Customer Reviews for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Model: ZR850
SKU: 8212249
UPC: 013803078152
An easy-to-read on-screen menu makes it easy to take full advantage of this camcorder's wide range of features. Widescreen HR makes use of the whole image sensor, so you capture even more vivid footage of your surroundings. Learn more about Canon ZR850 Digital Camcorder.(Flash demo)
Average Customer Rating:
4.0
out of 5
(18 Reviews) 18
Rating Snapshot 18 reviews
5 stars
9
4 stars
4
3 stars
2
2 stars
2
1 star
1
72% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
13 out of
18)
Customer Reviews for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Review 1 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
OK in Bright Light
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: AhwatukeeAl
from Arizona
on 02/11/2008
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What's great about it: Light, Compact, Lots of fearures
What's not so great: Poor quality video in normal indoor lighting
I bought the camera to replace an aging analog Sony Handicam and am disappointed with the quality of the videos especially in normal indoor lighting. Lots of detail is lost and the videos have sort of a green tint. The camera is loaded with features but the manual is typical Canon. ie. hard to understand and follow. The picture is a still of both cameras' videos taken at the same time with the same indoor lighting.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 2 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
A good camera for the money
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Nowhay
from Seosan S. Korea
on 02/10/2008
What's great about it: Size, numerous features, zoom
What's not so great: Transfer videos to card then to computer difficult
I am living in S. Korea and wanted a camera that could take both still and video digital images. After much research I settled on this camera. Not an easy task considering it is a buy and love with no chance for return. My family received it quickly and sent it to me via the mail. I was impressed by the size, ease of use and zoom ability of this product. You can shoot stills and video at the same time only if you have a smart card. I brought a 2 meg card in Korea for only $30. I am frustrated that camera manufacturers don't just include a 1 meg card with their products. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT YOU MUST HAVE A SMART CARD IN YOUR CAMERA IN ORDER TO TRANSFER IMAGES TO YOUR COMPUTER. The camera in video mode is NOT recognized by the computer's USB connection. It is only when the camera is in CARD mode that the card is recognized and you can then transfer videos. So here is how it works: you take a video on the cassette tape, after you transfer the video to the smart card, then you connect to your computer and transfer to your hard drive. A confusing process at best. If you opt to record directly to the card you lose a number of "creative options" associated with the video recording process. But you can use the camera as a digital still or digital video camera. I liked that option.
Buy this camera but be sure to purchase at least a 1 meg card at the same time. Good luck
Buy this camera but be sure to purchase at least a 1 meg card at the same time. Good luck
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 3 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Great first palmcorder
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: ECOprof
from SC
on 02/10/2008
What's great about it: easy to use; good picture
What's not so great: slightly dark in low light
This camera is extremely easy to use out of the box. The basic function menu on the LCD display is easy to navigate and intuitive. We have used it to tape a vacation and several classes and each came out great!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 4 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
My first video camera and I love it!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: PerfectPicz87
on 01/26/2008
What's great about it: A great product
What's not so great: Not that I know of
The Mini DV ZR850 is a great video camera! The zoom is useful for far away objects! It is small for easier to carry around. The pictures and video turn out great. The built in LED light is great for filming in dark areas. Hook up to the computer or TV is easy and makes a great entertainment. I recommend this product for others, it is a great video camera to start out with! I love it!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 5 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
I wouldn't do it...
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: ELLJAY
from san antonio, TX
on 01/07/2008
What's great about it: it's cheap
What's not so great: terrible focus on zoom, playback grainy, need fire wire to upload to computer
I bought and then returned this camera. It was easy to use but the problem was when I played back my footage.
The quality was not good at all. I could tell no difference between this camera and a standard vhs camera. In fairness though, I read a review that said playback on large screens causes a grainy resolution, which is what I have (42' LCD) and what I saw. BUT, that's what I'm going to play it back on so why keep it?
Another reason I didn't like this camera is that the zoom feature was terrible. It says 35X but good luck zooming past 5 feet. Super blurry!
THE MAIN REASON NOT TO BUY THIS CAMERA for me was transfering what I shot to my computer. You need a firewire port (which I don't have). The memory card (bought seperately) will transfer images via USB, but not from tape.
I'm going to buy a DVD camera from Sony or a hard drive camer from Sony.
Good luck
The quality was not good at all. I could tell no difference between this camera and a standard vhs camera. In fairness though, I read a review that said playback on large screens causes a grainy resolution, which is what I have (42' LCD) and what I saw. BUT, that's what I'm going to play it back on so why keep it?
Another reason I didn't like this camera is that the zoom feature was terrible. It says 35X but good luck zooming past 5 feet. Super blurry!
THE MAIN REASON NOT TO BUY THIS CAMERA for me was transfering what I shot to my computer. You need a firewire port (which I don't have). The memory card (bought seperately) will transfer images via USB, but not from tape.
I'm going to buy a DVD camera from Sony or a hard drive camer from Sony.
Good luck
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 6 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Look at other products
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: kanger
on 12/27/2007
What's great about it: decent video quality
What's not so great: horrible noise
I have to agree with other reviews about the noise that the ZR850 makes while recording. This noise can be heard in playback as a high pitched mechanical whine that was fairly noticeable. I ended up returning this camcorder after 2 hours. I ended up exchanging it for a Panasonic PV-GS80 based on additional research. The GS80 image quality was comparable to the ZR850, if not better; but the audio quality was much superior than the ZR850. You could not easily detect the mechanical noise of the GS80 during playback. So basically I would look at other options before settling on this camcorder.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 7 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
My first video camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Wynner3
from San Mateo, CA
on 12/27/2007
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What's great about it: size, features, light, widescreen, SD card slot
What's not so great: tape is loaded on the bottom of the unit
I have had this camera for all of 5 hours now and I love it. I know, it's really too early to review since I just got it and I am excited but I researched this thing for months. It was down to this or the Sony DCR-HC38. It all came down to the features and the videos I have seen online from each camera. This one has impressed me the most. I went to a best buy store and play around with each one and this one was the better of the two. It is just the better choice. It has a light for night shots which I like a lot.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 8 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Great buy
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: theozz
from texas
on 12/18/2007
What's great about it: Easy to use! works great!
What's not so great: I cannot think of any
I reasearched on this product (ZR850) alot before buying it. I did not buy it initially because of some of the reviews stating that it had the motor noise. So, I bought a DVD DC210. After trying out the DC210, I returned it, the DVD did not play on my DVD player; even though the salespeople said it would. I went and got me the ZR850 (which is the one I initially wanted) recorded on it, and it worked great!!!!
I did not hear any motor noise as stated by many in the reviews. The recording is good, sound is good, the small little light is o.k. not that great, but o.k. After I recorded on the DVC tape, I rewinded it, placed the camcorder on top of the tv, plugged in the wires to the TV and I used the remote control to view what I recorded. That was so easy. I like this product very much. This is as much as what I have done, I have not tried uploading to the computer yet.
I did not hear any motor noise as stated by many in the reviews. The recording is good, sound is good, the small little light is o.k. not that great, but o.k. After I recorded on the DVC tape, I rewinded it, placed the camcorder on top of the tv, plugged in the wires to the TV and I used the remote control to view what I recorded. That was so easy. I like this product very much. This is as much as what I have done, I have not tried uploading to the computer yet.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 9 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Can't get past the noise!
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: twindad
from Houston, TX
on 12/08/2007
What's great about it: Easy menu navigation.
What's not so great: Motor noise.
I didn't keep this camcorder long enough to really expound upon its quality/value, etc. What I can talk about is the motor noise this thing puts out. Before you even begin recording, if there's a tape in the unit and you have it set to Camera mode, you're going to hear the motor. I proceeded to tape about 5 minutes of test tape, and sure enough, there was the motor noise clearly audible through the playback.
I returned the camcorder immediately.
I returned the camcorder immediately.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 10 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Good purchase
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: smartsadvice
on 11/19/2007
What's great about it: great quality in a large amount of light
What's not so great: fast zoom, low light recording
I purchased this camcorder after my old Sony broke. I thought it would be a good buy after looking at all its reviews and see that it comes with a 1 megapixel CCD, improving it's image quality from other mini DV camcorders.
When i got home though, and started trying it out, i was very disappointed in how poor it records in low light. I was looking at the Sony DCR-HC38 also, and decided to purchase this Canon instead seeing that it comes with a 1 megapixel CCD (the Sony HC38 only comes with 680K pixels).
Before i bought this one, I was trying out the Sony DCR-HC48 from my schools studio, and loved it. The 2 things that stood out to me were its low light capabilities, along with its super stead image stabalizer. That really comes in handy. So, I think i'm going to trade this one in for the Sony DCR-HC38. After seeing how well the HC48 performed, I'm sure the HC38 will do just about as well.
If you're a novice film maker, and plan to record in settings other than outside during a bright, sunny day, or without stage lights to brighten up your set, you'd be better off with a camera that can actually record well in low light situations. Most of Sony's camcorders are known to perform this rather well.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 11 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Uber Thrilled
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Happygolucky
from Pasadena, CA
on 11/12/2007
What's great about it: Super easy, great manual, small, lightweight, downloads to computer for editing and making movies, takes photos
What's not so great: None that I've discovered
If
I can use it to its full potential anyone can! I've avoided electronics
for years until I needed to make a virtual tryout video of my son
playing soccer. Taking quality action video in any light is super easy,
downloading to my computer and importing into Windows Movie Maker
couldn't have been simplier! As a first time user, I took 2 hours of
soccer game video and was able to edit it all down within 3 hours into
a 4 1/4 min. movie complete with title & credits as well as music.
It's truly that easy to create a professional looking video. The
added bonus that I didn't expect is that my new Canon camcorder can
also record my old VHS video onto the DV tape where I can then import
it onto my computer and make more movies. This is a perfect solution
for protecting videos of my children as babies - plus I can edit them
and add music - perfect for family keepsakes!
I can use it to its full potential anyone can! I've avoided electronics
for years until I needed to make a virtual tryout video of my son
playing soccer. Taking quality action video in any light is super easy,
downloading to my computer and importing into Windows Movie Maker
couldn't have been simplier! As a first time user, I took 2 hours of
soccer game video and was able to edit it all down within 3 hours into
a 4 1/4 min. movie complete with title & credits as well as music.
It's truly that easy to create a professional looking video. The
added bonus that I didn't expect is that my new Canon camcorder can
also record my old VHS video onto the DV tape where I can then import
it onto my computer and make more movies. This is a perfect solution
for protecting videos of my children as babies - plus I can edit them
and add music - perfect for family keepsakes!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 12 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Great Video Camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: PommeHomme
from Phoenix, Arizona
on 11/10/2007
What's great about it: Small, good features, good clear video, & easy to use
What's not so great: None that I didn't expect...
This Video Camera meets my expectations for what I thought I would get! I have used Canon products (Digital Elph Camera) and Video Cameras before and this definitely combines the best of both worlds. The interface is very similar to that of the Photo Cameras by Canon and the design of buttons are great! I love using this VideoCamera and do recommend it to anyone who reviews the specifications and sees that it meets their needs. The only con that I expected is that it doesn't work great in low light, but when I read the reviews, I expected that. It is great in daylight!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 13 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Nice Little Camcorder
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Barbarian
from Pacific Northwest
on 11/02/2007
What's great about it: Nice zoom lens, good quality image, very light
What's not so great: Poor low light image quality
very happy with this, my first camcorder purchase. Bought it to take videos to send home to parents - happy with features and overall quality. Definitely recommended based on price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 14 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Easy to Use + Quality Images = Great Value
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Ace23
from Orange County, CA
on 10/10/2007
What's great about it: Optical Zoom, Image Stabilizer on Camera function, Lightweight
What's not so great: It should be easier to transfer video to a computer.
This camera is really easy to use without lacking on the ability to set many different options and effects. Your savvy 10 year old will have it figured out in a snap! A very fair price for what you get considering the picture quality is hard to beat unless you go with an off brand. It's nice to know that you can trust the Canon name. It takes great digital pictures and has an image stabilizer, smooth functioning zoom and "quick play" resume.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 15 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
AMAZING
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: IMAGECONTROLBYDESIGN
from TUCSON, AZ
on 10/08/2007
What's great about it: I REALLY LIKE THE EASY WAY OF CONTROLING THE OBJECTS I AM RECORDING. ALSO EFFECTS; IT ALONE HELP ME BE CREATIVE .
What's not so great: YOU NEED TO PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL BATTERY, BECAUSE YOUR HAVING SO MUCH FUN WITH YOUR CREATIVITY
I REALLY LIKE THE HIGH DEFINITION;EASY HAND HELD DEVICE, THAT ALLOWS ME TO HAVE EASY MOTION CONTROL, AND THE EFFECTS ARE ESPECAILLY EXCITING ME TO ENHANCE MY CREATIVITY.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 16 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Great Entry Level Camera
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: newdaddy
from Kalamazoo, MI
on 10/08/2007
What's great about it: Video Quality, Size and Weight, SD Card Recording
What's not so great: Low Light Recording, Still Pictures
This is a great entry level camera! Great quality recordings and the higher pixel count is noticeble versus other "high end" cameras I looked at. As with any camera, especially low ends, low light video quality is grainy and save the still photo options for dedicated still cameras. The option to record on an SD card is great for getting short clips to the web quickly and easily.
Overall, I would recommend this camera to anyone.
Overall, I would recommend this camera to anyone.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 17 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Disney's best friend
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: SGTHavok
from Baltimore, MD
on 09/13/2007
My family and I recently took a trip to Disney World in Florida. We had a blast and I got almost all of it on video using my new Cannon mini dv camera. It was light enough to carry around and was easy to operate so I didn't have to spend hours learning how to use the thing. Another great feature is the ability to take pictures saved to memory card, while recording to tape. Definately a good purchase.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 18 for Canon 1.07MP MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
Get this camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Mommy1951
from Lexington, Ky
on 09/12/2007
This camera is very user friendly. It takes great pictures. My daughters used it on a trip to New York and sent home a view from a sea plane. It was beautiful!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
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