Hitachi DZ-MV780A 1.3MP DVD Camcorder w/ 10x Optical Zoom
Details
- Availability:
- No longer available through SilverGelatin.net
- List Price:
- $699.99
- Average Customer Rating:
- 4.5 out of 5
- Manufacturer:
- Hitachi
Features
- 1.3 megapixel CCD
- 16:9 recording mode for both DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs
- 10x optical, 240x digital zoom
- Analog to digital recording
- Records video and still images
Description
The power of innovative Hitachi DVD Camcorder technology is now available in a lightweight, compact design. 1.3 Mega Pixels resolution captures stunning video and still images directly to DVD for instant playback on standard DVD players. Experience true cinematic 16: 9 widescreen recording in both DVD-R and DVD-Ram formats. On-screen Disc Navigation delivers instant access to selected scenes and in-camera editing. A Power Accessory Port 'Hot Shoe' allows for the use of optional accessories, like additional lighting. The best possible picture quality is achieved with the exclusive Hitachi Image Engine Technology and a 10X optical zoom and 240X digital zoom. Only Hitachi delivers the ultimate in DVD Camcorder technology and design.
Spotlight customer reviews
nice video recording, not that nice still photos
[ Posted: 2005-09-22 ]
Overall its good product, but some thing could be improved.
1. Low light video recording seems to be jerky, looks like frame count was sacrificed for exposure times
2. Low light performance of still camera is inadequate, it's impossible to use autofocus feature. Even picture in viewfinder or on LCD screen is clear, photos is out of the focus. Probably same deal with long exposure times, camera becomes susceptible to tiny hand's tremors.
3. Viewfinder is almost unusable due poor picture quality, so it's narrows you down to only LCD screen usage.
4. Mini DVD-RAM discs are hard to find. It's important to mention that Mini DVDRW+ discs for Sony even harder to find.
5. No auto prompting for format fresh DVD-RAM discs. Make sure to format it yourself before usage, camera doesn't seem to care if you use blanks, but you will lose all your images.
6. All extra accessories, including bag, tripod and set of lenses cost extra.
All above problems are minor. Camera is absolutely right for the price tag under 600$. You will get crisp colorful movie and OK still photos, which can be viewed on regular DVD player. Sound quality is also good; wind noise filter option is a plus.
Great product - better than Sony and more reliable too.
[ Posted: 2005-06-18 ]
This camcorder is awesome. It is easy to use, has solid video and sound, and is from Hitachi - the firm that invented the DVD camcorder. Actually, consumer reports has been very favorable towards Hitachi camcorders in general.
Basically, Hitachi has been doing this longer than anybody else, and so the end product is a bit better. They also don't nickel and dime you. This camcorder not only comes with plenty of cables and a remote and stuff like that, but it also comes with the battery for the remote.
The camcorders battery last quite a while, while I find it convenient to use DVD-R discs. I haven't bothered with the DVD-RAM discs since they don't seem worth the extra cost to me.
I should add that the single advantage that the Sony models have has over the Hitachi models is that Sonys can use DVD-RW discs which give you much of the DVD-RAM advantages at a lower cost. The Hitachi's are better in that they typically come with higher resolution and better reliability. Also, with some Sony models the users complain that they can hear the sound of the DVD spinning in the background of their videos. Such sounds can not be heard on my Hitachi.
I can't tell you much about the Panasonic models, except the features and ratings didn't seem as good.