Canon ZR65 MC Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by: Coach
(Intermediate)

Review Date
January 26, 2004

Overall Rating
3 of 5

Value Rating
3 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 1 of 8

Price Paid: $499.00 from Best Buy

Summary:

I use the camera at the ice rink. I find if you are within 8 to 10 feet of the object you would like to record, the camera is fine. Outside of 8-10 feet, the quality of the picture is bad. Loss of color and grainy. I too will try to return my recorder after 4 days of use.

Strengths:

Good for close video.

Weaknesses:

Need firewire to download to computer. Picture quality loss outside of 10'

Customer Service:

n/a

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Rating
Reviewed by: Bob Schneider
(Professional)

Review Date
December 29, 2003

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 2 of 8

Price Paid: $499.00 from Best Buy

Summary:

After receiving the ZR-65MC, I read reviews and wondered if my wife made a good decision. The low level light problem might be at ultra low levels, but personally with normal indoor lighting I was able to get great color. As a Broadcast Engineer I didn't expect the professional quality, but I was pleasantly surprised at the video I was able to shoot. This Camcorder is easy for the novice as well as having the options a more experienced videophile would desire.

Strengths:

A simple camera to operate and video software was a snap to install and use on a Windows OS. Video editing with effects makes the camera even more of a value and allows professional productions at the cost of the camera. I would never order anything but Canon glass for the TV station and the glass on the ZR-65MC is super. The whole camcorder is top quality.

Weaknesses:

Need to buy or supply a larger battery for normal operation. Still picture quality is adequate but then this is really meant to be used as a camcorder. This feature is nice to have and really helps in search process.

Similar Products Used:

Professional Panasonic 610 cameras.

Customer Service:

Haven't had to use it, but expect it to be up to Canon standards, which in broadcast have always been great.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Street_Style
(Intermediate)

Review Date
December 16, 2003

Overall Rating
1 of 5

Value Rating
1 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 3 of 8

Price Paid: $460.00 from H.S.N.

Summary:

The reason I purchased this Canon ZR65 was because of the companys reputation. Unfortunately this model lacks the ability to produce quality video and digital pics in low lighting conditions. I have taken my time and manually adjusted the camera to try and compensate for the poor video and pic quality taken in low light conditions.

Strengths:

Many fetures for the price range, ease of use.

Weaknesses:

Pics and video are of extremley poor quality in low light conditions.

Similar Products Used:

Sony,Canon,Panasonic,JVC,Sharp,Kodak.

Customer Service:

I can not comment on customer service because I returned the camera.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Jennifer
(Beginner)

Review Date
November 1, 2003

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5,
2 votes

Review 4 of 8

Price Paid: $480.00 from Dell

Summary:

Good camera. Don't let all of the negative reviews fool! Trust me, I bought the canon zr65, and then bought a Sony, after reading all the negatives about the Canon. Unless I don't know how to use my Sony yet, I have to say I am happier w/ the Canon. The picture has great colors, and I actually had better picture quality from the Canon vs. the Sony using it indoors. I bought a camcorder for indoor use. So don't be fooled.. this camera is great. I do have to say the still shots are not that good however!

Strengths:

Picture quailty, easy to use.

Weaknesses:

Battery life with orginal battery!

Similar Products Used:

Sony TV22

Customer Service:

IS EXCELLENT.. I called Canon several times with questions.. and EACH person I talk to was excellent! I would buy another product from Canon due to great customer service! (not to be critical of other companies.. I had far better customer service then Dell ~who I bought my PC from. I love my Dell computer, but they need to hire better people to represent the company, or they might lose a lot of customers)

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Rating
Reviewed by: angelo68
(Casual)

Review Date
September 6, 2003

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
3 votes

Review 5 of 8

Price Paid: $569.00 from BestBuy

Summary:

Bought the camera the same day we left for vacation to Florida. The first time I used it was after we arrived at our hotel. I didn't have to read anything. Setup was a snap and I was already making movies at Disney, downloading into my laptop the same night. XP made things simple. I didn't need any other software just a firewire cable. I did get the $120.00 accessory bag with extended battery, wide angle lens. I also bought a UV filter. What else can I say. Great camera.

Strengths:

Ease of use. No surprises just great video.

Weaknesses:

I wish the firewire came with it. That cost another $30.00. Digital pictures suck, not worth having that feature. They could leave that out and give the firewire or better battery instead.

Similar Products Used:

Sony 8mm, Olympus digital camera.

Customer Service:

I haven't needed it yet, and I hope I won't.

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