Canon ZR800 Mini DV Camcorder
- Camcorder Type: Digital
- Recording Media: Mini DV
- Optical Zoom: 35x
- Weight: 0.83 lb.
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Can't believe the value in this camera!
Pros
Price Easy to use Picture Quality Ext Mic Jack
Cons
No hotshoe Did not include Firewire cable in box
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Great camcorder with some features found only in more expensive units.
I purchased the ZR800 as an alternate camera to make some low budget DIY videos for a very narrow audience. Because of the requirements for filming, I did not want to risk damage to a more expensive camcorder.
While I was leery at first, I thought for $200 I would take a chance. I am pleasantly surprised! This thing is great, especially when used with an axillary mic.
The picture quality is very acceptable for a low cost camera. Of course it's not up to a 3 chip camera, but is less than one fourth the price also. Even still, the resulting video capture is very good. While not especially good in low/no light, with aux lighting it is fine. For my videos I use halogen shop lights you can buy at Lowes, WalMart, etc.
The ZR800 offers enough manual control to allow some pro-consumer shooting. It has adjustment for white balance and shoots for wide screen if needed.
As stated, this is most likely the only camera selling for less than $600 that has an aux mic input. While it only allows for a 1/8 mic jack you can find many mic options that will be acceptable. I personally use a lapel mic for great sound. Be warned though that the ZR800 requires a condenser mic with its own power supply. Not a big deal, but if you do not know that you may buy the wrong mic.
The only negative, considering the price, is it does not come with a Firewire cable to link to your computer. You can find these on ebay for less than $5 or you can check Best Buy, but be prepared to shell out about $50 for the same thing.
Consider this camera carefully if you are looking for the best low budget camera value.
While I was leery at first, I thought for $200 I would take a chance. I am pleasantly surprised! This thing is great, especially when used with an axillary mic.
The picture quality is very acceptable for a low cost camera. Of course it's not up to a 3 chip camera, but is less than one fourth the price also. Even still, the resulting video capture is very good. While not especially good in low/no light, with aux lighting it is fine. For my videos I use halogen shop lights you can buy at Lowes, WalMart, etc.
The ZR800 offers enough manual control to allow some pro-consumer shooting. It has adjustment for white balance and shoots for wide screen if needed.
As stated, this is most likely the only camera selling for less than $600 that has an aux mic input. While it only allows for a 1/8 mic jack you can find many mic options that will be acceptable. I personally use a lapel mic for great sound. Be warned though that the ZR800 requires a condenser mic with its own power supply. Not a big deal, but if you do not know that you may buy the wrong mic.
The only negative, considering the price, is it does not come with a Firewire cable to link to your computer. You can find these on ebay for less than $5 or you can check Best Buy, but be prepared to shell out about $50 for the same thing.
Consider this camera carefully if you are looking for the best low budget camera value.
