Editorial Review

The DSR-PD170 is a high quality video camera well suited to a broad range of applications -- from event videography to training videos to filmmaking. It's small size and long battery life make it ideal for use in the field, and its broad array of manual override features make it a very adaptable camera for all sorts of shooting environments.Read more

Features

• 3 CCD video camera
• 16:9 widescreen recording
• 12x optical zoom lens
• Records to MiniDV tape stock
• Powered by NP-F570 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack

Reviews (2)

One of the greats in prosumer DV history...
Clean, beautiful images. Rugged construction. A fine run'n'gun videographic instrument, although after a year now I wish that I had gone with the shoulder cam version, the DSR-250, but that's another story...
Outstanding camera, period.
I've used this camera on several professional video shoots now, including talking heads, outdoors and an indoor music video.The low light capability of this camera is nothing short of stunning, with clear, crisp images available even when using only available tungsten room lights.We shot a girl playing the piano with candles in the background and only the piano lamp and it looked great.The PD170 is very easy to use for the beginner and a breeze to tweak on the fly.It has solid, nicely positioned controls (for full auto and full manual configurations), pro XLR audio/mic inputs and easily accessible miniDV cassette mechanism that lets you change tapes while the camera is on the tripod.Its DVCam recording mode runs the DV tape at a faster rate, giving you about 43 minutes of recording on an hour miniDV tape.The higher recording speed is not mandatory, but does improve quality when you choose to use it.Autofocus is crystal clear, but easily manipulated manually with a great focus ring.This camera has lots of bells and whistles, including the ability to monitor both channels' recording levels onscreen, while taping.I've heard the networks' embedded reporters in Iraq are using PD170's and I believe it.The quality of the images captured by this camera is nothing short of professional.The heft and feel of the PD170 is just right.it's got a nice, built-in lens cover that's actuated by a solid feeling lever on the side of the lens housing.It also features two built in neutral density filters that can be flipped into position with another lever.The list offeatures and thoughtful design elements goes on and on.Obviously, I'm crazy about this DVCam and literally don't have a single complaint to share.If you're looking for a rock solid, professional grade camcorder in the $3000 range, look no further.Read up on it and the competition.Then buy this gem and prepare to be bowled over by its performance, pictures and exceptional design. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The compact Panasonic PV-DV53 MiniDV camcorder is an affordable way to enter into the world of digital video. It features a 10x optical zoom, 700x digital zoom, built-in light, and 2.5-inch LCD.Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder with 10x optical and 700x digital zoom with electronic image stabilization
• 680K pixel resolution
• 2.5-inch color, swivel LCD, B&W viewfinder, cinema mode
• Digital still mode saves images to tape
• Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394); serial connection transfer for stills

Reviews (9)

POOR!

96K effective resolution
the effective resolution of this camera is 96K, which is worse than most Hi-8 cameras. it supposedly has a 1/4 CCD with 680K gross, but this is probably myth. do not believe anything you see on camcorderinfo.com about this camera. Great deal on a DV
I got this DV Camera to tape some old Super-8 movies for conversion to DVD.Thanks to the low light performance and image stabiliaztion it did a great job.Then I shot some footage on the Santa Monica Pier and it did great in daylight as well.So for a low cost video camera you can't beat it.It's not a digital camera though go buy one if you want that.Still no firewire cable was a let down but you can get them cheap look for a 4-6 pin cable and get it hooked up for computer fun! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Still images or video--capture either 60 minutes of DVD-quality MPEG-2 movies or thousands of super-high resolution UXGA-size JPEG pictures with the Everio--the first camera to use Microdrive technology. The included 4GB Microdrive card, though it is the same size as Compact Flash card, has such unprecedented capacity because it is has its own built-in HDD (hard disk drive). Read more

Features

• The first camera to use Microdrive technology
• Includes a 4GB Microdrive card that can hold 60 minutes of DVD-quality video or more than 5000 high resolution still images
• Completely tapeless format for a ultra-compact, lightweight body
• Includes software for easy video editing and DVD creation
• Also supports CompactFlash and SD Memory Cards, USB2.0, DV-AVI,Windows-AVI, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, Windows Media Video, and RealVideo

Reviews (8)

My low down on this camcorder
Pros:
Good quality for the small size
I run trails. I need three features in a camcorder:
Good services
I bought this camcorder at Bargain ultimate through Amazon. It was delivered to me as promised and I got everything as I expected. I realy like this camcorder. It's so convienent to carry and shoot. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Sony CCD-TRV68 is a wonderful addition to the Hi8 format, which features the best video quality outside of digital. The 20x optical (28x digital) zoom lens is paired with Sony's SteadyShot image stabilization, a good thing when you're dealing with high zoom levels. Additionally, a number of faders and shooting modes are built into the CCD-TRV68, all of which add spice to your video. Sony's NightShot system uses the infrared spectrum to illuminate subjects in low-light (or no-light) situations. Read more

Features

• Hi8
• Hi8 camcorder
• 20x optical and 28x digital zoom lens with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD and black and white EVF
• Uses the Sony NP-F330 InfoLithium battery, included
• Includes A/V cable; includes a number of special effects and faders for custom creations

Reviews (12)

Don't plan on using this camcorder for long...
We used this camcorder about 3 times before it died. It would no longer record properly. It captured audio but not video (ended up with a blank screen video capture.)
An 'ok' Buy
I recieved this camera as a gift and used it 6 times before the amplifier went out, so that when you were watching your videos-you got sound, but no picture. This happened with our first camera, but you could see the video but there was no sound-also the amplifier. Unfortunatly it didn't fall under warranty so we have a broken camera lying around and must buy a new one. I give it three stars because for the time that I was able to use it, it was a great camera. If you do decide to buy this one-maybe think about an extended warranty?

Good camera for the price - but make sure you check specs
I bought this camera slightly used in mint condition and I'm fairly impressed with it.The steadyshot function and nightshot are excellent features.However, I'm selling it, because you cannot take still shots, and it costs you an extra [money amount]for a media converter if you want to review/edit your videos on your computer.But, it is a good camera if you like watching home videos on your TV. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 8 MM, Eight    2. CCDTRV37, CCDTRV, TRV, 37   

Features

• Compact DVD Handycam camcorder and 1-megapixel digital still camera records on removable 3-inch (8-centimeter) DVD-R/RW discs
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, built-in white LED light, and 1-megapixel CCD
• NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery

Reviews (36)

Frequently loses data - watch out!
I too have suffered the same unexplained frustrations with the mini-DVD format errors, disc errors, etc that randomly and unpredictably come with this camera.I have a DCR DVD-300 which is essentially the same as the 100 and 200 series with a few more options.I would recommend a mini-DV or solid state format until this technology is perfected.Early on during my ownership of the camera which has been for over three years, I had a disc get stuck in the camera.It would not eject due to a format problem.Sony's only answer was to charge over $200 just to open the camera.Instead, I purchased a technical repair manual, and removed the disc myself.Since that time, I've had no fewer than six discs result in format errors or disc errors.This will happen when you least expect it.My most recent one happened two weeks ago when my nephew was filming my wedding!Therefore, no wedding video!I'm sure I can spend an exorbitant amount to a data recovery service.
Do not waste your money
We bought this camcorder in 2004 when it first came out.Seemed like a decent deal at the time.First problem, have lens adapter to put additional lenses on it but can't screw them on b/c of the way the cd portion is shaped.Second and BIGGEST problem:CCD DIED.2 years old.Used maybe 5 or 6 times.Worst use of $800 I've ever had.Now it is off warranty and Sony wants $211 to fix it.And no, it is NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AS THE 200 MODEL IS.Same problem according to the website pictures of the 200 model recall information.My camera says it was manufactured in April 04.The recall only covers until MARCH 04.After reading the other reviews on data loss, we will have to seriously consider whether we choose Sony or not.I've had issues with Sony in the past (over Trinitron parts and cost of repair), and apparently some things have not changed with that company.If I could give it ZERO stars I would.

Save your money
I got this camera because I was being deployed to Iraq with the Army, and wanted a removable media that I can mail home and be played back without the device being there to plug in. That is the only good thing I have to say about it. The record time is poor, but accessing the disc on the device is like a digital camera without having to fast-forward and rewind. I guess there are two good things about it. The only software that works with it is the program it comes with, and that isn't all that great. I have taken care of this thing like you wouldn't believe. I built a padded airtight case for it out of a .50 cal ammo can. One week after the one year warranty was up it just stopped working. It won't read discs and makes a strange sound. I have never dropped it or handled roughly. The DVD is more of a novelty and isn't worth the money I paid for it. I can only imagine what it will cost to fix the thing. My digital 8mm has never failed me. If I were to do it all over again, I would have gone with a mini DV. ... Read more

Features

• Sleek, compact MiniDV camcorder and digital still camera with 680,000-pixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, Memory Stick Duo slot, and accessory shoe
• NP-FM50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (37)

Not even worth the 1 star.
Other than simply recording on this camcorder you have to be a professional videographer to use the other features.Most importantly, unless you have a Sony VAIO computer DO NOT BUY THIS CAMCORDER!!!You cannot transfer video to a DVD unless you have that computer.It's ridiculous!What are you supposed to do transfer to a VHS that's being totally phased out?!Hopefully this review will save someone some money since I wasted mine!!

This is what sold me on Sony brand, I'm hooked.
Bought this camera back in December of 2004, it's got many, many hours on it's clock. Chrismases, birthdays, holidays, camping trips and Disneyland. The Disneyland tapes turned out so good. We use it very often, just to capture the kids growing up.
Cassette won't eject
I used this item only 6 or 7 times and the cassette will not eject.Sony will only fix this poor-quality product if I pay them $211.Awful quality, crappy service. ... Read more

Features

• 3.2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 11 x 14-inch enlargements
• Kodak lens with 3x digital zoom; 1.6-inch LCD display screen
• Comes with Kodak EasyShare printer dock for convenient printing and charging
• Store images on 16MB of internal memory or on optional Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (no memory card included)
• Powered by AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable Ni-MH recommended)

Reviews (87)

What you save on buying film, you'll lose on batteries...
I bought this camera for myself during Christmas 2004.
I love it!
This is a great camera. The quality is good and the camera is very durable. I've accidently dropped the camera several times, and it still works. However, I would suggest getting a memory card if you want to take more than 24 pictures at a time.

You get what you pay for!!
I bougt this camera and a Olymus camera, both in the same price range, the Kodak camera was by far deficeint in quality of image and workmanship. Avoid this at all cost the Olympus was well made, durable, higher quality picture and ease of use. ... Read more

Features

• 1/5.5-inch CCD imager with 690K resolution
• Compatible with DVD-R/-RW/+RW formats
• 12x optical zoom with SteadyShot picture-stabilization system
• 2.7-inch hybrid SwivelScreen touch-panel LCD
• Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light

Reviews (9)

Great investment!
What I like: this camcorder is lightweight, great for movies & pictures. Easy to use.I've taken it on vacations and it works great in all weather conditions, overly sunny, rainy, fog, snow, and heavy winds. It's fair for indoor action as well.I'm the worst person for handling camcorders, I usually shake the picture making everyone dizzy.Using this camcorder, I've noticed there is less shake to my pictures.
Soni camcorder DCRDVD203
I found it very easy to use. the resolution is great for home use.
Easy to learn as the a,b,c.
I've purchased this camcorder a month ago and it was one of the best buys in my whole life.
Read more

Editorial Review

A multitasking digital camcorder, the Sharp VL-NZ150U features a large 3-inch LCD monitor, 10x optical and 300x digital zoom, digital image stabilization, and up to 3.5 hours of continuous battery power. You can also shoot digital still images, save them on the included 16 MB memory card, and then transfer them to your PC.Read more

Features

• Digital camcorder--uses Mini DV tapes
• 26x optical (300x digital) zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3.0-inch color LCD monitor and viewfinder
• Still-shot capability on both Mini DV cassette and SmartMedia flash memory card
• Uses Sharp BT-L221 lithium-ion battery providing approximately 100 minutes of active recording/playback time (using LCD monitor); includes PixLab image-editing software, remote control, and zoom microphone

Subjects:  1. Three inch    2. 450u, 450    3. VLNZ   

Editorial Review

The Pretec DV4200i is a revolutionary MPEG-4 digital camcorder with 2.1-megapixel digital still camera. This tapeless digital camcorder is capable of storing up to 3 hours of video--at VHS quality or better--with an optional 512 MB memory card. The included 64 MB Secure Digital (SD) memory card will hold approximately 20 minutes of video.Read more

Features

• Pocket-sized MPEG-4 SD video camera, 2.1-megapixel still camera, and digital music player--weighs just .2 pounds
• 2x digital zoom lens
• 1.8-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Includes 64 MB Secure Digital card; voice recording feature
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery pack lasts for up to 1 hour

Reviews (4)

GREAT CAMERA FOR PRICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No Replacement Battery
I purchased the DV-4200i from Amazon as soon as it was available.It is a fine product.There are 2 major exceptions however.
Pretec? The leadind CF card maker?
This is not a review, I just want to make sure that the 'Pretec'Read more

Features

• 1 3.4-inch CCD
• 16 - 9 Widescreen Mode
• 2.5-inch. TFT color screen
• 0.33-inch. TFT color viewfinder
• Still image resolutions - 1632 x 1224, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480

Reviews (4)

Greatfeature-set and performance for the price
The Optura 50 certainly isn't perfect and there are any number of higher-priced cameras which outperform it. However, the feature-set and performance for the price make the Optura 50 an excellent value.
Last Canon purchase for a while...
I own any number of Canon products (printer, film camera, Rebel XT, Powershot A40...), and I'm done.Their business model is just set up so that you just have to keep on buying, and it's driving me nuts (for example, the printer only works well if you use the premium Canon paper, and it has 6 ink tanks, only 3 of which I can ever find in the stores, so I'm forced to buy extra inks that I don't need in a "pack" so that I can get the photo cyan that I actually need -- at a cost of $70.Next time, I'm just buying a new printer.The A40 was ok, but is now broken (just this morning I was considering buying the A60 as a replacement, but when I found out that I still need to buy a whole bunch of stuff to get the video I took onto my computer, I decided I'm going with Nikon.)). Canon Optura 50 MiniDV is a Great Camcorder
We have been using the Canon Optura 50 miniDV camcorder for almost a month now and we are very pleased with its performance.The picture quality is very good, it is easy to operate, and the digital camera is easy to use with good quality pictures.I have not yet tried the software to burn DVD's, but if that works as well as the camera it should be a breeze.I highly recommend this camera to others. ... Read more

Features

• 30 GB hard drive camcorder, high-quality MPEG-2 recording
• F1.2 lens, 1.3-megapixel CCD, 15x optical zoom
• 2.7-inch widescreen LCD monitor, power-linked operation
• USB 2.0 high-speed interface; 12x transfer rate
• 3-dimensional noise reduction for clear picture

Features

• 1/6-inch CCD imager with 680K resolution
• MiniDV recording format offers up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution
• 20x optical zoom with image stabilization
• 2.4-inch LCD screen
• Has special high-resolution 16:9 widescreen recording format

Reviews (15)

Excelent product
Hello, i was buy this camera, the camera its great, its too easy to use, its small and versatile.
Great for beginners
You can learn how to use this camera in 10 minutes---and this is the first one I have ever purchased.Nothing fancy---it is a very reasonable palm size camera with the zoom and power buttons easily accessible to the person who is filming.

THIS ITEM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE!
I just ordered this from Amazon.com 2 weeks ago. But then I received an email from J&R saying that this item is no longer available because it is a discontinued item. So don't waste your time ordering this! Amazon.com needs to update their site and no longer offer this item (at least not through J&R Music and Computer World). If you go to J&R's web site, www.jr.com, you will see that this item is not even listed. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Sharp VL-NZ50 is a great entry-level digital camcorder, featuring a large 3-inch LCD monitor, 10x optical and 300x digital zoom, and digital image stabilization.Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 300x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3-inch color LCD monitor
• Viewcam design means point-and-shoot operation
• Features various digital effects and shooting modes

Reviews (18)

Awesome camera and awesome price!
I purchased this camcorder from ebay just in time for a trip to Florida 3 years ago. It worked wonderfully everywhere we went and it was great to be able to play back our adventures later at our room. I just had a baby and it has proven itself once again as a good quality and versatile camera. It is comfortable to use for longer periods of filming, since it has a large screen to look at instead of a viewfinder. It also has a high quality picture and I have "captured" many wonerful still pictures off the video I downloaded onto my computer. I would reccomend it to anyone looking for a high quality low cost camera!

Loved it until I could no longer watch what I taped
I too bought this camera because I was told that it was the top of the line and used my tax money to buy this for my girls. After a few months of ownership you could no longer watch what you taped.I have never dropped or damaged the camera in any way shape or form.So I took it back to the store that I bought it from and was told that I needed to send it to the manuefacturer to be looked at.Of course that was not free.I am a single mother and can not afford to just go out and buy another one or pay all the money that the company wants to fix it.I bought this camera because my oldest daughter is very athletic and does Bull Riding.Now I have a $300.00 camera that just sits around collecting dust that is of absolutely no use.It will record but you can not play it back. If you want to watch what you recorded you have to hit play and fast forward all at the same time.What I do not understand is why has the company not issued a recall on this particular product.I wonder has anyone ever thought about a lawsuit?If not then someone should.Because after reading so many reviews, there seems to be quite a lot just like my bad experience.

Decent camera when it works
Two weeks after I bought it the camera will not play back what I record. The only way I know it actually captured anything is that it will play back if you hit play and fast forward. This means that I can not get what I have recorded off the MiniDV tape and I can not show anyone what I have recorded! Until it stopped working the camera was awesome, especially for the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Three inch    2. 450u, 450    3. VLNZ   

Features

• Record and play back HDV 1080i video; switchable recording in standard definition
• ClearVid CMOS sensor; 20x optical zoom
• Wide 3.5-inch Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display
• Capture 1.2-megapixel stills to Memory Stick Duo
• Professional 62mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens

Editorial Review

Read more

Features

• 10x optical and 400x digital zoom
• 1/6- inch 680,000 CCD for superb image quality
• USB and FireWire interfaces for high-speed video transfer
• Night recording mode
• Compact design for comfortable mobility

Reviews (51)

another bad samsung product
I bought this camera for Christmas 2004. Loved it, took sorry digital shots but great filming.This May, camera went out.It has a black screen.I took it back to where I got it and was told it would take $200 to fix.It has only been used about 10 hours.Now I discover it is a defective ccd and Samsung won't stand behind it.After having a recalled microwave that caught on fire, I will never buy Samsung again.

Faulty Samsung SCD23 Mini DV recorder
I really enjoyed my Samsung SCD23 Mini DV recoreder but last week it broke.I bought it in July 2004. Now the LCD just shows static and it does not record an image.That make me really mad because I was hoping that it would have lasted much longer than this.I found out that it will cost me just as much to get it fixed as it would to buy a new one. Next time, I will buy a different brand with better reliability.Samsung just sells cheap products.I will never by another Samsung product again.

Don't even think about buying this.
As with many people here, this unit just flat-out stopped working and only records darkess or static.I am not a rich man and I had to save up a lot of money to buy this, but now it doesn't even work.If you happen to be Bill Gates and are tired of just shooting clay pigeons, then this heap is for you and your favorite shotgun.In fact, just buy all left in existance and have a field day.Under every other circumstance though, avoid this like it was anthrax and use your money for better things.If one person is persuaded away from buying this, then I feel some good has come out of this bad purchase of mine.Thanks for reading, buy smart. ... Read more

Features

• 25x Optical Zoom
• 1000x Digital Hyper Zoom
• 2.5" LCD Color Monitor
• Super VHS Recording
• Digital Picture Improvement Technology

Editorial Review

Customers interested in the best that camcorder technology has to offer will be impressed by the new compact PV-GS65, PV-GS150, and PV-GS250 3CCD camcorders from Panasonic. Read more

Features

• 3CCD sensor dedicates one chip to red, green, and blue for true-to-life color rendering
• MiniDV recording format offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution
• 10x optical zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch diagonal LCD
• USB 2.0 enables high-speed, real-time video transfers to PC

Reviews (22)

Good product Not worth if you want to use it in dark
I would put this camera in 5/5 rating if the it could work fine in low light. In day light or in electric light even if not so bright, this camera does a good job.
Excellent Camcorder
I use this camcorder for my own videography business and have never had any complaints about the video quality.To get a better camcorder, you would literally have to pay twice as much money.
Use an external light for low-light situations...
First off, this is an awesome camera for the price.There is no other camera in the same price range which will deliver this much performance and quality for the money.Those who talk about the low-light quality needs to go out and purchase themselves hotshoe light.Who in their right mind would shoot at 15, 30 or even 60 lux without an external light anyway?Picture quality will be greatly hampered.I believe that next to a spare battery, an external light source is probably the most valuable accessory you can own.This camera comes loaded with all the standard features of the other camcorders in this price range and also has a remote control included, which some of the competitors do not have standard.And on top of that, 3 CCD sensors!!!Simply put, you will not find a better camcorder for the price!Period. ... Read more

Features

• Sleek, compact MiniDV camcorder and digital still camera with 1-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, Memory Stick Duo slot, Handycam Station, and intelligent accessory shoe
• NP-FF51 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (11)

buy cheaper direct from Sony
I found this on clearance today on the Sony website.
my worst experience
After I recorded a few tapes using this brand new camcorder bought from Amazon, it got snowflake-like noise all over LCD screen. Since I did not use it for the first month after I got it, I could not return it and had to send it to SONY repair center for service. After I got it back, it constantly complains about dirty video head and I have to use a cleaning tape each time it does that. My worst experience with any electronics I ever had.

Great for Recreational Use
I've had this little guy for about 9 months now, and I have no major complaints. While this camcorder suits the needs of those who want good performance in filming normal activities, it may fall short of higher expectations.
Read more

Reviews (2)

an OK camera
i bought this camera from here about a year ago... its OK. the screen is kinda small(1.5in), but at least it takes video and still pics. another thing is that it only has two mega pixels! well... ya... as i said before ... its an OK camera

my review
After having driven to 3 different Target stores in the Minneapolis area, I will save you all a bunch of time. This camera is available online only. ... Read more