I am acquiring very upset since all of the men and women who say they have done video for 25 many years need to no far better than to say that MiniDV is obsolete! MiniDV records in 500% compression. MINI DVD and HardDisk HDD and FLASH cameras record in 1500% compression. MiniDV records in in superior DV AVI format, which has person frames and editing can be performed With out LOSS OF Quality once uploaded to your laptop or computer. The MINI DVD/HDD/FLASH cameras are NOT better in this respect, they are far worse.

Customer MINI DVD/HDD/FLASH cameras have not reached a level exactly where they can compete with MiniDV for higher finish recordings. MiniDV does not take longer to edit. You have to play it back in true time, but in order to EDIT .MPEG videos from MINI DVD/HDD/FLASH you have to devote an hour converting it above to uncompressed AVI format! Either way, you have to commit an hour. It tends to make much far more sense to begin out with higher high quality RAW video, and then compress it Following you edit it. You can ONLY do this with MiniDV.

The MINI DVD/HDD/FLASH cameras are only very good for NON TECH junkies who never care about quality and just want to record house films. You will drop far more high quality with these cameras than you will with the superior MiniDV.

If you are going to use a MINI DVD/HDD/FLASH camera, you must NOT edit the video direclty. You want to uncompress it, and convert it into a superior AVI format, since it lends itself to editing. That means you want to use a video converter on your computer and convert the MPEG2 video to AVI ahead of editing. With MiniDV you do not have to, considering that MiniDV records in AVI, and only AVI, which is prepared for editing as it is, just upload in true time to your pc, cut frames out, and then conver it into MPEG2.

MiniDV is acquiring a lousy name since it makes use of a tape. This is not right. It actually records with Less compression than a comparable store bought DVD! Now, you know what this signifies. Uncompressed video is constantly far better to start off with than starting up with compressed video.

Please research MiniDV much more prior to providing it a bad name. It is not going to be obsolete until the MINI DVD cameras can record uncompressed video, which for all practical purposes, will by no means happen. SO that leaves HDD and FLASH cameras, which will ultimately have that solution, but they do not have that solution however, so for now MiniDV Is the best for for house video projects that need video editing.

I use to have a Sony HC-42 but it jammed and choked on a MiniDV cartridge, thus I had to replace it and researched what was remaining camcorders that use the MiniDV cartridges. Not that many left on the low-cost end. Sony has a HC-52 and the Canon ZR960. Went to B**tBuy to search at the Sony HC-52. What a disappointment in the quality and feel of that camcorder. Total junk feel to it. I was really disappointed considering that that is the successor model to the HC-42. So I researched and settled for the Canon ZR960. Okay, wonderful Regular Definition MiniDV camcorder. Has good 37x Optical Zoom, my HC-42 only had 10x Optical. Yeah it says 41 Optical Zoom on the ad but the booklet states 37x Optical zoom and another zoom setting known as Advanced Zoom which is the 41x zoom with some blurb about it can do this with out lost in image quality in combo of digital/optical. (Hey thats what it says..beats me, no claims to staying a techie). Then it has the 2000x Digital zoom. Which for me I keep at the 41x zoom setting. Very light, plastic housing felt greater in hand than the Sony HC52 did. Quite simple button layouts for play and record, felt sturdy and durable (not one thing that would breakoff from being used). The record button on the Canon was an “Offwhite colour”, Hmmm…was use to seeing that as red colored but no biggie. The LCD screen decent size, appears a bit squished in dimension but not in viewing. It had this little toggle joystick took a tiny acquiring use to, something akin to that joystick button on notebook computers between the G,H and B keys. I was use to the Sony touchscreen of my HC42, but effortless to conquer and get use to. What I genuinely like was, you know how these miniDV camcorder loads a cartridge, nicely as opposed to the Sony mechanical mechanism which reminds you of the old betamax loading, where when you release the clam shell housing and it opens, the mechanical mechanism goes up and then outward so that you can insert the cartridge, the canon mechanism is far more simpler I located. Thus less chance of it jamming and choking on a cartridge. Yes in either case, never push in on the cartridge carrier, like it says in bold letters on a yellow background or you are assure to choke and jam a cartridge on either camcorder. When you have the camcorder slipped in your hand, the canon is very light and where you rest your correct hand to function the broad/phone toggle switch, there is a comfortable ridge designed there so your hand and fingers can feel steady. I liked that function. The viewfinder has a separate switch to turn it on if you want to use it. Identified that practical. Has built in 1394 connection not like my Sony HC-42 which needed it is separate docking station to do that. So the only factor I did not find on the Canon camcorder was a remote controller with it. Ehhh…didn’t use it much. Also no shoulder strap. Thats an further as well. General a wonderful common miniDV cartridge camcorder. Straightforward to download onto your Computer for editing no matter whether Windows MovieMaker or any current video editing computer software employing its capture video capability. Did not have any troubles recognizing the camcorder when capturing video on a number of video editing programs I had on my computer. I am glad I purchased it and will serve its objective well.

Update 04 Aug 2010: My camcorder failed to powerup on battery, sent it in to Canon Repair Center via priority mail. They fixed it beneath the 1 year warranty and returned it to me within 1 week of receipt. That was quite quickly service and the camcorder is fixed. Problem they noted was a circuit board and they had it replaced and did other adjustments as essential. I am content with the speedy turnaround time of their repair center.

I purchased this camera to substitute my other Canon ZR100, which just wore out. I record video every single day, so I need a camera easy to use, and often prepared. So far, the ZR960 is simpler on battery life than the ZR100 was, which is very good. The new lens cover is simpler to use… wonderful. The new display is bigger… fantastic. So far this camera is much better than I anticipated.

This review is for men and women who have widespread sense about this technological innovation and have completed even a TAD bit of investigation ahead of buying. I have been in the video/film/animation business for 15 years and have utilised tons of gear for every little thing from multimillion dollar productions, to rogue gorilla documentaries. This camera is for folks who want to flip open one thing little and compact, shoot some video for memories and thas that. Fairly a lot ALL camcorders under 800 dollars are going to shoot interlaced video, and this one particular does as well. it has total manual overide for focus and exposure. I read a assessment where a lady was complaining about filming a recital and the camera was going in and out of focus. No difficulty, set it to manual and issue fixed. There is no a lot more .MOD file problems.. all files are read as .mpeg files now (you can download the newest software package from the website) **EDIT** its come to my attention that some people are nevertheless acquiring the .MOD files extension. I am operating windows XP service pack three on a Computer and the program it installed is pixela imagemixer three version four and it immediately shows up as .mpeg four files.. so i dont know whats up and why that performs for me, as i did practically nothing special or extra for that to happen..

now onto top quality.

It is acceptable. Reduced light gives you grainy photos and some ghosting. You will get this on rather significantly ALL camcorders in this class. do NOT count on that if you commit an additional 100 dollars you will get a variation. If you want to see a noticable variation you will want to step up to the 800-1200 dollar variety. Im sorry but thats just the facts. An additional point to be on the lookout for is called a frame buffer. Which Each and every camcorder more than one hundred dollars Should have.. you know, that telltale sign in video in which when the camera moves back and forth the image begins “waving like a flag in the wind”.. we’re great with that. The zoom on this camera is CRAZY excellent.. in basic, optical zoom is very good, digital zoom is poor.. this cameras optical zoom rivals most every little thing out there.. points i dont like. When you play your recorded videos on the camcorder, it will just play the following file without stopping, in 1 extended stream.. this is cool, but i dont like not having the choice to view one particular at a time. you HAVE to plug it in to the wall electrical power when you transfer files to the laptop or computer. i dont like the record button on the end of the barrel.. the way i Always finish up holding this camera is like how you hold a glass of water if you have been pouring it out.. with my thumb on the leading of the barrell.. i Never hold it “correctly” (like a glass of water that im drinking).. its so tiny that holding it like that is nearly cumbersome and unecessary.. In quick i Enjoy this issue for the ease.. on standby it will boot up in two seconds.. Amazing.. no tape, the tiny size, great battery life, relatively large LCD screen,external mic input and headphone all good.. needing a plug for pc connection, poor reduced light functionality, bad management of video playback not so very good.. all in all i Really like it…

if you want the convenience of a TINY camcorder available at a moments notice, recording to a card as an alternative of tape, a regular def video (most every little thing i shoot is for internet or normal DVD which is standard def anyway) and a price tag thats not poor. this is for you

Now, if you want a video camera for capturing substantial def residence movies for permanent memories to preserve forever and probably burn to blu-ray, seriously, get a higher def, 3ccd progressive scan camcorder. Count on to spend around 1000+ bucks, but thats what you get. i dont recognize the complaints that this is whats anticipated from this camcorder. You cant drive a civic close to complaining it cant go from to 60 in 2 seconds..

I purchased this camera a couple of weeks ago and it is small. Smaller than I expected, but that is not a undesirable thing, it is easy to carry close to in a vest pocket or coat pocket. I didn’t download or use any of the software offered with the camera, I have Sony Vegas on my pc. 1 point that I do advise is downloading the totally free SDCOPY software program you can find on the net. Check the widescreen box and it will convert your .MOD files to mpg files lightning fast. Now you should be ready to work with them in just about any editing software package. Use a card reader for the SD card instead of connecting the camera to the personal computer, makes life simpler. I use a inexpensive one particular that came with my SD cards.

Zoom is good, and a regular hand or tripod is really proposed for longer shots. Fast to commence up, the automobile lens cover is wonderful, battery lifestyle also great.

I actually see no difficulties with this excellent little camera, other than low light filming could be better, but not several of these cameras are fantastic in reduced light.

I have a number of Canon digital cameras, so when I determined to buy a camcorder I quickly went to Canon. I waited a month for this new edition. I wanted a modest camcorder–and this is certainly small.

I am a bit disappointed in the quality of the movies. For motion pictures taken in total light I can hardly tell the big difference between these motion pictures and the ones I take with my Canon PowerShot A570 IS digital camera! Even though, the sound is certainly better with the camcorder. For films in dim light (I filmed my son’s Jazz concert), there was a massive distinction so I made a decision to keep the camera.

I would agree with the previous reviewer in that the control buttons on the LCD screen are virtually useless in dark settings. I could not see them during the concert I filmed.

I also have a bit of trouble holding the camera due to the fact it is so tiny. I eliminated the “grip belt” strap it came with since I could not get it to match securely and still enable me to modify the buttons at the identical time. It felt like the camera was going to slide off my hand. I now use the additional wrist strap that comes with the camera and whilst it doesn’t look as “cool”, I’m not worried about dropping the camera.

My biggest hassel has been that the camera saves the movie files as MOD files which are a pain to operate with! They will not import into most video editing applications (which includes Adobe Premiere Components!), and the widescreen movies will not play accurately in Windows Media Player unless you convert the file.

The camera comes with a software package plan to transfer, edit, and view the movies–but it is awkward to use and even with the conversion I even now could not get the films to import into Camtasia Studio six, which is the plan I use the most. So, soon after two days of net seeking this is what I identified that performs for me.

1. I use a card reader to transfer the movie files onto my personal computer. This is a lot less complicated for me than using the program that comes with the camera.

two. I downloaded a free copy of SDCopy, and I use it to convert the MOD files to mpeg files. If I check the “widescreen” box on the converting window the converted films will play widescreen in Windows Media Player.

three. The converted motion pictures will import into Adobe Premiere, but they will not import into Camtasia Studio 6 (which is my goal). I can use Adobe Premiere to convert the files to avi files, but the procedure requires also prolonged for me so I found a far better and simpler way.

four. I bought a MOD converter. The a single I made a decision on was Daniusoft Mod Converter for . It performs properly. With a MOD converter, I can convert the MOD files to a bunch of other types that will import into other programs as effectively as play on other devices this kind of as an ipod. I use it to convert the files I converted with SDCopy into .avi files that will import into Camtasia.

Bottom line: Do your investigation and determine if this is for you. The FS100 received so several good evaluations that I can not assist but wonder if the video top quality of that camera is better than this a single. Possibly someone will post details that answers that query.

This camera is modest enough to simply fit into your jacket pocket. The automatic lens cover signifies not obtaining to be concerned about the lens, nor any extra pieces to carry around and maintain track of. The lengthy battery time, significant capacity of a SD card and small dimension adds up to a extremely practical camera to preserve with you translating into a better likelihood of truly acquiring the camera with you much more usually to catch these interesting moments of our lives. This is a really easy camera to use while shooting video.

There is a small far more labor concerned to edit video and transfer footage. Though it can be completed without as well much difficulty. And I am reluctant to be essential of that facet given that the technologies has advanced so significantly in the final decade. I remember a time when videotaping our private lives was considerably far more restricted by the technologies.

The image and sound good quality are good. The price is appropriate. I recommend this camera for the convenience and price. Unless of course the ideal picture and sound obtainable is what you want, then more expensive cameras are available worthy of a 5 star critique. For most purposes, this camera can not be beat for its ease and therefore the greater possibility of actually acquiring it on hand when needed.

Canon seems to have taken a step down from the comparatively-superb FS200 with a assortment of functions that fall quick in so several locations. As other individuals have talked about, the software program included is practically useless, but more importantly the video high quality just is not there. There are major compression artifacts that seem anytime there’s substantial movement or any zooming utilised, it handles reduced night really poorly, resulting in grainy video, and the single-shot feature generates low top quality shots comparable with those you would see on a cell phone.

Inexplicably, Canon has removed the audio in jack that came on the FS200, that means there’s no way to use an external microphone to capture any sound. Consequently, there is camera noise in every single video, which is surprisingly loud taking into consideration it has so few moving components. Combined with the simple fact that it comes with no memory (contrary to indications in the manufacturer’s personal product description), the FS300 feels much more like a spending budget version of the 200 rather than an upgrade. As for documentation, I agree with other reviewers – I wouldn’t generally discover a poor good quality manual in electronics but I required it to locate the power-in jack, which is superbly camouflaged on the unit.

General, it’s small and effortless to carry close to but falls brief of the top quality I’ve come to expect from Canon goods. I can’t use this for pro-sumer video capture as I had planned to, and apart from the decent zoom function there’s not a lot to separate from a Flip at half the value. Let’s hope the FS400 fixes the plethora of faults, even though I will be waiting to the see the testimonials prior to parting with my cash so hastily!

As stated by other folks the software program integrated with the camcorder is terrible. It has no editing potential. I ended acquiring a third celebration software for , so in the finish, with the memory card this is more like a 0 camcorder. Video is as excellent as it must be for an SD camera, sound is okay. General a great camera.

Pros: Small, light, quickly charges, long battery existence, decent enough video

Cons: Poor video in reduced light, okay sound, software

This evaluation is for people who have common sense about this engineering and have completed even a TAD bit of analysis prior to buying. I have been in the video/film/animation market for 15 years and have used tons of equipment for anything from multimillion dollar productions, to rogue gorilla documentaries. This camera is for individuals who want to flip open something modest and compact, shoot some video for memories and thas that. Rather a lot ALL camcorders under 800 dollars are going to shoot interlaced video, and this 1 does as nicely. it has total manual overide for concentrate and exposure. I read a critique exactly where a lady was complaining about filming a recital and the camera was going in and out of concentrate. No problem, set it to manual and difficulty fixed. There is no a lot more .MOD file issues.. all files are study as .mpeg files now (you can download the newest software from the website) **EDIT** its come to my focus that some people are nonetheless obtaining the .MOD files extension. I am operating windows XP service pack three on a Computer and the program it installed is pixela imagemixer 3 version 4 and it automatically shows up as .mpeg four files.. so i dont know whats up and why that functions for me, as i did practically nothing unique or additional for that to take place..

now onto high quality.

It is acceptable. Low light gives you grainy images and some ghosting. You will get this on quite significantly ALL camcorders in this class. do NOT expect that if you shell out one more 100 dollars you will get a difference. If you want to see a noticable distinction you will require to step up to the 800-1200 dollar range. Im sorry but thats just the facts. An additional issue to be on the lookout for is known as a frame buffer. Which Each camcorder more than 100 dollars Really should have.. you know, that telltale sign in video exactly where when the camera moves back and forth the image begins “waving like a flag in the wind”.. we’re great with that. The zoom on this camera is CRAZY excellent.. in common, optical zoom is excellent, digital zoom is poor.. this cameras optical zoom rivals most every thing out there.. issues i dont like. When you play your recorded videos on the camcorder, it will just play the next file with no stopping, in one lengthy stream.. this is cool, but i dont like not getting the solution to view one at a time. you HAVE to plug it in to the wall energy when you transfer files to the personal computer. i dont like the record button on the finish of the barrel.. the way i Usually end up holding this camera is like how you hold a glass of water if you had been pouring it out.. with my thumb on the leading of the barrell.. i In no way hold it “properly” (like a glass of water that im drinking).. its so tiny that holding it like that is virtually cumbersome and unecessary.. In brief i Adore this issue for the convenience.. on standby it will boot up in two seconds.. Awesome.. no tape, the little size, very good battery life, reasonably huge LCD screen,external mic input and headphone all excellent.. needing a plug for personal computer connection, negative low light performance, poor management of video playback not so great.. all in all i Truly like it…

if you want the comfort of a TINY camcorder obtainable at a moments notice, recording to a card rather of tape, a normal def video (most anything i shoot is for net or normal DVD which is typical def anyway) and a value thats not negative. this is for you

Now, if you want a video camera for capturing high def home videos for permanent memories to maintain forever and possibly burn to blu-ray, seriously, acquire a high def, 3ccd progressive scan camcorder. Anticipate to pay around 1000+ dollars, but thats what you get. i dont realize the complaints that this is whats expected from this camcorder. You cant drive a civic around complaining it cant go from to 60 in two seconds..

I bought this camera a couple of weeks ago and it is small. Smaller than I expected, but that is not a negative factor, it is simple to carry around in a vest pocket or coat pocket. I didn’t download or use any of the application supplied with the camera, I have Sony Vegas on my laptop or computer. One particular factor that I do suggest is downloading the free of charge SDCOPY application you can locate on the net. Verify the widescreen box and it will convert your .MOD files to mpg files lightning quick. Now you should be able to function with them in just about any editing software. Use a card reader for the SD card as an alternative of connecting the camera to the laptop or computer, makes life easier. I use a cheap 1 that came with my SD cards.

Zoom is great, and a steady hand or tripod is highly advised for longer shots. Quick to start up, the auto lens cover is fantastic, battery life also great.

I actually see no difficulties with this wonderful little camera, other than low light filming could be much better, but not numerous of these cameras are great in low light.

I have numerous Canon digital cameras, so when I made the decision to buy a camcorder I instantly went to Canon. I waited a month for this new version. I needed a small camcorder–and this is undoubtedly modest.

I am a bit disappointed in the excellent of the videos. For films taken in full light I can hardly tell the difference among these motion pictures and the ones I take with my Canon PowerShot A570 IS digital camera! Although, the sound is undoubtedly far better with the camcorder. For movies in dim light (I filmed my son’s Jazz concert), there was a enormous difference so I made the decision to hold the camera.

I would agree with the preceding reviewer in that the control buttons on the LCD display are virtually useless in dark settings. I couldn’t see them in the course of the concert I filmed.

I also have a bit of difficulty holding the camera because it is so modest. I removed the “grip belt” strap it came with because I could not get it to fit securely and nevertheless enable me to adjust the buttons at the same time. It felt like the camera was going to slide off my hand. I now use the additional wrist strap that comes with the camera and while it does not look as “cool”, I’m not worried about dropping the camera.

My greatest hassel has been that the camera saves the film files as MOD files which are a pain to perform with! They will not import into most video editing programs (like Adobe Premiere Elements!), and the widescreen videos will not play properly in Windows Media Player unless of course you convert the file.

The camera comes with a computer software system to transfer, edit, and view the films–but it is awkward to use and even with the conversion I nevertheless could not get the films to import into Camtasia Studio 6, which is the program I use the most. So, right after two days of world wide web searching this is what I observed that functions for me.

1. I use a card reader to transfer the film files onto my personal computer. This is much less complicated for me than making use of the program that comes with the camera.

two. I downloaded a free copy of SDCopy, and I use it to convert the MOD files to mpeg files. If I check the “widescreen” box on the converting window the converted motion pictures will play widescreen in Windows Media Player.

3. The converted motion pictures will import into Adobe Premiere, but they will not import into Camtasia Studio 6 (which is my goal). I can use Adobe Premiere to convert the files to avi files, but the procedure requires too lengthy for me so I identified a better and less difficult way.

4. I purchased a MOD converter. The one I made the decision on was Daniusoft Mod Converter for . It functions effectively. With a MOD converter, I can convert the MOD files to a bunch of other types that will import into other programs as effectively as play on other devices such as an ipod. I use it to convert the files I converted with SDCopy into .avi files that will import into Camtasia.

Bottom line: Do your study and decide if this is for you. The FS100 received so several very good critiques that I can’t assist but wonder if the video excellent of that camera is greater than this a single. Perhaps an individual will post info that answers that question.