Sanyo VPC-FH1 HD 1080p Flash Memory Camcorder w/ 16x advance zoom (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If money is no object and optical image stabilization is your primary concern, then I recommend you buy the Canon HFS10 or HFS100. Now, with that out of the way, you have to temper your expectations with what you paid for. This camera is at least $600 less than the HFS100 for basically the same image quality minus image stabilization. You will see that I compare this with the Canon a lot because Canon has been king of the camcorder scene for a few years now.
Pros:
The image quality is almost as good and even better than the Canon in some aspects (based on online reviews as I don't own the Canon). The low light sensitivity is excellent (there is an option to turn up the sensitivity level). The thing we need to keep in mind is this: camcorders are best when used in areas with plenty of light. There is really no reason to film at night unless you absolutely need to. For the times when you want to film the night light or night scenery, this camcorder does its job very well. When hooked up to my 1080p television, the video was spectacular. I can't imagine how much better the Canon would be but I'm very satisfied with this. I know that it's impossible for the Canon to be twice as good as this camcorder for twice the price, at least for me.
It is small! I can definitely take this with me on vacation every where I go and not tire out my arms. It's much smaller than I expected, almost like a toy. Having used 5-pound camcorders in the past, this is definitely a good thing.
I can now leave my point and shoot camera at home as this substitutes as a regular still camera, hence the dual camera moniker. It takes 8 meg stills (don't use the 12 meg option as that's interpolated) which is impressive for a camcorder this size/price. There are ISO adjustments which I believe is lacking in the Canon.
Cons:
Image stabilization. If you like to film videos without tripods, monopods then I suggest you stay away from this. However, for under $500, I was able to buy this camcorder and a tripod, 16GB SDHC, and a camcorder bag. No optical stabilization can match a tripod/monopod. If you're serious about creating timeless videos that you can view 20 years from now, you need a tripod. Period.
Yes, it would be nice if the image stabilizer was better for the times when I don't have a tripod with me. However, it's serviceable if I hold the camera very steady so it's not as bad as some people would lead you to believe. I don't plan on filming while walking very often so it's perfectly fine. If you have a shaky hand problem and hate tripods/monopods then stay clear.
You can mitigate shaking with (1) a tripod, (2) steady hands, or (3) deshaker software (free online). You cannot mitigate $600 or low light sensitivity. No matter what camcorder you buy, you will need a tripod eventually if you're serious about taking good videos. So budget that into your purchase plan.
Normally, I would deduct one star for the bad image stabilization, but for a camcorder with superb image quality, low light sensitivity, and the fact that I can throw in a 16GB SDHC, tripod, and camera bag (all bought separately of course) for around $500, it's absurd to dock a star for it. This is the best camcorder for the money.

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Take stunning Full 1080p High Definition video at 60fps and amazing 8 megapixel digital photos! The compact Sanyo Dual Camera Xacti FH1 delivers high performance results with multiple features normally found on much higher priced video and photo cameras.The FH1 packs tons of features which are sure to please the most discerning user; including 600fps slow motion mode, face chasing technology which automatically read and corrects focus and lighting for up to 12 different subjects, and 16x optical zoom for video.Its compact design makes the FH1 extremely portable and easy to use.Videos, still photos and the various settings and menus can be easily accessed with the user's thumb.The FH1's convenient design makes sharing videos and photos via social networking web sites, portable video devices like IPods, TVs and computers, a breeze.

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Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilization Review

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(More customer reviews)I was thrilled with how small this camera is. It fits in your hand as if it were a half full 12 oz. can of soda. It's very light, but the fortunately the image stabilization makes it shoot like it was a heavier camera.
I ran into an issue with iMovie '07 (part of Apple's iLife '08) that caused the screen to stretch wider, making people look fat. This will likely be resolved soon by Apple, and for now I've taken to using the 1440 X 1080 resolution which imports just fine.
I've also fitted a 37mm mount size aftermarket wide angle lens which really helps for shooting indoors. Some have complained that the video is a bit more grainy while indoors and in darker conditions than the HD1, but I can't complain.
So far, the battery life seems to run an hour and 10 minutes, which is better than the 55 minutes it's rated for.
This camera does not include an SD card, so you'll want to pick up a 4GB (40 minutes) or 8 GB (80 minutes) card. I got the class 6 version of those SDHC cards for a faster transfer. I think I might stick with the 4 GB size in the future so I can easily burn the files to a blank DVD which holds 4.7 GB. Also, make sure you have a card reader that supports SDHC. It also doesn't include an HDMI cable, so pick one of those up if you have a TV capable of HDMI. Belkin makes the least expensive cable at $20.
And finally, if you're a Mac user, you should know that only the Intel Macs (that have been out since January of '06) support the AVCHD editing.
Some have complained about the low light grain that this camera tends to have. I've noticed it as well, and apparently the HD1 is slightly better indoors. But this wasn't a huge issue for me.
The only thing that would make this camera perfect for me would be an external mic input.

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The HDC-SD5 hi-def camcorder can copy recordings from the SD Memory Card to a DVD disc, maintaining the original full-HD format, or use the included software to burn a full-HD recording from an SD Memory Card to a DVD disc on your PC.Images recorded by conventional HD camcorders have only 1,440 horizontal pixels, while full-HD camcorders have 1,920; that's about 30 percent more recording pixels! The result is a level of detail and resolution that goes beyond anything you've ever experienced before. And because full-HD recordings contain a vast amount of picture information, they look beautiful not only on high-definition TVs, but on standard-definition TVs as well.Camera shake happens. Unsteady hands, shooting while in motion: these factors can reduce the quality of your video. But Panasonic has developed its best-ever built-in Optical Image Stabilization, which compensates for hand-shake and helps keep your videos crisp, steady and blur-free.The HDC-SD5 comes with a world-class Leica Dicomar lens, fashioned specifically for high-definition digital camcorders. The superior craftsmanship of Leica's advanced lens system captures stunning images and colors that look magnificent in HD. Combined with Panasonic's advanced 3CCD system, which uses three separate sensors to capture and process light, you can relive your memories in lifelike detail on your HDTV screen.

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Sony HDR-UX10 4MP DVD High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)Excellent HD cam at a low price,
- it's a SONY,
- the video quality is very very good, 1080i! FULL HD, crystal clear.
- the 5.1 channels mic records amazing sound.
- the menus are easy to use, if you dont get it: use the "easy" button, it sets up the cam and you're good to go.
- the photos are very good taken thanks to the "Steadyshot" feature and the integrated flash. You can take photos at any time during video recording.
- the "night shot" func. really works.
- it fits in your hand perfectly and it has a good weight, not too light nor heavy.
- transfers to PC are easy and fast. just connect the usb, it's software detects it and download the videos, once it's done you can watch the videos on Windows media player, if you have any issue doing so, just google: "ffdshow" and download this codecs pack, so your pc can play almost any kind video out there.
- If you have a PS3, just plug the memory stick and play the vids.
- The photos can be transferred without using the sony software just copy/paste.
Opportunity:
-The Slow motion feature could be better, you won't get good video quality using this function, it's helpful if you just need to observe something in slowmo but not if you want to make an artistic video or something like that. What i do is take the regular video on HD and slow it down with Windows Movie Maker ;P (You can speed it up too)
This a very good HD camcorder for the price; you can't go wrong with SONY.
Edit: here is the link to the actual codecs you may need to play the videos with Windows Media Player,

[...]
Just install them and you're good to go.


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Experience the world of high definition video with the HDR-UX10. Hybrid recording technology lets you choose your recording format -- DVD or removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media. The ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and BIONZ image processor captures detailed Full HD 1920 x 1080 video, as well as 4 megapixel still photos. Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization helps ensure clear images; while Face Detection technology helps everyone put their best face forward. You can use the Dual Record Mode to capture still images and video at the same time, and even capture a lifelike audio experience with built-in zoom microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound.

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Canon VIXIA HG20 AVCHD 60 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this camera today, I wanted to get HG10 as it is cheaper, but I went with this one as it has higher Hard Disk capacity with small price difference.
The first test video taken was indoors and with low light, I noticed lot of dots in the frame, however, after setting the AWB to indoor and exposure to low light, the video looked much better, then I tried the sport setting with 24p and the video was impressive!! I hooked the camera to my 40" HD LCD TV, and the colors and sharpness are breathtaking!!
One tip is to use the P (Programmed AE) setting with different selections of White Balance, the LCD screen is clear enough to make a quick decision on the fly to pick the best selection, I used 3 different settings walking in day light, then on a shady area, then inside a shop.
One thing to note that the battery works only 2 hours, Canon offers better battery with 4 hours duration priced around $100.
You also need to read the pros and cons of the video codec, there are lot of information on the Canon HG10 reviews, and very useful. In general the higher the frame bit rate and resolution, the longer it will take to process and edit the video and much longer to burn it on DVD or BluRay.
I actually found out that Google's Picasa 3 application (free download) can open the videos recorded by the camera, this tool can export any clip (or portion of it) to wmv format, once the file is exported, you can use any video editor like Microsoft Movie Maker to compress the file or change it to DivX format, etc.

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The Canon HG20 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 60GB internal Hard Disk Drive allows you to now record up to 22 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 HG20 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 HG20's 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects.The HG20 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, and a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings. The HG20 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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Panasonic HDC-DX1 AVCHD 3CCD High Definition DVD Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)You really have to be in the Blue-Ray camp to enjoy this camera fully. If you have a Sony Play Station 3 you're set for playback and the future with Blue-Ray for High Definition movies. Otherwise you will need a Blue-Ray player for playback of the miniDVDs and any other regular DVDs you record to. Also, so far it's one of the last camcorders from Panasonic with 5.1 sound and High Definition recording, which is a big plus for sound. It's seems the newer camcorders are actually going backwards with 2 channel sound instead of 5.1. With Nero 8, which you'll have to buy separately, you can copy movies to your computer for editing and burning back on to a larger size regular recordable DVD, i.e., DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+-RW or DL disks (they don't have to be Blue-Ray recordable DVDs). The camcorder records Blue-Ray format to regular DVDs. You just have to remember that they still won't play back on a regular DVD player, you'll need a Blue-Ray player or a Play Station 3. There have been complaints about this, but you're recording High Definition video now, so why would you except to play it back on a lower quality DVD system? This camera is for the future. If you want a DVD recordable camcorder, there are cheaper, less capable models that that do that. But if you want High Definition recording, with 5.1 sound, then this is the camera to get. One other thing to remember, the recording process to a miniDVD whether it's with this camera or any other miniDVD camera is different than with tapes. The miniDVD will have to be finalized if you want to use it outside the camera on a DVD player (Blue-Ray or not). There is an extra step involved from tape recording. Some people just don't understand this and complain. The one thing about this camera is that you can only finalize using the A/C charger and not with the battery in the camera. This means you'll probably shoot video and finalize the disks at home, not outside where you are shooting. Other miniDVD camcorders may allow finalizing with battery power which may be more convenent to do, but I don't find not having this a drawback for this camera.

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700x digital zoom16:9 widescreen recording 3CCD camera system provides vivid color fine detail and rich gradation AVCHD format records 1080i and 720p high-definition (HD) signals onto 8cm DVD providing up to 60 minutes of continuous recording Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) supresses camera shake in both motion and still pictures 5.1-channel DolbyDigital surround sound recording for true-to-life soundZoom Microphones adjusts the sound to match the subject in focus Tele-Macro allows shooting macro close-ups while maintaining a distance of 60 cm from the subject 3 5/8" W x 3 1/2" H x 6 7/16" DUses SDor SDHCmemory cardsIncludes Li-Ion battery pack remote control lens cap AV and USB cables AC adapter and software

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JVC GZ-HM1 High Definition Camcorder Review

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(More customer reviews)After very careful study and consideration over the last several months, I decided to go ahead and go with this JVC GZ-HM1 rather than the Canon HF S21 or Sony HDR-CX550V.
One of my main concerns was low light shooting. Although I believe that both the Canon and JVC to be similar in their great quality picture during normal lighting conditions, unfortunately, the Canon does not have a backlit CMOS sensor introduced this year by JVC, and last year by Sony.
In the end, I was left debating between this JVC and the Sony. The Sony has a larger and much more beautiful 3.5" touch display, opposed to the 2.8" display on the JVC (the JVC uses nice touch sensitive buttons, which keep the screen clean and smudge free, which is also a good feature). Also, the Sony offers more automated features for novice users.
I went to a local camera store, and tested both units using a very high quality HD display and connected both camcorders via HDMI. The quality and clarity of the image on the JVC unit was far, far, superior, and text/minute details at a far distance that weren't legible on the Sony, were clearly legible on the JVC. The manual controls, and physical button layout, as well as the awesome zoom rocker, really set the JVC apart from the Sony. The general sensation is that the Sony model was packed with gimmicks, and designed to be "idiot proof", while the JVC was designed to be controlled by the user, and is fantastic for someone who isn't scared of manual controls (not to say that the automatic mode isn't good).
The more I use it, the more I love it...

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HDMI Coupler Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)The item I received did not match the picture on Amazon.com. The picture shows a connector thinner at the mini HDMI end. The items (I ordered two) I received are the same width at the mini HDMI end and the HDMI end. Consequently they do not fit my Canon camcorder. Attempts to file the end to make it fit revealed metal. Using the filed down connecter results in audio dropouts. Totally useless.

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Hitachi DZ-BD7HA BluRay 5.3MP DVD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder with 30GB Hard Drive & 10x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)1.The quality of the recording in anything other than bright daylight is abysmal and cannot be called high definition. It seems to have lines throughout the image, as if there was some kind of interference/static.
2.The camera takes an eternity to focus on the desired object; a blurry image appears instead. That is especially true when the camera is turned on and when using the zoom.
3.The manual says that by pressing the button "BLC" when filming someone indoors against bright light will fix the darkness problem, but it doesn't work (the person filmed is still completely dark, and the person's face can't even be seen).
Overall, the camera does NOT seem to be functioning as a high definition - full HD - quality camera. My 1080i Sony Camcorder that was bought over one year ago has much better image quality.

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The flagship DZ-BD7HA camcorder is a Hybrid model. This means it provides the Blu-ray disc recording capability along with a 30 gigabyte (GB) built-in Hard Disk Drive (HDD) which can record approximately four hours of 1920 x 1080 high definition video (HX mode) or up to eight hours of 1440 x 1080 high definition video (HS mode). Also, with the simple push of a button, it can copy the contents from HDD to BD within the camcorder itself. Easy editing functions such as split, delete and connect can also be made right in the camcorder before using the 1-touch dubbing function to burn Blu-ray disc copies.

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Hitachi DZ-BD10HA - Camcorder - widescreen - 7.0 Mpix - optical zoom: 10 x - HDD : 30 GB - DVD-RAM (8 cm), DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), mini BD-R, mini BD-RE Review

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(More customer reviews)I am very satisfied with the purchase of Hitachi DZ-BD10HA Camcorder. It is the only HD hybrid camcorder on the market that offers recording on Blu-ray disc, hard drive and memory card. You can copy the recorded video between all three of them within the camcorder. I usually record my video on the hard drive and then back it up on Blu-ray disc right inside the camcorder. So far no problems. The HD video quality is great!

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Sony HDR-UX5 4MP AVCHD DVD High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The combination of ClearVid CMOS and x.v. Color standard makes the difference. Supposed to capture 1.8X colors more than the human eye can recognize and i agree with that. Your LCD with HDMI will blow your eyes (component is nice too). I never tought my TV can display those colors, clear, crispy, vivid, you got to see it to believe it.
You can capture still images at 4MP even while you're recording (you need a MStick Duo). The pics are ok but doesn't replace a semipro digital camera. But let me tell you that you can leave your digital camera at home.
Your home movies will be flavored with dolby digital audio, so if you have a home teather you will see your friends in the scene while you're hearing sounds from other directions.
Slow motion mode lets you capture up to 240 fps for just 3 seconds, that's a 12 seconds sequence with no lost frames at normal playback, interesting for sports or any fast move.
The only con is the AVCHD format, you will need a PS3 or Blue Ray player in order to play the Double Layer DVD but can use the camcorder as player. Anyways you can use standards mini DVDs.
Is a good deal, i think camcordes twice the price are not much better than this.

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CL) SONY HDR-UX5 HI-DEF DVD Camcorder

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JVC Everio GZ-X900 AVCHD HD Flash Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is without a doubt the best camera / video camera combination on the market. The video is absolutely outstanding and surpasses my prior camera the sanyo Xacti HD 1000 by far - and I thought that camera was outstanding. The photos are also brilliant with great color saturation and reproduction. It turns on almost instantly and the 5mp stills that can be taken while shooting video are also great quality. The camera has only 2 drawbacks, a limited optical zoom and only fair low light performance. The high quality of the images does much to surpass the limited optical zoom as the digital zoom can be used toover 10x with still wonderful quality. Compared to my panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5, a highly rated point and shoot the low light performance is similar. Bright indoor lights are no problem, but dim lighting results in a grainy image. The use of a tripod or monopod has helped low light performance significantly. Recently shooting images at dawn with a 32x zoom on video the simultaneously recorded stills were grainy but I captured images I never thought I could. When the lighting is better WOW! The images taken on a recent back countrytrip could be published, and the video is DVD quality. The image stabilization is excellent as well with good lighting. The high speed pictures and video are good but also require adequate lights. Lastly, it fits in my front jeans pockets without too much of a bulge. In summary,it is as good as a high quality point and shoot camera,and better than nearly any other video camera on the market wrapped in a small easy to use, instant on package that can always be with you. Low light conditions require a tripod or monopod and the zoom is limited as well but these factors affect less than 10% of my needs.

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1-touch upload to YouTube and iTunesIncludes remote control, power supply, docking station and all cables

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