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Camcorders.(RATINGS)(Buyers guide)
You can expect a digital camcorder to deliver good or very good video. MiniDV models, which record on tape cartridges compatible with older models, win on price, making them the type to consider first. DVD models are for those who most want ease of playback on a home player. Pricey hard-drive models easily transfer videos to a PC. Combination models have the advantages of the DVD and hard-drive types. More models are appearing that can record in high definition or on flash memory. And digital cameras are becoming more competitive with camcorders; most can record video and audio.
Guide to the Ratings
Overall score is based mainly on picture quality; ease of use, image stabilizing, autofocus, and audio quality carried less weight. Picture quality is based on the judgments of trained panelists who viewed static and moving images shot in good light using the camcorder's highest-quality recording mode. Low-light picture quality is the result of shooting the same scenes under dim light. Ease of use takes into account ergonomics, weight, and contrast in the LCD viewer. Image stabilizer indicates how well that feature worked. Audio quality represents accuracy using the built-in microphone, plus freedom from noise. Optical zoom range is as stated by the manufacturer. Battery life is based on our tests, using the LCD viewer. Turning off the viewer typically extends battery life by 10 to 40 minutes on a charge. LCD size is measure diagonally, in inches. Price is approximate retail.
Quick Picks
Best values in MiniDV models:
2 Canon ZR800, $255
3 Panasonic PV-GS80, $250
- Sony DCR-PC100.(camcorder)(Hardware Review)(Evaluation)
- Magazine article from: Computer Shopper Labriola, Don August 1, 2000 700+ words
...playback speed Price It! 33712 While the Sony DCR-PC100's $1,999-estimated price...justify spending the extra money, the Sony DCR-PC100 offers ease of use, tremendous...Shopper Best Buy Don't be fooled by the Sony DCR-PC100's seemingly high $1,999 price...
- Sony DCR-IP55 Mini DV video camera. (Quick Takes).
- Magazine article from: Australian PC World Hionis, Spiro September 1, 2002 700+ words
...miniaturised will love the 430g retro-styled, pistol-grip Sony DCR-IP55 Mini-DV video camera. The camera is capable of night...CD with video and image editing software and USB drivers. Sony DCR-IP55 Mini DV Video Camera Price: $4499 Phone: 1300 137...
- Sony DCR-TRV20: A Dual-Purpose DV Grabber.(Hardware Review)(Evaluation)
- Magazine article from: Computer Shopper Ozer, Jan February 1, 2001 700+ words
...been seeking the perfect device to capture both. With the Sony DCR- TRV20, they may have found it. Editors' Rating 7.2 Rated...means lesser-quality DV; limited media bundled in Product: Sony DCR-TRV20 Company: Sony Electronics Park Ridge, NJ; 800...
- Sony DCR TRV25: a Mini DV for the rest of us.
- Magazine article from: Camcorder & Computer Video Gomez, Tony December 1, 2002 700+ words
...performance--all affordably priced under $1,000. The new Sony DCR-TRV25 ($999 MSRP) falls into the latter category. As...ergonomic design--how it looks and feels. On this account, the Sony DCR-TRV25 gets high marks. I have always favored the horizontal...
- DV Camcorders: Latest Canon, Panasonic, and Sony models offer more for...
- Magazine article from: Macworld Pittelkau, Jeff December 1, 2001 700+ words
...the Canon ZR2S MC, the Panasonic PV-DV101, and the Sony DCR-TRV17--that can be had for less than $1,200. Why DV...covers are flimsy and could break off after extended use. The Sony DCR-TRV17 falls in the middle in terms of size but not features...
- Sony DCR-PC350: this top-of-the-line combo-cam delivers impressive resolution...
- Magazine article from: Camcorder & Computer Video Stevenson, Douglas January 1, 2005 700+ words
...use it as a reference point when comparing all others. That just might have you starting out by taking a good look at the Sony DCR-PC350. The top starts out with superior resolution. The PC350 has an amazing 3-megapixel (3MP) resolution for stills...
- JVC GZ-HD40U & Canon Vixia HF-10A.(in the field)
- Magazine article from: EventDV Burokas, Anthony November 1, 2008 700+ words
...today's consumer camcorders can produce startlingly good results. THE GEAR For this field production excursion, I used a JVC GZ-HD40U (Figure 1, left) and a Canon Vixia HF-10A (Figure 1, right). Both of these camcorders are very consumer, meaning...
- Sony DCR-VX2100 Digital HandyCam Camcorder.
- Magazine article from: EMedia, The Digital Studio Magazine Ozer, Jan February 1, 2004 700+ words
...slightly oversimplified synopsis of how the Japanese approach baseball, or besuboru, as well.) This, in a nutshell, is the Sony DCR-VX2100, a modest but likeable upgrade to the venerable VX2000. The VX2100 will do little to upset the balance of power...
