Mallards Pike lake in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Filmed in sub-zero temperatures in January 2009 using Hitachi DZ-HV564 camcorder in high definition. I have reviewed the camcorder at: www.comet.co.uk...
Picture Quality: 5 / 5
Ease of Use: 3 / 5
Features: 3 / 5
Compatibility: 4 / 5
MY REVIEW:
"I am pleased with this camcorder which offers very good video performance for the price.
In summary I have listed the camcorder's strengths and weaknesses based on my experience...
STRENGTHS:
Good build quality
Easy to hold (and easy to hold steady)
Good battery life (I achieved over 90 minutes use in sub-zero temperatures)
Fast focussing when panning (I had expected it to be much slower)
Good range of settings
Can adjust video sharpness, contrast and saturation (my other camcorders don't offer this!)
Face detection - according to the manual (I haven't tested this)
Lightweight
Tripod socket
3.5mm headphone socket
3 LED light for filming in dark conditions
LCD monitor is easy to see even in bright conditions (and brightness can be adjusted)
Writes to SDHC memory card very quickly (I use 16GB Toshiba SDHC although spec states it supports only up to 8GB)
Supplied with soft case
WEAKNESSES:
The photos from the still camera are poor
Start-up is slow - it has to be switched on (opening the flip monitor doesn't switch it on unlike Sanyo models - this camera appears to be a re-badged Sanyo HD100)
It doesn't retain its settings when switched off but defaults to auto-everything on switch-on
Zoom buttons are very awkwardly placed
Sound quality could be better (it's very low)
No image stabiliser
No mic input
No lens cover
LCD monitor doesn't have a toughened screen
No on-board memory
On balance, I am VERY pleased with the camcorder and its performance - and I would buy it again. I was dubious in view of its low price and lack of reviews available but have been very pleasantly surprised, particularly with the video quality which is, of course, what I bought it for. For £130 I think it's a very good purchase.
For editing HD files, a 3.2Ghz dual core processor is required and at least 128mb graphics memory - so check your PC will be able to handle the huge files before ordering!
Please note: it is supplied with a 2-pin European plug so an adapter will be required to use it in the UK!"
15 окт 2024
