Customer Reviews

Canon ZR70MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 22x Optical Zoom, Digital Still Mode, MMC Slot, Image Stabilization and Wide Angle Attachment

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

This is my first camcorder. I have downloaded several 60 minute MiniDV tapes to my editing program and have had NO detectable motor noise. I purchased the optional directional stereo microphone that attaches to the accessory shoe for higher quality sound recording, but haven't used it yet. The 22X optical zoom is fabulous. I turned off the Digital Zoom. I recorded herds of elk that I could barely see with naked eye and with the 22X Optical Zoom they were close enough to count antler points and of very good quality. Filmed beach at Pacific Ocean in Washington state, excellent quality films, zoomed in on distant objects and got very good quality shots.

Some of the reasons I decided on this make and model (after months of research and hands on with digital camcorders in stores) is due to the large size of the buttons (they are easy to locate and depress),the compact size of the camera, and it's very easy to operate. I can fit the camera in my coat pocket and the weight is barely detectable. Great for people who hike or hunt, etc. The camera's size doesn't detract from it's quality~ it's constructed of tough materials and feels like it's quality, not junky at all.

Another selling point for me is the 22X Optical Zoom. It's the highest level OPTICAL zoom that I found of any MiniDV camcorder. Canon has an excellent reputation for high quality lenses.

Some reviewers complained about the still pictures being poor quality, but that is not an issue for me. I didn't purchase it for still photos. I do find it appealing to have the option of taking a still photo with it once in a while. I have not tested the still photo option yet. I have a feeling it will be pretty good quality though :-)

THIS CAMERA DOES NOT COME WITH FIREWIRE CABLE, YOU NEED ONE TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO TO COMPUTER! Make sure you have one and that your computer has a FIREWIRE port. I had to install a firewire card to my computer.

I purchased several accessories for my camera:

1) Tele-Converter lens (TL-30.5)
2) Lens filter set (FS-30.5U)
3) Canon Directional Stereo Microphone (DM-50)
4) Canon Lens Cleaning Kit (Z-02-A ?)
5) Sony Mini DV Head Cleaner (Digital Video Cleaning Cassette)
6) Canon BP522 Lithium Battery and car charger
7) Firewire cable for video capture (Camera DOES NOT come with firewire cable! You NEED this to download the video to your computer!!!!)
8) SLIK 504QF-ll Video Tripod
9) Canon Deluxe Back Pack Bag (200 EG)
10) SIMA Video Light (fits on hotshoe) Model SL-9
(I am sure the CANON VL-3 Video Light or the VL-10li Battery Video light that fit on the hotshoe are better for this camera but I bought this on impulse at Circuit City)

I bought Adobe Premiere 6.5 for my digital video editing, and purchased two very useful books on digital video filming and editing:

1) How to Use Digital Video (SAMS Publishing) by Dave Johnson

Teaches editing in Adobe Premiere and MGI Video Wave III but the lessons are applicable to most video editing software. Full of good photos of editing software screens and easy to follow instructions. Very useful book.

2) Capture, Create, and Share Digital Movies (Survive and Thrive series, Gateway Press)

Teaches editing in Pinnacle Studio and Ulead Video Studio
but lessons are applicable to most video editing software. Has lots of good pictures of video editing software screens and easy to follow instructions. Very useful book.

I think that if most of those who left negative reviews had spent some time reading the manual and practicing with the manual and camera in hand, they would have been satisfied with the camera. Much of their negative comments deal with issues that are drawbacks to ALL digital camcorders, and are discussed in the instruction booklet. (night shooting, etc)

I'm 100% satisfied with this camera. I think it's awesome. At Circuit City you can test it for 30 days and if you aren't satisfied with it you get a full refund.

Things sometimes get better - Canon improved this camcorder-series, and we should be happy about it! This is what I can say about a close model to this one (the ZR50MZ), the earlier top-model:

I work with camcorders since 1988 - S-VHSC, Hi8, etc. No question, no matter what kind of digital camcorder you compare with an analog one, it is superior. However, I found this camcorder particularly interesting and bought it since I left the 'semi-professional' field (and being now an electrical engineer in software development). Here are my findings:
Pro:

1) Awesome workmanship: The high-grade plastic case pieces precisely fit and give the camcorder a valuable finish, the buttons have a well defined 'ignition' point and the connectors for FireWire, USB, Analog Video etc. are 'cemented' into the case.
2) Excellent cost / feature ratio: Although following the hype of marrying video with stills, this camcorder emphasizes on video (please, do buy a digital camera if you need digital stills). The outstanding optical unit with a real 22x zoom and one of the most effective image stabilizer in the market, combined with a friendly user-interface including illuminated buttons and a clean menu, this camcorder is a bargain.
The picture quality is excellent. One note here: please remember that the miniDV standard builds on 5.7 Mhz video bandwidth. In other words, no matter what the (multi) colored CCD ship is capable of a resolution, it comes down to a maximum of 370,000 effective pixels needed for NTSC video. The 460,000 pixels of this camcorder seem more than enough.
3) Accessories: Just in case you really care about the somewhat whining recorder server motors, please do buy the optional microphone - it's an awesome addition if you do semi-professional sound-recordings. Also, Canon offers wide and tele-converters specialized for the ZR series. Not a novelty in camcording in general, but a serious affordable consumer expansion if needed.
4) Internationality: Yes, there are other electrical power systems out there: the Canon switching power supply is not only very light, it also connects to almost every wall-outlet in the world with the right (optional) plug-adapter.
5) Ergonomics: Oh yes, I thought about a palm-ready camcorder, too. But think about it: the optical unit including the lenses and the CCD has to fit into half the length of a regular camcorder like the ZR 50 (Palm recorders do not have more than 10x zoom, the ZR 50 has 22x). The camcorder fits right into my hand, the zoom button can be accessed naturally without shifting the camcorder in your hand (try Sony!) and the zoom button is depth sensitive - the deeper you zoom, the less sensitive is the camcorder zoom-button. Additionally, beside so many other brands out there, the digital zoom is even useable to a certain degree. It becomes affective once the optical zoom is exhausted to a 22x. However, if you want quality video, turn it off.
6) Video Modes: Select one of the predefined video modes. One of the most impressive mode is the night-mode - if the moon strikes you, your ZR 50 will catch it. However, don't expect wonders, every serious video-grapher recommends at least 100 lux (a unit of measuring light-intensity).

Con:
I couldn't find a con so far - maybe the sound-quality the integrated microphone produces? Hm, given the size of the case, it seems reasonable...

Yeah, I am enjoying this camcorder. Canon showed once again that a camcorder design can meet almost all of a consumer-customer's needs:
Rich functionality, lightweight design, extensible through optional accessories including lenses, robust workmanship.

Recommended!

This is the first video camera I have purchased. Having used many Hi8 and SVHS video cameras I was unsure what camera to buy. After reading the reviews and asking associates and testing the camera. I purchased the ZR70MC at my local electronics shop and immediately liked the look and feel of the controls along with the excellent quality of the videos I was taking. Outside the camera's picture quality was excellent. I filmed my nephew walking, running and playing with his toys. No loss of quality. I thought I was watching digital cable! The wide angle attachment is perfect for group shots and large room areas. The picture quality from the photos wasn't great but acceptable for e-mail. We have a traditional camera for those needs. My wife liked the weight of the camera it is light and easy to carry. I wasn't able to hear the motor noise that everyone was talking about. The camera is small and some background noise can be heard. You can also hear the clicking of buttons and the movement of the zoom. You do need a firewire cable for direct connection to your MAC/PC, however the photos and 10 second movies can be downloaded with the USB. I'm waiting to receive the free video editing software by mail and will update you on the quality of the software with the camera.

Prior to buying the Canon ZR70MC, I read the reviews with great interest. After buying it, as a second choice due to limited time and unavailability of our first choice at the store, I would like to share some notes with prospective buyers. First, I noted that some owners complained about "motor noise" playing back after recording. I found that if you hold your finger in the bottom front of the camera, where the microphone input is located, you will indeed get motor noise during your recording. The simple fix is to not hold your finger near the microphone input area while recording. The motor noise is then negligible. Second, I noted some people complained about the image stabilization being poor. I would not class it as being poor, but I have seen better in cameras in the $1500 and up range. A tripod is definitely recommended for lengthy or telephoto recording. Image quality is first rate, although the image will "pixelate" if you get overzealous with the telephoto feature. The 22X optical zoom is excellent, and the careful and judicious use of the digital zoom feature can lend real "close-ups" with good resolution to your recordings. Finally, the transfer of the taped images is to VHS, CD or DVD is very simple and straightforward. In particular, for those of us that still use them, VHS tapes come out with excellent resolution! The owner's manual makes easy work out of digital effects and editing, including connections and methods. The on-screen menu is not touch screen, but it is almost as easily accessed through the simple selector located on the rear side of the camera. The screen and viewfinder are both clear and sharp. All in all, I rate this camera 41/2 /5 possible with no reservations. Quite simply, I like it a lot, and I am very happy that my wife and I decided to purchase it. I recommend it.

-- Best things: Fits hand, very easy to use, convenient size (smaller more expensive models are hard to control, even with stabilization), the optical zoom is wonderful, the sound is sensitive and surprisingly accurate (more on that below), image quality in bright light is awesome, AV passthrough lets you transcribe to/from video or S-video devices (e.g., TV, VCR) direct to FireWire (with or without going onto tape in between). It works wonderfully with iMovie software on Mac OS-X.
-- Worst things: Comes from Canon without a tape, comes with USB cable but not a FireWire cable, has bells and whistles (who actually needs to change colors of illuminated buttons?), takes still shots (I don't need/want a digital still photo feature with another set of media and cables). Built-in mic picks up wind noise. (I haven't tried the optional accessory microphone.)
-- Other comments: Perhaps pricey, but worth it for the Canon optics and ease of use. The ZR-70 comes with a wide-angle lens which is actually useful. So is the remote control. Battery life is longer than a tape's capacity, so plan to have a spare battery and a separate charger (not included) and change battery and tape together. I haven't done much with low light conditions, but it seems okay. Some ZR reviews have mentioned motor noise picked up in the sound recording - it isn't a problem for me. The camera adjusts the recording level to match the ambient sound level - this means that you get great sound in a wide range of situations. Only if there is no other sound will the camera turn up the sensitivity so high that it records its own motor's noise.
-- Punchline: I'm really happy with this DV camcorder, and recommend it. (5 stars if it came with a tape and FireWire cable in the box, and without still photo feature.)

If you're searching these pages for camcorder reviews you're probably bug eyed and worn out but information overload. So I'll get to the point.

I bought this camera because I'm dork who wanted a camera with a lot of features but not enough of a geek to need the latest and greatest thing out there. Didn't want to spend a fortune (I gladly paid $600)

Several factors led me to choose this model over some others I was considering (especially midrange sonys.)
1. zzzooooooooooom 20x specifically. It really works. You can really get in there and have clear details even from farrrr away.

2. connections: it comes with every possible connector built in, so you can dub to/from VCR, use USB, firewire etc. Not many cameras in this range had this many connectors (I write in Dec 03)

3. Hot shoe -- easy to hook up boom mike or spotlight. Few cameras have this feature.

4. built in light - small light in front comes in handy on camping trips etc.

5. compatibility -- for mac/imovie users, this camera is 100% compatible.@You can fast forward, freeze etc direct from your camera. Not a huge bonus but a nice touch nonetheless.

*faults*
1. LOWLIGHT -- the camera is very grainy in low light. It CAN do special lowlight shooting. but these are different. What I mean is just in standard mode, you're shooting a birthday party or a barbecue it comes out really grainy. I filmed my friends garage band concert the other day using this and an old JVC dv cam (which admittedly cost a fortune when new) and the old camera had better quality!

2. start-up time: niggling detail but it does take a while betwen turning it on and actually being able to shoot. Usually it's no problem, but there have been times when I missed a good shot because I was waiting for the camera to get in gear. Again that old JVC beat my new canon.

by the way, some people complained about motor noise but I have no idea why they say that.

SUMMARY: great feature packed camera for the price, great in good light, long battery, falls short in low light.

April 2009 Update: Been using this camera for years now with no problem. Except for the low light and other minor issues I already mentioned, I still love it. If you can get a used one cheap it's still viable.

If you looking for a high quality Mini DV camcorder at a reasonable price then look no further. Cannon is for you. I am not a person who can be easily impressed but ZR70 has got everything which you expect from your camcorder. Here are few things I would like to share:

1. The picture quality is excellent. On a sunny day you can expect broadcast level picture quality. Even if it is cloudy the picture quality is impressive. (That is what I care about most)

2. The nightmode as well as low light mode litrally brightens the picture on the camcorder screen but you loose the picture quality but it is still better then many other top camcorders. (I tried Sony for the same conditions)

3. The voice quality is superb. The microphone is very sensitive and picks sounds cleary but at the same time picks wind noise.

4. Its small, very handy and easy to carry around.

Things which I dont like:
1. Some button are hard to reach.
2. When using digital zoom, the image stabilization is not good.

Verdict:
Good value for money. You will never regret it.

I purchased this camera just a few days ago so I have yet to try out all the functions and get a real feel to it, but so far I really enjoy it.

I like Canon. I have one of the Canon digital still cameras, although just an entry-level point-and-shoot, I think it's great for the job.

First of all, those of who have yet to move from analog to digital, do it now! Prices for digital camcorders are incredibly low. Digital quality is superior to all analog.

This camcorder is very ergonomical. It fits nicely into my hand (I originally thought that it was going to by a lot bigger). I enjoy the light up buttons and the fact that the buttons and well placed and large enough for me to handle. Also, this camcorder does not feel "cheapo." It seems quite durable.

...If you want to transfer the video to a computer you need:
1. Firewire cable (4 pin to 6 pin)
2. Firewire card on computer (or built firewire)
3. Software to capture this. i.e. Adobe Premiere, Pinnacle Studio

The picture quality is awesome and the sound is great too. I have yet to hear the so called "motor whine" when using this camera. I mean I can, but only if the TV is turned WAY UP. But you should get an optional microphone.
1. Sony WCS-999 Wireless Mic System
2. Sony ECM-717 Table Top Single Point Mic
3. Canon DM-50
These are great microphones.

Most of the negatives things said about this camcorder is expected to be true of all digital camcorders. For example low light conditions is weak and the still photos is too.

All summed up: Great camcorder for the price. Get it!

Before buying this I did lot of research finally came down to canon zr70mc and sony dcr-hc30. (don't fall for other canon models like zr80-85. they lack features ) Both models are appealing for price. Sony has bigger lcd and better lowlight performance while Canon have better zoom (22x as compared to 10x of sony ) and lots and lots of features. Some people say canon is having better image stability So it can afford 22x zoom w/o problem.
in zr70mc you can download video from TV/VRC or other camcorder witout any additional accesories. So easily copy old analog tapes to this digital camcorder Or burn DVD's. Canon also provides wide angle lens (very useful ) Plus sony has only 3 months labor while canon gives 12 months labor warranty.

only tape loading in zr70 is little difficult if you use tripod.

Overall this is a good value. I tested indoor using 100w room light. Picture was little yellowish. But I got filter set from ebay for 17$ and all looks good now.
NOTE: protect lens and always use uv filters.

My wife and I recently bought this camera. We're expecting a baby in a few months so we wanted to get a high quality camera for capturing those precious moments of the baby's life. We shopped around a bit and considered all the major brands and decided on the Canon. Overall, I'm pretty impressed with this camera. It has many nice features and it is fairly easy to use. It records very good video, but the still pictures aren't photo quality. Even at the highest resolution the still pictures were a little grainy. But good enough to email or post on a website. If you're in the market for a camcorder, consider this one.