Hitachi DZGX5080A DVD Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom

I bought this camera to replace a Sony Digital 8 that went bad. I wanted to save the time of putting my tapes on DVD, and figured I'd buy a DVD camera.





I like the compact size of it, and it has a decent optical zoom. You can also film in widescreen mode, which is cool, but you can't switch between 16:9 and 4:3 on the same DVD.





Now for the downsides. The main one is that when I try to play back a DVD on the camera (whether it is finalized or not) sometimes I get severe pixelation - to the point where the camera pauses playback. If I put the finalized DVD in any of my players, it works fine. I don't know if this is expected behavior, but I wouldn't think so. I emailed Hitachi support about it a couple of weeks ago, and I've heard no response.





Another problem is the indoor video. The color and contrast are poor. I even bought this model with the light to try to avoid that, but it doesn't help much. Actually, it is too direct, and not powerful enough. This results in it being very harsh within about 5 feet, and ineffective past about 10 feet. Outdoor shots look pretty good.





One last comment is on the finalizing. The automatic indexing is nice, but you have to have the camera plugged in to finalize the DVD. I guess this makes sense, but it is a little inconvenient.





So, overall this purchase has been a bit of a let down.Hitachi DZGX5080A DVD Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom

Panasonic VDRM50 DVD Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD w/18x Optical Zoom

I have had this camera for about two years. I have gone through about 20 CDs and today the second one errored out and lost the data. No more video of my son's birthday. Just like that. The discs are working fine and then they come up with an error and that's it. Throw away your disc and your memories. I have used two kinds of media and both have had the same problem. Go to Panasonic's support web and site and there is NOTHING. Their FAQ on camcorders is a short marketing piece, so you're basically on your own. There must be a thousand better products than this one. Don't buy it unless you don't mind losing your video.Panasonic VDRM50 DVD Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD w/18x Optical Zoom

Samsung DC564 1.1MP DVD Camcorder with 26x Optical Zoom

Samsung DC564 1.1MP DVD Camcorder with 26x Optical Zoom

Panasonic VDRM30 DVD Digital Camcorder

I have owned this camera for about 1 year, and it has performed very well and is fully compatible with Windows XP. It produces very good quality and has been completely reliable.





I suggest that you should buy wide-angle and telephoto accessory lenses. These cost me about $100 CAD (they are "no-name", so I can't give you a specific recommendation). These increase its flexibility and improve quality by extending the optical zoom instead of using the digital zoom.





To address some of the issues raised in earlier reviews:


- Most camcorders do not include an accessory light, to reduce the initial purchase cost. There are various aftermarket choices available.


- The DVD is in DVD-RAM format. If your DVD-ROM drive does not support this format, it won't be able to play it. This is hardly Panasonic's fault. Although DVD-RAM is not widely supported, you can find drives that support it.


- The camcorder provides 3 levels of quality. Make sure you choose the Xtra setting; this gives a very good picture.


-(...)Panasonic VDRM30 DVD Digital Camcorder

Sony HandyCam Hybrid DCR-DVD910 15x Optical Zoom DVD Camcorder BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 1GB PRODuo UV Bundle + MORE

Sony HandyCam Hybrid DCR-DVD910 15x Optical Zoom DVD Camcorder BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 1GB PRODuo UV Bundle + MORE

Canon DC410 DVD Camcorder Kit, with Spare NB-2LH Type Lithium-ion Battery, Camcorder Case, Mini DVD-R,1.4 GB,10 Disc Pack, Mack Two Year exteneded vid

Canon DC410 DVD Camcorder Kit, with Spare NB-2LH Type Lithium-ion Battery, Camcorder Case, Mini DVD-R,1.4 GB,10 Disc Pack, Mack Two Year exteneded video Warranty

Canon DC420 DVD Camcorder Kit,with spare NB-2LH Type Lithium-ion Battery, Camcorder Case, Mini DVD-R,1.4 GB,10 Disc Pack, Mack Two Year exteneded vide

Canon DC420 DVD Camcorder Kit,with spare NB-2LH Type Lithium-ion Battery, Camcorder Case, Mini DVD-R,1.4 GB,10 Disc Pack, Mack Two Year exteneded video Warranty

Sony DCRDVD200 MiniDVD Handycam Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Digital Still Capability

Frustrating that I can't hook this up to my iMac. We first got a Sony laptop- but couldn't edit our discs on that. More than a year later- we got an iMac (which we love)- wish the Sony camera would connect via USB to the iMac. the imac doesn't support miniDVD. Any suggestions (besides get a Canon)?





Otherwise- the camera is ergonomic and works well - so long as you don't intend to edit on an iMac. Sony DCRDVD200 MiniDVD Handycam Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Digital Still Capability

Hitachi DZMV380A DVD-RAM/R Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD, 10x Optical Zoom, and Remote Control

It's difficult to translate into suitable words how I feel about this camcorder. To set the stage, I run a software development company and consider myself extremely comfortable with technology. So I'm no amature user of video and software.





This camcorder produces fairly decent image quality in it's middle of the road resolution, but you can only fit about 30 minutes of record time on one of the min-DVD disks, if you want more time on one disk, you need to record at the lowest resolution, which is OK, but not ideal. That is somewhat disappointing, but not the biggest problem.





The REAL problem with this camcorder is the crappy software it ships with and the proprietary format Hitachi records the movie images on the DVD. You see, the movies as they are recorded on the DVD are not in a standard movie format such as MPEG that can be read into any other standard video editing device. The ONLY way you can download and view, edit, and customize your video images is by using their software...So this software requires you to first connect and download all your video from the DVD camcorder to your harddrive and convert it into the MPEG format if you want to use another program like Roxio Media Creator. This connect, convert and download can take several hours and usually, for a full DVD, requires a battery change. (It requires a battery change because the DC/AV connectivity for the camera also sucks, you can not plug the camcorder into the wall, but rather you have to plug the camcorder into the battery charger which then plugs into the wall, a real pain since you have to have all the gear at hand just to download your movies to your computer.)





After you download it of course, you now need to make sure you can create a DVD from your computer that can be read by a DVD player so you can playback your movies. Now, I know, the reason you buy a DVD camcorder is so that you can just pop out your DVDS and play them on the TV in your DVD player! The real world though is more like this, you record dozens of different times on a DVD, like with your new baby, we turn it on for 5 minutes to capture a moment, then turn it off....So ultiamtely, you want to be able to easily edit the entire video so you can create cut-aways, delete junk you recorded by accident etc, so you really want a camcorder to be easy to download and edit. This is not the model for you, and frankly, we're selling ours on EBay and buying a Sony.





FYI, Hitachi technocal support sucks. and FYI, their proprietary software that came with the unit will NOT work at all if ROXIO media creator 5.0 or higher is installed on your computer, so if you, like us, have this program, you'll find yourself spending hours trying to figure out why you can't access your DVD camcorder to download images because their software simply won't work. Total joke.





Take a pass on this one.Hitachi DZMV380A DVD-RAM/R Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD, 10x Optical Zoom, and Remote Control

Hitachi DZ-MV750MA DVD Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom

I am not an expert on camcorders, so I cannot speak authoritatively to the quality of the video produced by the Hitachi mv750ma. I'm mostly happy with the video I've taken so far, and I like the feel of the camcorder. It's pretty easy to figure out how to use the menus for video. Still images are almost all blurry, however, and this part of the device seems like a waste. Probably not worth buying a sd card to record photos.





The Hitachi cannot communicate with Mac computers. I have both platforms, so that is not a big problem for me. Still it is pretty hard to figure out how to use the included software and download files to my windows based computer because...





The manual is HORRIBLE. Poorly organized and written. Vital information about formats needed to do different things is tucked away in odd places. No index to help. This is probably a bigger problem for someone new to the world of camcorders than an experienced user. I found it most helpful to just tinker and try to figure things out, but this takes longer than it shouldHitachi DZ-MV750MA DVD Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom

Panasonic VDRM70 DVD Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD w/10x Optical Zoom

I used to love this camcorder. Anymore it seems I cannot get through an entire disc without some sort of fatal disc error. I have lost more memories than I care to think about!





Right now it keeps giving me error 0280. I have removed the disc several times to no avail. All I want to do is finalize the disc and move on! I guess you have to finalize the disc if you're lucky enough to get one-third or one-half full before you get a disc error.





I used to think it was the disc, but I'm really not sure. I have tried Fuji, Memorex and I don't know what else. I am really disppointed and sad about the lost footage. I still have all the corrupt discs. I wish there were some way to retrieve the data as I was never able to finalize them.


Panasonic VDRM70 DVD Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD w/10x Optical Zoom

Hitachi DZ-GX3300A 3.3MP DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

So far soo good. No issues with the camera. Outdoor shots are excelent quality. Indoor are average. Overall I am very happy with the quality.


Hitachi DZ-GX3300A 3.3MP DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Canon DC320 1.07MP DVD Camcorder with 48x Optical Zoom & Lenmar LIC2L12 Lithium-ion Camcorder Battery Equivelent to the Canon BP-2L12 Battery & Maxell

Canon DC320 1.07MP DVD Camcorder with 48x Optical Zoom & Lenmar LIC2L12 Lithium-ion Camcorder Battery Equivelent to the Canon BP-2L12 Battery & Maxell 3" Rewritable DVD-RW for DVD Camcorders Bundle

Hitachi DZ-GX20A 2.1 MP DVD Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

I received this camcorder about two weeks ago and am amazed by it. You pop a mini-dvd in and record, finalize and can then view on DVD players, edit on computer to put on full size DVD, etc. Also takes great still shots and you can put those on SD card for easy seperartion of still and video, and the camcorder has a built in flash for low light. Great for the price, as has features you can't find in even cameras that are hundreds more.Hitachi DZ-GX20A 2.1 MP DVD Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Samsung DC164 DVD Camcorder with 33x Optical Zoom

It seems as though there are mixed reviews about this DVD camcorder. Either they loved it or they hated it. From my experience, I thought this camcorder was great. The quality of the video & sound is excellent for this camera. Of course, the video quality is alot better when shooting outside, and you would have to do some tinkering with the settings for indoor filming.





I've used it to capture some home videos and converted them to AVI or WMV format just be inserting the Mini-DVD+RW into my PC. You can just copy/paste directly to your Hard Drive without having to use a capture program that would take the whole length of the video to copy to your PC. I also owned a Canon MiniDV camcorder, and the only way to transfer those videos was using a capture program. This DVD camcorder definitely blows that Canon MiniDV out the water.





So, if you're looking for a DVD camcorder you have plenty of choices out there. But I have owned many Samsung products over the years (HDTV, phone, etc.) and I've always had a great experience with them and never had a problem with any of them. I'm actually selling mine or cheap because I just bought a new HIGH-DEF camcorder. Those are pretty expensive though, so I had to work some extra overtime to pay for it.Samsung DC164 DVD Camcorder with 33x Optical Zoom

Hitachi DZ-GX3200A 2.1MP DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

After 4 months of light use this camera decided to start giving disk errors, resulting in the loss of all video of my daughters first birthday. It will format and start to use the disks, only to show a disk error sometime during the recording. I have be unable to recover ANY data from the disks after an error occurs.





I live in Houston, TX and the closest repair facility is about an 1.5 hour round trip. And because only parts are covered by the cheep-o warranty, it would cost me $75 in labor just to have an estimate done (applied to the cost of fixing it if I go forward). So now I have to decide: Is it worth driving 3 hours (drop off and pick up) and spending at least $75 to fix a camara that broke after just 4 months? Am I willing to trust it to film my daughters 2nd birthday? Guess I've got me a $400 paper weight, because I'll be buying another brand.Hitachi DZ-GX3200A 2.1MP DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Samsung SC-DC173 Camcorder-34x optical zoom-Refurbished

Samsung SC-DC173 Camcorder-34x optical zoom-Refurbished

BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 1GB FH100 Compatible Replacement Battery/Rapid Charger Bundle for Sony 37mm Handycam DVD Camcorders + More!

BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 1GB FH100 Compatible Replacement Battery/Rapid Charger Bundle for Sony 37mm Handycam DVD Camcorders + More!

Canon DC310 DVD Camcorder w/ 37x Optical Zoom (Silver) BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 8GB Battery Bundle

Canon DC310 DVD Camcorder w/ 37x Optical Zoom (Silver) BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver 8GB Battery Bundle

Hitachi DZ-MV780A 1.3MP DVD Camcorder w/ 10x Optical Zoom

Overall its good product, but some thing could be improved.


1. Low light video recording seems to be jerky, looks like frame count was sacrificed for exposure times


2. Low light performance of still camera is inadequate, it's impossible to use autofocus feature. Even picture in viewfinder or on LCD screen is clear, photos is out of the focus. Probably same deal with long exposure times, camera becomes susceptible to tiny hand's tremors.


3. Viewfinder is almost unusable due poor picture quality, so it's narrows you down to only LCD screen usage.


4. Mini DVD-RAM discs are hard to find. It's important to mention that Mini DVDRW+ discs for Sony even harder to find.


5. No auto prompting for format fresh DVD-RAM discs. Make sure to format it yourself before usage, camera doesn't seem to care if you use blanks, but you will lose all your images.


6. All extra accessories, including bag, tripod and set of lenses cost extra.


All above problems are minor. Camera is absolutely right for the price tag under 600$. You will get crisp colorful movie and OK still photos, which can be viewed on regular DVD player. Sound quality is also good; wind noise filter option is a plus. Hitachi DZ-MV780A 1.3MP DVD Camcorder w/ 10x Optical Zoom

Samsung SC-DC575 1MP DVD Camcorder with 26x Optical Zoom

fast shipping and product arrived in good condition. this is a great cam corder! it is easy to use and works great! dvds can go from the camera to the dvd player. very easy to use!Samsung SC-DC575 1MP DVD Camcorder with 26x Optical Zoom

Canon DC 40 Slim DVD Camcorder -R/-RW Format, 4.3MP CCD, 10x Optical Zoom - Refurbished

Canon DC 40 Slim DVD Camcorder -R/-RW Format, 4.3MP CCD, 10x Optical Zoom - Refurbished

Sony DCR-DVD301 1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

I waited in line in thanksgiving of 2004 to get this camcorder. I have not been disappointed at all. I wanted something that would record and should be ready immediately. This camcorder does not disappoint. I got a case as well as an extra battery for this from amazon. I have never run out of battery on trips. I charge the batteries every night on trips and one battery has worked for me for the entire day. I have travelled with the camcorder overseas and within the us and all the videos are stunning. I always buy sony discs from BJ's. There is one disc that has gone corrupt while recording but I did not have much on it. It went bad before any recording was done on it making me feel that the dvd was corrupt to begin with. Its been 5 years now and still use it a lot to video shoot memories around the birth of my kids. Highly recommend this camcorder who do not have time to spend to create a dvd from the conventional camcorders.Sony DCR-DVD301 1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Panasonic VDR-D250 2.3MP 3CCD DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

I use my VDR-D250 to shoot in-house product reviews and commercials. The 3CCD allows me to create green screen backdrops and provides a quality picture. The built-in microphone is sensitive enough to pickup a lot of ambient noises (which is great if you want to capture party conversations), but I've attached a boom microphone when needing directional audio with wind screen protection.





Easy to use controls helps a lot, too.





Getting the video off of the DVD-R discs media format (.VOP) requires conversion by external editing software. After trying Vegas and other software without luck, I had success with Adobe Premiere Pro CS3.





Overall, I really like this camera. Panasonic VDR-D250 2.3MP 3CCD DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Canon DC 20 Slim DVD Camcorder -R/-RW Format,"STORE DEMO" 2.2MP CCD, 10x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Zoom, 2.5" LCD Screen

Canon DC 20 Slim DVD Camcorder -R/-RW Format,"STORE DEMO" 2.2MP CCD, 10x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Zoom, 2.5" LCD Screen

Sony Handycam DCR-DVD608E - Camcorder - 0.8 Mpix - optical zoom: 40 x - supported memory: MS Duo, MS PRO Duo - DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD+RW (8cm

Sony Handycam DCR-DVD608E - Camcorder - 0.8 Mpix - optical zoom: 40 x - supported memory: MS Duo, MS PRO Duo - DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD+R DL (8cm)