Hitachi DZ-GX3200A 2.1MP DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

by Hitachi

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.9 x 3.5 inches ; 15.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000E0P48O
• Item model number: DZGX3200A
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,750 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 2, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Hitachi invented the first DVD camcorder in 1999. The draw of Hitachi DVD camcorders is their ability to record video directly to a DVD disc (8 centimeters in size) and play that disc back on home DVD players. Not only is this method of storing memories on DVD easy to playback, it also ensures the quality of the digital recording will remain for years to come.

Six Generations of DVD Camcorder
The DZGX3200A has multiple advantages over previous generation models. 2.12-megapixel resolution creates realistic detailed photos at a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200. Four format choices insure compatibility for all the major DVD types: DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM. In addition, Hitachi DVD camcorders also support SD cards for storing digital still images. The new Video-to-Photo Frame Grab tool allows users to record video onto DVD discs, then choose individual frames to route to the SD card as still photos. The Sleep/Restart feature allows users to put the camcorder into a "hibernate" mode to save battery power, yet with the push of the restart button recording can start again in less than one second.

You can also record video in either the 4:3 standard aspect ratio or in 16:9 widescreen ratio to ensure full-frame playback on high-definition TVs.

CinemaRes Advanced Image Processing
A Hitachi-exclusive video processing examines each incoming frame and applies color correction, noise reduction, and sharpness enhancement. The result is a stunningly detailed image.

When recording video, the DZGX3200A captures more than triple the amount of resolution needed for DVD.

The DZGX3200 takes image processing to the next level with a technique called OverSampling. This exclusive technology uses the entire CCD to capture both video and still images before converting to DVD format, using the camcorder's entire capacity to create a sharper, more detailed picture.

The DVD video format is 720 x 480 resolution. When capturing video, the DZGX3200A actually captures more than triple the amount of resolution needed for DVD. This creates remarkably lifelike movies.

The 2.12-megapixel CCD also produces digital still photos in high quality 1600 x 1200 resolution.

Four Formats of DVD and SD Card Recording Capability
Hitachi DVD camcorders offer industry-leading options for media choices. All models can record and play back a wide range of disc and memory formats.

Hitachi DVD camcorders can record on and play back from a wide range of disc and memory formats.

Having a wider selection of disc choices means that any disc found in stock at a retail location can be used, matching the format to a specific DVD player for playback is easy, and future compatibility is ensured.

Video-to-Photo Frame Grab Tool
In addition to taking high-quality digital still photos, Hitachi DVD camcorders can also convert any video frame to a still photo image. Simply navigate to a prerecorded frame of video and "grab" it as a still picture, then easily copy it onto a SD photo memory card.

Never miss a chance to catch that perfect point of action for a photo, whether it's the point of contact of bat on ball at the baseball game or the big jump on the ski slopes.

Sleep/Restart Battery Saver
Never miss a moment with Hitachi's instant on Sleep/Restart button. The Sleep/Restart button will allow you to conserve power while waiting for that special moment. It allows the DVD camcorder to be set to standby (to conserve battery power) and to be reactivated with a single push of a button. On restart, it takes less than one second to begin recording.

Easy Disc Navigation Recording to DVD allows for instant and easy access to video scenes and still photos. You'll never have to fast forward or rewind looking for a scene--Hitachi camcorders create a visual scene index for easy access to your recorder footage. Just highlight the scene you recorded and press play forinstant playback. In-camcorder menu tools also allow you to create custom playlists, as well as cut/combine/trim scenes when using the DVD-RAM format.

Enhanced Connectivity
Input: Hitachi DVD camcorders can record incoming video from VCRs or other tape sources. Recording this older footage to DVD will ensure quality will not continue to degrade over time.

Playback: There are also many playback options available. Play DVD discs directly in DVD players, connect the camcorder to a TV using the supplied AV cables or download to computer with high-speed USB 2.0 connection.

Inputs for recording video from VCRs or other tape sources allow you to archive older footage to DVD.

PC and Mac Video Editing Software
After transferring photos or video from the camcorder to a PC or Mac using USB 2.0, use the supplied software to edit and burn DVDs. DVD authoring can be used to burn DVDs back on the camcorder or on the computer's full-size DVD drive.

One-Touch Finalize Feature
Before playing DVD discs created on a DVD camcorder on home DVD players, you must first finalize the disc. Finalizing closes the disc session, which means the content on the disc cannot be deleted or erased. Hitachi's One-Touch Finalize button makes this critical last step as easy as the push of a button.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great DVD Camcorder easy to use and fun too, August 31, 2006

By 

Bibo May "Ray" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hitachi DZ-GX3200A 2.1MP DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I love it it is very easy to use and compact plus you save money by using dvd rw over and over again. I used it in a Florida vacation and it was great.

Good buy...

Sam

1.0 out of 5 stars Disc errors after 4 months of light use, April 28, 2007

By 

M. Sanders (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hitachi DZ-GX3200A 2.1MP DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

After 4 months of light use this camera decided to start giving disk errors, resulting in the loss of all video of my daughters first birthday. It will format and start to use the disks, only to show a disk error sometime during the recording. I have be unable to recover ANY data from the disks after an error occurs.

I live in Houston, TX and the closest repair facility is about an 1.5 hour round trip. And because only parts are covered by the cheep-o warranty, it would cost me $75 in labor just to have an estimate done (applied to the cost of fixing it if I go forward). So now I have to decide: Is it worth driving 3 hours (drop off and pick up) and spending at least $75 to fix a camara that broke after just 4 months? Am I willing to trust it to film my daughters 2nd birthday? Guess I've got me a $400 paper weight, because I'll be buying another brand.

2.0 out of 5 stars Started good then faded, January 18, 2007

By 

C.D. (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hitachi DZ-GX3200A 2.1MP DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Update 1/19/10 - This camera was great in the beginning but we started having problems with it about 6 months after we got it. Have now replaced it with a Sony. I wouldn't buy this if I had it to do again. On the bright side, when it's working the picture quality is still pretty high.

We got this camcorder just before Christmas so I've only had a couple of opportunities to use it. That being said, overall this camera has performed pretty well. My only complaint is that it doesn't do well in low light (maybe none of them do). It's very easy to use and gives you a good picture on playback. Compared to other camcorders, I think this one's a pretty good value.