Camcorder Recommendation
seascape
friends wedding due to his cost factors, well.. my camcorder is on the fritz
:( So, I need a new one anyways and since cost is an issue for me too I
would like some input on a good under $400 camcorder.
I found a Canon ZR90 MiniDV for $398 retail puchase new -- Good for what I
need it for?
Also, any big differences in DV versus Mini-DV? The canon uses MiniDV.
Thanks all for you help, you've all been great with all your responses!!! :)
Here are the specs I have on it:
The Canon ZR90 is the most powerful and versatile camcorder in the ZR
series, with powerful DIGIC DV and VIC imaging technologies, enhanced
low-light image capture and exceptional digital connectivity. Capture life's
precious moments the way you want them to be remembered, thanks to the Canon
ZR90 camcorder.
Take incredible video AND photos simultaneously
. Canon's expertise in imaging and electronics is flawlessly blended
together in the ZR-series camcorders, thanks to the advanced DIGIC DV
system. Since video and 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.
Seamlessly connect to your computer, TV or VCR
. Embracing the industry's latest and most sophisticated technology, Canon
camcorders feature an exclusive connection circuit, called VIC. VIC is a
virtual powerhouse. Traditionally, multiple chips were needed to perform the
camcorder's input and output functions. However VIC manages it all with one
single chip. The result is seamless connectivity whether you are connecting
to a computer, TV, or VCR.
Witness the power of a 22x Optical Zoom Lens
. The Canon ZR-series camcorders are so advanced, they correct camcorder
shake instantly. It's all thanks to a high quality Image Stabilization
system that ensures your videos always look smooth, steady and natural even
when shooting hand-held at full telephoto.
. What's more, the ZR90 offers an incredible 22x Optical Zoom Lens with the
outstanding quality of Genuine Canon Optics, in addition to a supplied
WA-30.5 Wide Attachment (0.6x), giving you a wide perspective for indoor
shots or panoramic views.
Shoot close-ups they'll love
. When shooting close-ups of people, the ZR-series camcorders utilize a Skin
Detail Function to automatically soften details. The result is a more
complimentary appearance that will keep your family and friends coming back
for another 15 minutes of fame.
Illuminate those super-low light moments
. With the ZR-series camcorders, you can capture images and video even in
low-lighting thanks to its enhanced Night mode. At the touch of a button,
the camcorder selects the ideal shutter speed and sensitivity combination to
brighten up the scene, without sacrificing color.
. The ZR90, however, also gives you the power to assign the Super Night or
Night Plus mode to the NIGHT MODE button. In the Super Night mode, the
assist lamp lights up automatically responding to the brightness of the
subject. In the Night Plus mode, the assist lamp stays on at all times.
Transfer images effortlessly
. The ZR90 expands video possibilities with a built-in slot for an SD
(Secure Digital) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard, in addition to the MiniDV
cassette. That means you can easily transfer digital photos to your PC
straight from the camcorder using the supplied USB cable or IEEE1394.
Get creative with supplied software
. The ZR90 Kit includes software for image management and editing:
ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Macintosh) which let you easily
download, browse, archive, and retouch your photos. It will even
automatically resize images and allow you to attach them to e-mail, arrange
them for printing, and add text.
. In addition, the ZR90 is supplied with DV Messenger2 software, which
allows you to use your Canon camcorder for Internet Video Chat with
Microsoft Windows Messenger through IEEE1394. Control the zoom and focus of
your camcorder or the person you are chatting with. Preview thumbnails and
transfer photos. Watch and control the video playback of either camcorder --
all from your computer.
Enjoy portable movie-making power
. The ZR90 allows you to record movie clips in Motion JPEG format onto the
memory card, for clear images and smooth playback. It also means you can
easily take the 320 x 240 pixel or 160 x 120 pixel mini-movie and attach it
to an e-mail or post it on the web. Best of all, you can record for the full
length of the SD Memory Card*.
Get the most our of your photos and prints
. The ZR90 captures beautiful high definition photos. Just press the photo
button to capture stunning XGA (1024 x 768 pixel) images onto the included 8
MB SD Memory Card. For added flexibility, you can select the compression
size (Superfine/Fine/ Normal) to tailor how many photos you can fit on the
memory card. You can even select how long you wish to review a still image
after recording.
Create magnificent panoramas
. By using the StitchAssist Mode, you can create magnificent panoramas.
Shoot your landscape, and transfer them to your computer. Then simply select
and arrange your images in the correct order, and the supplied PhotoStitch
software does the rest, aligning, overlapping and cropping the separate
images to form one ultra-wide panoramic still image.
Keep the focus where you want it
. Sometimes, the subject we want to photograph is not in the center of the
frame. With the ZR90 camcorder, you can choose from one of three focusing
points to automatically put the subject you want into sharp focus.
Take control of your creativity
. The ZR90 gives great results in the hands of beginner, thanks to the
preprogrammed auto exposure modes (Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand &
Snow and Low Light mode); each carefully designed to give you the best
possible image results under special shooting conditions. Meanwhile, the
more experienced users will appreciate the manual focus, exposure level,
white balance, and shutter speed controls.
Personalize your ZR90 camcorder
. Want to truly set your camcorder apart from the pack? Personalize your
camcorder by customizing the start-up image and camcorder operation sounds.
With the ZR90, you can choose a startup image from the included software CD
or use your own digital recordings.
. Alternately, you can customize the operating language of your ZR90, be it
English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese or Japanese. The
date format can also be selected.
Never lose track of your subject
. With the ZR90's flexible 2.5" LCD View Screen and Color Viewfinder, you
can easily compose sensational shots without having to squint into the
viewfinder. Rotate the screen for high-or low-angle shots, or turn it around
180 degrees to record yourself, and then afterwards, enjoy the brilliant
display while reviewing your scenes.
Miscellaneous
Tape format Mini-DV
Stereo Sound? Yes
FireWire? Yes
Remote Control? Yes
Number of CCDs 2
Interchangable Lenses? No
Flying Erase Head? Yes
Control L (LANC) Interface? Yes
RC Time Code? Yes
Viewfinder? Yes
Color Viewfinder? Yes
LCD Viewscreen? Yes
Manufacturer Information
Parts Warranty 1 year
Labor Warranty 1 year
seascape
salesman recommended it [or any Canon] for good quality, better stablization
& built quality. Anyone have or can support how good the Canon camcorders
are. The ZR200 doesn't have the light/mic mount on top which I would have
liked, but it does support wide/telephoto lens add-ons I noticed.
How good is the built-in microphone? Quality of small room recording,
large area [such as 2 story open cathedral style church room]. Can you
hook up a boom mic to get better audio from a distance? It has a A/V out
[special cable] and DV out [firewire]. Small form factor. I'm not crazy
about the style look of it, but if it does a good job its a minor issue I
can live with.
Any feedback on ZR series camcorders appreciated.
"seascape" <seascape@_hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:K0zMd.12208$j_1....@fe07.lga...
Richard Crowley
[Canon ZR200]
...
> How good is the built-in microphone?
Built-in microphones, particularly the ones in small camcorders
are rarely good for anything but collecting background noise.
Especially on small cameras they tend to pick up motor noise
from the camera, handling noise, and even heavy breathing of
the camera operator. :-)
> Quality of small room recording, large area [such as 2 story
> open cathedral style church room].
Disappointing at best. Of course this is subjective and
depends on what your expectations are.
> Can you hook up a boom mic to get better audio from a
> distance?
A quick search on the worldwideweb suggests that your
camera does NOT have a mic input, so you are stuck with
the built-in mic.
Note that a boom mic is not necessarily the solution to
every audio problem (or even those specific ones you
cited.)
seascape
investment? I know $400 is not much for the quality I want [champaign on a
beer budget], but from what I've seen so far I should be able to get a
reasonably nice output quality video from one in this price range.
Don't have much to spend on the camera right now, but want the best quality
possible for recording my best friends wedding for him.
"Richard Crowley" <rcro...@xprt.net> wrote in message
news:1109so0...@corp.supernews.com...
L David Matheny
> AcK! Guess I'll keep searching then. Any suggestions on a less than $400
> investment? I know $400 is not much for the quality I want [champaign on
> a beer budget], but from what I've seen so far I should be able to get
> a reasonably nice output quality video from one in this price range.
>
> Don't have much to spend on the camera right now, but want the best
> quality possible for recording my best friends wedding for him.
>
and a headphone output (so you can hear what you're getting). And
manual audio level controls are also nice if you take the time to learn
how to use them. They used to be available only on prosumer models
and above, but recently some less expensive models seem to have them.
Specifically, I've never even held one in my hands, but I've been impressed
with what I've read about some of the recent Canon Opturas like the 300,
400 and 500. Some Optura 300's have sold on eBay for not much more
than you want to spend. If you go there be mindful of feedback ratings,
and if you try the discount houses check http://www.resellerratings.com/
first. The 300 may be discontinued, but a newer model that has similar
features (I think) is the Optura 40. Unfortunately, it seems to be selling
in the $700 range. The Optura 30 is similar but without manual audio.
frame...@verizon.net
they have more features, and as far as i am concerned are better. i
love mine. the quality is amazing, colours are rich, and the sound is
pretty decent for stereo built in mics. also, you can get "hotshoe"
accessories, like boom mic, and you can get all kinds of groovy filters
and stuff. it has more of a "camera" feel to it as well, with manual
modes for exposures, shutter speeds, and you can focus the lens just
like a manual camera! it has a nice feel to it as well. i love mine so
far! ;-) and, oh, yeah. i do not know if you are a pc or mac person,
but i am a mac person, and my mac recognized my optura 20 as soon as i
plugged it in via firewire (fw cables are 20 bucks! no capture card
nessesary!), with no drivers to install!
Frank Vuotto
If it doesn't have an external mic input then pass it by. Sooner
or later you will be frustrated by the amateurish sound and have no
recourse to improve it.
All the fancy features aside, bad sound = bad movies.
Frank /~ http://newmex.com/f10
@/
>|
>
frame...@verizon.net
photo. these are great people to do business with too!