Features

• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.0-megapixel CCD
• 11x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 220x) and image stabilizer
• 3.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Make MPEG-4 movies and send them straight to your computer
• Record for up to 110 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (5)

want to get a camcorder?
go to havingit.co.uk

there u can order a amlost free sony dcr-ip7bt 1300$ camcorder

it really works belive me...

at this site u can find the camcorder under cameras

so sign up.....

Looking for camrecorder with transfering tape to tape or DVD
i'm looking for a MiniDV camrecorder that will be able to tranfer video to tape or DVD and bilt-in camera still, if anyone know ,please give me an advice

Love this Camcorder
Purchased this Camcorder in January 2003. Did lots of research on comparable Panasonic and Sony models - was totally confused, finally went with the Optura Xi. Am very very happy - yes, it is bigger than the very small models. But I find it very comfortable to work with. The optical stabilizer is great - even video from a moving boat looks good. Another surprise - even though they say you won't use the still camera much on a video camcorder - I found myself using it all the time, so I was happy I had the 2 megapixels on the Optura. Not as high quality as my digital still camera - but great for web and viewing on the laptop screen. As a recent switcher from PCs to Mac - I have also been delighted with the ease of connectivity and use with my new PowerBook.

A good camera
First the caveats. This is my first camcorder (after my family's circa 1980's VHS camcorder), and I've had it for a week. I also seriously considered the panasonic pvdv953, but decided on the Optura Xi because of perceived improvement in low light conditions, known Macintosh friendliness of Canon products, and hot accessory shoe. Though the Panasonic may have an edge in color reproduction, to my untrained eye the differences are arguably unnoticable.

First this camera isn't the smallest, but it fits comfortable in my hand and the 3.5" LCD is nice. The zoom slider is easy to control, and most of the camera's functionality is easy to learn. The "special" effects are cheesy and awkward to use. Luckily if you have good video editing software (e.g., iMovie) you don't need these. Optical stabilization works well, and it takes decent photos (the 8MB SD card supplied with camera is practically useless due to its size). USB and fireware connectivity are plug and play, and work as advertised (on G4 laptop).

"Low light" filming seems to be something that's continually revisited. What the heck does 1.5 lux mean anyhow? One 60 watt light? Shaded, bare, or broken and a lit candle in the corner? This camera works decently with sufficient indoor lighting (think two 60 watt in overhead frosted fixture). The low light modes are useless unless you hold the camera perfectly still. Since the white LED is underneath the lens to the right, the ultra low light mode casts a dark moon across the upper left of the video frame.

When played back on my computer or on the TV, the video images look crisp and the colors vibrant. Overall I'm very satisfied with this camera.

Wonderful performer in its price range.
After considerable research, comparing this unit to the similarly priced Sony TRV70/TRV80, and the 3CCD Panasonic PV-DV953, I opted for the Canon Optura Xi. I wanted a digital camcorder:

1. That was compact enough to "take it along" without it being a hinderance
2. That had acceptable low-light performance (by low-light I mean average lighting indoors after dark)
3. Had a decent 16:9 widescreen mode (using the entire CCD)
4. Had a decent interface (easy to use with good stabilization)
5. No proprietary parts unless there's a darn good reason

Initially I looked at the ultra-compact models, but their unattractive low-light abilities combined with the difficult ease-of-use (hard to keep stable, many buttons on a small area) made me change my mind towards these models.

For #1, the panasonic was the largest and heaviest of the three (almost too big for me), the sony the smallest and nicely designed. Since the Optura XI just came out, I never had an opportunity to hold it, but was pleased to see that it's compact enough for my purposes.

For #2, the Panasonic did not have acceptable low-light performance for indoor home use. Its 3CCDs give it the best color representation of the three by far, however it needs a considerable amount of light to make a difference - better suited to budget-minded professionals who ensure their subjects have enough light. Sony's low light performance was only marginally better than the Panasonic's. The Canon's low light performance is top-notch.

For #3, the sony has a 'wide CCD' which allows for more pixels width-wise which was a nice bonus. The Canon and the Panasonic both use an 'anamorphic' lens that widens the camera's view and forces the widened image onto the 4:3 CCD, which can be later be burned onto a DVD as 16:9 that plays widescreen on widescreen TVs, and letterbox on 4:3 TVs. So all three had good 16:9 modes, with the Sony having a slight edge - and the bonus of presenting the image on the viewscreen as 16:9 as well!

For #4, the Sony loses in my estimation - the fact that I have to use the touchscreen during a shoot to change a picture aspect was a big downfall here. Using a touchscreen during playback is nice, but I don't want to have to use it during shooting and risk camera shake or losing my subject! Also, I have heard many criticisms about Sony's too-sensitive zoom feature. The Panasonic has great ease-of-use, however I found the myriad of manual options a little intimidating - a big plus for professionals, though. The Canon has a wonderful look and feel, it's easy to hold, all its buttons are easily accessible, and its optical image stabilization is the best you can find.

For #5, too bad for Sony, I do not want to have to buy memory sticks. Period. The nice thing about having SD cards around, for example, is the ability to transfer them to your PDA, or your digital camera if needed.

If still photos are important for you, all three provide equally nice stills, with an edge in favor of the Panasonic. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Canon raises the stakes for all-in-one digital imaging devices with the release of the Canon Optura 400 (and its sibling Optura 500; see a comparison table at the end), which is as adept at shooting digital video as it is snapping high-resolution digital stills. Shorter and more lightweight than its predecessors, the brushed silver Optura 400 weighs just 1.2 pounds with tape and battery and measures 2.1 x 4.2 x 4.0 inches. It offers 2.2-megapixel resolution for fine video and photo details, a 10x optical zoom lens, image stabilization, built-in SD/MMC memory card slot, and PictBridge compatibility for direct printing of still photos to compatible printers.

Optics and Resolution
The Optura 400 has a 2.2-megapixel CCD, which produces 1230K effective pixels for video and 2 million effective pixels for still photos, for images up to 1623 x 1224 pixels (good enough for print enlargements up to 8 x 10 inches). Canon's camcorder lens features the same quality found in 35mm and broadcast TV cameras, and the Optura 400 has a 10x optical zoom lens that delivers good definition and contrast as well as a 200x digital zoom. In addition, the lenses feature a unique spectral coating to reduce flare and ghosting, resulting in optimal indoor and outdoor shots.

The RGB Primary Color Filter separates light passing through the lens into red, green and blue color components providing similar color quality found in professional 3 CCD camcorders, yielding truer more natural looking colors. Canon's DIGIC DV signal processing circuit makes it possible to achieve accurate color for both video and digital photos. Since video and digital photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV utilizes two different color techniques to maximize video quality on a TV and still image quality for print or computer display.

Shooting Video
With the high-resolution 16:9 widescreen mode, the Optura 400 utilizes the entire width of the CCD (unlike some systems that electronically stretch the picture vertically) retaining image quality and providing a wider horizontal angle of view that is ideal for creating a theater-like experience.A variety of Program Auto Exposure settings allow for easy, optimal shooting in a wide range of lighting situations. The Optura 400 is also equipped with Manual Audio Level Control, commonly found only on prosumer camcorder models, and a swivel grip and palm pad, providing maximum comfort when shooting for long periods of time.

The Motion JPEG Mode records your footage onto the Secure Digital memory card at 320 x 240 resolution, giving you up to 60 minutes of recording time on an optional 512 MB card.

Still Photos
The Optura 400 saves still image files to Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards (an 8 MB card is included with the camcorder). It offers a number of photographic controls that make it easy to get the right shot, including:

• Selectable Focusing Points for bringing off-center subjects into sharp focus
• Continuous Shooting Mode enables rapid fire shooting--up to 3 frames-per-second (1632 x 1224) or up to 5 frames-per-second (1280 x 960, 640 x 480)
• Simultaneous Photo Recording lets you capture e-mail ready digital photos (640 x 480) while you record video
• Auto Exposure Bracketing lets you shoot three photos-Ñnormal, underexposed and overexposed--with the press of one button
• The Built-in flash with Red-Eye Reduction is perfect for taking photos at night, indoors, or filling in shadows
• Horizontal & Vertical Trimming Function and Photo Review Function allow you to make edits directly in the camcorder
• Stitch Assist enables you to capture and create breathtaking 360-degree panoramas
• The Skin Detail Mode helps you take complimentary close-ups of people by softening details and reducing skin imperfections

Other Features
The advanced Image Stabilization system works behind the scenes even when youÕre panning and zooming, shooting videos or photos. The Optura 400's large 2.5-inch LCD and color viewfinder helps you compose shots from any angle.

With the press of the Night Mode button, the camcorder automatically selects a slow shutter speed and increases the sensitivity of the CCD to brighten the image, while still preserving color. Two additional low-light settings can be assigned to the Night Mode button -- Super Night Mode and Night++ Mode. When selected, Super Night Mode automatically triggers the white LED Lamp when needed to enhance the subject for shooting. Night++ Mode is used in the toughest lighting situations, keeping the white LED Lamp on all the time.

Connectivity
The Optura 400 connects to Macs and Windows-based PCs via a Firewire terminal (also known as iLink or IEEE1394), enabling high video and audio quality during duplication or editing. An Analog Line-in/Out with Analog/Digital Converter allows you to easily transform your analog memories into digital, all in real-time. The camcorder also features a Network Mode, which enables you to remotely control your camcorder through the DVÊMessenger2 software application. Control the focus and zoom of your camcorder from a computer while streaming the video via its Firewire terminal.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Optura 400 digital video camcorder, rechargeable battery pack (NB-2LH), power adapter (CA-570), wireless controller (WL-D83), A/V cable, 8 MB SD memory card, USB cable, and Digital Video Solution CD-ROM, which includes:

• Pinnacle Studio gives you every tool you need to easily capture video to your computer, edit footage, add titles, music, narration and special effects and then output the finished movie back to videotape, DVD or the web.
• Pinnacle Instant Album can help you quickly organize your digital photos and video clips into interactive, high-resolution slideshows that can then be burned onto CD and DVD or watched on your TV with Instant PhotoAlbum

Comparison: Optura 400 and 500 Major Features

Feature	Optura 400	Optura 500
Resolution	2.2 Megapixels	2.2 Megapixels
Optical Zoom	10x	10x
LCD	2.5 inches, 123,000 pixels	2.5 inches, 211,000 pixels
USB Connectivity	USB 1.1	USB 2.0
Mini Video Light	No	Yes
Web Movies	Motion JPEG Mode	MPEG4
Built-in Flash	Yes	Yes
SD/MMC Card Slot	Yes	Yes

... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.2-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 200x) and image stabilizer
• Measures just 2.1 x 4.2 x 4.0 inches and weighs 1.2 pounds
• 2.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Capture low-light recordings with Night Mode and record in 16:9 format

Features

• 3.2-megapixel digital still camera and a full-featured digital camcorder about the size of a cell phone
• 5.8x optical zoom lens (10x digital zoom)
• 1.5-inch rotating LCD with Mirror Mode makes it easy to shoot from virtually any angle or perspective
• Up to 30 minutes of DVD-like quality recording on supplied 512MB SD card
• Lithium-ion battery and AC operation with Power Save function

Reviews (8)

The Best Camera is the One You Carry Around
With a 2-year-old toddler and a new infant, and Grandma and Grandpa 1500 miles away, I needed a camera that could take reasonable movies and photos, could interface easily with my computer (for easy email to family) -- and most importantly, was FAST and EASY to use. My kids aren't super-cute for more than a few minutes at a time, and those moments are fleeting.

Not the best still camera (although quite good in sunlight) -- but the camera fits in my pocket, and I'm taking movies as fast as I can get the lens cap off. With this camera, I have movies and still photos I would never have captured otherwise!

I also purchased a Sony MiniDV and a "Panasonic SVAV100 D-Snap", but returned them. The Panasonic was Macintosh-hostile, the Sony was difficult to use with either Windows or Mac (but had the best picture quality). Fisher picture quality disappointed until I viewed the movies on the computer - WOW! Very nice.

Great Little Camera
This is a great little camera. I wish this had come out 2 or three years ago, when I bought the first miniDV camera that came out.

I am currently in Kuwait. I brought my miniDV Video Camera with me to record my time here, but the dust contamination is so bad here, it is destroying my camera. I started looking for a video camera with no moving parts. Thank God for this Fisher. No moving parts, USB connection, 3.2 Mpixels resolution. Best thing, no rewind. It took forever to get to the front of the tape to see what the video looked like.

There are just a few bad points to this model. The cover to the memory card slot is fragile, so a lot of care needs to be taken to keep from breaking it off when opening the compartment. The view finder/screen is a bit small, so it is hard to see unless you hold the camera closer to your face.

Granted, a miniDV can record more info, but you just can't beat this little guy for versatility.

very nice
i picked up both the fisher and the new sony T1. trying both then taking the one i dont like back. overall after using both for a week, im in love with the Fisher. it has great features, great video quality.. and so easy to make vcd's. the sony didnt like direct sunlight and the white balance was crap. the fisher didnt mind the sun one bit, and even though the sony has higher mega pixels.. the fisher is richer in color.

buy it at sears and return it if you dont like it. for me, it will be recording my whole summer vacation :)

Nice little package!
I love this little thing! It's so easy to use and it's got everything I need. I can carry it anywhere and use it as my camera and camcorder. The picture is so sharp and clear, the colors so bright that when I'm watching what I've recorded, it looks like I'm right there. I can't say enough good things about the Cameracorder. Before I bought it, I looked at the other brands too, but this Fisher one is by far the best. All the others don't fit as well in my hand as this one does and it's fun to use. The only thing that took me time to adjust to is the automatic focus. It took a little experimentation to get used to it. But now everything is great! Take it from me, this product is so awsome! I got more than my money's worth.

Sony no more !
I usually buy Sony or Panasonic. Never again! I have had this camera for about 2 weeks now and I love it. Fisher, a name from the past has done it again. This is easy to use, compact and with 512 mb of memory you can't go wrong with the price. A must have for anyone with a family. ... Read more

Features

• Sleek, compact MiniDV camcorder and digital still camera with 1-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 3.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, Memory Stick Duo slot, and intelligent accessory shoe
• NP-FM50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Features

• Compact DVD Handycam camcorder records on removable 3-inch (8cm) DVD-R//RW discs
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, built-in white LED light, and 680,000-pixel CCD
• NP-FM50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Features

• Compact Hi8 Handycam camcorder with 320,000-pixel CCD
• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 990x) with manual focus and image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings and built-in white LED light
• NP-FM30 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (1)

Very happy with it
When our 8mm stopped working that we had used for nine years, I found it overwhelming to research and find a new camera.
I knew I didn't want digital because I don't even use my digital still camera very often, other than to e-mail pictures.
I knew that I wanted another 8mm, so that we could play our tapes we have now. I didn't want to spend too much money. We received this camera a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. It even has more options than I really need. We charged the battery when we got the camera and for 2 weeks we have been filming the kids occasionally and the battery is still full. I never thought I would use the night vision, but have found it is fun to film the kids when they are asleep and I don't have to turn a light on to film. The zoom works well and the color looks good. For the price, I don't see how you could get a better camera. I don't think you could find a better analog camera even if you did spend more money. I obviously can't comment on how well it will hold up in the future, but as far as its performance now, I love it. ... Read more

Features

• Low-Profile MiniDV digital camcorder and still camera with 1.33-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (500x digital zoom) and image stabilizer
• Rotating 3-inch LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Built-in auto flash with red eye reduction and SD/MMC card slot
• BN-V107US 700 mAh Lithium-ion, high-capacity, rechargeable battery pack; camera has built-in battery charger

Features

• Ultra-compact MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 1.33-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (700x digital zoom) and image stabilizer
• Crystal View rotating 2.5-inch High Resolution LCD, to reduce glare and reflections from the LCD screen
• Built-in auto light using twin LED lights for 1/10th the power consumption and SD/MMC card slot
• BN-V408U 800 mAh Lithium-ion, high-capacity, rechargeable battery pack; camera has built-in battery charger

Reviews (2)

Extremely Noisy - No Analog Digital Pass Through
I purchased this camera at Sears. Got it home and made a short tape. The video quality is average. The worst thing however is the noise that is picked up by the microphone of the tape mechanism. It is Extremely loud and annoying. This was a deal breaker for me. And I dont consider myself too picky. The software that comes as part of the package is the bare minimum and I probably wouldnt use. I got a screaming deal on this camera and was really disapointed that I had to take it back - but the noise picked up by the mic is very noticeable. Not worth the money at any price.

JVC GRD93 MiniDV Digital Camcorder
This JVC digital camcorder is all you need. The stills are good quality and the zoom is amazing. It has many effects that improve the overall quality. Battery life could be improved. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 1.33-megapixel CCD
• 14x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 280x) and image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Capture low-light recordings with Night Mode
• Record for up to 225 minutes on one battery charge

Features

• MiniDV digital camcorder with progressive scan CCD
• 10x optical, 200x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and color EVF
• Digital still mode records 1024 x 768 stills onto included 8 MB MMC card
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery; includes dock for connecting camcorder to your television

Reviews (41)

Do not ever buy a JVC
For all of you who want to benifit from the people who have suffered buying JVC NEVER EVER BUY JVC. The company officials are not cooperative. Please dont wat your money

You will regret if you buy it
This product came as nicely packaged and had all the bells and whistles and was way ahead of time in terms of progressive scan, miniaturization, etc. The progressive scan feature certainly tempted me to buy this product.

I bought this product 2 years ago and have probably used it about 10 total times when it really worked. Most of the time, the product just quits on you and the operative buttons are plain too too delicate. Here is the chronological list of events that I encountered and I certainly regret buying this camera. Worse, I don't think I'll have the heart to buy another JVC product again. Like they say, perception is reality. I learnt the hard way:

1. Bought the camera for ~$1400 2 years ago.
2. The camera failed to record in low light. I accepted it since it was digital and ahead of it's time.
3. The camera began a never ending sequence of attempting to FIND the focus. I have used this in wonderful full array of stage lighting but with highly pathetic results. The camcorder just would not stop finding the focus and you would see the entire recording blurred with the focus drifting in a never ending way from one section to another--very daunting when you cannot identify a leg from the hand and vice versa.
4. The camcorder's on/off/auto/manual switch became flaky to the point that I had to insert bits of paper to keep it on. The service people could not do anything about it.
5. The camera kept providing the cleaning message
6. The internal battery died and the camera would never respond to any button pushes.
7. The camera recorded beautifully (it appeared) but never wrote ANYTHING on the MiniDV tape--the tape was completely blank.
8. The camera is in such a pathetic state right now that I finally gave up.

Not to mention that the Snapshot mode is so granular and pixelated, I wondered who was in the picture a few times at least. If you are buying it for the snapshot mode, forget it. If you are relying on the software that comes with it, I have so much pity for you. The software is eions old (and a dinosaur) and seldom links with the camera or identifies it the first time through. With GRDVM90U, you have to TRY, TRY, and TRY again and then it does work (after so much agony).

I am buying Sony and staying away from JVC as far as I can be. As part of my new purchase, I reviewed the GRD-93US product of JVC. I hopped down to Circuit city to test drive it before venturing to buy it over the Internet. Guess what? I could not believe it that at 10x, the camera again went on the focus finding mission. I could easily decipher the camera limitation since I went through the ordeal with the GRDVM90U for so long. I tried the Sony DCR-HC65 and it worked just perfect. I was dumb-founded but I was able to make my decision of spending a few extra dollars now and buy a Sony than to buy the JVC and regret it for the rest of my life.

Hey, my life is simple...I just have to make sure that I don't buy any JVC products.

Agree- it has problems
And I thought all these problems were related to my mother dropping the camera down the stairs.

Those that have this camera- be patient with "cleaning tape" errors. Cycle the power a few times. Take the battery on and off. It will usually work eventually.

Having half the screen blue has only happened when I used the aftermarket Hi-output battery. It works fine for pictures, but will usually screw up video.

For indoor video, I usually use the SLOW 2 video speed. Brighter video, but slower fps.

Slow picture downloads are due to the Serial port, Video download with firewire is no problem.

This product should be RECALLED!!!
If you read through the prior reviews, there are common problems. The most deadly is - ERROR "E04". Also, a head cleaning message is common. I sent it to JVC for repair = $627. The main board went bad. When I asked if this is a common problem - the customer service rep was very angered.

I will try to find out how to request a product recall.

Always broken
I bougth this camera 2 years ago at Dumoulin and I took the full 5 years waranty ( luckly ). It is the 3 times the camera goes to repair. Two time they needed to change the main board. And both time the new board they got from JVC was defect and they needed to order a second board. My cam stayed in repair for 6 MONTHS the first time and now 2 MONTHS have past and the teck are still wating for second the board. IT IS ALWAYS BROKEN... buy SONY c'est ben mieux. ... Read more

Features

• A palm-sized wonder with a 2.12 million pixel CCD
• 9-group, 11-element glass-molded aspherical lens designed specifically for the camera's high-resolution demands
• Separate, optimized processing for moving and still images
• Frame-based noise reduction based on twice the visual information of conventional field-based noise reduction
• First camcorder with USB Video Class and USB2.0 High-Speed Transfer--send the DV signal directly to a PC’s USB2.0 port with no need for i.LINK (IEEE1394) connection

Amazon.com Product Description

Designed specifically for use with Sony's DCR-TRV820 Printing Camcorder, these small sheets of shiny sticker paper measure just 3-1/2" X 2-1/4"-perfect for printing out instant scrapbook-ready memories for friends and family. The paper is slightly glossy self-sticking paper connected to a thin backdrop, providing an extra edge to grasp slippery sheets firmly. Also included in the package are two ink ribbons that bring your pictures to life in deep, vivid color. Sony guarantees the products to be free of defect for 90 days after purchase. ... Read more

Features

• Water, fade, and smudge resistant inks
• Includes 2 types of sticker paper and 2 ink ribbons
• Acid-free formulation for durable results
• Inks won't bleed through pages
• For use with Sony DCR-TRV820

Amazon.com Product Description

The near professional-level Sony DCR-VX2000 digital video camcorder uses three progressive scan CCDs (one for each primary color) to capture quality images and can record in the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio common to movies. A 12x optical zoom and 48x digital zoom bring images closer, while the Sony SteadyShot optical image stabilization smoothes out hand-induced shakiness.

Like most digital camcorders, the DCR-VX2000 is equipped with an IEEE 1394 connection (also known as i.Link and Fire Wire) for digital image transfer, allowing video editing on a properly equipped home computer. Also included is an S-Video input, encouraging the conversion of already existing footage into the DV format.

The DCR-VX2000 also doubles as a digital still camera, recording photos onto an included Memory Stick at a resolution of 640 x 480. This resolution is fine for images you're e-mailing or viewing on a monitor, but most dedicated digital cameras today offer far more detail. The package includes PictureGear Lite 4.1 software for Windows, which lets you transfer stills to your computer and manipulate and catalog them once they're there.

The camera includes a number of manually adjustable settings for ultimate flexibility, including manual zoom, focus, shutter speed, and exposure. Microphone record level can also be adjusted for optimum sound quality. The Memory Mix feature works by superimposing a digital still stored on a Memory Stick over the video being recorded. A color-bar generator produces standard NTSC color bars to calibrate monitors, and four different white-balance settings help optimize color. The DCR-VX2000 includes a mic input, as well as an intelligent shoe for select Sony accessories, and has several digital effects built-in. Also included are a 4 MB Memory stick and reader, AC adapter, lithium ion battery, AV cable, remote, and lens cap. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 12x optical, 48x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD and color EVF
• 3 CCD camcorder
• Analog-to-digital conversion with pass-through port

Reviews (13)

The best prosumer cam for filmmaking
Another reviewer here with his facts mixed up about this cam's preformance , said the Blair Witch was shot with the VX1000(almost same ability as vx2000)and that it has edge bleeding problems. Blair Witch was shot with a Hi-8 camcorder (with some 16mm shots). Not with the Sony vx1000 or with any DV camera.

Some claim the VX2000 is dated (like sales people and others inexperienced types). While that may be partially true
for videographers, this is far from the truth for filmmakers. I own the newer Sony PDX10, the best widescreen resolution than any other cam under 10 grand. But the VX2000 is Fantastic for low-light shooting(2lux!)

while the new trv950 and pdx10 have over 1 megapixel per chip (3 times more than the VX), VX2000's color performandce is virtually the same.

The PDX10 and TRV950 are great for outdoor and well-lit shots. But neither come even close to the VX2000 for "low-light performance", which is the most important feature for moody, cinematography-style lighting. It get's down to VX's larger 1/3 chips.

For serious indoor filmmaking and if you're set on using a 3ccd cam, then only consider a Canon XL1 or a VX2000 and nothing else. And forget the dvx100 in my opinion. It doesnt shoot widescreen at all. The DVX shoots in 24p for going out to film but with 25% less resolution than xl1 or vx2k because it does not pick up any extra pixels in widescreen mode.

If you need an interchangeable lens unit, go with the XL1. But if not, you'll save $$$ with the vx2000. The VX2000 is still the best DV filmmaking prosumer machine out of the box.

Wonderful Camera, but realize this...
Before buying this camera, think carefully about what you'll be using it for, and when. I also recommend playing with one at a store, to feel its size and weight. (Even if, like me, you'll ultimately buy it at Amazon.)

I've owned the VX-2000 for over a year now, and I'm very happy with the results. Arguably, the picture quality is better than the Canon XL-1 (and the vx2000 is significantly -- thankfully -- smaller), it's rugged and reliable, and it's somewhat portable. I carry mine in a backpack that has a padded pocket designed for laptop computers. It was the best solution as most smaller camera bags don't fit this beast. Those that do aren't useful for toting other things as well.

Anyway, I know a handful of other people with this camera. Some of them are *filmmakers* and these people use their VX-2000's to document events that they'd later like to make movies of. The filmmakers, as a whole, LOVE this camera. I also have a friend who does casting for television ads. Often, for his boss, he walks around with a VX2000 and shoots people on the street, later bringing the tape to the boss for evaluation.

The other people I know own the VX-2000 because they *like electronics*. They *Like To Own The Best* and they like to play with gadgets. I advise, if you're one of these people, and really, I KNOW YOU ARE, get a different camera. Something smaller... granted the quality will be slightly less, but you're more likely to have it when you witness your kid's first words (or your best friend's wife in a rendevouz with a neighbor. you get the point) Furthermore, this camera is somewhat lacking in toy features. No night vision, no silly effects (save for a few wipes, swipes, fades, and sepia, etc.), no bluetooth transmitter, etc. It's just good, strong, somewhat rugged, and takes a great shot.

I give this camera a 5 for quality (sharp, beautiful, accuracte colors, good in medium/low light, backlight compensation remarkable, optical steadyshot rad). Just keep in mind what you want... this camera is neither professional nor amateur, and therefore I believe it serves best a select, picky subset of the population.

Last, if you do buy it, go for (1) a bigger battery, well worth the cost, and (2) a wide angle lens. Both are cool.

it is my favern camra
i am a producer/camera operater and this is one of my favern cameras in the studio i would love to have one for my home. i felm sports, in studio tack shows movies and other things for tv brodcast it has great pixlization and i love it.

Not Just For Professionals
I've had a Sony TRV-27 for about a year and a half now. It a good general purpose miniDV camera; however, low-light performance is not its forte (even with a video light). I shoot mostly home (family) video - much of it indoors and often after the sun goes down. By most accounts, the VX-2000 has very good low light capabilities; however, I was on the fence for quite some time because of the size and weight of the unit (roughly twice the size and weight of my TRV-27). After owning my VX-2000 for a couple of months now, I can only say I wish I'd bought one sooner. Yes it is heavier and bulkier than the TRV-27 but I don't find it unmanageable. As I generally try to keep video clips under 5 minutes, I have not had any problems. If I plan to shoot anything longer, I generally use a tripod anyway (same goes for the TRV-27). The picture quality is outstanding - even my wife who was VERY skeptical about this purchase was blown away when she saw some video taken indoors with very dim lighting. For the record, the VX-2000 also takes great video outdoors and in good lighting conditions. Overkill for home videos? Maybe - but it's tough to put a price on precious family memories. With the VX-2100 now available (which offers very, very little in the way of additional performance/capability), now might be the time to pickup a VX-2000 while you still can. Highly recommended.

A joy to use and own!
I have had the VX2000 for a couple of months now and I've shot countless hours of footage for a couple of low-to-no budget independent movies (and more in the making) and this camera is fantastic! It can be incredibly easy to use yet quite flexible if you need it to be. No, it's not a palm-sized recorder that you'll be toting casually to family get-togethers and if that's really your only need for a camcorder, go with something smaller, lighter, and less expensive. However, for those who want to play on the edge of prosumer recorders, this camera is a joy to have. Beyond picture quality there's also sound quality. The VX2000 records STEREO sound unlike most lower end camcorders and I can't imagine using anything else now. For the down-side of things, yes, it is rather hefty though I find the extra weight actually helps with smoother motion and the battery that comes with it is completely inadequate for any lengthy shooting "in the field". The optionally purchased bigger batteries do add to the weight but you won't run out of power in the middle of that important shot if you get the largest one. (I can shoot all weekend and never drain a single one of those big babies and I have two in my kit.) It doesn't come with a camera bag or case and you really need something to protect the investment. (I purchased the hard body aluminum case made for the VX2000 and though it's big and bulky, my camera can breeze through on-location shots without fear of injury. Another investment that you will want to consider with this camera is a tripod but when selecting a tripod make sure you take the camera's weight in consideration. And if you want to play further, check out the Sony gun/zoom mike that works great with this camera, the optional hotshoe light for casual shooting, the lens filters, the.... Well, you get the idea. Personally, I've played with one of the smaller, lighter consumer Sony camcorders and absolutely loved it but I wanted more beef, better quality recordings, and greater flexibility because of my involvement in independent movies. Is this camera overkill for the average consumer? Certainly! Is it great? You betcha'! Do I regret investing serious bucks in the VX2000? Heck no! I would gladly recommend this camera TO everyone but not FOR everyone. Judge what you really need and really want before purchasing a VX2000 because, for most people, it IS overkill and the purchase of the camera itself is just the first investment. You can easily double the price of the camera by the time you get done with a case, batteries, charger, filters, special mics, windscreen, camera cover, light, etc., etc. Obviously many of the optional accessories you can do without but once you have the camera it will be that much harder to resist getting that really neat camera stabilizer or that LANC zoom/focus controller or.... ... Read more

Features

• Wide angle zoom lens for Canon XL1 series camcorders
• Fully electronic interface with the XL1
• Get an over 50 percent wider angle of view
• Manual zoom and focus
• 1.5 neutral density filter built in

Features

• Dedicated AC/DC Charger for the JVC BNV507 - BNV514 rechargeable digital camcorder batteries
• Charges a totally depleted battery in about 1 hour
• Changes to Trickle Charge automatically when cell is fully charged, to keep battery at peak readiness
• Includes household and auto adapters
• 110V and 220V input compatible

Features

• Sleek, compact MiniDV camcorder and with a 680,000-pixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, 12-Bit/16-Bit PCM digital stereo, and accessory shoe
• NP-FM50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (23)

Excellent Ultra-Portable Camcorder
This is a great little camcorder. It feels sturdy, is lightweight, and I can hold it in one hand securely. The video is also quite excellent.

I was debating whether to buy this or one of the Canon ZRs. Even though I was not sure if I would be shooting a lot indoors or not, I like knowing that I can, especially with the Sony's infrared light. The reduced zoom compared to the Canons was a minor issue for me, but I thought that the improved low-light quality of the Sony compensated for it.

The touch screen only functionality of this cam took some getting used to, but as this was my first camcorder, I was not used to any other system. It does not appear that LCD-only buttons is a major drawback, and in fact, I got used to it quite quickly. Also, I can appreciate that there are fewer buttons on the body itself to add to a cluttered appearance.

The built-in lens cover is quite nice as there is no losing it, and also, I think, could be useful for quick manual transitions when shooting.

The camera itself is very compact, and slim. About 2" thick, I can slip this baby into my pocket and go, albiet, large pocket, but it's still amazingly small.

The zoom is very rapid, and the rocker allows variable-speed zooms.

The photo function is nice to have, but I wish that the 7-second audio with each picture was variable, or could be turned off altogether, but as with all camcorders, the photo function is just a nicety, and serious photos should be taken with a real camera, not a video camcorder.

All in all, this is a great miniDV camcorder. I have no basis for reference as this is my first, but I love it, and have no regrets in spending $460 of my limited college-student budget =) on this. I recall three years ago my friend and I were making a film for science class with his hi-8 camcorder, especially the pain of having to manually control a VCR to tranfer the film onto a regular VHS tape. But no more, with miniDV, I can edit and output a film in just a few minutes. WIth the help of a firewire cord (sold separately), on the first day I was able to import the film onto my computer and make a short film clip using Windows Movie Maker. It worked beautifully, so I didn't bother installing the software that came with the cam, since I've heard that it is useless.

PROS:
Lightweight and compact
Excellent film quality
Infrared Lamp
Bright, functional LCD

MINOR CONS:
Constrained still-photo function
Relatively short zoom

Very Good Camera but HOPELESS software
I so agree with "brucex", the person/s who designed this software should really be given life imprisonment...oh my god its just useless.
You cant copy raw video to PC but the picture package creates its own Video with its own effects and sounds...What Good is that...I just want my video as it is...For that the online HELP tells me you shud use a Third Party software..ahhhh

But the Camcorder MINUS software is just great....Its very easy to understand and use...
The touchscreen feature is fabulous and light/sound clarity is wonderful.
This cute camcorder definitely deserves 5 but the BAD software takes point away.
I wish Sony could come up with easier and better software for HC-20 and replace our CDs.

NOt upto expectation
I owned Sony analog camcorder for long time. Recently I bought this one for digital storage and compact size.

I am suprised to see very poor quality video compare to my old analog camcorder. video is really dark and not worth taking in home(Even on bright day). I continue use old analog camcorder for family video.

Love it, but like anything...
There are a few improvements that could be made. The Lens doesn't give you a wide enough angle (accessory wide angle lens can be purchased for $50, don't know how well it will work though). Need to be able to add an accessory wind buffer for the built in microphone (buffeting is excessive). And lastly, Sony should include the firewire cable with the unit, so you can skip the bundled software altogether. Other than those things, it performs very well. The Lcd touch screen is great. The battery life has exceeded my expectations, and the video quality is good. Personally, I bought this unit because I want it for video. I use my Canon 3.1 mpxl digital elph for stills. Since this unit does not have the memory stick slot, I would recomend stepping up to the 30 or 40 if stills are important to you. This unit has terrific video quality for the price. Add the firewire cable, the wide angle lense and the buffered accessory mic, and you have a great set-up. Also, just a tip from an IT professional... don't buy the brand name firewire cable they always position near the cameras. Go to the computer section of the electronics store and buy a generic brand cable for less than half the price.

Great for 1st time buyer!
I did alot of research before finnaly just going with the sony, it seemed to have less options than others I was looking at, but what it does it does better. So far I have used it in complete dark filming fireworks at the beach, worked like a champ, great picture quality...and around the house the video is also perfect, and the battery last forever. I am very impressed buy this little camera! Oh and dont be fouled by the low digital zoom, in fact this thing really reaches out their! ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 700x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD; black and white EVF
• Snapshot mode records stills onto tape
• Integrated autolight; comes with remote control

Reviews (1)

Good midline camera
This camera is a good midline camera with a pretty good level of control in the manual mode and well automated in the auto mode. The DV port is the small 4 pin connector that ships with a lot of after market IEEE-1394(Firewire) cards. If you intend to capture the video off this camera onto your computer you need a FAST PC, I'd say 1.5GHz or better, and over 512MB of RAM with a fast hard drive with LOTS of space, it goes QUICK. Price/Value is good, and I'd buy again knowing what I know about it. The onboard light is very taxing on the battery and should probably not be used unless you are plugged in. Enjoy it. Its a good camera. ... Read more

Features

• 1.5 Megapixel CCD
• Integrated Carl Zeiss optical lens
• 120x Digital zoom
• Super Nightshot 0 Lux recording, plus pop-up flash
• i.LINK ( IEEE 1394 / FireWire ) outputs

Features

• Wide-angle lens that zooms from 4.5mm to 45mm (or 32.5 - 325mm in 35mm still equivalent)
• High resolution and exceptional low light performance due to its newly developed 1/3? CCDs
• IEEE 1394 FireWire interface (in/out) for transfer of digital video/audio to a computer for editing, enhancement, duplication and more
• Records in conventional 4 - 3 aspect ratio as well as 16 - 9 letterbox image capture modes
• Optical Image Stabilization uses a gyro sensor and linear motor with virtual real time compensation to deliver superb picture quality with minimized jitter

Reviews (2)

AG DVC80
I am a television video producer, I deal with professional video equipment every day and knowing what good video looks like is part of my job. I have been using the AG-DVC80 as my personal video camera for about half a year now. I am 100% satisfied with it. I use my video camera almost every day to take video of the same events in my life that everyone else with a home video camera takes. I use it for birthdays, weddings, parties and so on. I will occasionally use my AG-DVC80 for video production, when a full sized ENG camera is not needed or available. To the majority of the population, the quality of the video and audio that this camera produces can not be distinguished from the video and audio of the DVC-PRO cameras we use for production. I occasionally see this model and the DVC100 being used in TV shows. Trading Spaces, Wild Boys and MTV Cribs are a few of the shows that I have noticed these cameras being used.
My best friend uses the Cannon XL1 (not the XL1 S) and we personally do not see much of a difference in video quality between the camera images. The AG-DVC80 cost less than half the price of his XL and it is smaller and lighter. His XL1 does not have an LCD monitor, great for above head shots.

The Good:
3 CCD, a must for professional video
2 XLR plugs with easy to use volume controls
LCD monitor (not found on the Cannon XL1)
Half the price of a Cannon XL1
Solid constructions
Optical stabilizer
Good looking and intuitive design
Small and light weight

The Bad:
Built in microphone is fragile
Plastic guards for plugs are cheap
Strange joystick for VCR control

Great camera for the budget filmmaker
The Panasonic AG-DVC80 is kind of a little brother to the fantastic, 24p-shooting DVX100. Most of us who aren't planning to convert video to film probably don't need 24p, and the DVC80 offers just about all the same features as the DVX100 for a thousand dollars less. The only thing I miss (so far) from the DVX100 is the ability to shoot time-lapse images. The DVC80 delivers great video, has a fine Leica lens that goes wider than most without an adaptor, and has a vast array of image control features. The manual is a little thin on the use of the various image controls -- this is not a beginner's camera. Yet it is a great camera for documentary filmmakers, commercial users, and the like. I'm shooting several independent film projects (docs, shorts), and so far this camera offers everything I need. ... Read more

Features

• High performance electret condenser microphone with super-cardioid characteristics
• Low-cut switch for low frequency roll-off -useful for optimum voice pickup, and for reducing pop and wind noises
• External power supply (DC12) included
• Also includes Sony CAC-12 microphone holder for DXC(R) & BVP series camcorders, and Sony EC-O5C2 microphone cable