Summary I use the camera at the ice rink. I find if you are within 8 to 10 feet of the object you would like to record, the camera is fine. Outside of 8-10 feet, the quality of the picture is bad. Loss of color and grainy. I too will try to return my recorder after 4 days of use.
Strengths Good for close video.
Weaknesses Need firewire to download to computer. Picture quality loss outside of 10'
Summary After receiving the ZR-65MC, I read reviews and wondered if my wife made a good decision. The low level light problem might be at ultra low levels, but personally with normal indoor lighting I was able to get great color. As a Broadcast Engineer I didn't expect the professional quality, but I was pleasantly surprised at the video I was able to shoot.
This Camcorder is easy for the novice as well as having the options a more experienced videophile would desire.
Strengths A simple camera to operate and video software was a snap to install and use on a Windows OS. Video editing with effects makes the camera even more of a value and allows professional productions at the cost of the camera.
I would never order anything but Canon glass for the TV station and the glass on the ZR-65MC is super. The whole camcorder is top quality.
Weaknesses Need to buy or supply a larger battery for normal operation. Still picture quality is adequate but then this is really meant to be used as a camcorder. This feature is nice to have and really helps in search process.
Similar Products Used Professional Panasonic 610 cameras.
Customer Service Haven't had to use it, but expect it to be up to Canon standards, which in broadcast have always been great.
Summary Good camera. Don't let all of the negative reviews fool! Trust me, I bought the canon zr65, and then bought a Sony, after reading all the negatives about the Canon. Unless I don't know how to use my Sony yet, I have to say I am happier w/ the Canon. The picture has great colors, and I actually had better picture quality from the Canon vs. the Sony using it indoors. I bought a camcorder for indoor use. So don't be fooled.. this camera is great. I do have to say the still shots are not that good however!
Strengths Picture quailty, easy to use.
Weaknesses Battery life with orginal battery!
Similar Products Used Sony TV22
Customer Service IS EXCELLENT.. I called Canon several times with questions.. and EACH person I talk to was excellent! I would buy another product from Canon due to great customer service! (not to be critical of other companies.. I had far better customer service then Dell ~who I bought my PC from. I love my Dell computer, but they need to hire better people to represent the company, or they might lose a lot of customers)
Reviewed by angelo68
, Casual
, from Smyrna, DE. USA
Price Paid $569.00
at BestBuy
Summary Bought the camera the same day we left for vacation to Florida. The first time I used it was after we arrived at our hotel. I didn't have to read anything. Setup was a snap and I was already making movies at Disney, downloading into my laptop the same night. XP made things simple. I didn't need any other software just a firewire cable. I did get the $120.00 accessory bag with extended battery, wide angle lens. I also bought a UV filter. What else can I say. Great camera.
Strengths Ease of use. No surprises just great video.
Weaknesses I wish the firewire came with it. That cost another $30.00. Digital pictures suck, not worth having that feature. They could leave that out and give the firewire or better battery instead.
Similar Products Used Sony 8mm, Olympus digital camera.
Customer Service I haven't needed it yet, and I hope I won't.
3 of 5
3 of 5
4 of 5
4 of 5
1 of 5
1 of 5
