BlackBerry Bold 9650 Phone, Black (Sprint) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got this to replace my Sprint tour that everyone said I sounded muffled on. Nice update from the 9630 Tour. No complaints about the sound (no muffling) and the trackball issues others were having with the Tour are fixed with the new optical trackpad. Also happy to report that the slightly annoying battery cover that was loose on the Tour is fixed on this model. Other than those items, the Bold 9650 has more memory and WiFi now. If you are upgrading from a Tour or buying a case that was for the 9630 Tour, be careful because they moved the charging port up slightly (about 1/8 inch) so your old style case may not allow proper access for the charger. I have a Case-Mate "Barely there" 9630 Tour cover that works on this one fine (only because the openings are pretty big). The phone works fine on the Sprint network and already has a firmware update on the Blackberry site (although I couldn't figure out what it fixed). Always back up your data with the Blackberry Desktop software before attempting a firmware update just to be safe. I didn't give it a five because I think Blackberry is lagging behind in web browsers and Apps, but this works well with my work e-mail so I went for this over an Android phone.

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Powerful and refined, the BlackBerry Bold 9650 smartphone offers high-speed connectivity via Sprint's dependable 3G network as well as Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for connecting to home/business networks and on-the-go hotspots. And whether traveling to Europe or Asia, the Bold 9650 provides globetrotters the freedom of reliable global connectivity to GSM and 3G UMTS networks via Sprint Worldwide international services.

In addition to fast 3G speeds from Sprint's high-speed EV-DO network, you'll enjoy GPS navigation capabilities for accessing the optional Sprint Navigation turn-by-turn direction service and Sprint TV's video-on-demand with full-motion video and vivid sound (see more details on optional services below).

Offering top-of-the-line performance and functionality, it features a sophisticated, high-gloss black finish, chrome highlights and leatherette back. It also includes a distinctive, highly tactile full-QWERTY keyboard for fast and accurate typing, and an innovative touch-sensitive optical trackpad, which makes for a great navigation experience.

Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, microSD memory expansion to 16 GB (a 2 GB card is included), support for BlackBerry App World, and up to 5 hours of talk time.

Key Features
Fast 3G connectivity thanks to Sprint's EV-DO, Rev 0 network
Global roaming with Sprint Worldwide international services (pre-installed SIM card; compatible with 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM and 2100 MHz 3G UMTS networks)
GPS using Sprint Navigation for turn by turn directions, and points of interest searches
BlackBerry OS 5.0 includes typing accuracy and selection improvements, as well as usability and visual enhancements such as inertial scrolling, spin boxes that make it easier to set dates and times, gradient shading on buttons, and more use of animation.
Support for BlackBerry App World featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones. Categories include travel, productivity, entertainment, games, social networking and sharing, news and weather, and more.
BlackBerry Internet Service offers easy access to up to 10 supported personal and work e-mail accounts and one BlackBerry e-mail account.
Compatible with BlackBerry Enterprise Server for advanced security and IT administration features within IBM Lotus Domino, Microsoft Exchange and Novell GroupWise environments. Customers running BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 will gain the ability to set follow-up flags, manage e-mail folders, access remote files (Windows Shares), forward appointments, view calendar attachments, and more.
View attachments including JPEG, Adobe PDF, and Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
BlackBerry Media Sync is built right into your BlackBerry Desktop Software and lets you sync your desktop iTunes or Windows Media Player music files with your BlackBerry smartphone. If you're a Mac user, just choose the "media" option and you're ready to sync your iTunes music collection from your BlackBerry smartphone onto your Mac.
Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB. A 2 GB card is included with the phone, and it also has an internal 512 MB memory.
Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go
Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity with stereo music streaming (A2DP) capabilities as well as hands-free headsets and car kits and tethering with your PC (with optional tethering plan). (Learn more)
Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture and IM instant messaging (via popular services)
Large 2.45-inch high-resolution display (480 x 360 resolution at 245 ppi) that displays pictures, videos and Web pages with contrast and detail
3.2-megapixel camera with flash, variable zoom, image stabilization, autofocus and video recording.
Full HTML Web browser, streaming audio and video via RTSP

Vital Statistics
The BlackBerry Bold 9650 weighs 4.8 ounces and measures 4.4 x 2.44 x 0.55 inches. Its 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of talk time, and up to 312 hours (13 days) of standby time. It runs on the 800/1900 CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A frequencies in the United States as well as 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM and 2100 MHz 3G UMTS/HSPA networks outside North America.

What's in the Box
BlackBerry Bold 9650 handset, rechargeable battery, folding blade micro charger, 2 GB microSD card, SIM card, USB cable, 3.5mm stereo headset, synthetic swivel holster case, BlackBerry documentation kit, quick start guide, user manual


Sprint Services
Broadband-like 3G network: Supporting the EV-DO Rev. A high-speed data standard, this phone enables you to download and stream high-quality video, straight onto your phone. Where coverage is available, EV-DO Rev. A connectivity provides average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps, with peak rates up to 2 Mbps.

Global roaming: This phone operates on quad-band GSM and 2100 MHz 3G UMTS networks globally where Sprint has international roaming agreements. (Note that this phone is not compatible with GSM networks found in the United States.) A Sprint-provided SIM card is provided pre-installed in the device for customers who wish to utilize Sprint Worldwide international services (special activation required) while traveling abroad. You can make and receive calls as well as access data in over 185 countries.
Sprint TV enabled: With Sprint TV, you can make your cell phone your always-on source for news, weather, sports and more. This comprehensive video service combines high-quality streaming audio and video from channels including the NFL Network, ABC, The Weather Channel, Fox Sports, E!, CNN, The Discovery Channel, and more.

GPS capable with Sprint Navigation: This GPS-enabled phone provides optional access to Sprint Navigation for driving directions on your mobile phone--by voice and onscreen. Along the way, turn-by-turn directions will be announced in a clear voice and displayed on your phone. For example, Sprint Navigation will say, "Go 1.2 miles and turn right on Elm Street." As you approach the turn, you will hear, "Turn right on Elm Street." Sprint Navigation also provides proactive traffic alerts with one click re-routing. And it's easy to find restaurants, banks, cafes, hotels and more from over 10 million points of interest across the U.S.

Stay Sporty with Sprint: With NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, instantly connect to the NASCAR information you want, when you want it. Follow NASCAR action from practice to race day with real-time leaderboard and alerts. Get exclusive access to your favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver with real-time driver stats, breaking news and more. Live in-car audio, race radio, NASCAR on SPEED and other audio/video only available on select phones. Visit sprint.com/speed for details.

To access, just text "NASCAR" to 7777 on your Sprint phone or visit the Sprint Digital Lounge to download NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile (standard text messaging and data rates apply).

This phone also provides access to Sprint Football Live--free for any phone with a data plan. You'll be able to follow all the live play-by-play action with the Live Game Center for both pro and college football games, as well as stay on top of the pro football draft with a Live Draft Tracker and in-depth analysis and bios on nearly 500 top prospects. Access by texting "FOOTBALL" to 7777 on the handset to download Sprint Football Live from Sprint Digital Lounge (standard text messaging and data rates apply).

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Sony HDR-UX20 4MP DVD Hybrid Plus High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 8GB Flash Memory & 15x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had the HDR-UX20 for about 2 weeks now and have used it to record my sons football games and daughters volleyball games. I record the games to an 8GB duo pro memory stick at SP HQ quality and have been satisfied with the results. When I get home I insert the memory stick into a Sony VRD-MC5 DVD recorder, push record and copy the video to DVD. The mini DVD's only record about 20 mins of HQ video so I use full size DVD's on the MC5.
I like the versatility of being able to record in HD, and recording on the internal memory, memory stick, or DVD. I had my last video camera for 7 years, so I wanted something that gave me maximum flexibility in recording media, and wanted to be able to record in HD and SD.
The unit is built well and is fairly intuitive. I read the reviews which said the touch screen is too small, however I find it easy to use and it works well for me. Everything I've used so far works as advertised.
I would highly recommend this handycam.

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The HDR-UX20 delivers the ultimate in home video flexibility. Hybrid Plus recording technology gives you the option to record images to DVD media, internal flash memory, or removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media. The ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and BIONZ image processor captures Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution for sharp detail, as well as 4 megapixel still photos. Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization helps ensure clear images, while Face Detection helps people look their best in every video and photo. The built-in zoom microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording even lets you capture realistic surround sound experience.

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Mini DV VD80 Pocket Digital Video Camera with 2GB Micro SD Card Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have found that both the audio and video are excellent quality! One issue though is the durability. Of the five I have purchased, none of them are working any longer. Each has a different issue as to what went wrong with them. Now the hard part. What is the warranty, and how would one obtain parts? I have also found that the plastic clips do not hold up very well, and where would one go to buy just the clips? This is the biggest issue with these systems, otherwise they are very good.

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Flip MinoHD Video Camera - Black, 4 GB, 1 Hour (1st Generation) OLD MODEL Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The camera
The camera has a 1.5 inch screen that is vibrant but small. The camera is thin and can easily be slid into the front pocket of your jeans. It is extremely light. The buttons on the back are touch sensitive and are not typical buttons that you "press". There is a nice quality built in microphone. Operation is dead simple. Turn it on and push the large red button to start record and then press it again to stop.
The video quality:
The video quality from this camera is phenomenal considering its price tag. No its not a Canon HV30 but its not supposed to be.There is very little motion blur and the colors are nicely saturated. Due to the higher quality video shakiness is more pronounced in the videos but its not terrible. The more still you can hold this camera the better. The sound is crisp and clear. I can easily say the quality of this camera trumps all other flash based camcorders in this price bracket.
The Software
Mac users rejoice! The Mino HD's video files ( MPEG4) are natively supported by Mac OS X, Quicktime, & iMovie 8 or iMovie HD. The software (Flipshare) even allows stitching the footage together, adding music and transitions and exporting the finished result directly to Youtube or just onto your desktop. I am very impressed Pure Digital rewrote the software package so that the features for Mac Users were the same as PC users. When you first plug in the camera iPhoto will open and offer to import the video's. You can override this in iPhoto's preferences. From then on the Flipshare will open automatically.
Final Conclusion:
The Flip Mino HD billed as the worlds smallest HD camcorder (as of 11/14) is worth its weight in gold. Especially if you have a Mac! If I had to choose one con for this camera I would say that I wish they would've added an external microphone jack to it-but thats really reaching. It's a wonderful camera for the money and they say the best camera for the job is the one thats with you when you really need it.

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Here it is! A 720p HD camcorder that fits in your pocket. The Flip MinoHD has 4GB built-in memory to record and store up to 60 minutes of highj quality video. A 1.5" TFT lets you preview and view videos on camera. A USB connector lets you transfer and share videos. Advanced playback, pause, fast forward/rewind features Records high-quality H.264 videos that work with iTunes, iMovie, and iPhoto Child Safe mode to prevent accidental deletions of clips Fast lens - great low or bright light results, 2x digital zoom 1.5 color high-brightness (transflective) display for easy recording and super-clear viewing in bright sunlight Silent mode for recording in sensitive situations TV connector cable included to watch videos on television Tripod mount fits any standard tripod Video - 16 - 9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second progressive scan Built-in FlipShare software for email, edit, and more Includes Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder w/ built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery; Protective carrying pouch; Wrist strap; TV cable; Quickstart Guide Internal Memory - 4GB (60 minutes) Screen Resolution - 528 x 132 pixels / Video Resolution - 1280 x 720 progressive Video Bitrate - 8.8Mbps (average - auto adaptive algorithm) Video Format - H.264 video compression, AAC audio compression, saves as MP4 file Lens Type - Fixed Focus (1.5m to infinity) Aperture - f/2.4 (fast lens for great results in low-light environments) Zoom - Smooth multi-step 2x digital 8 Touch-Sensitive Capacitive Buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record and 4 way navigation) Unit Dimensions - 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.63 (H x W x D) PC Connection - Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to 2.0 USB speed) TV Out - NTSC (cable included) Battery Life - Rechargeable lithium ion battery, charges using built-in USB arm Operating System compatibilikty - Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OSX

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DXG DXG-581V - Camcorder - High Definition - widescreen - 5.0 Mpix - supported memory: SD, SDHC - flash card Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am glad I purchased this instead of the other HD camcorders in this price range.
I was about to return this and get an aiptek a-hd+ but its a good thing i found some raw MOV files of the aiptek a-HD+ on forums.
After seeing the quality of the aiptek a-hd+ raw MOV files I decided to keep the DXG 581v.
After comparing the raw MOV files of both camcorders, DXG 581v looked so much better, and sharper. The aiptek a-hd+ looked like it was only upscaled and was actually only 480p...the aiptek lacked sharpness and detail
The DXG's 480p at 60 fps is smooth as butter and still sharp and detailed. UPDATE: The 720p mode and the 1080 mode is also smooth - change sure your frequency setting is set to "50 hz" and change "TV format" to PAL. This will smoothen out the panning...i guess the electronics inside are PAL but the software is set to NTSC because the unit is sold in the states.
The problem with the raw MOV files I saw with the aiptek was that it would sometimes skip frames. It appeared aiptek found a way to double the frames of its 720p at 30fps mode...it is a faux 60fps and doesn't look good.
If you want an HD camcorder that can catch a clear view of a car's license plate as it unintentionally passes by your camcorder's line of sight then get the DXG 581v.
Pros:
- large lcd screen.
- Sharp even at 480p
- smooth 480p at 60 fps compared to the other HD camcorders at $130+
-UPDATE: also smooth 720p and 1080 after changing TZV format to PAL and frequency to 50
- comes with cables:
> composite inputs and USB input.
> mini HDMI to HDMI
- audio passes through the HDMI connection
- good audio quality...very detailed and can pick up deep bass sounds.
- can change resolutions on the fly - pressing right on joystick
- can change exposure on the fly - pressing up/down on joystick
- can turn on the LED flash during video recording - press left on the joystick
- very light
- very small- you can actually hide it in your fist.
- comes with pouch you can attach to your belt.
- 720p and 1080i are very good quality. can catch alot of detail.
- macro switch is firm and in perfect spot if you want to quickly change to macro and back to normal mode
- autofocus does a good job of getting every detail.
- works with my 16gb class 6 sd card
- battery is rechargeable and only costs $3. It uses FUJI NP60 battery.
- battery life long - i will update this and do a battery test. battery gave me 2 bars out of the box. UPDATE: did a continuous recording at 1080i which lasted 1 hr 30 min. using my replacement battery gave me 2 hour recording continuous.
-voice recording is great. I was able to record a lecture 30 feet away from the professor and could hear his voice clearly during playback.
- when camcorder is plugged into HDMI slot of HDTV it enters playback mode. Files will play continuously and will loop.
- can upload the raw MOV files directly to popular video sharing sites
- battery is secure...no wobble.
- camera is more steady then other camcorders. (less shaking)
- was able to attach camcorder to tripod.
- able to keep camera stable without tripod.
Cons:
- 720p and 1080i run at 30 fps.
- 1080i only. it is not 1080p (1920x1080)...it is actually 1440x1080.
- no lens cap
- does not include an SD card.
- movie mode and voice recording mode must be selected in the menu. After shutoff movie mode is set as default. you must go back into the menu to enable voice recording.
- raw MOV files do not play on the xbox 360
- only 32 mb internal memory. about 5 seconds video, or 20 photos, or 1 minute of voice recording.
Since I can change resolutions at a click of a button on the joystick, I use 480p when I am recording a fast motion video, where I know there will be alot of panning.
Then I will use 720p or 1080i, when the video calls for slower or litte to no panning, and details need to be captured. UPDATE: after changing TV format to PAL and Frequency to 50 hz panning is now smooth. so I use 720 and 1080 most of the time now.
In staples I was hunting for a laser copier. I could have used my phone to take photos of each copier and price tag but using the DXG 581v made it so much quicker and easier to review when i got home.
I used the 1080i resolution. took a full body shot of one copier then focused on the price tag while switching to macro mode and taking a shot of hte price tag. Did this for the whole aisle of laser copiers. It was quick and I ended up with everything I needed on one file when i got home.
UPDATE: Attended a trade show in Las Vegas and I have to say the DXG did an amazing job.
I recorded each workshop and seminar at 1080i and during playback the video quality was so clear. The power point presentation on the projector screen which I recorded was very sharp on playback.
Using the replacement battery I purchased for $4 here on amazon, lasted 30 minutes longer than the original battery that came with the DXG 581v.
UPDATE:
To hook up the camcorder to an old HDTV with the HDMI port that doesnt support audio.
1.) plug the usb cable with composite out and left channel out to the dxg 581v
2.) plug the left channel audio out to the audio input of the HDTV
3.) plug the HDMI cable to the HDTV
4.) plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the DXG 581v camcorder
You will now have audio while using the HDMI portof the HDTV.


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Diamond VC600 One Touch Video Capture USB 2.0 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the VC600 for my Windows 7 64-bit computer despite reading through the bad reviews of this product and I'm glad I did. My VHS transfers come out terrific and yours will too but you need to know how I'm doing it to get these results.
1. Install the drivers only. You don't need or even want the video capture software packaged with this unit!
2. After you restart your computer, you need to click Start then right click on Computer (or My Computer if you have XP) and then get into the Device Manager to ensure there are no exclamation marks (missing drivers) for the newly added VC600 device. If you find one, right click on it and choose to update the driver. You'll need to point the update to the correct driver directory embedded in the CD. Make sure you're using the right driver for your operating system. The folders that hold the drivers on the CD are labeled with the various versions (and bit type of 32 or 64) so you know which one to use. If you're not sure which Windows version you have, click Start then right click on Computer and take note.
3. Now that the drivers are installed, you need to install some decent video capture software. [...] offers Windows Media Encoder for free! It's quite usable once setup. Get it here: [...].
4. After Windows Media Encoder is installed, I usually blow right past the wizard start page and get right into the menus. You need to change the source of video and audio to be your VC600 device. You then need to decide what level of video and audio compression you want (better quality means bigger files). I have mine set to CD audio quality with video at its best settings. The resulting WMV file output is roughly 5GB for every 30 minutes of video using these settings. The picture is 640x480 (standard since I'm using old VHS tapes from 15 years ago!) and clarity is just right. Be sure you've plugged everything into the back of the VHS machine correctly (hint: yellow is not white!) then play a tape to test the configuration.
One word of caution: Once you start encoding using Windows Media Encoder, you must either allow the entire tape to complete or stop then create a new WMW file. I tried pausing in WME but found the sound fell out of sync with video. I've found the best solution is to stop and start encoding so that you don't go past about 30 minutes in time. The results come out fine if you decide to go all the way to 2 hours (a full VHS tape) but I found it more difficult to edit the resulting WMV file (using either Windows Live Movie Maker or Pinnacle 12). For some reason, neither of my editing programs can see the sections of the video when displaying the storyboard. Stick with 30 minute files and I think you'll be happier if you choose to edit these videos before burning to DVD.
Again, this is a great, little product for the money. It does what it claims to do but does require better encoding/capturing software than what comes in the box. Be sure you're not doing anything else during encoding as the process if very resource hungry! I hope this helps future shoppers and home video enthusiasts!

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Aiptek AHD-H12 LLS 1080p HD High Definition Camcorder and 10MP Digital Still Camera with 12x Optical Zoom and Built-in Auto Focus, Low Light Sensitivity (L.L.S.), Gyroscopic Video Stabilization (G.V.S.), 32GB SD Card Slot and HDMI Direct Connect Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm not a compulsive buyer. Sure I'm not, but after finding this product in amazon and reading the specifications on the Aiptek web site, I made my decision of purchasing it. The introductory price of $199.00, made my decision a lot easier, but even at the price of $299.99 I would do it.
Literally I was waiting for this camera: All the functions I always wanted for less than $300. In my case, "HD" + "External mic jack" +"12x Optical zoom" + Image Stabilizer" are functions I never found at this price range, until now. Just read the specifications and you'll be surprised how many functions this little wonder has.
Extremely easy to use. The video quality surpassed my expectations. And as a bonus, in addition to the Video Light, it has a flash strobe to use when you take your pictures.
Only two minor cons that does not change my rate:
Accessibility of controls: It's size make some times a little hard to use the 5-way joystick, and the buttons for record, play back, menu and mode are sometimes difficult to reach with my thumb.
Product Manual: In some cases, the manual is not so specific: just an example... if you set the video resolution to HD 1080i 60f, you can't use the nightshot function. I had to guess it..nothing is mentioned in the included manuals (printed+ PDF version) .
Anyway, an excellent product by Aiptek.


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Flip Video Camcorder: 30-Minutes (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)PROS:
* Inexpensive.
* Conveniently small size (fits in a shirt pocket).
* Easy to use.
* Easy to just drag movie clip files straight over to hard drive (they are stored in the DCIM folder sequentially).
* Movie files in the AVI format (but see Con comment about codec below).
* Easy enough to delete clips you don't want to keep.
* Play straight to TV.
* Seems durable though no protection for lens or playback screen.
* Uses ordinary AA batteries.
CONS:
* Menu buttons a little hard to press (zoom & volume control)
* USB connector arm bad idea. Should have just been a USB socket. Never matches up with the USB socket on any computer or laptop so you have to get an extension cable anyway which can be difficult to connect without breaking the arm off.
* Uses DivX codec (technically 3ivx, Wiki the difference if you really want to know) which means having to install one of a variety of 3rd party plug-ins. Would have been nice if they could have used H.264 but using 3ivx probably helps keep the cost down by using a less powerful chip.
* Included software was a hack job, UI is terrible.
* Silly proprietary interface at the top to burn contents to DVD at participating stores. Just a way for water to get in, should have been a memory card slot.
* Included carrying bag just gets lint all over it - don't use it.
* Sound playback level is lost once the unit turns off which means having to turn the sound down every time you turn it on.
CONCLUSION:
If you really want to record some video to edit on your computer but don't want to shell out hundreds for a digital video camera, this is a worthy alternative. Go ahead and get the 1 GB version (1 hour) since there is no memory card slot or upgrade path. After installing a DivX plugin on your computer, you should have no problem editing the clips in your favorite movie editing program like iMovie. I had to install a plugin on both my Intel MacBookPro and Dell 8600 Windows XP (SP2).
Accept that you are going to have to purchase a short USB extension cable unless your USB ports are on the side and the extension arm lines-up perfectly (i.e. the computer doesn't put any weight on the arm). Even a short 3 ft cable like Cables To Go 19003 3-Feet USB A/A Extension Cable will do. The kind you need is a USB A socket on one end and USB A plug on the other (if you can connect the cable ends to themselves and make a hoop you probably have the correct one).
This is a great first try but there is lots of room for improvement like replacing the connector arm with a USB socket, ditching the DVD burning interface for a memory card slot and making the menu UI buttons easier to push.


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The Flip Video Camcorder is a portable, easy-to-use solution for creating and sharing high-quality home movies. Flip Video is the ideal choice for capturing everyday moments that happen anywhere, and sharing them with family and friends everywhere. The camcorder's built-in software makes saving and sharing memories simple and convenient: email videos, make custom movies, capture still photos from video clips, and upload videos directly to popular sharing sites, including YouTube and Grouper Networks. Flip Video comes with a TV connector cable, wrist strap, soft carrying case, two AA batteries, and an instruction booklet.

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SABRENT USB-AVCPT USB 2.0 Audio Video Creator Capture DVD Maker Editor Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great product...with a few reservations. But bear some things in mind and read through the other reviews before you purchase. First, you'll find that a lot of people have complained about problems with Vista; I use XP. Second, you'll see that others have complained of the software. So I just ignored it and installed the drivers only. It works fine with various alternate software, Windows Movie Maker, for example, so why bother. (I couldn't get it to work properly with Roxio 9, however; but I blame that on Roxio.) Speaking of drivers, by the way, I'm not sure why so many people have had problems with them (except for Vista users). The ones that came with the unit were identical to those I downloaded from the internet, and both worked (again, for XP). Having said all that, the first unit I purchased was defective -- couldn't get the device to install properly. I decided to take the chance that it was a manufacturer's defect and return it in exchange for another. The second one installed without a glitch and worked perfectly...almost. The primary use was to salvage old VHS tapes. I never experienced any problems with video/audio synch, and the quality was every bit as good as the tapes themselves. I did, however, have a periodic crackle/scritch in the audio. After a lot of research without useful results (people advising you to buy gold wires, etc.), I found a video on YouTube that solved the problem in sixty seconds. This fellow pointed out that if the internal wiring was a bit bunched it would cause the unit to get hot (mine was), causing this problem. I followed his recommendation: popped open the case (with my thumbnail), gently pushed the wiring down a little, closed the case back up...and it worked like a charm. You have to consider the price. After deducting the (admittedly small) manufacturing costs, then the shipping from China, these things are probably being made for a profit margin of about two bucks apiece. Yeah, they're cheap. Which is, after all, a lot of the appeal. I didn't want to spend fifteen times as much for something only slightly better suited to my purposes. Mine works great now, no flaws, no issues. If I use it on an old "factory" tape, the result is perfect. Try one of these to test your set-up (that'll let you know if your VCR is OK, too). Remember, though, some of those old, home-made tapes that were recorded on an EP setting, then stored in the attic for twenty years, may not come out too good, no matter what you do. Hope this helps.

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JVC Picsio GC-WP10 Waterproof Pocket Video Camera (Blue) NEWEST VERSION Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently noticed that true HD was making its way to the pocket video camera market. There were two others that came out very recently that I was looking at (a Panasonic and a Kodak) before I decided on this JVC. The deciding factor was that this one is waterproof and is capable of time lapse.
Upon what must have been a delayed release, I finally got mine today and must say I am glad I went with this one. There's a little weight to it as you hold it in your hand and cosmetically, well with all the ugly gadgets out there I have to give the designers at JVC props for making this an attractive, even sexy unit, one that I would not be ashamed to take home to Mother. I want to call this a matte finish or something... look at the high res pics and you'll see what I mean.
The quality of the video is as good as you would expect. I am hoping that future software updates will be more feature rich. You can record audio but there don't seem to be any options or settings with regard to the quality. I'm assuming it's recording in mp3 format and if it is, I'd prefer to be able to select the bit rate (320kbps). The time lapse feature is cool and I'd love to see the ability to shoot at a very high frame rate so as to be able to capture a water balloon popping. Overall, the user interface is simple and will not take long at all to get used to.
If you plan to do a lot of time-lapse you'll want to purchase the optional power adapter which will cost you about $35 (Ouch!). Get yourself a 32gb SDHC card and a 2tb external hard drive and you'll be good to go. I won't be able to test the waterproof feature until next Summer. Finally, I can't comment on the on-board editing software because I use a professional editing suite. I'm sure it'll suit most basic needs.
Peace
UPDATE: I had a chance on Monday to shoot some video at our local Zoo. I learned a couple of things worth noting. The battery fully charged does not last long. We weren't at the Zoo for even three hours and I ran out of juice before we left. It makes me wish the thing ran on batteries. The second point is the zoom...I'd advise against using it. If you watch this video, you'll see some outdoor/indoor stuff, and the use of the zoom. I'm noticing what is common among digital zooms, clarity is drastically sacrificed. The indoor shot of the bird is most obvious. I assume that both of these issues are similar to other cameras in the same category. Hopefully in ten years the battery life will be greatly improved. I can't help but wonder if a simplified interface wouldn't help conserve the battery power. Still, not a bad camera for the price.


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JVC's new GC-WP10 Waterproof Picsio, a pocket camera designed for fun. Fun, because it's so small, lightweight, easy to use and a cinch to share videos and photos using YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites. Plus the GC-WP10 is waterproof and can be used underwater up to 10 feet! This Picsio features a 3-inch touch screen. Record and playback functions are easily activated by just a light touch on the screen icon. The controls are easy to use and can be operated when wearing gloves. During playback that you'll appreciate the large 3 inch screen by how great the image looks on a larger screen. Other features include electronic image stabilization to minimize camera shake while recording, 4x digital zoom lens and a time-lapse recording mode and records digital stills up to 5-megapixel native resolution, without interpolation. There's a stereo microphone that can be used to record audio as mp3 files. HDMI and AV output to easily connect to a TV.The GC-WP10 Picsio uses a CMOS sensor to record up to 1920 x 1080, 30 frames progressive Full HD video. The video format is MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 and is stored as standard MP4 files for easy importing into various applications without any quality loss. There are three other video recording resolutions, including iFrame, to optimize performance in iMovie '09. Video and stills are recorded to a removable memory card that goes into the SD card slot that can accept SD, SDHC and SHXC memory cards. The memory card slot is also optimized for Eye-Fi cards, which adds wireless capabilities.

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Sony DCR-TRV480 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought my Sony DCR-TRV480 a week ago, to replace a 9-year-old Sony Hi8 model. My primary requirements were for a model that would make it easy to capture aging 8mm tapes on DVD media, and provide 5-10 years of use for more family videos. My first reactions are that the camera will do the job, but that the provided DVD/VCD software is useless. I have not really tested the camera functions yet, beyond generating a few minutes of digital tape to play with for quality comparisons. Thus I must limit my thoughts to the software and the camera interface to my PC. [See my update below.]
My first goal was to capture some minutes of preexisting material on my PC to learn the process and explore the software. After diligently reading the manual, I discovered that to burn DVDs with the Sony software, you must own a Sony VIAO computer. Otherwise you are stuck with direct burning of VCDs, and that without any true editing capabilities. Further, Sony's software will only capture to MPEG-2 format with the use of a firewire/I-link/IEEE 1394 connection (not provided), and does not work with USB2. The direct VCD format is (I believe) MPEG-1.
That said, after an hour of reading and experimenting, I was able to burn a VCD from a preexisting tape using the provided USB2 cable. The process requires starting the application on the PC, then initiating the burn from the camera. (Be patient, it can take 20-40 seconds for the camera and software to shake hands and get to it.) Recording begins at the current location on the tape, puts in chapter marks at fixed (but configurable) time intervals, and quits when it sees a gap on the tape. The camera appears to be in control of the process. The manual does NOT say that the camera will refuse to start the process if you have not inserted a completely new CDR in your burner. It also automatically finishes the disk when blank tape is found, so you cannot add more segments to a half full disk. This will waste a lot of CD space if you have more than a few gaps on your original tapes (something I am very guilty of ;-)). After wasting 5-6 CDRs, I was pretty frustrated. The clincher was a number of computer lockups, apparently from some of the software failing to close when instructed to do so. (My OS is Win2K Pro on a new 2.8Ghz P4).
At this point, I was considering returning the camera. Luckily, my burner (from TDK) came with Roxio's DVDMax software, and I decided to see if it would do better. It did. I spent 5 minutes with the DVDMax tutorial, then set DVDMax to capture the USB2 input stream, and just hit play on the camera. Video worked on the first try, with Audio coming along when I realized that I was pointing the software at the wrong source. It was easy to capture segments, though the two devices are not linked at the control level, meaning that you have to start the camera playback and click the record button on the PC separately, the old fashioned way. The resulting quality from a variety of old tapes (standard 8mm, Hi8, new digital) is adequate for home movies, when set at 640x480 (I do not expect professional quality results, however much I would wish for them, especially with my older analog tapes). The Sony software limited me to a lower resolution when using the USP cable, though I should note that the manual suggests that higher quality is possible with a firewire connection. I am intending to test this in the next week or so, once I can buy the cable. I believe that DVDMax was able to get the higher 640x480 resolution through the USB cable, but I have not confirmed that at this writing.
After building a test movie with DVDMax, and checking it on the system in the living room, I deleted all of Sony's software, except the base driver, and will happily live without it. If you buy Sony, you will want to do the same, and use DVDMax or some other third party tool to capture, manage, and burn your movies on a PC.
UPDATE: I bought the Firewire cable (6 pin to 4 pin) and tested the capture system again with Roxio's DVD Builder. The camera and software linked up immediately, with the PC controlling the camera as needed. The camera delivered 720x480 frames with no problems, giving me a sample from a 15 year old standard 8mm tape, a newer Hi8 tape, and some Digital 8 footage taken with the new camera. Both the analog recordings were much better than the earlier test with the USB2 connection. The Digital 8 recording was excellent, though still not commercial quality. I expect I can get a further improvement on all my material if I get software with better rendering capabilities, which is the next purchase on my list. The Digital 8 recording also automatically separates out segments for editing with each record/standby transition you film, which is a nice feature for the future. The camera cannot do this for either analog format.
I have also been able to test the camera modestly. The zoom is better than my old camera, able to frame a large bird at 150 feet (optically, not digitally). Like all small camcorders, stability when zoomed in is a problem, but no worse than on our old camera. I do not like the zoom control: it is small and very sensitive. You use your right index finger to push/pull a small protruding control. With my large hands, I found it at the edge of awkward. A two-button design would have been much better. As for the rest, only time will tell.

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The DCR-TRV480 Sony Digital8 Handycam(R) Camcorder is for camera buffs who want to go digital but still keep their old tapes. This versatile camera plays all your old 8mm and Hi8(TM) video tapes, while capturing Digital8 video for sharp, high quality recordings. With its 20X Optical and 990X Digital zoom and its 1/6" CCD Imager with 290K (effective) pixels, you'll bring the action up close and see it with greater detail and clarity. The 2.5" SwivelScreen(TM) delivers high-resolution imaging during playback. Broadcast live over the Internet with the USB Streaming support. 1/60 shutter speed (1/4000 in AE Mode) Mini video input/output Stereo & Special audio input/output USB port with USB Streaming supporti.LINK 2 DV Interface Auto white balance Dial exposure (24 steps)Dimensions(WxHxD) -3 3/8 x 3 7/8 x 6 (85 x 98 x 151 mm)Weight -1 lb. 12 oz. (800g) without Tape and Battery

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Canon VIXIA HG21 AVCHD 120 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let me start by saying that I've been using camcorders for 20 years, way back to the full sized VHS days. Canon and Sony have been my favorites for many years, starting with their 8mm days. Since consumer HD seems to have stabilized in its second generation, I decided to upgrade from my six year old Sony 8mm.
The Canon Digital SLR cameras are second to none, I own three of them (Digital Rebel, Rebel Xti and an EOS 40D) and they blow the competition away. I fall into the "prosumer" category for digital categories, and the Canon Digic processor is one of the things that has separated Canon from its competitors. So certainly the second generation HD Canon Vixia 21 with the Digic II processor would be a no-brainer, right? Not exactly.
The good:
120GB hard disk drive - you can record up to 45 hours of video in LP mode, and about 11 hours in the best HD mode the camera has. The storage capacity will, by far, outlast the battery that comes with the camcorder.
SDHC slot - Unlike Sony and their proprietary Memory Stick, Canon has and continued to use SD and now SDHC memory. SDHC cards are available from numerous vendors and they are easier to find and less expensive than the Memory Stick.
12X optical zoom - this works extremely well, as advertised. Digital zoom takes away from the quality of the recording, so I prefer to stick with the optical zoom. The controls for the zoom are very fluid and smooth.
Picture quality - in daylight and indoors with good light, the picture quality is exceptional. Playing the video on my HDTV is just as good as any broadcast HDTV quality you'll ever see on TV.
Image stabilization - very few people can hold anything completely still. With the image stabilization feature, you don't have to worry about it - the camcorder handles it for you and does a great job of it.
The bad:
Short battery life - the battery that ships with the camcorder (BP 807/808) will give you no more than 80-90 minutes of operation. If you don't plan to use it any more than that on each outing, then it is not a big issue for you. If you plan to use it for a day of on and off shooting, you need to get another batter. The BP827 will give you almost five hours of running time, for a steep $144. Adding to this, you can only charge the battery while the battery is in the camcorder. The external battery charger is another $60 or so. In short, if you plan to use this camcorder for longer than an hour, buy an extra battery and the external charger so you can charge one battery while using the other. This is not a Canon specific problem, every vendor, including Sony, has its limitations with batteries and charging. They also have the "optional" longer life batteries and external chargers for a steep price as well.
Low light shooting - The picture quality is grainy and unimpressive. After seeing what the daylight shots looked like on the TV, then watching the low light shots, you will be somewhat dissapointed. Perhaps there is some special low light setting I do not know about - I've only had the camcorder for a week. Another reviewer indicated better luck in low light. I will report back if this is resolved.
Despite the additional battery and charger purchase, I think this is a very good camcorder. I hope to resolve the low light issue. Daytime and good lighting recording is breathtaking on replay. Given that this is a consumer grade camcorder, I doubt you'll find any better for the money.Update:
As promised, I've worked with the camcorder for a couple of weeks now, and not much has changed. The daylight and well-lit room video is broadcast quality HD.Low light is still somewhat grainy. I also purchased a longer life battery and external charger from Amazon, which comes in very handy. I would still purchase this camcorder.


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The Canon HG21 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive camcorder sets a new standard for High Definition, delivering optimal image quality, long shooting times along with the extraordinary ease and versatility when viewing video on television or a computer. Capture amazing HD video with even greater detail and color reproduction with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and the addition of a video-capable SDHC card slot plus the extended 120 GB internal Hard Disk Drive allows you to now record up to 45 hours of video onto the internal hard disk drive so there's no need to worry about running out of space. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HG21 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon's select Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HG21's 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects.The HG21 offers the unparalleled combination of Canon's exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, Instant AF for accurate focusing that's critical when shooting in HD, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and the Canon exclusive 2.7-inch Multi-angle Vivid LCD Screen to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast. The HG21 features the latest HD technology, excellence in Canon optics and engineering in a compact, sleek design that delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon.

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Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera (Purple) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)OK lets start off with this camera is $149 keep that in mind.
The 5.3MP still photos are fairly good, not to bad, but remember this is a video camera first
a dedicated 5MP still photo camera will take much better photos, but again hey these aren't to shabby it just depends on what your trying to do. Quick shots here and there...excellent and better than any cell phone I've had. At a wedding where you want crystal clear and sharp photos....well not so much.
The HD video camera is pretty nice, easy to use and I was just stunned at the digital zoom.
It actually works and works well, not to blocky or grainy...more so at the extreme 4x level but at 2x to about 3x the camera compensated nicely and actually cleared up the image...not sure how they do it, but they do.As others have noted, with rapid movement of the camera you will notice your image jumps or shakes.
Now remember what I told you to keep in mind $149. Yes it does have that little "feature", but it's not
a $299 video camera with a higher quality lens and CCD. Slow down, don't go from left to right or up and
down at 100MPH and it's not bad. Moving images within the video are fine, it's just if you move the camera
itself very rapidly you will notice it.
I tried the 3 HD video modes, and it also has a standard resolution mode as well that I did not try.
I compared all 3 with and with out the image stabilization on which did not seem to improve or degrade the
image at all.
At 720p 30 fps - Not to bad, noticed the jumpyness or shakyness of the image as I moved left to right in my test,
but slow down and it's not to bad.
At 720p 60 fps - Now were getting better, really not bad at all, again not $300 video camera good, but
pretty darn nice, and clearer and the shakyness of the video smoothed out a bunch, again slow down in your
movements for best quality.
At 1080p 30fps - Nice quality...really nice, but the jumpyness of the video is back, you have to take it a bit
slower but nice quality all in all.
I did not try the underwater mode, but assume it works as advertised everything else has so far.
Now I throughly loved the fact that there are no CD's with this camera, nothing in the box to load.
You simply plug in the provided USB cable and the software...every bit of it and all the drivers you need for
the camera are built right in and install on your PC from the camera...this is an excellent feature, I always
misplace the CD's and have to download from the website anyhow.
Speaking of downloading from the website ... this camera is flash upgradeable with new firmware I went to the
Kodak website and found that there was an upgrade I could download to correct a few minor anomalies that they
found...cool so hopefully this camera gets even more corrections in the near future and maybe a feature update
someday?
I also loved the fact that ALL the cables came with the camera. HDMI, USB, and Component video cables...
All of them... they can charge you at least $10 for each individual cable, but they give them to you with
the camera for $149, now how great is that ?!?!
As at least one other reviewer has said, yes - there is no case or protective sleeve that comes with the camera,
but I would take the cables over a case anyday, you know what ever they included it wouldn't be what you wanted.
Either they gave you a sleeve and you wanted a case for your accessories or they gave you a case and you didn't
want to carry all the accessories so you go out and buy yourself a protective sleeve or pouch. So just go get what you want ...
I myself purchased the Kodak Case that Amazon recommended to me .... also a nice purchase, perfect size not to big,
not to small and has a little accessory area that you can carry one of the cables and a spare battery if you need.
This camera feels rugged and well built. It's easy to use, lots of features like image stabilization and face
tracking, it comes with all the cables, free software that's always with you in the camera, and costs only $149.
So not to bad at all, and my conclusion is this if your looking for a sharp and crisp still photo camera drop the
$100 just for that and buy one, if your looking for a excellent video quality camera drop the $300 just for that
and buy one. But....If your looking for a pretty nice, simple and decent quality camera that does it all and
is rugged enough to go out in the rain or underwater drop $149 and buy this one.
I've included a video I compiled and edited down to show the different resolutions and the photos. Keep in mind
that while your viewing that this is an flv file and the actual quality that the camera will give you will be
much higher than what I was able to upload to Amazon, meaning you'll get better quality than what you see on here.

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The Kodak PLAYSPORT has as much appetite for adventure as you do. And it's not afraid to get wet. This audacious little camera can plunge up to 10 ft under water and capture the entire experience in full 1080p HD. And you don't need to worry about blurry footage when things get a little shaky. With built-in image stabilization, the Kodak PLAYSPORT will stay steady as a rock. From the waves, to the slopes, to the mud-soaked trails, this baby was made for the extremes.

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Pinnacle Dazzle DVC 100 DVD Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)I have both Mac and PC, and have tried this recorder in both systems.
With Windows (in my case, a fresh install of Windows Vista) it recorded a few things and then started freezing after about 5 minutes. I also got Blue Screens of Death in Windows. One star for working in Windows. It just didn't work, period.
Then I discovered that there was some third-party software (VideoGlide) that would work with Mac OS X. I tried that, and it has been AWESOME!!! The software (which is Mac-only) supports this device and gives me lots of options for settings. I have been capturing lots and lots of hours of footage with it.
A caveat with using this device with Mac OS X and the reason it gets four stars instead of five: I found that if I kept the Dazzle plugged in to a USB port for a long time, that sometimes my recordings would lose audio (no audio) or the audio would be out of sync. I must always check and make sure the audio is showing up (in the software's preview window) before starting to record something. As long as I do that, the recordings all seem to be successful. (And another tip for anyone who is interested: I use H.264 for video compression, at 50% quality--that is more than good enough--and IMA for audio. I wish they had a more compressed audio codec available, but it still works okay. An hour of footage at 640x480 is about 2.5 GB in size.)
The other reason it gets a four star is because I had to buy software to get it to work. But then again, this device never promised to work with the Mac. It is ironic I suppose that it basically fails in its chosen supported platform (Windows) but is quite successful in a platform it does not support (Macintosh). Ah well.

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Canon VIXIA HF S200 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder & Pro Manual Control Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm generally more of a still photographer at heart, but I finally decided to purchase an HD video camera, and after considerable research, I chose the Canon HF-S200. It seemed to have the right mix of features, size, price and quality - and so far, it's measured up.
From an ergonomics point of view, I found the camera about right for my hands. The controls seem logically laid out, and it fits naturally in my hand in a way that lets me hold it steady without feeling awkward. Still, even though the camera is barely a pound in weight, to get the best HD quality, you'll want to consider a monopod, tripod or some other support. I use a Kirk shoulder harness borrowed from one of my still cameras, and it works well. Otherwise, the controls seem to be where I'd like them and it took fairly little effort to get to the point where I could operate most of the features without fixating on the camera itself. Also, because of the memory card architecture, there are no moving parts in the recording system (there are of course moving parts in the lens, focusing mechanism, zoom, etc), making it quick, responsive and - best of all - totally silent in operation.
The camera also has all the right connections, including HDMI input/output, LANC remote controls, and connectors for outboard audio or microphones. The camera also has a shoe mount for things like video lights, and it can connect to some of Canon's cool accessories like their DVD burner (which I don't own, so I can't comment on).
This recorder writes to SD (SDHC) memory cards - up to two at a time, with the ability to fill one then overflow onto the other. Recording times are purely a function of how large your memory cards are, but assuming 32GB cards, you can get almost five hours of HD recording time by installing two cards in the S200. And of course you can carry a pocket full of extras, making recording time essentially unlimited. The AVCHD video format means you can plug your cards directly into many video editing programs with no need to transform or re-do anything. All in all, this is very convenient compared to other media (such as tape) where you essentially have to copy video to your computer as a separate step before you can work with it.
The camera includes a 10x zoom Canon lens, plus an additional digital zoom feature. I found the lens to be very good for a camcorder, producing bright, sharp and detailed videos with good color and contrast. Still, if you look at the output frame by frame on a computer, you can tell the lens - while impressive - is no match for a top quality DSLR lens. Plus, you're getting only an effective 6-8MP - pretty low by today's DSLR standards. I'm not so sure this is an issue, but I guess I don't shoot serious video with my DSLR, and I wouldn't shoot serious stills on my video camera. In 35mm terms, the range is about 43-435mm...good on the long end, but not quite as wide as I might like overall. Still, it's a fast lens and focuses close (about a foot, depending on zoom setting). A final nice feature is that the lens takes standard photo filters (58mm), and I find it handy for instance to screw on a polarizer sometimes.
I find most of the other features Canon includes to work well and to be thoughtfully designed. The 3.5" LCD panel is sharp and clear, although not always readable in bright sunlight. Auto-exposure and focus seem very fast and accurate, and even when there's a lot of fast motion, I usually find all the critical parts of the scene to be in sharp focus and properly exposed, aided by Canon's face and scene detection capabilities. When you want to, you can override exposure and focus to get a specific effect.
This is also the first consumer camcorder I've used that offers a choice of frame rates, from 24p to 30, giving you video that can have more of a film-like quality (24p) or be more natural to post online (30). The camera also has support for the latest wide-gamut color (x.v.color), giving you rich and vibrant colors if the rest of your equipment can handle it. In my case, displayed on a high-quality 60" plasma monitor, the videos look amazing.
To be clear, this camera is essentially the same as the Canon S20 or S21, the main difference among the models being the amount of on-board memory. I believe the S21 comes with 64GB built-in, the S20 has 32GB and this one (S200) has only the SD slots - you supply the memory. Since I like the idea of external memory cards that I can pop into my computer for editing and post-production, I think I'd end up using the slots anyway, and the onboard memory in the other models wouldn't be particularly helpful for me. This was the main reason I went with the S200 instead of one of the other models.
From an overall image quality perspective, the Canon offers the best image quality I've seen from a consumer product, period. HD images in 1080p are simply stunning, as good as anything you'll find anywhere. The image stabilization helps ensure you don't get "bumpy" scenes, and even the audio channels (which are capable of 5.1 recording with an add-on surround microphone) are quite good for such a small device. Overall, I was blown away by the video quality - it was much better than what I thought I could get at this price point.
Great camcorder - highly recommended and worth the price.

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Canon's VIXIA HF S200 Flash Memory Camcorder, with two SD memory card slots, offers Canon's most sophisticated feature set to date - blurring the line between consumer and professional. Native 24p Mode perfectly matches the frame rate of film. And 5.1-Channel Surround Sound ensures your audio complements the stunning realism of your video. Canon's superlative proprietary imaging technologies help deliver video and 8.0 megapixel photos with incredible detail and lifelike color. With the Canon VIXIA HF S200 4318B001 HD Camcorder, Touch & Track allows you to achieve sharp focus and precise exposure for any subject, simply by touching the generous 3.5" High Resolution (922,000 dot) Touch Panel LCD. Pick up your Canon VIXIA HF S200 4318B001 HD Camcorder today!

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Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I just purchased this camera a few days back from Target and couldn't be happier. I did almost a straight month of research on deciding what camcorder to buy. Reviews after reviews make me unsure what to buy. I started with a decision to purchase the Canon FS100. Well a week later the new model FS200 came out and was $70 more. No thanks.
Then I found information on this camcorder. It actually won an award for best entry level camcorder. Got to be good I thought. I researched Samsung camcorders from my ultimate source of camcorderinfo.com. They rated the standard definition SC-MX20 very well in comparison to camcorders much more expensive. Therefore I took the plunge.
I have used the camera for a few days now and ran through a battery of tests. First off in regular daylight or inside light the picture is phenomenal for this camcorder. Shots are crisp and clear and the autofocus is quick. Zoom is great as well; great pace to keep focus and the intelli-zoom works well too.
As for the anti-shake function, this works pretty well until you hit 8x or more zoom, then it's tough to keep it really steady. Overall the F34 was pretty good for a digital (non-optical) anti-shake.
Now on to the low light, the dreaded measure of most camcorders. I can tell you that of all the reviews I have read there is no camcorder under $600 that performs really well in low light. This is the nature of low end camcorders. Who is gonna spend most of their time recording at night anyways!!! For this the low light was ok. I went out side at night with just the motion light on and I could see what was illuminated. I turned up the exposure manually and it was even better. Not too bad for a $250 camcorder.
Overall I am very impressed with this camcorder. How can you pass up a Samsung brand item that performs well with 16GB built in and a 3 hour battery for $250? It's a steal compared to JVC and Canon. I would highly recommend.


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The new SMX-F34 is Samsung's next generation YouTube-compatible compact digital camcorder. Building on the SC-MX20 camcorder, the SMX-F34 offers additional features and functionality, including built-in memory, digital still photo capability, and Samsung's 42x Intelli-Zoom. Significantly more reliable than a standard digital zoom which negatively affects the quality of the image, Intelli-Zoom allows you to go beyond the camcorder's 34x optical zoom without sacrificing image quality.The SMX-F34 features a memory card slot for SD/SDHC and also offers 16GB of internal flash memory. Samsung is the first digital imaging company to apply H.264 compression to standard definition video, which considerably extends record times. Thanks to H.264 compression, users can record up to eight hours of standard definition video directly to the camcorder's internal flash memory without having to rely on a memory card. Samsung's new image processor also reduces power consumption, which translates to longer battery life. On a single charge, you can record up to three hours of uninterrupted video--ideal for when you wish to shoot for extended periods of time. Featuring a high-performance 680K pixel CCD sensor, the SMX-F34 delivers a resolution of 720x480 and also incorporates Samsung's new image processor which drastically enhances the overall image. Samsung's new image processor yields higher-quality video, 3-D Noise Reduction, Face Detection for up to five subjects, a brighter 2.7 inch LCD display, as well as H.264 compression.

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Olympus FE-3010 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and 2.7 Inch LCD (Magenta) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This camera is a great value, with many shooting options and a compact size. I intend to use it for snapshots and I'm evaluating it as such.
The main reason I'm writing this review is to share some information about its video capabilities:
- The camera can record audio but does not have a speaker, so in-camera playback will not have audio.
- This camera does not include an XD memory card, and to store anything beyond the pathetic internal memory you will need to purchase one. XD cards can be type M, M+, or H. Type M has an access time too slow to let the highest-quality video write to the card, so you can only record 10 seconds of video in this case. I contacted Olympus and they confirmed that the M+ and H type cards circumvent this problem, allowing you to fill the entire XD card with movie data if you wish to.


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Get superior image quality with a high-resolution 12-megapixel CCD. Make poster-size prints or even crop without sacrificing detail. 3x Optical Zoom brings you closer to the subject without taking a step. The 2.7" High-Resolution LCD lets you easily shoot and share your images with friends and family. In addition to xD-Picture Card compatibility the FE-3010 comes with an adapter for a microSD memory card an emerging electronic storage media for mobile phones PDAs and HDTVs. Automatically identifies the scene you?re shooting and adjusts the settings to optimize results. Tracks up to 16 faces and automatically focuses and optimizes exposures for sharp brilliant portrait pictures. With high ISO sensitivity and faster shutter speeds you can freeze the action to capture sharp blur-free images even if you or your subject is moving. Capture and share your fondest memories in full motion on the big screen or on the web using VGA Movie with Sound. Easily upload your VGA movies with sound to YouTube? and share them with the world using OLYMPUS Master? 2.0 Software.. Always get the best shot with easy-to-use Shooting Modes. The preset scene modes optimize your camera's settings for ideal results. Modes include Sunset Night Scene Beach and Snow as well as three adventurous Underwater Modes. High ISO lets you minimize blurry images caused by movement and capture clearer brighter images in low light. Learn as you go. The In-Camera Help Guides provide a brief description of camera settings and features conveniently displayed on the LCD at the push of a button. Get long-lasting economical shooting power with a Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery so you?re always ready for that important shot.

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