... Just got this, great size, lightweight. Have to figure out all the nuances etc. still learning. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony DCR-DVD610 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
... In my opinion, this is the perfect camera. Totally worth the money, which for a video camera, isn't that much. It's great for uploading videos to youtube ([...])
Pros:
-170 minute battery life
-LED light for a flash
-2 SD card slots for as much memory as you're willing to buy
-Screen visible eve in bright sunlight
-Konica Minolta(sp?)Lens
-40x optical zoom(WOW) and 800 digital'
-Snapshot mode
-One touch export to youtube or itunes library (love that)
Con:
-I don't like the laser touch thing.
...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on JVC Everio MS120 Dual Flash Camcorder (Blue)
... THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT EACH CLIP YOU RECORD IS A SEPERATE CLIP..IF YOU WANT TO EDIT THE VIDEO YOU HVE TO GO TO THE COMPUTER...AS A STILL CAMER AND A VIDEO CAMERS IT IS AOK... HAVEING WORKED IN TV FOR 40 YEARS I MISS A VIEW FINDER AND IT TAKE ME SOME LEARNING TO USE THE VIDEO SCREEN...THE MEMUES ARE EASY TO FOLLOW AND DO NOT PRESENT A PROBLEM...STUDY THE CONTROLS ON THE BACK OF THE CAMERS AND YOU WILL BE AN EFFECTIVE USER...THE PRICE VARIES FROM 150 TO 123.00 WELL WORTH THE MONEY.. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on POLAROID DVC-00725F 720P HD Camcorder with 2.7-inch LCD
... What a great and compact camcorder this is, I highly reccomend it. The videos it takes are of high quality and the camcorder itself is s prodect of our technolgy that is available today. Cute stylish and sssssssooooo easy to use. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Purple Flourish)
... We lost all data of baptism. camera works great, until disk is "unreadable". this camera would be much better if it were marketed as a $600 paperweight. DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony HDR-UX10 4MP DVD High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Zoom
... I bought this camcorder as a backup to my Panasonic Mini DV. This is my first experience with flash card memory so I was not prepared for the differences between it and mini DV tape. I think this is a great camera. The clarity of the videos I have taken so far are impressive. but I have been unable to find any software for my computer that I can use to edit my videos. Unlike DV tape, each time you stop and re-start this camera, it starts a new file whereas with tape, it merely resumes from the point where you stopped it. I recently transferred 101 files from the Sanyo to my computer and there they sit unedited. The camera does have a built in editing program but it is really limited. Besides, who wants to edit video on the 3" monitor? Other than that, it is a great camera, especially since the price was reduced last month.
If anyone knows of a program to convert MPEG4 back to AVI, please advise. Then I could use my existing software. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG9 9MP Flash Memory Camcorder with 5x Optical Zoom (Silver)
... Bought this camera when it was freshly on the market. Took something of a punt with it, but on paper it looked to be what I needed.
My need was a device that could reliably capture the arrival of my 1st child. After having used it for over a year, I can honestly say that it hasn't let me down once.
The picture quality, the sound quality and the ease of use, have all lived up to or exceeded expectations.
I have used many features on the camera, but a couple that I've found repeated use for have been:
- Intelligent Contrast: Helps in difficult lighting conditions;
- Pre-record: Commences recording a few seconds before you press record button and fantastic to prevent you missing that special moment.
- Auto-modes: When conditions are detected which could benefit from a particular setting, the camera displays a recommendation about it and cues the command for you. All you need do is press one button to accept.
If you want solid features at a reasonable price consider this camera closely. I would be happy to consider it if I was in the market to buy again. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Panasonic HDC-HS9 AVCHD 3CCD 60GB Hard Drive High Definition Hybrid Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
... 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 (Silver)
... In my opinion, this is the perfect camera. Totally worth the money, which for a video camera, isn't that much. It's great for uploading videos to youtube ([...])
Pros:
-170 minute battery life
-LED light for a flash
-2 SD card slots for as much memory as you're willing to buy
-Screen visible eve in bright sunlight
-Konica Minolta(sp?)Lens
-40x optical zoom(WOW) and 800 digital'
-Snapshot mode
-One touch export to youtube or itunes library (love that)
Con:
-I don't like the laser touch thing.
...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on JVC Everio MS120 Dual Flash Camcorder (Red)
... Really like this camcorder. Very easy to use. Too bad it has been discontinued. Great feature is the Nightshot Plus. Newer camcorders do not has this feature, bad move on Sony's part.
Only down side is it takes an extreamly long time to download the video to a computer. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony DCR-SR45 30GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
... 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 (Blue)
... it takes pictures and videos. but if your inside you cant see any thing at all. the leds on the front are only good for a flash light to find your good camcorder. don't wast your money on this thing ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Mustek DV316L 6 In 1 Multifunctional Camcorder
... 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 (Pink)
... 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 (Red)
... I purchased a DCR-SX60 16GB Handycam® Camcorder directly from Sony. I received the camera and several days later spent a few hours taking videos for use with my work. Upon viewing those videos on a television and computer later that day, I found all of the videos to be blurry. Also, while using the camera I discovered that the manual focus didn't work at all. I called Sony and was instructed to return the camera to the Sony Laredo Repair Center at my own expense. To ensure a quick response I carefully packaged the camera and returned it 2nd day air with insurance at a cost of $11.00. I received the camera over a week later with a note that the camera lense had been replaced. When I had some time I took some more videos for use with my work. Again when I returned that evening and watched them both through a televsion and computer the videos were slightly blurry, and I had noted while using the camera that the manual focus had not been repaired. In addition, one of the videos randomnly bounced and skipped even though the camera had been set on a tripod on a firm surface. Hence, the camera likely has an intermittent problem.
I then called Sony back and requested to exchange the camera--not wanting to have to continue to have a camera with multiple problems. The Sony representative said that they could not exchange it. They would first have to evaluate the camera, then they would decide whether to exchange the camera or repair it. I then asked to return the camera. They said that I could not return the camera because it had been more than 30 days since I purchased it. Hence, from the time I purchased the camera it took about 7 days or more to receive it. Another week to discover the problem. From the time I sent the camera to the repair center to the time I received it back was over a week. And now I've had the camera about a week before I had time to use it again. Most of the time the camera has been in shipping or in Sony's possession at the repair center; yet, they will not allow me to return the camera.
I then contacted their Customer Service Department. They informed me that their policy was unbendable: no returns, and an exchange only upon evaluation by the same team that didn't fix the camera the first time around. I asked to talk to a supervisor. She too gave me the same brick wall of a policy.
Next I decided to call for an RMA number to return the camera. Because it was beyond the 30 days by a few days, the representative said he could not issue me an RMA number; he also said my only remedy was to send the camera back to the repair center. I asked him how many times would I have to send a camera back to be repaired if it still wasn't working. He said 3 times before they will send you a replacement. This is their company policy: "Sony--Company first; customer last!" I now have to send the camera back again. By the time I receive the camera back, I will have had the camera for about 6 to 7 weeks without being able to use it.
Yesterday, I talked with a neighbor and friend about my situation and he told me that he had the exact same experience with Sony, having sent his Cybershot camera back to them three times; it never was fully repaired. Having grown up in Japan, I have bought Sony products throughout my life. But I am very disappointed in their customer service support and customer service policies. My only recourse is to send the camera back again, wait another 7 to 10 days for it to be returned in hopes that the lemon I purchased will have been fully repaired. Sony has made fine products throughout the years, but their current customer service stinks! If you purchase a Sony product, pray that you don't have any problems with it!
Today, I contacted serveral Sony departments to find out where I could submit a complaint. None of those I called could give me any avenue through which to complain to Sony about their customer support. If you want to purchase a product from a company with a brick wall for their support, then purcahse Sony. If you want to spend hours on the telephone, being given the run-a-round from department to deparment, and end up very frustated, then buy Sony. . .
Lastly, I checked on the Sony website to see if any of these policies were clearly stated on the web page. Only at the bottom in very small print was a link to "Terms and Conditions." One doesn't expect that all the time a product is in transit and in a repair center would be included as part of the warranty duration.
What would I have liked:
* a camera that worked the first time around (quality control!)
* for Sony to pay for the postage to send the camera to the repair center
* to be able to exchange a camera when a camera is received with problems
* to be able to return a camera after the 30 days when multiple repairs are required on a new camera
* for an avenue to send a complaint to
* to NOT have to send a product back at least 3 times before being issued a replacement
* to have their return and repair policy cleary spelled out on the description page
"Sony--Company first; customer last!" ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Sony DCRSX60 Palm-Sized camcorder with 60X Optical Zoom (Silver)
... I think this camera has outstanding quality in hd
but if your buying the camera to output via the rca jacks on the side of the camera the quality is less than perfect.
But i didn't buy the camera for that reason so i'm very pleased with the camera. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Panasonic Pro AGHMC150PJ 3CCD AVCHD 24fps Camcorder
... Great piece, plus inexpensive. Took to Europe. Easy to use, easy to view and delete. Good battery power. Small and easy to store. Would recommend. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Creative Labs Vado Pocket Video Camcorder (Pink)
... We got this camera as a gift when our son was born. It is a great camera for advanced users, but for home video, chill, low-tech people I think it is just way too much. It would take hours to figure out everything this camera does and the thing is that it just isn't that important to me. I want the sound to work, I want the video to be clear, I want it to be easy to use. The sound works great, the video is clear, but there are so many options on this camera that it just doesn't make it easy to use for a family that just wants to record birthdays and softball games. Rather, I guess it isn't that hard to use, but I am pretty sure we could have paid half the price for a camera that does what we want it to. Non-techy people just won't use all the features on this camera. Especially for people like us with a new baby, we just don't have hours to sit down with the manual and figure out 100 different settings. So if you are really into advanced home-video making and love lots of different features and adjustments and gadgets, this is your camera. If you just want to record and save the videos to watch years later or even edit a little here and there on your computer, this is probably more camera than you need. It is also my understanding based on what I read that the HV20 is just about the same as this slight upgrade and cheaper, so if you must have an HV camera, maybe go with the HV20.
A special note for mac users:
Canon should be more clear about the compatibility of this camcorder with Mac computers. The video on the camcorder is quite clear and it seems to be a good enough camcorder, but the hassle of trying to figure out how to get it to work with my Mac computer has made it completely un-worth it.
I will say what Canon should clearly say but doesn't. Your Mac computer will not recognize this camcorder if you try to hook the camcorder up via the included USB cable. I have scoured many forums trying to figure this out and it is the same everywhere - it will not recognize your camcorder with a USB connection. That means one of two things: Either you need to buy a Firewire cable (if you don't have one) and connect the camcorder to your computer via Firewire OR, if you are like me and you have the MacBook that came out in October of 2008 without Firewire, there is NO WAY to get the video from this camcorder to your computer. This should be made clear by Canon and it is not which, no matter how good the camera is, makes using it very difficult. I would not buy this again if I had the choice. It hasn't been worth the hassle of figuring all this out. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
... The battery that the site says is compatible is NOT!; I had to send back the extra battery but that was do-able. So far I haven't gotten the opportunity to play w/ my new toy. It is really small, fits in the palm of my hand. Havent decided if I like that yet. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
... I am very happy with the video camera I order via Amazon.com. What I am most strongly UNHAPPY about it that my order was "subbed out" to Tiger Direct. I had selected "Next Day" shipping with Amazon. When the order was sent to Tiger Direct my choice of shipping was NOT noted. My birthday gift for my husband was not and did not arrive in time. I did email Amazon within 5 minutes of placing the order to request the shipping be changed and was offered NO recouse to correct the shipping request to what I had originally asked for in the first place.
I am a frequent customer with Amazon. This was the first time I was so strongly unhappy with my order. The merchandise was great. The shipping was NOT. What I select as my option with Amazon should stay the same when it's "subbed" out to Tiger direct or any other place without having to change it myself.
Thank you,
Renea Tutt ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Canon ZR900 MiniDV Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom
... What a great and compact camcorder this is, I highly reccomend it. The videos it takes are of high quality and the camcorder itself is s prodect of our technolgy that is available today. Cute stylish and sssssssooooo easy to use. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Blue Lightshow)
... 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 (Red)
... I bought this RCA camcorder two weeks ago and am generally pleased with it. I chose it over the popular and highly rated Flip and Vado camcorders because the RCA also takes still photos. It doesn't hurt that it is also costs less. I've taken some very nice HD videos and beautiful stills with it. I've also taken some not so great videos and photos with it, generally due to inadequate lighting or shooting into the sun. This camcorder, and probably any pocket camcorder, is best used in good light. That doesn't mean you need to shoot outside in bright sun, but that helps. Good indoor lighting works too. As the light decreases the video will soon get grainy and that becomes very obvious on an HD TV. But in low light all is not lost. I took some low light video (one lamp on in my living room) using the low resolution WebQ mode that looked pretty decent on my computer. The digital zoom is okay but, as with any digital zoom, you lose resolution with it so it is best used sparingly. The sound is generally good but sometimes seems to be kind of low when played on my computer. But that is not really the camera because I have converted videos to a format that can play on my Linux laptop (DivX video codec and MP3 audio codec) and the sound comes out much louder. (I didn't do anything to intentionally boost the audio.) The audio also comes out louder when I used the RCA Memory Manager software to convert the video for emailing. Additionally, when I try to play the raw HD videos on my PC using Windows Media Player, the video and sound are out of sync (but are in sync when played on through a TV). The videos also play well using the RCA software, but they only appear in a small window. I think that my PC or WMP just has a problem with the raw format. When I convert the video to the DivX/MP3 format, everything plays fine. (I used the free version of Any Video Converter to convert my videos, but there are other free software programs out there like Handbrake or Auto Gordian Knot that can convert videos.) The RCA's 2 inch display is viewable even in bright sunlight but it may get a bit washed out.
I had no problem with the RCA Memory Manager software. It loaded easily but required two updates (one for the Memory Manager software and one for the camera firmware). The software automatically looks for updates so you don't have to check the website for new software. The Memory Manager software is only for the video, not photographs. It provides basic video editing capability, frame capture (so you can make a still photo from the video) and conversion capability so you can make a smaller file to email. There's a little more it does but I haven't had the need to try it yet.
This device doesn't take the place of a "real" camcorder or digital camera (this RCA has no flash) but it works well enough as something that is extremely portable so you can take it along to capture events that you otherwise wouldn't. It's more than just a toy but it is fun to play with. For example, yesterday I used it to video and photograph my family at the beach, playing mini-golf, and visiting a lighthouse and the videos and photos all came out very nicely indeed. For a cost of 100 bucks, I definitely think I got my money's worth. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on RCA EZ209HD Small Wonder HD Camcorder (Black)
... We LOVE our new camera, it's compact and the memory is amazing. Simple to use. ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Canon FS200 Flash Memory Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom (Evening Blue)
