 |
Canon ZR500 MiniDV Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom by Canon
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Canon Release Date: 2009-11-30 Model: ZR700 Product features: - Features true widescreen recording and powerful 24x 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
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon ZR500 MiniDV Camcorder with 25x Optical ZoomCustomer Review: Best Value of any Entry Camcorder, Sony, Panasonic, or JVC Summary: 5 Stars
True hi-resolution widescreen mode, mic input, built-in lens cover, and surprisingly good low light performance make this an outstanding product among the "base models" of the four camcorder brands. The styling in my opinion is quite elegant, and the joystick operation is pretty easy to understand. The widescreen LCD is beautiful and "future-proof". Unlike Panasonic or Sony, Canon doesn't seem to cripple their base model too much to differentiate the pricing. Omitting the SD card slot and having no "photo" button makes it a pure video camera, while desirable features like the LCD and the video processing circuitry has not been downgraded. Made in Japan, the quality shows in every aspect of product, accessories, and packaging (the adapter is a bit bulky, though. I was hoping for the kind that came with the SD series digital cameras, but no).
According to camcorderinfo.com, low light noise has been greatly improved from ZR100, better than any of last year's models or brands in the price range (which all share the same sensor dimensions - 1/6" diagonal). Having used a Panasonic 3CCD camcorder, I'm pretty satisfied with the performance of this tiny sensor. However, the tape mechanism is a bit loud, compared with the Panasonic GS120 or JVC GR250 I used - I guess every brand has their unique "whine". Connected directly to TV (via composite, no s-video port available) the picture is a little dull, but on the LCD and on the computer monitor (via IEEE1394) it's great. If you burn it to a DVD on the computer the colors should retain their accuracy.
The battery is tiny, the same type used in the Canon Rebel XT (another clever cost-saving, cost-sharing idea), but I was able to fill up a 60 minute tape including framing/standby - amazing.
If this is your first camcorder purchase, I fully recommend it! If not, then it's a good example of how refined the budget camcorder have become, a very capable replacement or backup.
Description of Canon ZR500 MiniDV Camcorder with 25x Optical ZoomAffordable pocket-sized performance Around the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception. For budget-conscious consumers, the ZR family of cameras is a perfect balance between style, performance and affordability. ZR digital camcorders give you a variety of features, including Widescreen HR recording, pre-programmed auto exposure settings, a Firewire/DV Terminal and Canon's advanced image stabilization system. 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, such as its external microphone input. 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. Whats in the Box: ZR500 Camcorder Battery Pack BP-2L5 Compact Power Adapter CA-570 Stereo/Video Cable STV-250N
Camcorders
|
 |
|
|
Sony DVM60PR10KB 60-minute Premium DVC / MiniDV Tapes (10 Pack)Sony; CEBest price: $17.99
Tripp Lite F019-006 IEEE 1394b Firewire 800 Gold Hi-speed Cable, 9pin/ 4pin - 6ftTripp Lite; CEBest price: $1.80Price in other shops: $26.21
Sony DVC60PRL Mini DV Tape 60min Premium Data Cartridge 10 PacksSony; CEBest price: $17.49Price in other shops: $39.99
Panasonic AY-DVM60EJ5P MiniDV Tapes (60 Minute, Pack of 5)Panasonic; Release date: 2012-02-18; Digital CameraBest price: $4.95Price in other shops: $9.75
HQRP Replacement AC Adapter / Power Supply for Canon ZR500, ZR600, ZR700 Digital Camcorder with USA Cord & Euro Plug AdapterHQRP; Digital CameraBest price: $9.91
Sony DVC Cleaning TapeSony; Release date: 1995-11-29; CEBest price: $11.14Price in other shops: $14.99
Canon Replacement ZR500 camcorder batteryBatteries; Digital CameraBest price: $3.01Price in other shops: $28.51
Firewire DV Cable Camcorder For Canon Sony Sharp JVCGeneric; Digital CameraBest price: $0.01Price in other shops: $12.99
HQRP Battery and Battery Charger for Canon ZR-300, ZR-400, ZR-500, ZR-600, ZR-700, ZR-800, ZR-830, ZR-850, ZR-900 Replacement plus HQRP Black Mini TripodHQRP; Digital CameraBest price: $13.91
Belkin IEEE 1394 4-Pin/ 6-Pin 400 Mbps FireWire Cable (6 Feet)Belkin Components; Windows; CEBest price: $1.99Price in other shops: $14.98
|