Canon ZR830 MiniDV Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom

Definitely a good starter camcorder, has pretty good features.



Pros:

-Quickstart feature

-Comfortable (although wrist strap kinda hurts after an hour or so)

-Impressive zoom (sometimes has trouble focusing on very distant objects)

-Small

-Has SD card slot (for taking crappy videos & pics, but still works if you have 2 shoot something & only have this camcorder)

-Can take pictures while recording (to MiniDV tape, don't know about when you're recording 2 the card)

-LCD joystick doesn't get in the way (in case you might be thinking that like I originally had)

-Viewfinder (if you prefer it over the LCD)

-Remote control



Cons:

-Motor noise is very loud in video IF video is taken in quiet environment, BEWARE! (Both the ZR800 & ZR850 have this problem, and, although few reviews mention it, the ZR830 certainly does as well.)

-No video light (have 2 get the ZR850 4 that feature)

-Video quality looks great on LCD but is definitely a bit soft-edged once uploaded 2 computer

-Video/pictures recorded onto card are very low quality




Overall, this is definitely a good first camcorder 4 a beginner, but you will likely want something more later on. It certainly still lives up 2 the Canon name.

This is a great Camcorder. It is easy 2 use & is great 4 videoing sports. We use this a lot 2 video our daughter's soccer games & we get a great quality image & the sports feature helps keep the image steady. This Camcorder will hook up 2 your TV, VCR or DVD burner by AV cables. We connect ours 2 our DVD burner & transfer our video 2 DVD. I would recommend this 4 anyone that is looking 4 an Camcorder that is reasonably price & easy 2 use.

This camera is okay. The picture quality is a little blocky & it is shaky. Overall, though, it is pretty decent. It's comfortable 2 hold & the options are fairly simple 2 figure out. It doesn't do real well with brightness in the background, e.g. light reflecting off a mirror or window, but it does have an option that helps. Mostly a good value & possibly better 4 people with actual video skills.

Bought it 4 my husband, he loved it. He wanted a camera that would take picture of tiny prints as he wanted does laser marking & pad printing. This camera zooms upto 35x so it takes great pic.

We haven't much of a chance 2 use it yet, but we think it will be just fine- once we get the hang of it. The size is nice, & it's light-weight. Focusing with the zoom has been a challenge, but then again maybe we just haven't gotten the knack of it yet. It's our first video camera!

The ZR830 gives you clear, vibrant & brilliant video & digital photographs with a 680K Megapixel CCD image sensor. 35x Optical & 1000x Digital Zoom lets you get closer 2 the action 4 unsurpassed optical performance. The ZR830's image stabilizer allows you 2 shoot rock-steady video even at maximum telephoto without a tripod 4 professional-looking video. Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV image processor takes video & photos differently, resulting in exceptional color & clarity 4 both. The ZR830 even comes with a built-in video light so you can record video that's great when the light isn't. The 0.35-inch viewfinder on your ZR830 displays your widescreen image in a letterbox view. The 2.7-inch LCD screen lets you view your widescreen shot right as you're taking them. The Widescreen Button lets you switch from standard 4:3 2 16:9 Widescreen HR with the camcorder's advanced image stabilization. Simultaneous Photo Recording lets you capture a digital photograph while recording video. Level & Grid Markers - Both markers can be set 2 white or grey 4 enhanced visibility Built-in Video Light 680K 1/6-inch CCD Image Sensor MiniDV Tape Format Viewfinder - 0.35-inch, 114,000 pixels, widescreen LCD Screen - 2.7-inch, 112,000 pixels, widescreen Exposure Lock - Lets you lock your exposure settings & then recompose your shot Auto Slow Shutter Function - Ensures perfect exposures in low light by lowering your shutter speed 9 Point Ai-AF - Auto Intelligent Auto Focus will bring it into sharp focus Progressive Photo gives you sharper detail in your digital photography Scene Modes - Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight or Fireworks Image Effects - Vivid, Neutral, Low-Sharpening, & Skin Detail Dimensions - Width 2.2 x Height 3.6 x Depth 4.7 inch (57 x 92 x 119 mm not including grip belt) Weight - 13.4 ounces (380 grams)