Hitachi DZ-MV730A DVD Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom

I really like this camera a lot. It is easy 2 use. DVD-RAM idea is great, but not super compatible.

My goal was 2 take videos with the camera, then burn the DVD-RAM disc's images onto DVD-R type disks & then be on my way.

This version of the camera does not have a USB port, so the only way 2 get your videos on your computer is by taking the DVD-RAM out of the camera & inserting it into your computer CD/DVD drive. The only issue here is that most DVD drives that I know of do not read DVD-RAM discs, so I had 2 go out & buy a new DVD drive 4 my computer.

Now I can get the files from the DVD-RAM 2 my harddrive, but now I can't get any of my DVD programs 2 edit the file. I ended up buying Womble MPEG Video Wizard DVD but that was pretty expensive. This software allows me 2 edit the movies & then it gets the video all ready 2 be written 2 a DVD-R disc that you can play in your TV-based DVD player. The only problem with Womble (an otherwise awesome video editting software tool) is that they do not have DVD burning software bundled in with the program, so you have 2 use Nero or something like that 2 burn the disc.

Someone who wants 2 buy this camera & can use my review above 2 learn what you have 2 do & what tools you need 2 do it will have a much easier time that I did.

I am all set up now & completely love it, however, there were a lot of growing pains in the learning process. I hope this review makes it easier 4 you!

See other comments about the challenges of viewing this on your computer. They make it sound like you're just recording a DVD & you'll be able 2 pop it in anywhere. WRONG. And this model doesn't connect directly 2 a computer directly. Be careful when buying these 2 make sure you can do what you want to. I feel seriously abused having purchased this & it makes me far less likely 2 purchase from Hitachi in the future, or 2 purchase this type of electronics through Amazon (and I'm otherwise a very happy Amazon customer).

You are not going 2 get every option avaliable with this camera! But then again your not paying 4 for every option either! Just take the time 2 reaserch your needs & what your budget is. Personally I wanted 2 record family movies directly 2 DVD & convert my old HI8 & VHS video 2 dvd. This camera does this with no problem in fact really easy. If you want 2 edit on a computer which I also do with this camera as I did with my old HI8 you can purchase an external video input hub that connects through a usb port 4 around $30 but you can edit on the camera just the same. I compare the camera in terms of cars - Yes there are cadilacs but everyone can't afford 2 own one or don't feel the need 2 have the most expensive car on the lot (that will be outdated in a few years) A Buik is a nice ride 2 & is 10K less!

Without purchasing another piece of hardware ,you cannot record 2 dvd via PC with this little number.All the other features are great but it's like traveling 500 ft & stopping short 1 foot from the destination .WTF!!!!
Amazon advertises the Monster cable as an "accessory". Really?
I have no idea why ,after spending the 39.99 4 it & opening it like Ralphie from a Christmas story it may as well have been a bunny pajama suit.In hindsight I would have purchased the 780 not the 730,but it wasn't disclosed .

i have had this unit 4 over a month (summer 2005), took it on a trip 2 Vegas & even in very high ambient heat there, it has performed flawlessly. also used both mini DVD-R (best general choice 4 most people) but also used & recorded 2 the mini DVD-RAM discs which come in those nice protective case cartridges.

AN IMPORTANT ISSUE;
on the RAM disc issue.... my home PC system did not have a DVD which could read the RAM format, so... i bought an LG GSA 5163D external drive which is both very affordable, & very good. the mini DVD-RAM cartridges have a small spring clip on each side which, when pressed inwards, allows the disc 2 be removed & played or read in a normal DVD drawer inner (mini) table. i believe you have seen those small circular depressions in the inside DVD tray... the 8 cm ones.

('they' say that the predictable life of the RAM media is 100,000 cycles with the housing & only 1,000 cycles without it.)

the LG drive also comes with a bunch of software & cables, connects both USB & Firewire, & is totally quiet.
with that drive, i can use & reuse the DVD-RAM on this Hitachi camcorder. without it, again, i only suggest anyone using this camcorder try the mini DVD-R format which plays on most every deck i have tried them on lately.

the camcorder came with one 120 minute battery. i bought an extra long life battery which is a good idea as i take this thing everywhere.

the ability of this unit 2 handle delicate shades of color & smooth details is very rewarding. depending on the resolution i pick, one of these small discs can hold at least 60 minutes of video. taking videos in low light conditions works down 2 around 0.3 lux. by the way, i have a small vac brush & use it after every shoot outside, & this was especially true in sandy Las Vegas.

Amazons delivery service is superb by the way!

this camcorder was one of the least expensive ones i found, & seems 2 do everything my older Mini-DV does, & the DVD format takes a few steps out of the process.

The Hitachi DZ-MV730A Camcorder has all the tools you need 4 simpler digital video & photography. The incredible 240x digital zoom gets you close 2 the action while you're filming. With Digital Still Mode you can shoot digital photographs perfect 4 email on an MMC or SD card. Playback is easy - simply finalize the disc & play it in compatible DVD players & computers. Its 2.5" LCD delivers a clear picture of the action during recording & playback Record video in 16 - 9 4 playback on widescreen TVs Quick Start gets you going quickly & ensures easy operation Recording media - MultiMediaCard/SD card Battery Life - Approx. 1 hour