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| Product Reviews from Amazon.com (Rating System 1 to 5) |
| Review | Rating | Last Updated | Below average camcorder
I bought this camcorder 2 months back. The quality is average (in the LCD it seems so. I never saw the video in my computer) In the low light areas, it gets a bit grainy.
<br /> There is simply no documentation with it that say how to copy the video in the DV tapes to my computer. I tried with the USB port connected to my computer, but it will detect only the memory card. The documentation which is full of description about downloading and sharing of video clips and still photos from memory card, keeps mum when it comes to DV tapes (which is one of the most important parts of this camcorder!!!) The video clips created in memory card is of low quality, I can create even better quality clips using my digital camera, why should I need to buy a camcorder for that!!!!
<br /> Atlast after quite a tedious search in the internet, I found out that I'll have use a fire wire (IEEE 1394) cable for downloading the video from the tapes. Now the problem is that the cable doesn't come with the camcorder, you will have to buy it seperate!!! Even if you have the cable, what about the fire wire port!!! My PC doesn't have one. I'll have to buy a firewire PCI card or I'm stuck. All the videos I took are stuck in my tapes. I can't download it, edit it, I can't do anything. Even the software to download the video from DV tapes doesn't come with the camcorder. You will have to buy it seperately. I should have taken those DVD camcorder instead of this stupid DV camcorder. | 1 | 802 days ago | Canon ZR600
I bought thus camcorder last month and find it harder to figure out than I expected. The image quality is good when filming
<br />outside but grainy when filming inside. My biggest disappointment is how difficult it has been for me to figure out how to transfer the video footage from the mini DV tape to DVDs
<br />and VHS tapes. If I had it to do over, I would pay the extra money for a camcorder that records directly to DVD. I wish I
<br />could exchange this ZR600. | 3 | 802 days ago | GOOD CAMERA,,,but you need some basic PC skills and common sense
This camera is great and intuitive...tons of features,,if you reduce the shutter speed it works well in low light conditions. If you are a complete moron like the guy above YOU WILL have problems with this camera. The instructions are pretty clear how to connect to a PC, but you need some basic skills.
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<br /> First, murphy's law #1 if you are going to transcribe your video to your PC never EVER use the software it came with. Use some good image capturing software that already has a reputation for good editing. I used NERO and it literally took me 3 minutes to shoot a 10 sec test video, connect the camera to my pc, record the video, and encode it into a high quality mpg on my desktop.
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<br />Second, murphy's law #2, go to your local frys or central computer and buy an $7.99 4-pin to 6-pin firewire cable. Oh yeah if you dont know what firewire is or you have a computer that doesnt have firewire ..you are a moron..why the hell did you get DV camera and not know that fastest and easiest way to transfer your video to your computer would be via firewire. The camera does not come with a firewire cable or a DV tape...no biggy..i bought a sony 4 pack for less than 8 dollars on sale. The only con i have is the battery,,,it sucks..if you sit there recording longer than an 45 minutes ..most people dont, but a nice solution: check the manual..because you have the option to upgrade to a better battery (diff model number battery)that lasts forever ..i got it on ebay new for half the price. | 5 | 802 days ago | Great camcorder for a great price
First off, I have ALWAYS loved Canon products and this camcorder is no exception. The documentation regarding transferring video to your computer is a little lacking but if you have a firewire card (or if you don't, you can get one from ebay for less than $20), it is Windows that does the actual transferring so it's pretty automatic. The camcorder is very intuative and it takes no time at all to start shooting like a pro (ok, maybe not a pro, but plenty good enough for the home user). Originally I was disappointed with the indoor shots but switching to night mode definitely cleaned up the image alot. I look forward to bringing this camcorder to Canada and Nigara Falls next month to record my honeymoon (well, not ALL of my honeymoon ;) ) | 5 | 802 days ago | Very pleased
I purchased this camera recently, knowing nothing about minidv camcorders at all. I was happy to find it easy to use. The video quality is good but the still photo quality isn't so great. I don't use that feature much though so it isn't a big deal for me. I would certainly recommend this camcorder to others. | 5 | 802 days ago | Worth the upgrade
I've been using a Canon Elura 2 for several years now, and have been amazed that it has taken so long to produce a better camcorder in the same small package. For a long time, the smallest camcorders have been bigger than the Elura 2. Finally, the Optura 600 is a worthwhile upgrade. Better video quality, better lens, better semi-pro features (exposure, etc.), full anamorphic 16:9, external mic input, and a great still camera mode.
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<br />I've always liked the smallest camcorder available on the theory that if you don't have it with you, you can't take the videos. The Optura 600 is small, and really packs in the features.
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<br />I did some extensive still photo comparisons with the Optura 600 still camera and my Canon Elph 500 (5 megapixels). Other than a slightly different color balance, it was nearly impossible to tell any significant difference. I also compared Super Fine vs. Fine mode, and actually thought the Fine mode had slightly better image quality. Just because the file size is bigger doesn't mean that the resultant photo is any better. I'd recommend you try the comparison yourself, but my choice is to keep it in Fine mode and not use the full SuperFine mode. This is a really great feature of the Optura 600 because you can really leave your digital still camera behind (which usually only have 3x or 4x optical zoom) and use the very nice 10x optical zoom.
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<br />For anyone who has any intent of editing, miniDV tape is much better than miniDVD. The quality (and bitrate) is far better, and most editing software works much better with this format. And shoot your videos in 16:9. Even if you don't have a widescreen TV now, you will before you know it, and you'll appreciate the fact your videos are in the modern format. The Optura 600 uses the whole image sensor for 16:9, so you aren't losing any image quality.
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<br />My main complaint is the lack of an external battery charger, but this seems to be the trend these days. It is amazing that | 5 | 802 days ago | Really great camera and camcorder
I have owned this camera for a couple of weeks. I purchased it to videotape dance concerts, and I was ecstatic over the quality of the video I took at my university's recent annual concert. By manually adjusting the exposure, I was able to avoid the 'ghosting' that usually happens under the lights. I was worried about the low light capability, but the picture was stunning in a dark theater with stage lighting, even on darkly lit pieces. The widescreen capability made for a really beautiful shot of the stage. I also took some absolutely amazing stills from back stage, the quality of which are every bit as good if not better than what I could have taken on my Elph.
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<br />I have owned several Canon cameras and I've always been pleased with the quality of the pictures I've taken with them. They are always easy to use and have lots of options to make photographs more interesting. This camcorder is no exception. I couldn't be happier.
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<br />The lens cover is a downside, it would be better if it were retractable, but I think the camera is just too small to accommodate it. I would also suggest purchasing the separate battery charger. Without it you have to charge the battery on the camera. I also chose to purchase an extra battery and an upgraded memory card. Outside of the cover and the battery charger, this camera is everything I hoped it would be and more. | 5 | 802 days ago | great video AND camera in a small package
I purchased this video camera after looking at my old Sony Handycam (video 8!)CCD-F501 that looks like a cannon compared to this lil' pistol (awkward pun intended.) I finally decided that enough time had elapsed and it was time to get a decent camcorder. Around mid-December 2005 I was salivating at the recently released hard drive cameras but after some search found out that that was just the only innovation, the other features were just standard or less than par for the course, and for the kind of money they were asking? I would be darned if I went to my Paris trip w/o a decent camera. What sold me on the Optura was the combo video/camera features and all the technical stuff you can read above. I won't repeat them here.
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<br />The Optura is surprisingly small and, as others have commented, if you have a hand shaped like a ham, this camera ain't for ya. I am 5'7", medium sized hand, the strap that wraps around the hand does not provide the best support when using the zoom. You can get used to it, but use both hands to steady the camera when zooming. Last week I went to J&R and bought a small tripod that when the legs are folded, it serves as a monopod, I intend to use it when I want to shoot without much camera shaking as I use the zoom.
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<br />I haven't had the camera for too long, there's lots of features in this camera for the video and photo functions, you gotta read them fully to truly appreciate this jewel. At night, while taping around Notre Dame, I noticed light streaks emananting from every lampost in the neighborhood, and I was using the automatic setting, I gotta try a couple of other settings to get that right. At the Louvre, the guards now won't let you take pictures or tape inside the museum. Well, as long as you don't use the flash option for pictures, you can snap away unless they catch you. But at the Mona Lisa's new abode, man, those hounds are circling around making darn sure you are not taking pics or filming. Ha! Enter I & my Optura | 4 | 802 days ago | Nice and Compact...but not for everyone
I have used this camera only for a day or two. Picture quality is really good. The photo quality is great, almost as good as a stand alone digital camera.
<br />This camera is ideal for someone with small hand size. Otherwise please try it before you buy. The hand strap can be VERY uncomfortable. I have already felt it on the first day of use.
<br />Not a great feel to hold it. Other than that no major complaints so far.
<br />Please do not buy the SC 2000 case from Canon. That case is way too big for this tiny camera.
<br /> | 4 | 802 days ago | Awesome Hybrid!!!
I just got the Optura 600 yesterday and am shocked at how small it really is, I saw videos and photos online, but it doesn't do it justice till you see it in person. I am a big guy 6'3", it has taken a little getting use to compared to my old mini dv camera which was quite a bit bigger. I adjusted the hand strap and now it fits comfortable in my hand and I also feel like it is more stable than the other camera which has a traditional hold. I can operate all of the buttons that i need while shooting with 1 hand, but to change modes I must use my other hand, which is no big deal to me.
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<br />I was mainly looking for a camcorder that took high quality video and high quality still photos and this camcorder delivers in both areas. I figured that the video was going to be great just from the reviews that I had read and it would be better than my old camcorder. I wasn't sure about the stills, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed that such a small device can do both functions so well. I also have a small canon elph 4.0 mega pixels that I have been extremely happy with. I would have to say the the stills taken with the Optura 600 are just as good if not better. I also love the fact that it is so easy and simple to switch between camcorder and digital camera mode, you just flip 1 switch and you are straight into high quality still mode.
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<br />I really love the fact that it is such a small device, portability was another big deal to me. I wanted something that I could put in my cargo pocket and take with me to take video and photos of my kids when we are out. I can say that this will fit easily into my cargo pockets. I am so excited about being able to carry this camcorder with me just about anywhere and it not be a pain to carry. Anyone looking for a great hybrid camcorder this is without a doubt one of the best on the market if not the best. You won't be disappointed!! | 5 | 802 days ago |
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