Customer Reviews

CAMCORDER 2.7LCD 60GB 35X DK STAT BLACK

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I actually rate this camcorder as a 4.5 stars. I bought this camcorder as a replacement for the first one I owned; the first one was stolen at the Natural History Museum in NYC. I decided to replace it only if I could find the exact same one again. Luckily, I found it here at Amazon. This camcorder is sold through an outside vendor, 6Ave. Note: this camcorder records video clips and will take photographs. In this review I use camcorder and camera interchangeably.

The camcorder measures approximately 4.5" X 2.0" X 2.75" (excluding the strap). It weighs 11.1 ounces; it will weigh more once the battery is added to it. I have a 2 hour battery attached and together it weighs a little over 14 ounces. It will come with a 1 hour battery. The total weight will differ because the batteries (1, 2, 3 hours) are different sizes. The left side of the camcorder contains a flip out screen; the screen will rotate up and down (but it will not rotate a full 360 degrees). Once the screen is opened, the camcorder turns on. The screen size is about 2.5" by 1.5" and is in color. This screen is not a touch screen. Do not touch it or you may end up damaging the screen. In the interior, are 5 buttons; the circular one is the power button (on and off), the three diagonal buttons are for transferring video and photo clips, and the "select play/rec" will play selected video clips on the camera's view screen. On the right exterior side is the camera strap. All you have to do is simply slide your palm in between the camera and the strap and wrap your fingers around the top and your thumb around the bottom; this is how you hold it. It fits in your palm.

When your fingers are wrapped around the top, your index finger will be in position to manipulate the "W-T" switch (the zoom mechanism) and the snapshot button (for pictures). This camcorder has a 35X zoom lens. It's amazing how close to the action you can get with this zoom lens. However, be warned: the closer you zoom in, the shakier your video will be or the blurrier you picture will be. Any 'barely there' movements made by your hand will be magnified in your video. I recommend using a tripod (if possible) if you use the maximum range on the zoom lens.

On the back side of this camera, where the battery is located, are three things: a rubber cover that says "DC" which allows you to plug the camera into a wall to charge the battery, a switch that allows you put the camera into video mode or picture mode, and the "start/stop" button which is used to record video clips. The "start/stop" button is placed right where your thumb would rest on the camera.

The bottom of the camera contains a tripod mount and a door where you can place a Micro SD card. This card, an accessory, stores the digital pictures you take. If it is not installed, you will not be able to use the picture mode (take pictures). On the front of the camera, down at the lower left corner of the lens is a rubber cover with the USB logo. This is where you plug in the cord to connect your camera to your computer when you save your clips.

The quality of the video is amazing. It truly reflects an image that is true to the scene you record (i.e. colors). Sound is a different issue. When playing back clips, there will be sound as long as there was noise during the event you record. For example, I recorded a band playing a song standing on their front lawn. Background sound will always be "quieter" than the sound of the person holding the camcorder. So be warned; this camcorder will pick up the voice of the person recording the scene much more than of the other noises. I speculate that the person making the recorder is the closest person to the microphone.

This camera is very light and portable. I have put the camcorder in its bag and then put the bag in my backpack so I can carry it around when I am out and about. This camcorder is good for all types of situations. I have used mine for: walking tours while I was in England and Ireland, graduation ceremonies, at Seaworld in San Diego, recording my brother's wedding ceremony, in the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and so on. This camcorder works fairly well in low light situations like aquariums, which are fairly dark. If you plan to travel with it, I encourage you to do so! However, I suggest that you have the TSA hand check the camera. This is only a precaution; I have no evidence that the X-ray scanner will damage it. Carry it on the plane when you travel.

The only reason why I didn't give this camcorder 5 stars is because of the computer software. The supplied software is for PC based computers; there is no software for Macintosh. I have not yet been able to figure out how to put my movie and photo clips onto my Mac Book Pro. I would enjoy this product even more if I could work with my clips on Mac in either IMovie or IPhoto.

I hope this review gives you a good description of the physical camera and how it works. Overall, I'm extremely excited to have my camcorder back!

Today I spoke to an amazing gentlemen by the name of Peter from 6Ave. He was extremely helpful and knowledegable. I had two past order based on the website stating the item was in stock (cheaper price). When I called the companies (remain nameless...I already slammed them on their reviews), anyway the item was not in stock and they both were rude. I learned a lesson when I see the word "in stock" and start calling the company (s). I saw the item again and called 6Ave they had the item in stock and I purchase 2 items from them...$500.00 JVC camcorder and Samsung 37" HDTV $950.00. I was so impressed with Peter. I went through Amazon.com and located this company. From this day forward when I want to purchase through the internet, I will stick with Amazon.com and hopefully 6Ave company will appear. NO more Mom and POP companies. Great doing business with Peter!!!