Out of the box, the Flip's are easier to use - no question. I like their software better too - particularly for email.
On my HD TV's (Samsung 23 inch and 32 inch) the 720P HD looked great from either brand- with the Kodak offering a particularly vivid blue.
Right now, the Zi6 cost's quite a bit less then some of Flip's offerings,and depending upon intended use, this might make sense.
One important note: It is VITAL to get a SDHC class 6 card!
You or whoever you might gift this to will not be able to use the unit without it. Kodak should have included a card, even a 2GB ( I would go for a 4GB or 8GB easily available at Amazon or a local retailer).
I give the edge to the Flip units, but I very much like this unit as well- just please, please get the SDHC card, and enjoy using it!
...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder (Pink)
... When I was first looking for a new camcorder, I was really trying my hardest to stay away from Sony. They are not my favorite company but boy do they make some good products.
After receiving my Sony Webbie I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable a camera this small fit in my hand. Besides the lack of a hand strap (which is replaced by a wrist strap) the Webbie was very comfortable.
Ease of use is a huge deal breaker for me, if it is hard to use I don't like it and won't use it, but that is not the case with the Webbie. All you do is open it up and it's instantly on. No complicated switching between settings and so on and so forth. It probably wouldn't be good for filming movies or anything crazy involved like that, but for home videos, this camera is more than what I needed, and I'm happy.
I read a lot a review about this camera before buying it, and I was a lot of complaints about the picture quality. I would have to say I disagree. This camcorder records in full 1080, and looks fantastic. I personally don't need to film anything in full 1080, so I stick with the 720 setting, but its great to have that option..
I also read about sound quality, but I have had no issues with that either.
All in all, this is a great camcorder for personal use. You won't be disappointed... ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony Webbie MHS-CM1 HD Camcorder (Purple)
... I bought this camera for baby clips. It has more HD resolution than I have ever used (for playback) but I like it.
I just don't use it enough ! ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer
... We needed this camcorder for a family reunion. We are very satisfied with our pick. Very easy to learn and took very good video. We have a very good recording of the happenings at our reunion. It had enough internal memory that we were able to get an evening and the following day recorded. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony DCR-SR47 Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder (Red)
... there are better cameras out there for around or a few dollars more than this. It films grainy.. even in the HQ mode, even if a room is day lit well, it still films poor unless something is front lit. Im not a fan of this, and very disappointed in sony, I usually always stick with the sony brand for electronics and this is a first huge let down. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony DCRSX40 Palm-Sized camcorder with 60X Optical Zoom (Silver)
... This is a great inexpensive product for taking simple pic/vid. Good bat life, easy install/download. Clear pic/vid w/ decent sound. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on RCA EZ205 Small Wonder Digital Camcorder with 2 Hour Recording and 1GB Included Memory
... To be sincere I don't expect the high quality and easy of use of this cam, well designed and with a great resolution to an entry level camcorder and with nice features I really love this cam!! ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on JVC GR-DA30US MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom
... I bought this to use at the pool and with ATV's. At the pool it works fine in the water and out. I'm still waiting to use it off-road. The software sent with it takes some getting used to, and the video is not recorded in MPEG and must be converted with the supplied software. A hassle, but it works.
It is tough and waterproof, and that is what I needed. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Panasonic SDR-SW20 Waterproof Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Red)
... The 70x zoom and optical image stabilization on this device are truly in a class of their own, especially at this price point. I've only had it about a month now, but I'm very satisfied.
The image quality is definitely lacking, especially in low-light conditions. It has some problems with focus in dim light as well. I was expecting this, though. I don't need pristine home-videos. If I cared much about that, I would have paid at least twice as much for a better camera and I would probably still have been disappointed. Having said that, I always record at the highest video quality. Anything lower is unacceptable to me. At the highest quality setting, I can fit about 3 hours of video on a 16 GB card. Not bad.
To see an example of the zoom and image stabilization in a real-life filming situation, check out this YouTube video:
[...]
I filmed this by hand (no tripod) in a noisy crowd with my 6-year-old son bouncing around on the seat next to me. Wait until the very end of the video when I zoom all the way out again. I think you will be surprised. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Panasonic SDR-S26 SD Camcorder (Black)
... The camera is very easy to use and I was very impressed by the quality of the photos and videos from such an inexpensive camera. The only flaw I've found is that taking multiple photos when using the flash is a bit slow since the flash takes a few seconds to recharge. Overall, this is a great product. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Aiptek A-HD 720P 8MP CMOS High Definition Camcorder
... When I was first looking for a new camcorder, I was really trying my hardest to stay away from Sony. They are not my favorite company but boy do they make some good products.
After receiving my Sony Webbie I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable a camera this small fit in my hand. Besides the lack of a hand strap (which is replaced by a wrist strap) the Webbie was very comfortable.
Ease of use is a huge deal breaker for me, if it is hard to use I don't like it and won't use it, but that is not the case with the Webbie. All you do is open it up and it's instantly on. No complicated switching between settings and so on and so forth. It probably wouldn't be good for filming movies or anything crazy involved like that, but for home videos, this camera is more than what I needed, and I'm happy.
I read a lot a review about this camera before buying it, and I was a lot of complaints about the picture quality. I would have to say I disagree. This camcorder records in full 1080, and looks fantastic. I personally don't need to film anything in full 1080, so I stick with the 720 setting, but its great to have that option..
I also read about sound quality, but I have had no issues with that either.
All in all, this is a great camcorder for personal use. You won't be disappointed... ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony Webbie MHS-CM1 HD Camcorder (Orange)
... I purchased this model directly from Sony Style store after being assured that it would meet my needs. i.e, recording inside a dance studio. The first time I used it I did not change any settings & the quality was the worst I had ever seen. Unfortunately I did not discover this until I uploaded the video to my Mac, did my editing & played it full screen. I was astounded at what I saw. Mind you at this time I had no problem transferring the video to my MAC. I called Sony & was told I needed to change the settings which I did. I then took more video inside & outside but this video refused to be recognized by my Mac or my husbands iMac. It did load to my PC but couldn't be view on that computer. I called Sony again & this time was told that I needed to transfer the video via a "firewire" cable. I flatly disagreed with the C/S person as the instructions do not indicate that. Also I do own the Sony SR11 & it works great. (this camera is for a group). I tried some various things & called Sony again & the C/S rep finally agreed that the camera was not working properly. That was after we reset the factory settings. They gave me a refund code & I returned the camera along with all accessories & got a FULL refund. Now I am searching for another camera within my price range & find that they all have a problem with low light. Oh, what to do now. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony HDRXR100 80GB HDD High Definition Camcorder (Silver)
... I purchased this camera after discovering my 8-year-old camcorder no longer worked three days before my vacation. I received my camcorder the day before my trip and only had time to charge the battery and read some basic information. I found the camcorder user-friendly and easy to use right out of the box...and its small size makes handling very manageable. I love the huge 16 GB internal memory and I was able to record my entire trip. The LCD touch panel is fantastic! Although it would be nice if it was a little larger than 2.7", it was not at all difficult to see and use. If I recorded something I wanted to playback later, all I had to do was press a button on the touch panel; then touch the clip. Searching through recorded tape is a thing of the past. The video quality is very good. With that said, I am enjoying getting to know the other features of my camcorder. To anyone looking for a user-friendly and affordable camcorder, I highly recommend this one. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony Handycam DCRDVD850 DVD Hybrid Camcorder with 60X Optical Zoom (Silver)
... I make videos on youtube. So when my digital camera crapped out on me, I thought I'd upgrade to an actual camcorder. But with only $200 saved up, a high end one was out of the picture.
The Samsung SC-MX20 was right up my alley. Good price, nice quality, cool features. Overall, this camera is great. Just thought I'd point out a few things.
1. If you are used to really good cameras, you'll be disappointed with this. It's great for amateur work and quick vids, but for high quality video making, this isn't for you. Movement is sometimes quite pixelated.
2. Zoom. Wow. I love it. Can see farther than I can. But for far zoom, I'd recommend a tripod. You know how shaky it can be if you hold it...
3. Nice sound quality. With my old camera, one of my big problems was the "bubble mic". It would pick up not only my voice, but the AC, Computer, ice cream truck outside, etc. Now, it's much more focused in on the subject matter.
4. Swivel grip and lcd screen are very flexible and versatile. great for odd angles.
5. The Schnieder Lens is very clean, but again, pixelation problems. This might be fixed with the sports setting. I haven't tried it yet. And I dig the manual lens cover switch.
6. I was hoping for still photos. No such luck. The closest is interval shooting, and that is pretty nifty...
So overall, it's a 4 star. What I was looking for (mostly) and in price range. Get it. Unless you're super picky. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Samsung SC-MX20 Flash Memory Camcorder w/34x Optical Zoom (Black)
... the price was wonderful, for what i was looking for, its easy to use,recomend this for anyone who is looking for something small and quality HD ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 HD Camcorder (Silver)
... Great camera, it has a fast auto focus and the features are easy to use. If you are looking for a SD camera I would get this one ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Canon ZR960 MiniDV Camcorder with 41x Optical Zoom
... I purchased this camera for our first cruise. I am editing the video in iMovie and displaying it via my AppleTV on a 720p HDTV.
The video quality is poor when set to the LP mode, which I used for the extra time. Most of us know from the VCR days that longer modes have poorer video quality, but the poor quality was quite surprising. Lots of jagged edges and poor color saturation plague this camera. Even with the understanding that this is an entry level camera, this picture quality still looks poor to me. To be fair, some of this poor quality is also due to iMovie's implementation of stabilization, which zooms in on the video to increase stability. Unstabilized video looks ok, but it still isn't great.
If relatively poor video is ok with you...
This camera is lightweight, sips battery, and is small. It fits perfectly in one hand. The touch screen is a nice-to-have, but not a requirement. It does reduce the number of physical buttons, which is nice. I bought a larger extra battery, which adds some weight, but is well worth the price for the extra time.
The default settings use image stabilization. Even so, be careful of using the zoom. Things can get shaky very quickly when zoomed in. Luckily iMovie can do some stabilization.
This camera is great for those who just want to pop in a tape and start recording. It is definetly for the quick-starter types who don't read the manual. The price is great, but if you want DVD quality video, look elsewhere. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
... Kodak Zx1 HD Pocket Video Camera: LIKED IT UNTIL I CONTACTED KODAK ASKING HOW TO REVIEW ALL THE VIDEOS NONSTOP WITHOUT HAVING TO FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE EACH TIME ONE IS FINISHED PLAYING. I WAS TOLD THE CAMERA DOES NOT HAVE THAT FEATURE. NOW I'VE CHANGED MY MIND. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Kodak Zx1 HD Pocket Video Camera (Blue)
... It's almost too small to hold without getting a finger over the lens. It easy / simple to operate although we have not investigated all the features. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony HDR-CX100 ACVHDHD Camcorder w/Smile Shutter & 10x Optical Zoom (Red)
... I bought this camera after a lot of research into HD camcorders. My personal requirements for the camcorder were:
1. Should take excellent high defition videos
2. Should take good still pictures
3. Should be below 500 dollars
All camera's in the market failed my criteria one way or the other. Some were expensive, Some took terrible stills while others could were just downright pathetic. I looked real hard at samsung-hmx10c for a while but just as i was about to pull the trigger, it went out of stock. So finally i settled on this little gadget from sanyo.
So now the camera has been with me for the last two months so here goes my experience with it:
Pro's:
1. The camera takes absolutely stunning videos. The video is so crisp that you shall be amazed.
2. Excellent low light performance meaning beautiful videos indoors. The camera is rated to be the best indoor performer due to its very large image sensor.
3. Excellent still pictures outside in good light and reasonable still pictures inside in low light.
4. At $430 it is the cheapest HD camcorder available in the market. The only camera which takes both excellent videos as well as pictures is canon hfs dual shot and it retails for 1200 dollars!!!!
So now for the Con's:
1. The camera Image stabilization is absolutely crap meaning you can totally forget about the zoom function because even at moderate zooms the video shakes uncontrollably. This problem also makes it impossible to "walk and record" because the video becomes very very jerky. The problem is so very obvious that even my tech-o-phobe wife was yesterday complaining about it.
2. Slow Auto Focus. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sanyo VPC-FH1 HD 1080p Flash Memory Camcorder w/ 16x advance zoom (Black)
... Love the camera, but VERY unhappy with the carrying bag leaving black smudges all over it. Smudges that won't come off. This is the bag that it came with too. Get the camera, but use a different carrying bag. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Pink)
... When I was first looking for a new camcorder, I was really trying my hardest to stay away from Sony. They are not my favorite company but boy do they make some good products.
After receiving my Sony Webbie I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable a camera this small fit in my hand. Besides the lack of a hand strap (which is replaced by a wrist strap) the Webbie was very comfortable.
Ease of use is a huge deal breaker for me, if it is hard to use I don't like it and won't use it, but that is not the case with the Webbie. All you do is open it up and it's instantly on. No complicated switching between settings and so on and so forth. It probably wouldn't be good for filming movies or anything crazy involved like that, but for home videos, this camera is more than what I needed, and I'm happy.
I read a lot a review about this camera before buying it, and I was a lot of complaints about the picture quality. I would have to say I disagree. This camcorder records in full 1080, and looks fantastic. I personally don't need to film anything in full 1080, so I stick with the 720 setting, but its great to have that option..
I also read about sound quality, but I have had no issues with that either.
All in all, this is a great camcorder for personal use. You won't be disappointed... ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony Webbie MHS-CM1 HD Camcorder (Silver)
... Kodak Zx1 HD Pocket Video Camera: LIKED IT UNTIL I CONTACTED KODAK ASKING HOW TO REVIEW ALL THE VIDEOS NONSTOP WITHOUT HAVING TO FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE EACH TIME ONE IS FINISHED PLAYING. I WAS TOLD THE CAMERA DOES NOT HAVE THAT FEATURE. NOW I'VE CHANGED MY MIND. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Kodak Zx1 HD Pocket Video Camera (Black)
... Good points:
-- Low price.
-- Easy to use.
-- Pretty good picture quality overall, but tends to overexpose in very bright sunlight, such as around a swimming pool.
-- Nice set of mounting accessories.
-- Works well underwater.
Bad Points:
-- Hard to tell where the camera is pointing due to lack of viewfinder. Best approach is to sight along the top of barrel.
-- Sound is terrible unless camera is underwater, although others have suggested this can be cured by removing the waterproof membrane over the microphone. Of course, then it's no longer waterproof. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Oregon Scientific ATC 2K Action Cam Flash Memory Camcorder
... Bought the Flip to take on vacation to South Africa. Have been using it to "practice" my skills, but no real skill needed. It is very easy to learn and use. I've taken videos from a moving car, boat, walking and just filming action with my Flip. The quality of video when played back on 27 inch TV are fantastic! This is one of the best purchase I've made in years.
Picture quality is reduced when using the zoom, so just don't use it! ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Yellow)
