Canon ZR950 1.07MP MiniDV Camcorder with 48x Optical Zoom

First off, two things you should be aware of before you buy this camera. One, if you don't have a firewire port, or don't intend on getting one 4 your computer (fireware cards aren't difficult 2 install & are fairly cheap), DO NOT buy this camera. Since most cameras record on harddrives nowadays anyways, this camera is definitely a little dated. However, if you have a firewire port this is a non issue since getting the video onto your computer is a painless process. Second, if sound is very important 2 you, DO NOT buy this camera. Now I'm talking more production quality sound, not your average home video sound. The microphone on this camera is very poor & does a terrible job at isolating important noise from background noise.

With that said, image quality with this camera is incredible considering its price. Also, you can't beat the zoom on this camera! If you're looking 4 a camera 2 make web videos with this is definitely a camera I would consider buying. If you're at all considering making anything on the professional end I would avoid this camera at all costs as it does not measure up with today's HD cameras. Great budget camera!

Everything worked OK except you cannot have the camera plugged into your Apple computer via firewire at the same time anything else is plugged into your firewire.

So when I wanted 2 log footage into Final Cut Pro, I'd have 2 unplug my media drive, change my Final Cut settings 2 capture back 2 the computer, & then capture footage, unplug the camera, replug in the hard drive, & transfer the footage 2 the external, delete it from my computer, & proceed as normal.

Any other brand of camera I would just plug the camera in & capture the footage 2 the external drive.

The only reason I bought this was 2 use it as a deck 2 get footage on the computer which it does not do well, so I returned it today & will get a Panasonic or something.

Book of directions that comes with the camera/camcorder is fairly good & describe the options 4 focusing & aperature & other features. I learned 2 use the camera within a few days. The software 4 downloading images 2 the computer is self explanatory. Having that range 4 the zoom is wonderful. The resolution is not as high as a regular digital camera but the pictures are nice quality anyway.

I just bought this & am going 2 return it 2 Amazon. I bought this 2 replace ZR200. This is really noisy. There is just too much noise with the soccer game & piano recital. The price is good. Now I have 2 shop 4 another one.

This is a perfect cameracorder 4 someone that wants a small lightweight camera. The picture option is exeptional especially 4 long distance pictures. No negitives. GREAT 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 the exclusive Genuine Canon 48x Advanced Zoom, which combines the legendary Canon lens optics with Canon?s market-leading DIGIC DV image processor 2 deliver a full range of image quality & more flexibility when you're shooting. The ZR950 is specifically designed 2 make it easier 2 capture great video, including a CCD image sensor, Widescreen LCD with a Soft LCD video light, Multi-Angle Remote, Quick Start, Joystick control, Level & Grid Markers & more.The ZR950 is the top of the line of ZR camcorders. This latest addition 2 the ZR family also includes an array of features that turn your camcorder into a digital still camera, including 9 Point AiAF (Auto Focus), Progressive Photo, Simultaneous Photo Recording, Special Scene Modes, & Image Effects.All this comes together 2 deliver brilliant video & digital photos that you can easily share with family & friends. Easy 2 use, great looking & terrific value - it is the perfect choice 4 capturing all of life's precious memories.