Canon ZR40 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, & Digital Still Mode

Amazon.com Review

At just over a pound, the lightweight ZR40 from Canon makes an excellent camcorder for the beginning digital-video enthusiast. This compact and comfortable camcorder offers high-end features found on much more expensive cameras, yet is easy enough to use that a novice can begin filming right away.

The camera is sleekly designed, and pieces pop out of the ZR40 from all sides. On top, the adjustable lens viewer also slides in and out so you don't have to hold the camera too close when filming. You can also use the 2.5-inch LCD screen, which swings out of the left side of the ZR40. It also twists and can be flipped over, providing myriad filming angles.

While we were suitably impressed with the image of our capture video, the sound of the camera's motor could be heard during some of the playback. It's a minor annoyance, which can be overcome with an optional external microphone.

With an 18X optical zoom (as well as 360X digital) intuitively placed next to the right thumb, the ZR40 is able to get up close to the subjects you're filming. Canon's image stabilizer worked well at correcting the "shake" common to handheld cameras. And the camera functions as a digital camera as well, taking snapshots in addition to video.

The ZR40 offers a variety of connectivity options, including FireWire ports, composite AV, and S-video. You can input from an analog source such as a VCR, TV, or camcorder and convert the signal into digital video. It also ships with a handy remote control (with a range of 16 feet) that handles the record functions and can even zoom the lens in and out.

Various special effects modes are incorporated into the camera as well, in addition to a new low-light mode that allowed us to shoot footage in the evening. There are DV cameras out there that do more than this one, but for most users, the ZR40 does plenty and does it well. --J. Curtis

Pros:

Compact and comfortable
Easy to use
Excellent zoom

Cons:

Some motor noise

Amazon.com Product Description

Improving on an original can be a daunting task. Canon has succeeded quite well, thank you. The ZR40 is the successor to the ZR20. Canon increased the optical zoom to 18x--the digital now sits at 360x--and added an analog pass-through port. Although the ZR line featured analog-in for dubbing your movies to MiniDV, the new pass-through port allows you to go straight to the computer, eliminating a possibly cumbersome step.

The ZR40 also has a lot of the same features that made the original a lot of fun. A 2.5-inch LCD is swivel-mounted, permitting the shooter to use the camera at odd angles. Various digital effects and autoexposure modes help ensure your footage turns out well. Finally, Canon threw in a low-light color-shooting mode that makes the ZR40 that much more attractive.

Customer Reviews:

OK for several years...then it got hungry........2006-10-07

Yes it does eat tapes. I have the camera and I have owned it for about 3 years. It did some fine work. I have no complaints except if you need a camera that will never eat tapes, be very wary.

I posted my movies on a couple of websites. I make short movies. I used the Canon ZR40 and made movies with the Sonic Foundry Vegas 4 editing system. It made fine movies in the wmv or rm or mov for Quicktime web formats. My short films are at hollywoodscreams and myhollywoodstar and those are dot com, of course. They are family friendly.

Recently I tried to rewind a tape. It got mangled. I figured it was just the tape. I tried a second tape and another. Each time I would record something OK but the tape would get jammed during rewind. On the movie Hollywood Screams I rewound each scene by hand. That is very hard to do. I had to use two toothpicks to hold the cassette lid open so I could pull the tape out and then wind the spool by hand. It was very time consuming.

The video looks good and I never noticed noise. I am sure each brand of camcorder has some problem. Canon has a mechanism that mangles tapes in rewind after several years of use if my camcorder is typical.

Tom Willett

Fine until it started eating tapes.......2006-07-14

Like many of the other reviewers, my ZR40 is now giving me the infamous "Remove cassette" message and is mangling tapes. I have used it to record maybe 7 hours worth of video over the last two years. Search the web for "canon zr users group" and "eating tapes" to hear similar horror stories. Stay away from Canon camcorders.

Worked Great - eats tapes after some use.......2005-10-24

Like many who have found this camcorder, I liked the canon name and bought based on Canon and value. It was a mistake because I don't feel I should have already used up the life of this camera yet. If you go to several discussion groups you will see it has several issues with the deck, i.e. "transport". Just google zr20/40 etc. and "eat tapes". Suggest you try Sony or Panasonic.

Awful Company. Awful Product. Run! Run! Run!.......2005-01-05

Well where do I begin? After a month of use, the battery stopped working. Contacted Canon via email. They replied battery is not under warranty. Would you like to buy another one? Please.

6 months later. I started transferring video to my computer only to find out this stupid camera eats tapes. I have lost two tapes so far. One of them was my son's birth!!!!

The eating tapes issue is a major problem with this unit. They have known about it and continue to ignore it. Do a search on "zr40 tape problems" to see what I am talking about. There are even more results on sister product, zr10. I will never buy a product from Canon again. They are idiots for doing this to their customers.

always "remove the tape" message.......2004-10-26

I bought this model 18 months ago. Now it has big problem. I can't rewind the tape well. "remove the tape" mesasge always pop up. I sent it back to Canon for repair. They asked me $169 for repair. What can I say now? Too bad camcorder.

Average customer rating:

Just what I was looking for

One of the last.

Just what the doctor ordered

Does what it says

Basic preamp with a decent sound

AudioSource Pre One/A Stereo Preamplifier

Manufacturer: Audio Source
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Component Amplifiers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
AudioSource | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
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Product Features:

Features 6 line-level inputs and 2 preamp outputs

Tape loop for outboard processors

Volume, balance, and bass and treble controls

110 dB signal-to-noise ratio

Less than 0.008 percent THD

ASIN: B00004UFQJ

Product Description

Stereo PreAmplifier for the demanding Audiophile Bass & Treble controls

Customer Reviews:

Just what I was looking for.......2007-08-13

I didn't expect much from this unit based on the price, but I was pleasantly
surprised and extremely happy with this purchase. I'm using it with a Adom Power Amp and AR3A speakers and it sounds great. I just wish it came with a remote but still it's a great bargain and is just what I needed. Don't let the low cost fool you, it's a quality unit (not "high end" gear but fills the need).

One of the last........2007-03-27

The stereo preamp, once a standard item in any serious hi-fi setup, has become difficult to find of late. This is the only one I know of that's still in production and that's intended for home use. It already seems a little dated, with its dedicated input for lazerdiscs (remember those?). But. it's a good, basic unit, although you'll need a separate phono cartridge amp for your vinyl collection. Also, the stated power rating of the switched outlet is too low to handle a large power amp.

Just what the doctor ordered.......2006-11-04

A very economical way to boot your power amps by increasing a feeble output from your surround/back amp or revive your surrounds/back speakers from being drowned by your front/center speakers. It sure beats purchasing another home theater amp, as it makes the best of what you have. This pre amp also works well to boost output from cable boxes especially if you are transmitting whole house music from the cable box to an FM transmitter. Quite a unit for the price...and try to find a pre amp that fits these needs ANYWHERE else.

Does what it says.......2006-11-03

If you are looking for a no-frills pre-amplifier that will deliver what it promises, this is it.

No remote control, no digital read out, nothing fancy ... but it works and delivers good value for the money!

Basic preamp with a decent sound.......2006-06-02

I'm using this preamp with an Adcom power amp and Sony SACD player mainly for music on my back porch with remote Polk outdoor speakers. This is not for critical listening--all I wanted was decent sound with minium fuss. The AudioSource does a good job for this setup and I'm very happy with the product. It doesn't have much in the way of features but that's okay with me. If I was depending on it for my main system, I would want a remote control. If that's unimportant to you, the price is right.

Average customer rating:

very nice amp

AUDIO SOURCE AMP FOUR Stereo Amplifier

Manufacturer: Audio Source
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Component Amplifiers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Left and right output level controls allow direct CD player connectability for purer sound

150 watts per channel stereo @ 8 ohm

Switchable to 400 watt mono output

Toroidal power transformer minimizes magnetic leakage for purer sound

THD is less than 0.02% at any level

ASIN: B00007E7C7

Customer Reviews:

very nice amp.......2004-05-30

I'm using this amp between my audigy 2 sound card and my axiom m22ti bookshelf speakers. It's a very nice amp - looks cool and the sound is great, no hiss even with everything turned up, just delivers the power, no muss, no fuss. I'm no audiophile but for playing my mp3s and playing games and dvds, this thing performs admirably and my speakers seem quite happy with it too.

Product Description

The Acer CD-640A is a 40X maximum speed, 5.25-inch half-height form factor CD-ROM drive. It employs the advanced CAV technology. CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) technology maintains consistent CD-ROM disk rotation speed and reads data at various transfer rates. This feature ensures less stressing of the spindle motor and thus better reliability of the drive. It also improves the performance of data seeking / reading in most areas of a disk.

Amazon.com Product Description

Wake to any song in your CD collection with this sleek clock radio. Outfitted with a vertical-loading CD player and an analog AM/FM tuner, the clock radio lets you rise to your favorite rock opera, jazz standard, or classical composition, depending on where your tastes turn. The CD player offers most of the standard CD functions, including repeat play (one and all tracks) and skip/rewind, letting you get the most from your morning ritual. Users also have the choice of waking to NPR or another radio station, or to a buzzer if the other options aren't appealing. The functions come bundled in a unique circular housing that's more attractive than the standard rectangular models.

The CD1172 is also a nice choice for rooms that sleep two, as it includes dual alarms so users can wake at different times without resetting the timer, along with both snooze and sleep functions. Additional bonuses include a slot for a 9-volt battery (not included) that preserves the settings should the power go out and a stereo headphone jack for private listening.

What's in the Box
Clock radio, user's manual.

Customer Reviews:

bad cd player.......2006-03-17

I had this for about a year and the cd player stoped working.
If you want one with a cd player I'd recomend buying one with a flat cd holder not vertical. The radio also dosen't get a good signal

Almost everything I wanted..........2006-03-14

I wanted a clock/radio/cd player so that I could listen to nature sounds over night. This player does have options to repeat one track over and over, or repeat all, so it does reliably play my rainforest noises all night, which I find has genuinely improved my sleep (picked up a decent nature CD at Target). The sound is very good. My only complaint is that the alarm settings are such that I have to set it for either buzzer, radio, or CD, and if I set it to buzzer then I cannot listen to the CD. If I leave it on CD then obviously it won't wake me up, since I'm already listening to the CD. What were they thinking? So I keep a little alarm clock under my bed to use just the alarm. Otherwise I like it alot.

Product Description

The Acer AL1914 series can help office users maximize their efficiency by simultaneously viewing multiple applications on the large 19.0" screen. Gamers and movie lovers will enjoy the high-quality color and rapid response rate of 12ms.

Customer Reviews:

19 inch...great buy........2006-03-06

K... I just bought this so this review is based on the first impression of a semi-impulse buy. Been lookin at these for a bit and had a "great buy" moment of weakness. (...). Can't see beatin that price for a 19 inch LCD.

Connection was as simple as a CRT. Same connections..big puzzle there! Pixel check....all good. (under warranty anyway).

Had to reboot linux box. XP box handled the hot switch but rebooted anyway. Thought it would be the other way around. Small victory for Windows. Also works flawlessly with the KVM switch.

Speakers are a far cry from sounding even a litle bit good. I have a ten dollar set of cheapos that sound better. But lets face it, the speakers are still a nice option. After all thats not why I bought it. I'll just continue to use my altec lansings with the XP box and now my linux box has, albeit cheap, sound.

Hella bright! Not a gamer but contrast is pretty. Response time not fastest but better than avg for these (12ms). I see no diff. Turning brightness down to 20 from 100...Still about half hella bright now! (Note: purchase sunglasses)

Bottom line: (...) Youda bought it too! I had a 17in CRT with a max 1024 resolution so this thing is worth the space in both space and screen real estate. Even at 1024, everything is still "bigger". The DVI model woulda cost another fifty bucks so I can't necessarily call it a con with this thing. Speakers are cheap, but included. Assuming this thing doesnt self destruct in its expectecd life I'd say its good buy. Hope this helps. Later amazonians.

Its huge!!!.......2006-01-15

Wonderful display of colors, love it for gaming or just browsing. If I had the need, or someone who needed it, I would buy another one!

ACER LCD Monitor Rebate.......2005-12-12

I just bought a ACER monitor, your WEB page showed that a $50 rebate, however, I do not see any rebate form to fill or you will credit me the $50, I emailed you this concern before, your company do not respond, what type of comstuner service are you?

Good machine for price.......2005-10-26

I really liked this monitor. I got it for $248 (or something close to it) which included tax and shipping cost. It was a great value and I didn't have to deal with rebate forms or anything. It is easy to set up and the contol systems are easy to use. I am very satisfied with this purchase.

Product Description

Mobile Video is the newest in vehicle entertainment option available today and Audiovox brings you the best in mobile video. Audiovox mobile video systems are packed with features but what's most important is that they have been designed for the road, not the living room. A typical mobile video system includes several Audiovox products, like a screen, console, video player and accessories.The Next Generation of Mobile Video, the VOD 806 features a 8 Inch LCD with Built in DVD Player and TV Tuner.PRODUCT FEATURES: Switched Dome Lights; Front and Rear Facing Repeater Eye; Channel Up/Down; DVD, TV, AV1, AUX Source Select; 2 Wired Headphone Jacks; Built In DVD Player; IR Transmitter for Wireless Headphones; 4: 3 Format; OSD; Volume Up/Down; A/V Input for Game System; Backlit Controls.

Customer Reviews:

Traveling Movie Theater Works Great.......2003-03-18

I have this DVD player installed in a 2001 Suburban. It fits and looks great with the optional Audiovox overhead console for the Suburban. I opted for that so I wouldn't lose the back seat air controls from the original overhead console.

The unit is easy to operate and works very well. Its screen doesn't close easily and I probably would have thought this to be a defect if the installer hadn't mentioned it when he was showing me how to operate it. A 16:9 screen would be cooler, but for the car the screen size is just fine.

The only problem I've noticed is that it seems to have problems handling imperfections (scratches/fingerprints/debris) on a DVD. It sometimes gets stuck (i.e. pauses) at certain points in a movie. So far this has only happened on DVDs that have visible scratches, fingerprints or debris on them. Skipping forward a little works to get past the problem. Since these same DVDs work flawlessly in our home DVD players and any flaws in the DVDs are very minor I've thought about taking this player back for a replacement. But, since it hardly ever happens I'm okay with it.

Our kids (4 and 2) really like having this in the car. We recently took a trip across the state and when the kids weren't sleeping or coloring, they were watching movies. It was the first long trip during which we didn't hear the "are we there yet" chant from the back seat. The kids were totally content.

Not sure if worth the money.......2002-12-20

I bought this and had it installed and within the week, it stopped working. I had it replaced and had to add an extended warranty because I'm not sure how long it will work. The 8 in screen is great. It is annoying to have to select the FM reception each time it is turned on to hear it. The screen doesn't close very easily into unit. I haven't had any problems with the Audiovox video in a bag so I thought I'd give their DVD system a try. It's only been a week, but it's still working.

Average customer rating:

From Materials Provided By the Manufacturer

DVD Copies without Format Issues

ALERA 260125 1:3 DVD Dual Copy Tower

Manufacturer: Aleratec
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

DVD-ROM Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

4x DVD+/-R / 2.4x DVD+RW / 2x DVD-RW / 16x CD-R / 10x CD-RW

Copy/Test Copy/Test & Copy - select speed & copy, or test the process beforehand

Edit Track - select audio tracks from Audio CDs for custom discs

Verify - verify that discs can be read in a DVD/CD-ROM

Compare - compares copies to the source after burning

ASIN: B0000ADXHW

Product Description

Alera Technologies 1:3 DVD Copy Tower Dual - This device is a self-contained media duplication station, not needing a computer to operate. It's perfect for professional jobs that need mass quantities of discs fast! This duplicator can do 3 discs at the same time! Just place your source & blank discs in the drives and easily make perfect copies of your important information. The 1:3 DVD Copy Tower Dual features support for all major media types, but please note, this drive will not duplicate copy protected DVD media! Prescan - tests the source disc's integrity & reading speed Disc Info - shows track info. Select Source - select DVD-ROM or recorder as source drive Setup - adjust various settings

Customer Reviews:

From Materials Provided By the Manufacturer.......2003-10-29

The Alera Technologies 1:3 DVD Copy Tower Dual DVD/CD Duplicators can simultaneously duplicate up to 3 copies of a typical DVD at up to 4x speeds. The DVD Copy Tower Dual can duplicate using both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW blank media. It is the professional, yet simple, solution for creating volumes of DVD and CD copies quickly and easily.

1:3 DVD Copy Tower Dual
Product Summary

The Alera Technologies 1:3 DVD Copy Tower Dual DVD/CD Duplicators can simultaneously duplicate up to 3 copies of a typical DVD at up to 4x speeds.

Benefits & Features

Multiformat - Duplicates using DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW blank media

Simple one touch operation, no set up required, Plug it in and start copying immediately

Powerful Control Features with intuitive menu maximizing copy control, flexibility, and output

Back Lighted LCD display shows status/% complete of Copy process and other functions

4x DVD recording speed for high volume copying

Unique "Edit Track" feature to extract specific audio tracks from Source CD to create compilation discs

No Hard Drive required, image caching done on the fly to multiple recorders simultaneously

Completely Stand Alone, no computer required

Specifications

Max Copy Speed: DVD 4x, CD 16x
Loading Mechanism: Tray
Supported Media Types: DVD±R, DVD±RW, CD-R, CD-RW, 120mm, mini CD (8cm/3")
Supported Formats: DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, CD-ROM (Mode1 & Mode2), CD-ROM/XA (Mode2 form1 & form2), CD-DA, Mixed-Mode, Video CD, CD-I, Photo CD (Single & Multi-session), CD-Extra, CD Bridge, ISO9660
Selectable Speeds: DVD 1x to 4x, CD 1x to 16x
Power Requirements: 115 and 230VAC 50/60 Hz

NOTE: The 1:3 DVD Copy Tower Dual will NOT duplicate copy protected DVD materials such as DVD movies

DVD Copies without Format Issues.......2003-07-22

I finally have the chance to give this new product a good look. If you have ever tried to decide which DVD duplicator to buy based on which DVD Format would be the winner, your headaches are over. The new DVD Copy Tower Dual solves the DVD format dilemma. With the Alera Technologies DVD Dual technology, you can use DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW and CD-ROM discs all with one product. Alera Technologies new DVD Duplicators based on Dual Standard 8-in-1 DVD±R/RW Technology are the only DVD duplicators I have seen that have this power. The DVD Copy Tower Dual supports all popular DVD formats and you can duplicate DVDs at speeds up to 4x using as well as compile your own custom audio CDs using the DVD Copy Tower Dual and no computer is needed.

Average customer rating:
Amazon Imaging Hi Resolution Inkjet Paper (100-Sheets, 8.5 X 11, 27LBS) APA51

Manufacturer: Amazon Imaging
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Plain Paper | Paper & Other Media | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
All Accessories | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
Inkjet Printer Paper | Paper | Paper, Forms & Envelopes | Office Supplies | Categories | Office Products
Accessories:

Cables To Go 10Ft USB Ab Device USB-A/USB-B

D-Link DP-311U Wireless Print Server, 1-USB Port, 802.11b, 11Mbps

TRENDware WIRELESS PRINT SERVER 1-USB ( TEW-PS1U )

ASIN: B00007FGQG

Product Description

This photo-quality, 27#, heavier weight bond paper is the perfect choice for everyday top quality inkjet output. Specially coated to hold even the highest resolutions, this bright white paper reproduces photos, graphics and text in dense, crisp color. This everyday paper is the economic way to add that extra level of quality inkjet can deliver.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics