My first camcorder experience is a good one

Bought this for a trip to southern Africa. It is my first camcorder - I was always turned off by the idea of lugging around tapes or blank DVDs. I have used ultrazoom digital cameras for all my other trips, so I am familiar with making manual adjustments for different situations.

I was amazed at:
1) how easy the Everio was to learn and use
2) how small and light it is, and
3) the large storage capacity of the HDD.

I had to set manual adjustments for lighting and exposure a lot of the time. The AUTO setting is best when it's bright sunlight and fairly even brightness of objects - other times of the day, or when there are dark AND light objects in the field of view, you're better off using MANUAL. Video I shot at sunset and sunrise came out good with very little grain, but it is best if you use MANUAL setting and keep the camera stable.

The zoom control is pretty sensitive - takes some getting used to being careful about how fast you zoom the lens. Would have liked this model to have a light for night video rather than just a flash for still photos. The battery recharged quickly and I bought a second one from a third party. The battery life is as advertised, which isn't bad considering the power it must take to run the big LCD display and the hard drive.

I think the video quality is excellent. Incorporated the video along with digital stills into a travel DVD we produced. The quality when displayed on my large LCD flat panel TV is great. (Remember though that this is NOT an HD camcorder.)
On my trip, I ran into a fellow who had the new Everio model with the 3CCD sensors. Our videos of the same scenes looked very similar in quality.
It's simple to edit the video files with the supplied Cyberlink software. Upgrade to the full version is reasonably priced compared to buying Adobe Premiere Elements.
Overall, I thought this was a good first camcorder purchase. I'll carry it along on other trips

JVC Everio GZMG77 2.0MP CCD 30GB HDD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
From: JVC $631.99
The GZ-MG77 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder you can record all the stuff that makes life more fun. Whether you're recording the family football game or your child's first play, the 1//3.9" 2.1 MegaPixel CCD gets every part of the action. The 32x optical & 800x Digital Hyper Zoom lets you record every event, and the 2.7" LCD monitor lets you preview while you record. The built-in 30GB hard drive lets you record everything without having to carry tapes or memory cards; you can then transfer directly to a computer through the USB port, at an incredible 12x transfer rate. Share the highlights of your life more easily with the GZ-MG77 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder. 30GB hard drive 540 lines of resolution 16 - 9 video mode (high-quality) Digital still capture (1600x1200) Built-in DVD control (share station) SD card slot USB 2.0 12x transfer rate Auto illumination light Power-linked operation Includes remote control Built-in flash PictBridge compatible Data battery (VF714) Multi-language controls (4 languages) Stick controller button MPEG editing, Cyberlink & Photo Navigator software included

Spectacular Video Quality!

I'm by no means an expert, but I really wanted a reasonably priced video camera that could produce the highest quality picture for the price. I did a TON of research and landed on the AG-DVC30 after much agonizing over "to HD or not HD" as well as brands and features. Based on all the reviews I read, this camera seemed to offer the most features and the best video for the money. I have not been disappointed. On my first outing, I took the cam to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Wow! What incredible color and clarity! I also really love the 16x zoom. It's smooth and powerful. I got great shots of the Colorado River from the rim of the Grand Canyon. I'll agree with all reviewers that the audio is not great. It is not super sensitive so you lose sound if not quite close to the subject. If you're interested in good audio, I'd suggest an optional mic. If you just want great video, awesome color, and ease of use, this is your camera. At the price (plus the rebate) you really can't beat it.

Panasonic Pro AG-DVC30 3-CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom $1,759.02
From: Panasonic
The AG-DVC30's Leica Dicomar 16x optical zoom lens answers a broad range of shooting needs, delivering superb results from 39.5mm wide angle all the way to 632mm telephoto (both 35mm lens equivalents). In wide-angle performance--critical in broadcast and other professional applications--this lens is top of its class. Behind this outstanding performance are the advanced optical technologies and expertise that have made Leica Camera AG one of the most respected names in the camera world.

The Leica Dicomar lens is first in its class in wide-angle performance.

This new 16x optical zoom lens system uses low-dispersion glass and aspherical lenses to reduce color aberration and boost resolution. Use of a special multicoating process dramatically reduces flare and ghosts. The result: sharp, crisp, beautifully rendered pictures with vivid colors, delicate nuances, and exceptional shading.

The advanced OIS system eliminates image blur caused by natural hand-shake.

Optical Image Stabilizer Compensates for Natural Hand-Shake
The AG-DVC30's advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) compensates for hand shaking that occurs as you shoot. A gyrosensor detects hand-shake and sends signals to a linear motor, which adjusts the lens to compensate. Because this process takes place prior to the CCD image capture (rather than in the downstream electronic processing), it virtually eliminates any effect of hand-shake on resolution and screen angle. The OIS can also be helpful when zooming or shooting in dim lighting.

1/4-Inch, 410,000-Pixel 3CCD Image System: High Sensitivity, Low Noise
To ensure a level of picture quality suitable for professionals, the AG-DVC30 uses a 3CCD image system that delivers the highest sensitivity in its class. Its high S/N ratio and extremely low noise (in darker areas of a picture) combines with high sensitivity to deliver excellent image quality even when shooting indoors under dim lighting. When shooting in sunlight or under bright spotlights, this 3CCD system offers low smear.

The AG-DVC30's 3CCD image system delivers high signal-to-noise ratio and excellent image quality.

12-bit A/D and RGB Gamma Processor
The AG-DVC30 features an A/D converter that uses the same 12-bit processing as broadcast-quality camera-recorders. This, combined with an RGB gamma processor that uses Panasonic's unique gamma-curve function, helps assure high image-quality processing. In fact, the AG-DVC30's A/D converter and RGB gamma processor are the same ones used in the popular AG-DVX100A, which has won acclaim as the industry's highest-image-quality DV camera.

Movie-Simulation Mode
The AG-DVC30 can capture and reproduce images that are strikingly similar in tone to film images, thanks to Panasonic's unique Cine-Like gamma curve and a 30-frames-per-second recording function that electronically interpolates interlaced images to create frames with no time differences between fields. Settings for this mode are preset in the Movie-Like scene file.

High-Sensitivity Slow Shutter
The slow shutter function uses image accumulation to allow shutter speeds with frame rates reduced by half or more. The accumulation method provides bright-color images with less noise than those captured using conventional gain-up, so you get the higher sensitivity needed for nighttime shooting without illumination. The slow shutter function can also be used to obtain movie-like effects.

16:9 Widescreen Recording
The aspect ratio can be set to either 4:3 or 16:9 to accommodate wide-image recording. In 16:9 recording, you can select either letterbox or squeeze mode, giving you more possibilities in downstream editing and playback.

An image shot using Zero Lux IR mode and featuring the date/time display.

Zero Lux IR Mode: Super Nighttime Shooting System
The AG-DVC30 is the world's first 3CCD camcorder to offer black-and-white recording in the dark using infrared light. This featre opens the door to a host of new possibilities in nighttime monitoring, surveillance, and news gathering. The built-in infrared light makes it possible to record at a distance of about 16 feet.

Professional Audio Quality with XLR Mic (Optional)
The AG-DVC30 comes equipped with a built-in stereo microphone. Adding the optional AG-MYA30G XLR adapter provides you with +48 V phantom mic and line input needed for news gathering. Featuring two XLR audio input terminals and level controls, the adapter lets you independently switch channel 1 or channel 2 to mic or line input, with each having its own "glow in the dark" level adjustment.

Audio Level Meters
Two color audio level meters can be displayed in the viewfinder and LCD monitor, making it easy to check the signal as you record.

Full Auto or Manual Shooting
Use the AG-DVC30 for either full auto or manual shooting. The Auto/Manual switch turns the four auto functions--focus, shutter speed, iris and gain, and white balance--on and off as desired. Manual focusing is controlled by the large focus ring. You can also switch between manual and auto focus by pushing the Focus button. For added convenience, one of the user buttons can be assigned to turn autofocus on and off.

3.5-inch Color LCD Monitor and Tilt-Up Viewfinder
The large 3.5-inch color LCD monitor rotates 270 degrees, making it easy to shoot at difficult angles, and the Mirror mode makes it easy to record yourself. The display is bright, too, so even outdoors you get good visibility when using the LCD to monitor footage or to select settings from the menu. For added ease of use when taking low-angle shots, you also can tilt the viewfinder 70 degrees upward.

Magnesium Alloy Chassis
Designed for professionals, the AG-DVC30 boasts the same tough magnesium alloy diecast chassis as do the DVCPRO broadcast models. This rigid casing protects the high-precision components from bumps and jolts, helps shield out interface, and provides the AG-DVC30 with the reliability and durability needed for active field use.

Automatic Head Cleaning
The AG-DVC30 provides the same head-cleaning function as do the DVCPRO models. The white roller pad positioned to the right of the head cylinder cleans the head each time you load a tape, helping to minimize dropouts and head clogging.

IEEE 1394 Terminal with Synchro Lock
An IEEE 1394-compliant 4-pin DV terminal makes it easy to upload data from the AG-DVC30 or to dub footage onto a DV recorder. This terminal also features a new synchro lock function that lets you use the AG-DVC30 to remotely start and stop an external DV device. Three recording modes help protect against mistakes: record onto external recorder only, record onto both AG-DVC30 and external recorder, and begin external recording when the AG-DVC30 tape ends.

Versatile Performance
Total mobility? Easy carrying? Or advanced audio specs? With the multistyle handle, the choice is yours. Designed with the professional in mind, the AG-DVC30 introduces a new detachable handle that adds versatility by letting you use this compact DV camera three different ways.

• Style 1: With handle detached, this super-compact 3CCD camera fits easily into a bag or pack for highest mobility.
• Style 2: With handle in place, the AG-DVC30 is easy to carry and easy to use, even when shooting at difficult angles.
• Style 3: With the optional XLR adapter mounted on the handle, the AG-DVC30 has outstanding audio specs, plus the ability to add two external phantom mics or line inputs with "glow in the dark" level controls.

MiniDV Format
The MiniDV format offers more precise image detail and color accuracy than was previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from:

• Higher resolution: Up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution on select models for sharper picture detail
• Component color sampling: Preserves three times more color information than does analog VHS or S-VHS video, for brighter and truer colors
• Time base correction: Stabilizes the picture, eliminating video jitters
• Error correction: Fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video

Excellent digital camcorder at a great price!

I've owned my ZR 500 now for about two weeks, so I have yet to really delve deeply into all that it can do. It is my first digital camcorder I've ever owned.

So far, I am very impressed with this camera. It is so small it fits in the palm of your hand. It is also very light weight. Makes my Sony analog camcorder look and feel like a monster!

The "play", "rewind", etc. functions are located ON the viewing screen itself in the form of a tiny "joy stick" - they're not actual buttons on the outside of the body. This took me about a minute to get accustomed to. I am used to having these buttons ON the camera itself. This tiny joy stick handles ALL actions and menu functions on the camera - except for "record", of course.

Another thing I like about this camera is that the lense cap is not attached by a string. The "cap" opens and shuts over the lense via a slider located near the lense. No more annoying lense cap dangling all over the place while you are recording!

The battery that comes with the camera is ok. It doesn't hold a charge for very long before you need to re-charge it. But, it does re-charge very quickly.

All in all, I feel that I made an excellent choice for my first digital camcorders Although there are a few things you'll need to get used to coming off of a typical analog camcorder, you will not be disappointed. I am giving it four stars and not five as I'd have to assume there are better cameras out there... but I'd have had to spend a lot more for them.

Upon using this camcorder a little more, and transfering video to iMovie, etc., I find that there is a bit of motor noise audible during playback. This is the one negative I have to say about this camera. I believe this issue has been addressed with the newer ZR600(?). Still, all in all, a good Mini DV camcorder.

Canon ZR500 MiniDV Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom $222.88
Along with its stylish Blue Mist finish, the ZR500 boasts Canon's longest zoom ever. It also comes with features found on more expensive camcorders. An easy-to-read menu system makes it a breeze to operate. The joystick lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure and menu options with a single controller. And a big 2.7" LCD lets you lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording.

You want your memories to last forever -- that's why you've taken the time to capture them. And you want to shoot in widescreen format to get everything you can out of your new widescreen TV or home theater system. So, why is the way you record widescreen images so important? Because you want an image made for widescreen, not adapted for widescreen. Because every HD television is widescreen -- widescreen is the future. The story of how it is done may be a bit technical, but the result is clear to see. Canon camcorders use the entire width of the image sensor to capture video in true 16:9 format. What difference does this make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Some competitors' camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor -- giving you a less true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality. With a Canon camcorder, your videos of your travels will let you relive great memories.

With the ZR500's AE Mode, you select from a variety of exposure or scene modes for the best results under difficult lighting conditions, including: EASY, P, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks. For example, the Sports setting automatically selects a faster shutter speed, ensuring sharp images of your child's hockey game; and Sand and Snow settings compensate when shooting a subject against a bright background. Minimum Illumination 2 lux (Night Mode); More than 100 lux advised Unit Dimensions - 1.9 x 3.6 x 4.5 in. (49 x 92 x 115 mm) (excluding protrusions

Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder

I've had this camcorder for 2 months now and use it several times a week. I have to say -- coming from the Sony world of camcorders -- that the Elura is far superior. The only thing I miss in my Sony is the touch-screen control, but the joystick of the Canon works just fine. I was in Prague in August when my Sony simply upped and died on me -- and it would have cost more to repair than the camcorder was worth. Very pissed, I used my Canon (Elph) digital camera to take movies (in addition to the stills it was already taking) and came home with some good movie footage that I stitched together using Windows MovieMaker. But that's not what I bargained for.

Now I own the Canon Elura 100, and I've been using it hard for 60+ days, and have downloaded (via FireWire) tons of footage, and most of it shot at 16:9 widescreen. And it's GREAT! Especially for its price, the Elura is a no-brainer. I don't seem to suffer from the motor noise I keep reading about. Ninety percent of my shooting is regular daylight, and I use all the effects and controls available (especially the fun "mirror" effect), and this little thing is a charmer. Kids and excursions, family dinners and high-school outings, flying kites and visiting relatives -- these are the things we use our camcorders for. I am one happy fan of the Elura 100.

While I don't yet own a Mac with iDVD (check in with me next month!), I have been making cool videos with the free Windows MovieMaker and with Adobe Premiere Elements. This is why god made computers -- so we can have some control over our lived lives and depict our roles, families, loves, and travels for the generations to come. The Elura 100 rules.

Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder $306.89
From: Canon

• Features true widescreen recording and powerful 20x optical zoom
• Widescreen 2.7-inch LCD
• Canon's Digic DV image processor for exceptional color and clarity
• Smooth Zoom Control function prevents jerky zooms
• SD memory card slot for capturing stills
• Canon SC-A50 Camcorder Soft Leather Carrying Case for ZR, Elura, Optura & DVD Camcorders
• Canon Video Light for Canon Camcorders
• Canon DVME60 60 Minute MiniDV Digital Videocassette
• Samsonite Journey Camcorder Bag for Most Camcorders
• Canon DVM-CL DV Head Cleaning Cassette