->Best Price

I have read all the product reviews prior to buying this camera.
I chose to believe that reviewers were (perhaps) exagerating in their comments about noise levels. How noisy could a camcorder be?
Well, I was wrong! IT IS NOISY! READ OTHER REVIEWS and know that they ARE CREDIBLE!
Looking back I would rather spend more money on a better quality product.


->Price

Alas, the motor noise issue is true. I have had a ZR300 for several years and have been very happy with it. I had hoped the motor noise of the ZR800 would be at a similar level, but unfortunately it is significantly worse. I feel this renders the unit unacceptable unless you intend to always use it with a mic. If you are looking for a cheap camera to play with entry level mics with (as was my intent with this camera), this is a good option -- but be aware that you cannot monitor the sound through external headphones while recording and it has no accessory shoe. This unit also has a buzzing noise when the windscreen is activated/deactivated (that goes away when the windscreen option is disabled). The picture is significantly better than the ZR300.


->Buy

I love this camcorder. It is very easy to use, the piture quality is great. You can record wide screen or full screen. Light weight, fits in the palm of your hand which is more stable and less shaky when taping. The controls are within easy reach while taping. It is so easy to use that both of my kids have even been using it and they are only 9 and 6. It is also a great price. Can't wait for all our summer vacations to start taping.

I bought this camcorder two weeks ago from best buy. I just wrote my review and then read the others and I had to add this in, there were comments being made that you can hear the tape while recording and then in the play back. I slightly hear the noise when I am taping, but I cannot hear it when I am playing it on my dvd player. To hear the noise while taping you have to have it right next to your ear. But not noticable on the playback on computer or through the dvd player.


->Price

I really think this camcorder is great. I'm amazed at how good the picture is for the price. It's nice and light and easy to carry around, and I got tons of great video from my family's recent trip to Disney. I'm not a real technical person when it comes to these recorders, but I can certainly say I'm very happy with it esp. for the money.


->Best Price

I am writing to offset some negative opinions on this unit. I bought the Canon because it has facilities for an external mike. I am a new camcorder user and so have no practical experience to bias my opinion one way or another. First on the matter of tape drive noise: yes I can hear it if I put the unit up to my ear. But no noticeable noise comes up on actual movie clips when played back through my computer. Second, they claim you can interconnect and capture clips to your computer. What they don't tell you is that you need a Firewire card and cable (about $70.00 total at Best Buy). You cannot simply hook up through the available computer USB port. Fortunately, Microsoft provides the necessary drivers in the XP OS and minimal capture software called "Moviemaker".

I am not too pleased with the tape system but considering the price of the unit, I think it is a bargain. Finally, I have become aware through short experience with the unit that the ergonometric design for the right hand was very well thought out. Your thumb easily controls on/off and tape transport functions. It is really easy to use, at least for right handed users. All considered, I am satisfied with the product. Of course, if it dies next week, I will have a different opinion.