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The running of the tape mechanism will mess with your audio, so either use the external mic jack or record audio separately. Here is what sets it apart from the average cheap camcorder:1. The included battery isn't so hot. The ability to shoot progressive frames. This feature is seldom found on consumer cameras.Drawbacks: Viewfinder doesn't move and doesn't have impressive detail. The ability to white balance. It has three sensors for each primary color of light, and the sensors are larger than the Panasonic DVX100's (which is around $2,300).
Especially with blue/green screening, this is very helpful. Plus, progressive frames compress better; one of the reasons store bought movies look better than average joe's.2. Good luck finding it on the average consumer camcorder.3. And with its current sale price, if you don't have the budget for a high end camera but want a picture that is just as good or better, this is the one for you.
I think this is the best you can do without going into the prosumer +$2000 level. Granted the DVX100 is an SD camera, but it sure helps.4. External mic jack. Low light video with a CCD would probably come out better than with this camera's CMOS sensor, so keep in mind you'll want to light well for great video (as usual). This camera is not FakeD - it's real HD. Also keep in mind that with prosumer cameras, an accessory like a tripod is going to cost you a lot more than it will with this little camera. This is invaluable for those filming for the internet. Order the better one when you buy this camera.It does not have all the ease of control that a prosumer camera would, but notice I'm comparing it to cameras of that caliber to show its shortcomings.
Native 1920x1080 sensor times 3. When it scales, it scales DOWN, not up. My five star rating is based on other cameras in the HV30's price range; and of them I think it is the best. Seriously, even if I had one of those high-priced cameras, I'd still get an extra HV30 because this price is so good and it wouldn't be bad to have it around as a spare.
I used this camera for two weeks on vacation. The Hi Def Video is amazing. However, the controls on the rear of the camera are cramped and for me I would of preferred the start/stop to be switched from the Function/Menu control. Otherwise, if you like to have creative control and can live with the fact that DV tape is on it's last leg this camera is a great value for the money.
I originally wanted a HD camera, but backing up 30G of data every shoot on at least 2 external sources is nearly impossible. A wide angle lens helps this a lot.A few tips for people looking at this camera:1) Buy larger spare battery2) Do not switch tape brands, I use Sony but if you buy a brand of tapes, stick with them, or you can damage the camera3) Buy the WD-H43 wide angle lens (expensive, but worth it).4) You do not need to use HD tape, standard DV tape works fine.
It is a great camera and it does a good job and is very easy to use. I bought this camera for filming my 1 year old boy.
You need to be around 7-10' away to be able to get people standing on the film. I don't like the amount of gain added to the video when shooting in low light.
Although I love the 10x optical zoom (big fan of zoom) it causes a lot of problems when you need wide angle footage or you are in tight spaces. Although quality differs greatly between tapes.I know a lot of people do not like tape or want to get away from tape, when I originally looked for a camera, this was my goal but after reading a lot on HD camera, I found a lot of comments about the format used by many HD and DVD camera AVHD or something has a lot of compatibility problems and issues.
Tapes work great as an easy archive.
Hey man, are you upset about the price match or the fact the camera isnt the best quality. Why would you want them to price match if you dont want the camera. Why dont you just return it. Or why dont you just stop whinning.
I bought this item from Amazon for $686 on Oct. It is a lousy camera. Apparantly there price guarantee is only for 7 days (the time it takes to receive the producct).
7th. I would not buy this product. 30, It was delivered to me on Nov.
I am very upset that the product has dropped in price by $90 in 24 days. After I rcvd the product, Amazon had already dropped the price. I was too buys to call and ask them about the price guaratntee.
At this rate, amazon will be giving these away for free pretty soon. Very bad low light pictures, too noisy and the menu system on the camera requires a PHD in engineering.
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