| Camcorders Reviews : Digital MiniDV |
 | Sony DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
Review of Camcorder -- 2010-08-30
The camera seems to perform very well, so far. I've just learned how to use it; makes video recording easy - so far.
old style handycam -- 2010-08-17
the screen sometimes gets blury and you cant focus with it, the battery lasts for 1 hour, "unless you buy the extended battery" that lasts for 5 hours. and its old the anolog suck's and the dv version is 50-100 bucks more so dont waist your hard earned dough on this!
|
 | Canon VIXIA HV40 HD HDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom - 2009 MODEL
Moderately Desent Prosumer HDV Camera -- 2010-08-18
I recently used the Canon VIXIA HV40 as a second camera alongside the Sony HDR-HC7 (as well as a Sony HVR-Z5U) in a documentary and ended up being a little disappointed with the image quality when compared to the HC7. I had originally used this camera for some test footage and thought the picture quality pretty good, but once I used it side-by-side with the HDR-HC7 the differences were readily apparent in the field even before I captured the footage into Final Cut where it became even more noticeable. In actuality, the Sony HDR-HC7 ended up outclassing it; where it was very obvious which footage came from the Canon VIXIA HC40 when compared to the Sony HVR-Z5U footage, the Sony HDR-HC7 actually compared up very nicely with the Z5 and was very hard to tell the difference from the footage.
So while the Canon VIXIA HV40 is a very good HDV camera for the price, I would suggest that you get the now Sony HDR-HC9 if you can afford the 50% bump in price as it will deliver video that performs much closer to a camera three times is price.
Sticking with MiniDV -- 2010-07-19
I read all the reviews on this camcorder before buying it. I like the MiniDV format. I have a lot of tapes and would like to read them to disk in the near future. I like recording stuff from other analog sources. I am not going to write everything everyone else already wrote. I LOVE THIS CAMCORDER! The best thing I can say about it is that my technology-averse wife picked it up, recorded some video in a darkly lit room, and the video looks great. She is happy and so am I. The quality drops at a certain darkness but overall, the quality of the video is great and the camcorder is easy to use. If you are anything other than a professional videographer, this is the camcorder for you.
|
 | JVC GR-DA30US MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom
JVC quality. Economic and with enough features -- 2010-06-15
I bought this camcorder at newegg (for 109 refurbished, really cheap right? haha) Well, this little camcorder is small and light. A few years ago one this small was several hundred dollars. This one fits in the palm of your hand, and the quality of video is great. You can learn how to use the manual settings and make the video look professional or just use the "Auto" and let it do everything for you, except the zooming. It will adjust automatically anyway to a decent setting. There's other settings that I haven't used such as macro (for closeups), 600X zoom (I only use the 30x optical zoom). The focus is automatic, or you can manually adjust it.
Great camera with several functions if you have time to learn them.
I like the lcd screen in the back of the camera, since the ones with the "flying wing" screens look so common anyway.
Oh, and so far the battery has never run out on me, and I shoot an entire 60m tape.
The picture looks good in my hd tv.
I am pleased with this camera. I read someone saying that this camera looks "cheap", not at all, it has a nice chrome and metallic finish.
JVC miniDV camcorder -- 2010-06-05
I bought this refurbished camcorder only to play back older miniDV tapes of our children, so I cannot comment on the recording video quality. The playback is fine on this machine and I hope to copy all the miniDV tapes to our computer soon with it. I bought it solely because one cannot buy just a miniDV player at this price point.
|
 | Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
A good multi-purpose professional camera. -- 2010-02-01
Compared to what's available now, this camera can seem a bit "outdated" but I bought one used many years ago and it is still going strong, recording projects with very competitive SD picture quality. It isn't HD and it doesn't have 24P but its "frame mode" does provide a low-cost alternative. I chose this camera because I had a lot of experience using it from other GL1 and GL2 owners and I'm still not disappointed. I say this is a very good introductory camera for filmmakers and videographers not looking to spend twice as much for the most current technology. This camera is designed for professional applications and is not a good choice for people shooting "simple" home videos and little league games. If you are not serious about shooting and editing professional video, this camera will easily discourage any buyers not willing to learn a lot of functions.
After at least 4 years of service (not including how long the previous owner used it), I have still not seen any malfunctions such as the "remove tape" error that seems to be occurring with some GL2 owners. I own several camcorders and reserve the GL2 for only the best projects in order to spare this camera from heavy usage and abuse. Owning a cheap, "junkie" camcorder for tape logging to the computer is a MUST. No one spending their money on any camcorder in this price range should be using it as a VCR to watch tapes and log clips.
Good quality video...if the Camera's working -- 2010-01-11
My GL-2 just came back from Canon's repair shop last month - another $400 to replace the cassette drive. I paid $1900 for my GL-2 three years ago, and the most recent fix brings my grand total for repairs to $1600! Pros: Great video, great audio. Cons: This thing breaks all the time! I didn't read any reviews before I purchased my GL-2, having used Canon SLR cameras and lenses since 1993. HAVE I LEARNED MY LESSON! Just look in my wallet..not much left in there. I love my GL-2, but there are better cameras out there for the money. This model has several known defects that Canon chooses to ignore (only ten tapes through since the cassette drive was replaced the last time). I babied my GL-2 - seriously, I took better care of this than any camera I've ever owned - and it broke anyway...three times. I'm tranfering my video over to a digital hard drive and then putting my GL-2 out to pasture.
|
 | Canon ZR960 MiniDV Camcorder w/41x Advanced Zoom - 2009 MODEL
Firewire a Big Concern -- 2010-03-11
Okay, so this is a good camera as far as capturing the footage but I too have been caught up in the Firewire dilemma. Between me and my family there are four computers. Two Hewlett Packard's, one Compaq and one Emachine. None of these computers have a Firewire port to connect the camera to and edit the video. All my computers have a price tag ranging from $500 to $600 the low end. My understanding to a solution for this problem is to either buy a higher end computer with firewire port access, buy a firewire adapter card and have it installed, or buy an Apple/Mac. Either way you're spending more money.
So make sure your computer has firewire connectivity or you'll be stuck with raw footage like me and other consumers who have bought this camera and cannot transfer it to a computer for editing without coughing up more $$$. Otherwise the camera itself is great for the price!
Pros:
easy to use
good digital quality
external mic access
Cons:
lower end computers don't have firewire ports to transfer video
internal mic captures unwanted sounds and some camera noise
accessories are outrageous in commercial stores (use Amazon)
**Update**
So I installed a firewire port onto my computer and it was incredibly easy. Bought a Lacie pci card cheap from Amazon, took the cover off the computer and slid the card into the available slot. Now I can edit my footage and transfer onto a disk through my new firewire port.
Originally gave it three stars but after feeling better about being able to edit my footage I can happily give it four stars. That missing star is for going through the trouble of getting that firewire port. If you have the same problem I and others had, go to YouTube and look up, "firewire port intstallation".
Tape is still the way to go!!! -- 2010-03-07
After owning a Sony Handycam hi 8 for a number of years and the unreliability of the camcorder tape mechanism, I decided to try a flash camcorder, and a hard drive camcorder. both of these were very easy to use, but when playing back on any TV larger than 19 inch, the picture was extremely grainy and got very pixelated on 42 inch and above. There are NO adjustments to be made on any of these type of camcorders to correct this issue. You must record in VERY good light and resolution is made for you tube size videos.
The software on these type of camcorders is also outdated MOD and is very difficult to navigate around and it takes forever to transfer to a DVD disc.
Back to the tape camcorder. I will use a tape type camcorder as long as they are available. The ease of plug and play with almost any software like NERO, windows movie maker, roxio, and so on. 1394 makes it easy.
picture quality is awsome and looks great on even a 130 inch projector.
Zoom capabilities are great also.
I would recommend this camera to all who want really good video quality. Ease of transfer, and great price!!
Also this camera is very compact. Half the size of my old sony hi 8 and the 6mm tapes are tiny too. still has the same record time though.
|
 | Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom
excellent transaction. -- 2009-10-24
the first camera sent had problems. the seller assisted me in a hassle free return for a new camera.
Sony DCR-HC36...Buyer beware!!! -- 2008-05-19
I purchased the Sony DCR-HC36 last December(2006) and while the picture quality was just 'okay' for us, we were content for a year. Recently though when we try to capture the video on any one of our computers (via USB)the picture is broken-down into digital squares and unlegible as well as there is no sound. I downloaded fresh drivers and installed them but nothing worked. We have only used the camera a total of 25 times and it has never been dropped or banged around but it is putting garbage now and we can't seem to figure out why. The Sony site does NOT have a troubleshooting link to help figure this out and we refuse to put a dime into getting it repaiered since it really is not that good of a deal anyway. We do NOT recommend this camera to anyone. Do your research.
|
 | Canon XH-A1S 3CCD HDV High Definition Professional Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens III
Drop Dead, Kick Ass -- 2010-05-13
I run and own one of Florida's most reputable paranormal teams "Team Phenomenon | Paranormal Bad Boys TV" and we need to high quality footage for our films. I looked at many other cameras but the XHA1s was by far the clearest in resolution. This camera is a snap to work with and the overall quality makes it worth the money. This is one of our main cameras we use for production of our films, videos and documentaries and if I could I would buy a second in a heart beat as backup. The camera battery life is exceptionally good and the features give your video that clear HD eye candy you want. This is the independent film makers top choice of cameras and I can get why, I simply call it an Orgasm in a box. because that is how you feel when you first get it in the mail.
My only two cons is that the front microphone head is kinda wobbly and it doesn't shoot to hard drive, Digitizing tapes can put extra stress on the heads. An hour long HDV tape equals to 12GB of hard drive storage so make sure you have an extra 1.5TB of external HD backup for your projects and never overwrite the original tapes. I buy my HDV tapes from Walmart which are 6 for $20 and work beautifully.
G.Mercado
Team Phenomenon Inc | Paranormal Bad Boys TV
[...]
Awesome! -- 2010-04-25
As others have noted, this camera is not for the casual videographer or the faint of heart. But, if you're looking for a superb prosumer camcorder, this is it. Packed with features, a great value for the price, with awesome video quality. Highly recommended.
|
 | Sony HVR-HD1000U MiniDV 1080i High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Great Pro Camera! -- 2010-07-29
I really love this camera. It's light and comfortable, and all the controls are easily accessible. It takes a small learning curve to figure out all the controls, but once you move some of the most-used ones to the manual ring, it's a cinch to use. I like the ergonomics and compact feel of it with the adjustable shoulder pad and pop-out viewfinder. The shotgun microphone is of high quality and I noticed the sound improvement over my older camcorders immediately. 3CCD is still better than the CMOS that comes with this camera, but with a 1/2.9" CMOS (and at half the cost), I really can't tell that much of a difference - especially after I edit my clips in Premiere Pro and Final Cut. The picture is crystal clear in HiDef, but more important - the color is vibrant without being over saturated, and the images taken with the 6.1 MP camera are absolutely brilliant. It comes with lots of outputs as mentioned in the specs, and the first time I uploaded a clip to my computer, I was pleased there were no surprises. Sony has it right with this one. It's perfect for the intermediate videographer who wants to step up a couple notches from just shooting home movies. I am making an independant film with it, and for the money, this camera is perfect for me. Eventually I want to upgrade to the more expensive and feature rich camera's, but in the meantime, this one does not fail to please. The only changes I would suggest to Sony is that they include a larger battery, a carrying strap, A DVD with some goodies on it (it just comes with a PDF of the manual) and a more detailed manual. The manual will get you there, but you'll find the hints, tricks, and tips from Googling more helpful.
Review -- 2010-06-30
I recently purchased this camcorder and am really glad I did. I bought the camcorder after reading the great reviews featured on HD Camera Guide. I LOVE the shoulder mount (made so much of a difference) and the picture quality is amazing! Although no XLR inputs can be kind of frustrating.
|
 | Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Great HD Camcorder -- 2010-03-14
Did a lot of research on HD consumer camcorders and believe this one and the HV40 are the no brainers for people who dont mind using mini DV tapes. Have talked to several professional's in the field whom all seem to agree that this camcorder is hands down the best consumer camcorder. Have owned it for a year and haven't had any problems. The picture is great and seems to do well in low light also.
If You Like Overexposed Video, Buy This Camera -- 2010-02-20
Others seem to love this camera, but really, after owning it for a just few days, what could one possibly know? My report is based on a full year's use under all kinds of weather and lighting conditions. There is no in-between rating option, but I actually give the Canon Vixia HV30 two and a half stars.
A huge and unforgivable --and easily fixed problem with the Vixia HV30-- is consistently overexposed images and blown-out highlights. Software such as iMovie may compensate somewhat, but certainly cannot correct this flaw. It's impossible for software to create pixels where the Vixia HV30 never did, so don't count on software to save your images --because you shouldn't have to.
Much of my dissatisfaction comes from shooting video of whales from my yard in Hawaii under every imaginable lighting condition. Whales are completely unpredictatable, and when one appears you have to press the record button, or else lose the shot. There is no time for adjustments.
Under average-scene brightly-lit conditions the camera performs well, but in bright sunny conditions, and anywhere near the water it fails with horribly blown-out highlights and by consistently overexposing the entire scene no matter what the weather: sunny, overcast, or gray and stormy. This cannot be easily compensated for, because when set to P for program mode, a lot of fidgeting must be accomplished very quickly before this exposure compensation option disappears from your screen, and you have to start the steps all over again, faster. Very frustrating. This would be bad enough when setting up for a planned shoot, but most good shots are serendipitous grab shots, with no time for complicated adjustments. Whether it's the kids, the dogs, or whales, it's either shoot it, or lose it.
When the P mode's exposure is turned down/darkened to try to compensate for the overexposure-prone HV30, the settings go away when the camera is turned off. There should be an option to set the exposure where we want and leave it there until we want to change it. Or as in the Canon xti, a dial that allows you to instantly dial it down without first going through a dozen adjustments on tiny little buttons. Or, a center-weighted metering option, right at your fingertip.
Another reviewer, "Sounds of Kauai", posted a video that illustrates exactly what I mean: note the first half a dozen shots of turtles and seaside scenes are way too light with the highlights completely blown out.
On a sunny day and zoomed in on people standing in front of dark-colored but sun-lit cliffs, with bright sunlit trees in the same frame, the people are completely blown out as well. The HV30 seems to be way overzealously weighted toward capturing detail in dark areas while overexposing mid range areas and the complete exclusion of any detail in the highlights.
Why does the still camera function allow for adjusting the meter from an averaging meter to center-weighted metering, but not the video? How crazy is that? Flipping a switch to center-weighted metering would solve 95% of my overexposure complaints and allow this camera to be light-years more valuable to all videographers. There's such a button to toggle between auto focus and manual, and another for back lighting compensation, Canon, so what are you dunderheads thinking of anyway?
People who have trouble with the TV remote will bristle at the unintuitive function menu, which after a year still trips me up. And I'm great with the TV remote. To go through a dozen steps to make a simple adjustment is a real negative. The manual is difficult to decipher as well and not clearly written or well presented, and I say that as an author of Hawaii guidebooks, in which I try my best to assume the reader knows nothing about Hawaii, and it's my job to inform, or "teach".
One of the most diabolical problems with the HV 30 is this: when skies are stormy, and the image is almost monochromatic due to absence of color under those conditions, troubling colored artifact fields appear in the scene, with magenta/purple coloring appearing all over the edges of the scene, and cyan/green artifacts in the middle. To view what should be a gorgeous rich monochromatic smorgasbord of grays and silvers in a scene of stormy skies and diamond-colored water with whales spouting in the distance is ruined by the intrusion of large areas of purple artifacts on both sides of the image, and cyan/green artifacts in the middle. These either don't appear in scenes shot under richly colored conditions, or are just not noticeable.
The still camera is a real pain primarily because Canon didn't want to spend fifty cents to include a card that fits the stupid thing, and hunting one down is ridiculously difficult. Also, you must choose between shooting video and shooting stills, even though other makers allow shooting stills while you are recording video.
The eyepiece is absurd, with no cup or sun shield, so when the sun is bright and at either side, or low in front, you cannot see through the viewfinder, much less the little monitor. You're shooting blind. This is an egregious flaw, easily remedied by Canon, so to have this problem not change, apparently, from the HV20 to the HV30 to the HV40 in unforgivable.
Errant sun also can destroy the contrast in your images, so invest in a lens hood; I found one on eBay for $12, expensive for just a piece of plastic, but priceless for improved colors and good contrast. Canon should have included one.
Tapeless = Clueless. Do not run wild with the hard drive-crazed herd. I do like tape: the image is better than on hard drive, people say, but having a tape copy as back up is terrific, and having a full hard drive with no place to download it when you are on vacation or assignment and still need to shoot more stuff is absolute torture. There are lots of ways you can miss a great shot, but a full hard drive has to be the most ridiculous of all.
As a professional photographer on assignment, I've always said I'd rather a thief stole my camera than the film I had just shot, and I feel the same way about video: drop a hard drive camera or lose it, and the masterpiece you shot is gone as well.
|
|
|
|
|
