Canon ZR70MC Mini DV Camcorder
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- Recording System: NTSC
- Camcorder Type: Digital
- Recording Media: Mini DV
- Optical Zoom: 22x
- Weight: 1.2 lb.
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My First Camcorder works great
Pros
Price, Zoom, Image Stabilization, Size and Weight, Ease of use
Cons
Motor noise, Grainy in dim illumination
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
If you want good quality and features in a small lightweight package at a great price, this may be the one for you.
This is my first camcorder purchase. I was looking for a sub-$450 MiniDV camcorder with good image quality and features. Based on the reviews on this site, I chose the Canon ZR70MC. I have had it a few days now, only enough to just get started, and I can say that for the price, it seems great.
The camera is relatively small and light, and easy to carry and use. The menus are simple to navigate. I don't think I'll use many of the digital effects, but they would be cool for kids or for messing around with.
The 22x optical zoom is extraordinary. I could zoom in on a 3/4 inch object from 8 ft away with total clarity. Image stablilization reduces jitter from muscle twitch quite well, even at the higher powered zoom settings. In my opinion, the useful zoom, including digital zoom, is about 60x, so don't believe the 440x hype.
As other reviewers noted, I found that the microphone does pick up motor noise from the camera. It was recorded and played back on the TV and when I downloaded it to my computer via Firewire. It is not surprising, considering that the microphone is sensitive, and that with a camera so small, it has to be located within an inch or two of the motors. The noise was not disturbing or obtrusive, and I'm sure I can filter it out or use an external mic when I want more pure audio.
The digital photo option is kind of cool, but I already have a good digital camera, so I don't know if it will be that useful for me.
Indoors at night, there is some grain in the video due to the low light, but indoors during the day or outside, the picture quality is extremely sharp. The night mode works ok, and the super night mode that utilizes the built in LED works better than I thought it would. Of course it is grainy, but what do you expect in total darkness?
I was able to find this camera online for about $379, shipping included. At circuit city, it was $499.
I am pleased so far. If I change my mind, I'll let you know.
The camera is relatively small and light, and easy to carry and use. The menus are simple to navigate. I don't think I'll use many of the digital effects, but they would be cool for kids or for messing around with.
The 22x optical zoom is extraordinary. I could zoom in on a 3/4 inch object from 8 ft away with total clarity. Image stablilization reduces jitter from muscle twitch quite well, even at the higher powered zoom settings. In my opinion, the useful zoom, including digital zoom, is about 60x, so don't believe the 440x hype.
As other reviewers noted, I found that the microphone does pick up motor noise from the camera. It was recorded and played back on the TV and when I downloaded it to my computer via Firewire. It is not surprising, considering that the microphone is sensitive, and that with a camera so small, it has to be located within an inch or two of the motors. The noise was not disturbing or obtrusive, and I'm sure I can filter it out or use an external mic when I want more pure audio.
The digital photo option is kind of cool, but I already have a good digital camera, so I don't know if it will be that useful for me.
Indoors at night, there is some grain in the video due to the low light, but indoors during the day or outside, the picture quality is extremely sharp. The night mode works ok, and the super night mode that utilizes the built in LED works better than I thought it would. Of course it is grainy, but what do you expect in total darkness?
I was able to find this camera online for about $379, shipping included. At circuit city, it was $499.
I am pleased so far. If I change my mind, I'll let you know.
