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Canon ZR70MC Mini DV CamcorderDesigned for point and shoot simplicity, Canon's ZR70 MC camcorder allows everyone to great results without any effort at all. Its...
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Designed for point and shoot simplicity, Canon's ZR70 MC camcorder allows everyone to great results without any effort at all. Its extensive feature set is complimented by a sleek, cutting-edge design which allows you to shoot crisp, vibrant video and life-like digital photos just by pressing a single button.Perfect for sporting events, features include a 22X optical zoom/440X digital zoom, motion JPEG movie, super night mode, an advanced accessory shoe for powering a microphone or video light and selectable color light-up buttons. It also includes a wide-attachment and an extended life battery. Even when the light has faded, you can keep on shooting with super night mode and low light plus mode. The assist lamp lights up to illuminate the subject allowing you to capture the action without turning the lights on.You can send an analog video signal from a TV, VCR or a camcorder into the ZR70 MC and record it onto a DV tape, or convert the analog signal into digital signal, for direct transfer to digital video d
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27 Reviews from Shopping.com
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My First Camcorder works great
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Pros: Price, Zoom, Image Stabilization, Size and Weight, Ease of use
Cons: Motor noise, Grainy in dim illumination
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.
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