Canon ZR930 1.07MP MiniDV Camcorder with 48x Optical Zoom

I received a unit that had a bad battery or a bad charger. I called & asked it I could get a different battery,
but was told I would have 2 send the unit back. I obtained a RA & sent the unit back UPS (no charge 2 me)
Expecting 2 receive a replacement, instead I got a call telling they were sorry but I wouldn't get a replacement
but I would receive my money back. Received my money less the shipping charges that was incurred on my
initial order.I later found that the camera was no longer available so I went 2 Sears & got a different one
on sale. I don't get why it happened this way unless the Model is discontinue but no one has indicated this.

I was looking 4 an inexpensive mini dv camcorder. I looked & researched a long time before buying the Canon ZR930. I was looking 4 simple, light weight & a good price. I bought this camcorder a month ago & love it. It is so simple 2 use & I have had no problems with it or using it. It is very light weight. I really like the built in lens cap. It also has a great built in mic. I use this camcorder a few times a week. I would recommend this camcorder 2 anyone. I am a novice with a camcorder. This one makes me feel confident about taping events & such. Great price. Great camcorder.

I bought this specifically so my wife & I could tape horse riding clinics & our practice exercises. Quality zoom was important 2 us, & the ZR930 has it. Video quality is fine 4 playback on a home TV, with settings 4 regular or wide-screen.
Firewire download 2 a PC with XP works well, but mind you, it happens in real time, so half an hour of video takes half an hour 2 download. Downloaded files are massive, & our PC's external hard drive is going 2 get some work. While I chose this model 4 the external mic input, the built-in mic picks up voices from a considerable distance, so the point-and-shoot approach works well 4 us. The little joystick on the LCD panel looks dainty, but a gentle touch is all you need, & the response is good.
One minor annoyance: there's a slider switch 2 focus the eyepiece, but it's in a tiny nook between the eyepiece & the battery where an ordinary finger doesn't fit easily. It's a problem if people with different visual acuity share the camera.
Add-ons & accessories you may find useful:
Spare battery or two (large size)
Firewire cable (4-pin on the camera, 4 or 6 pins at other end, depending on what you're plugging into)
Tripod (zoom is excellent, but requires a very steady hand)
Stand-alone battery charger (for when you need 2 be shooting & recharging simultaneously)

At first I reviewed this camcorder with 5 stars; however, once I tried 2 upload 2 the computer I realized that the firewire port does not work & I have 2 mail the camcorder back 2 the manufacturer. This is extremely annoying. It is a good camcorder 2 use in that it is extremely easy, the viewfinder is very clear & controls instinctive. I have a little trouble with the zoom (getting it 2 move smoothly), but I think that's because I'm a lefty & you need 2 use your right hand 4 it. Other than that, this is my 4th camcorder (over the course of 20 years) & if it uploaded properly I would be completely satisfied. It was easy 2 buy accessories at a low price, & the battery seems 2 last a long time. There are fancier camcorders but odds are you can't do better 4 the price IF the firewire works.

This the best video camera I've seen 4 under $500. Well made & pretty good image quality. You won't want 2 be shooting 4 big screen HDTV, but 4 the web & viewing on the computer this is the best you can get 4 the money. The plug-in 4 an external mic is very useful. So useful in fact that I'm still surprised so few cameras offer it. You'll get _much_ better sound quality with a good external mic, so it's a good thing 2 have. The only reason I didn't give this camera five stars is that it could really use a mount 4 an external mic or a light. That would make this camera perfect 4 the price. The lack of a mount is annoying, but the only negative 2 an otherwise fine camera.

Around the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing & superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception.Canon's entry-level digital camcorders are designed 2 deliver the latest in style, features & advanced technology at a most affordable price. Starting with Canon's exclusive Genuine Canon 48x Advanced Zoom, which combines the legendary Canon lens optics with the market-leading DIGIC DV image processor 2 deliver a fuller range of image quality & more flexibility when you're shooting. The ZR930 is specifically designed 2 make it easier 2 capture great video, including a 1.07 Megapixel CCD image sensor, 2.7" Widescreen LCD with a Soft LCD video light, Multi-Angle Remote, Quick Start, Joystick control, Level & Grid Markers & more.The microphone terminal on the ZR930 makes it especially useful 4 educators & trainers 2 carefully capture the audio they need 2 make most effective use of the video they shoot. It's also handy when you want 2 more easily record a live narration 4 your footage.All this comes together 2 deliver brilliant video that you can easily share with family & friends. Easy 2 use, great looking & terrific value- it's the perfect choice 4 capturing all of life's precious memories.