| Canon
Elura 80
Panasonic AG-DVX100
Canon Optura 20
Sony DCR-TRV19
Canon ZR60
Canon Elura 50
|
|
I probably won't be testing many
consumer mini DV camcorders, nor will I be doing extensive testing
or evaluation, but just basic observations. My opinions may
tend to seem overly critical because I am accustom to more professional
video equipment. In recent years the features of consumer
level camcorders seem to be taking a step backward,
perhaps because of miniaturization & cost reductions. For
example, camcorders seldom come any more with a charger cradle
that you can charge one battery while using the other on the
camera. Low light sensitivity is no where near as good as it
was several years ago. Viewfinder resolution is way worse than
if once was. Microphones sometimes are more omnidirectional
than unidirectional, pick up motor noise from the camcorder
& no long have mechanical foam wind filters. Optical zoom
range has reduced. Video IN is only on the top on the line models
now. Additionally I'm finding more design defects in camcorders
than years gone by. If you can't find a camcorder that you are
entirely please with, you're not being too fussy, the manufacturers
are making them worse in some regards than they formerly did. |
