Hitachi DZ-MV780A 1.3MP DVD Camcorder w/ 10x Optical Zoom

by Hitachi

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 1.9 x 3.2 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0007XGA36
• Item model number: DZ-MV780A
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,913 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 1, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Hitachi introduces three DVD camcorders for its fifth generation product line-up. The latest models offer a host of improvements, including a new imaging engine for a 20 percent improvement in noise reduction and 20 percent longer battery life. A new DVD drive has also reduced the product size by 15 percent and a bare DVD load creates a sleeker, more compact design overall. The new Hitachi UltraVision DZ-GX20A, DZ-MV750A, and DZ-MV780A DVD camcorders are designed to meet different consumer needs and all feature a 50 percent faster start time and improvements in overall image quality.

The wide-screen 16:9 format presents a larger field of view than the standard 4:3 format.

In addition to the numerous technical enhancements based on the new imaging engine and DVD drive, the DZ-GX20A, DZ-MV750A, and DZ-MV780A feature an SD or MMC memory card to make sharing still photos even easier with other electronic devices, such as photo printers, digital print stations and SD-compatible PCs, TVs and DVD recorders. All of the 2005 Hitachi DVD Camcorder models also feature a dedicated photo button for ease of use, as well as a 'ready-when-you-are' record start time of only seven seconds. This is an improvement of more than 50 percent over previous generation products from Hitachi, enabling consumers to always be ready to record.

Hitachi was the first to manufacture a DVD camcorder, anticipating the market trends and the needs of our customers. We continue that dedication to users by constantly improving our products based on their feedback and the latest engineering innovations. This commitment is clearly demonstrated in the new 2005 Hitachi DVD Camcorders--a more precise picture, more intuitive functions, longer battery--the ultimate in design and versatility for today's user.

There are several ways to connect the Hitachi DZ-MV780 to your home theater and computer.

Key Features of the DZ-MV780A

• 1.3-megapixel CCD
• 16:9 recording mode for both DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs
• Quick start short start time from power-on to first recording
• Quick mode shortcut to simplified menu system
• 10x optical zoom
• 240x digital zoom
• Disc navigation instant access to selected scenes and in-camera editing features
• External AV input for recording analog sources to DVD
• 2.5-inch LCD monitor can operate as a light

Video Recording

DVD-RAM
• Rewriteable technology
• Stores approximately 40 to 120 minutes of MPEG-2 video on a double sided disc
• Advanced in-camera editing capability

DVD-R
• Write once technology
• Plays back in most DVD players and DVD-ROM drives
• Stores 20 to 60 minutes of MPEG-2 video on a single sided disc

Digital Still Photos

DVD-RAM
• Records approximately 2,000 JPEG images on a double sided disc
• 640 x 480 resolution

SD/MMC
• Records approximately 50 JPEG images (32 MB card)
• 1280 x 960 resolution
• 3 quality settings for file size adjustment

What's in the Box:
DZ-MV780A camera body, battery, custom S-video and composite AV cable, AC adapter/charger, shoulder strap, lens cap

Product Description

The power of innovative Hitachi DVD Camcorder technology is now available in a lightweight, compact design. 1.3 Mega Pixels resolution captures stunning video and still images directly to DVD for instant playback on standard DVD players. Experience true cinematic 16:9 widescreen recording in both DVD-R and DVD-Ram formats. On-screen Disc Navigation delivers instant access to selected scenes and in-camera editing. A Power Accessory Port ?Hot Shoe' allows for the use of optional accessories, like additional lighting. The best possible picture quality is achieved with the exclusive Hitachi Image Engine Technology and a 10X optical zoom and 240X digital zoom. Only Hitachi delivers the ultimate in DVD Camcorder technology and design. Quick Start - 7 seconds from start up to first recording after disc initialization. 10x Optical Zoom / 240x Digital Zoom Disc Navigation? Instant Access to Selected Scenes and In-Camera Editing Features USB 2.0 PC Connection External AV Input for Recording Analog Sources to DVD 2.5 LCD Monitor Can Operate as a LightVideo RecordingDVD-RAM

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great product - better than Sony and more reliable too., June 17, 2005

By 

Richard A Ambrose "ambrose01" (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hitachi DZ-MV780A 1.3MP DVD Camcorder w/ 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This camcorder is awesome. It is easy to use, has solid video and sound, and is from Hitachi - the firm that invented the DVD camcorder. Actually, consumer reports has been very favorable towards Hitachi camcorders in general.

Basically, Hitachi has been doing this longer than anybody else, and so the end product is a bit better. They also don't nickel and dime you. This camcorder not only comes with plenty of cables and a remote and stuff like that, but it also comes with the battery for the remote.

The camcorders battery last quite a while, while I find it convenient to use DVD-R discs. I haven't bothered with the DVD-RAM discs since they don't seem worth the extra cost to me.

I should add that the single advantage that the Sony models have has over the Hitachi models is that Sonys can use DVD-RW discs which give you much of the DVD-RAM advantages at a lower cost. The Hitachi's are better in that they typically come with higher resolution and better reliability. Also, with some Sony models the users complain that they can hear the sound of the DVD spinning in the background of their videos. Such sounds can not be heard on my Hitachi.

I can't tell you much about the Panasonic models, except the features and ratings didn't seem as good.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars nice video recording, not that nice still photos, September 22, 2005

By 

Karpol (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hitachi DZ-MV780A 1.3MP DVD Camcorder w/ 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Overall its good product, but some thing could be improved.
1. Low light video recording seems to be jerky, looks like frame count was sacrificed for exposure times
2. Low light performance of still camera is inadequate, it's impossible to use autofocus feature. Even picture in viewfinder or on LCD screen is clear, photos is out of the focus. Probably same deal with long exposure times, camera becomes susceptible to tiny hand's tremors.
3. Viewfinder is almost unusable due poor picture quality, so it's narrows you down to only LCD screen usage.
4. Mini DVD-RAM discs are hard to find. It's important to mention that Mini DVDRW+ discs for Sony even harder to find.
5. No auto prompting for format fresh DVD-RAM discs. Make sure to format it yourself before usage, camera doesn't seem to care if you use blanks, but you will lose all your images.
6. All extra accessories, including bag, tripod and set of lenses cost extra.
All above problems are minor. Camera is absolutely right for the price tag under 600$. You will get crisp colorful movie and OK still photos, which can be viewed on regular DVD player. Sound quality is also good; wind noise filter option is a plus.