This is my first camcorder. I have downloaded several 60 minute MiniDV tapes to my editing program and have had NO detectable motor noise. I purchased the optional directional stereo microphone that attaches to the accessory shoe for higher quality sound recording, but haven't used it yet. The 22X optical zoom is fabulous. I turned off the Digital Zoom. I recorded herds of elk that I could barely see with naked eye and with the 22X Optical Zoom they were close enough to count antler points and of very good quality. Filmed beach at Pacific Ocean in Washington state, excellent quality films, zoomed in on distant objects and got very good quality shots.
Some of the reasons I decided on this make and model (after months of research and hands on with digital camcorders in stores) is due to the large size of the buttons (they are easy to locate and depress),the compact size of the camera, and it's very easy to operate. I can fit the camera in my coat pocket and the weight is barely detectable. Great for people who hike or hunt, etc. The camera's size doesn't detract from it's quality~ it's constructed of tough materials and feels like it's quality, not junky at all.
Another selling point for me is the 22X Optical Zoom. It's the highest level OPTICAL zoom that I found of any MiniDV camcorder. Canon has an excellent reputation for high quality lenses.
Some reviewers complained about the still pictures being poor quality, but that is not an issue for me. I didn't purchase it for still photos. I do find it appealing to have the option of taking a still photo with it once in a while. I have not tested the still photo option yet. I have a feeling it will be pretty good quality though :-)
THIS CAMERA DOES NOT COME WITH FIREWIRE CABLE, YOU NEED ONE TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO TO COMPUTER! Make sure you have one and that your computer has a FIREWIRE port. I had to install a firewire card to my computer.
I purchased several accessories for my camera:
1) Tele-Converter lens (TL-30.5)
2) Lens filter set (FS-30.5U)
3) Canon Directional Stereo Microphone (DM-50)
4) Canon Lens Cleaning Kit (Z-02-A ?)
5) Sony Mini DV Head Cleaner (Digital Video Cleaning Cassette)
6) Canon BP522 Lithium Battery and car charger
7) Firewire cable for video capture (Camera DOES NOT come with firewire cable! You NEED this to download the video to your computer!!!!)
8) SLIK 504QF-ll Video Tripod
9) Canon Deluxe Back Pack Bag (200 EG)
10) SIMA Video Light (fits on hotshoe) Model SL-9
(I am sure the CANON VL-3 Video Light or the VL-10li Battery Video light that fit on the hotshoe are better for this camera but I bought this on impulse at Circuit City)
I bought Adobe Premiere 6.5 for my digital video editing, and purchased two very useful books on digital video filming and editing:
1) How to Use Digital Video (SAMS Publishing) by Dave Johnson
Teaches editing in Adobe Premiere and MGI Video Wave III but the lessons are applicable to most video editing software. Full of good photos of editing software screens and easy to follow instructions. Very useful book.
2) Capture, Create, and Share Digital Movies (Survive and Thrive series, Gateway Press)
Teaches editing in Pinnacle Studio and Ulead Video Studio
but lessons are applicable to most video editing software. Has lots of good pictures of video editing software screens and easy to follow instructions. Very useful book.
I think that if most of those who left negative reviews had spent some time reading the manual and practicing with the manual and camera in hand, they would have been satisfied with the camera. Much of their negative comments deal with issues that are drawbacks to ALL digital camcorders, and are discussed in the instruction booklet. (night shooting, etc)
I'm 100% satisfied with this camera. I think it's awesome. At Circuit City you can test it for 30 days and if you aren't satisfied with it you get a full refund.
Things sometimes get better Canon improved this camcorder-series, and we should be happy about it! This is what I can say about a close model to this one (the ZR50MZ), the earlier top-model:
I work with camcorders since 1988 S-VHSC, Hi8, etc. No question, no matter what kind of digital camcorder you compare with an analog one, it is superior. However, I found this camcorder particularly interesting and bought it since I left the 'semi-professional' field (and being now an electrical engineer in software development). Here are my findings:
Pro:
1) Awesome workmanship: The high-grade plastic case pieces precisely fit and give the camcorder a valuable finish, the buttons have a well defined 'ignition' point and the connectors for FireWire, USB, Analog Video etc. are 'cemented' into the case.
2) Excellent cost / feature ratio: Although following the hype of marrying video with stills, this camcorder emphasizes on video (please, do buy a digital camera if you need digital stills). The outstanding optical unit with a real 22x zoom and one of the most effective image stabilizer in the market, combined with a friendly user-interface including illuminated buttons and a clean menu, this camcorder is a bargain.
The picture quality is excellent. One note here: please remember that the miniDV standard builds on 5.7 Mhz video bandwidth. In other words, no matter what the (multi) colored CCD ship is capable of a resolution, it comes down to a maximum of 370,000 effective pixels needed for NTSC video. The 460,000 pixels of this camcorder seem more than enough.
3) Accessories: Just in case you really care about the somewhat whining recorder server motors, please do buy the optional microphone it's an awesome addition if you do semi-professional sound-recordings. Also, Canon offers wide and tele-converters specialized for the ZR series. Not a novelty in camcording in general, but a serious affordable consumer expansion if needed.
4) Internationality: Yes, there are other electrical power systems out there: the Canon switching power supply is not only very light, it also connects to almost every wall-outlet in the world with the right (optional) plug-adapter.
5) Ergonomics: Oh yes, I thought about a palm-ready camcorder, too. But think about it: the optical unit including the lenses and the CCD has to fit into half the length of a regular camcorder like the ZR 50 (Palm recorders do not have more than 10x zoom, the ZR 50 has 22x). The camcorder fits right into my hand, the zoom button can be accessed naturally without shifting the camcorder in your hand (try Sony!) and the zoom button is depth sensitive the deeper you zoom, the less sensitive is the camcorder zoom-button. Additionally, beside so many other brands out there, the digital zoom is even useable to a certain degree. It becomes affective once the optical zoom is exhausted to a 22x. However, if you want quality video, turn it off.
6) Video Modes: Select one of the predefined video modes. One of the most impressive mode is the night-mode if the moon strikes you, your ZR 50 will catch it. However, don't expect wonders, every serious video-grapher recommends at least 100 lux (a unit of measuring light-intensity).
Con:
I couldn't find a con so far maybe the sound-quality the integrated microphone produces? Hm, given the size of the case, it seems reasonable...
Yeah, I am enjoying this camcorder. Canon showed once again that a camcorder design can meet almost all of a consumer-customer's needs:
Rich functionality, lightweight design, extensible through optional accessories including lenses, robust workmanship.
Recommended!
Buy Canon ZR70MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 22x Optical Zoom, Digital Still Mode, MMC Slot Now
Prior to buying the Canon ZR70MC, I read the reviews with great interest. After buying it, as a second choice due to limited time and unavailability of our first choice at the store, I would like to share some notes with prospective buyers. First, I noted that some owners complained about "motor noise" playing back after recording. I found that if you hold your finger in the bottom front of the camera, where the microphone input is located, you will indeed get motor noise during your recording. The simple fix is to not hold your finger near the microphone input area while recording. The motor noise is then negligible. Second, I noted some people complained about the image stabilization being poor. I would not class it as being poor, but I have seen better in cameras in the $1500 and up range. A tripod is definitely recommended for lengthy or telephoto recording. Image quality is first rate, although the image will "pixelate" if you get overzealous with the telephoto feature. The 22X optical zoom is excellent, and the careful and judicious use of the digital zoom feature can lend real "close-ups" with good resolution to your recordings. Finally, the transfer of the taped images is to VHS, CD or DVD is very simple and straightforward. In particular, for those of us that still use them, VHS tapes come out with excellent resolution! The owner's manual makes easy work out of digital effects and editing, including connections and methods. The on-screen menu is not touch screen, but it is almost as easily accessed through the simple selector located on the rear side of the camera. The screen and viewfinder are both clear and sharp. All in all, I rate this camera 41/2 /5 possible with no reservations. Quite simply, I like it a lot, and I am very happy that my wife and I decided to purchase it. I recommend it.
Read Best Reviews of Canon ZR70MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 22x Optical Zoom, Digital Still Mode, MMC Slot Here
If you're searching these pages for camcorder reviews you're probably bug eyed and worn out but information overload. So I'll get to the point.
I bought this camera because I'm dork who wanted a camera with a lot of features but not enough of a geek to need the latest and greatest thing out there. Didn't want to spend a fortune (I gladly paid $600)
Several factors led me to choose this model over some others I was considering (especially midrange sonys.)
1. zzzooooooooooom 20x specifically. It really works. You can really get in there and have clear details even from farrrr away.
2. connections: it comes with every possible connector built in, so you can dub to/from VCR, use USB, firewire etc. Not many cameras in this range had this many connectors (I write in Dec 03)
3. Hot shoe -easy to hook up boom mike or spotlight. Few cameras have this feature.
4. built in light small light in front comes in handy on camping trips etc.
5. compatibility -for mac/imovie users, this camera is 100% compatible.@You can fast forward, freeze etc direct from your camera. Not a huge bonus but a nice touch nonetheless.
*faults*
1. LOWLIGHT -the camera is very grainy in low light. It CAN do special lowlight shooting. but these are different. What I mean is just in standard mode, you're shooting a birthday party or a barbecue it comes out really grainy. I filmed my friends garage band concert the other day using this and an old JVC dv cam (which admittedly cost a fortune when new) and the old camera had better quality!
2. start-up time: niggling detail but it does take a while betwen turning it on and actually being able to shoot. Usually it's no problem, but there have been times when I missed a good shot because I was waiting for the camera to get in gear. Again that old JVC beat my new canon.
by the way, some people complained about motor noise but I have no idea why they say that.
SUMMARY: great feature packed camera for the price, great in good light, long battery, falls short in low light.
April 2009 Update: Been using this camera for years now with no problem. Except for the low light and other minor issues I already mentioned, I still love it. If you can get a used one cheap it's still viable.
Want Canon ZR70MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 22x Optical Zoom, Digital Still Mode, MMC Slot Discount?
If you looking for a high quality Mini DV camcorder at a reasonable price then look no further. Cannon is for you. I am not a person who can be easily impressed but ZR70 has got everything which you expect from your camcorder. Here are few things I would like to share:
1. The picture quality is excellent. On a sunny day you can expect broadcast level picture quality. Even if it is cloudy the picture quality is impressive. (That is what I care about most)
2. The nightmode as well as low light mode litrally brightens the picture on the camcorder screen but you loose the picture quality but it is still better then many other top camcorders. (I tried Sony for the same conditions)
3. The voice quality is superb. The microphone is very sensitive and picks sounds cleary but at the same time picks wind noise.
4. Its small, very handy and easy to carry around.
Things which I dont like:
1. Some button are hard to reach.
2. When using digital zoom, the image stabilization is not good.
Verdict:
Good value for money. You will never regret it.
This is not a review about this vendor, just the Call Mynah. If you want to use it with an iPhone running IOS5 you need to make sure the unit you receive has the following versions. SOFT V1.2.2M. HARD V0.4. DATE 18/11/2011 (or later). To see the version press Menu/3 settings/ 7 System/ * Version. If it does not, contact the USA office and arrange a swap. Shipping to them will be on you. The bug is in the bluetooth chip so a firmware update won't fix it, it must be replaced. The symptom is no voice communication to or from the called number. NOTE that this only applies to iphones. I tested my first unit with another cell phone and it worked perfectly.
