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Canon ZR50MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Digital Still Mode & MMC Card Slot
Manufacturer: Canon ProductGroup: Photography Binding: Electronics Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00005YX4Q |
Product Description
The ZR50 MC takes advantage of the latest digital video technology, yet is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Sporting a sleek body design, and an extensive list of features, this camcorder provides exceptional results, and is remarkably easy to use. Canon's attention to detail guarantees a flawless shooting experience, seamless connectivity, and endless creativity.Amazon.com Review
The ZR50MC is on Canon's high-end of MiniDV camcorders, but still sells for a reasonable price. Its 22x optical zoom out focuses the ZR50MC's siblings and much of the competition, letting you get extremely close to a subject without any of the degradation associated with digital zoom.Its bright 2.5-inch LCD can be swiveled around, letting you record from a variety of angles. And if you opt for using the viewfinder, you'll see in color instead of the black and white many other camcorders use.
You can enhance your ZR50MC via the advanced accessory shoe, which allows you to connect a directional microphone or video light. And the camera comes with an 8 MB Secure Digital card to capture still images, although the quality is only fair--typical of digital camcorders.
The quality of captured video, on the other hand, proved quite excellent. Our video was sharp and bright, even when viewed at high resolution on our PC. The camera's night mode, while not a true IR darkness mode, did record well in low-light situations. You can also take advantage of the ZR50MC's extended recording feature, which let us capture over four hours of video on a single tape.
We did sometimes hear a slight hum from the camera's motor when watching recorded video, but it wasn't obtrusive and often wasn't noticeable.
The ZR50MC also functions as an analog-to-digital converter, letting you take the analog contents of your VHS or 8mm tapes and convert them to digital, either recording them on the ZR50MC's tape or saving them to your PC.
For all the features that are packed into the compact, lightweight body of the ZR50MC, its price tag makes it a perfect fit for a digital video enthusiast looking for a powerful camera at a still reasonable price. --J. Curtis
Pros:
Cons:
Amazon.com Product Description
Improving on an original can be a daunting task. Canon has succeeded quite well, thank you. The ZR50MC is the successor to the ZR30MC. Canon increased the optical zoom to 22x--the digital now sits at 440x--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 ZR50MC 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. The digital still mode makes a return, letting you capture 640 x 480 stills onto an included 8 MB MMC.
Finally, there are a couple of new features that Canon threw in to make the ZR50MC just a little bit more appealing: an accessory shoe that fits a light or zoom mic (both sold separately), an extended recording function that increases recording time by 2x to 3x, and a low-light color-shooting mode.
Customer Reviews:
great camcorder... affordable cost... can't go wrong.......2003-03-01
Great Camcorder At Great Price!.......2003-02-04
I am an amateur filmmaker and I was previously using my father's Canon GL1, which is a great camcorder, but I needed something for myself. I was skeptical of a high quality camcorder at a low price. So I did all the research and liked the ZR50.
The still quality isn't that good, but that is not why I bought it. If you are looking for a nice digital video and still camera, this is not for you. It is a nice bonus, though, to take low quality photos and share them with people over the Internet.
If you have read that the motor noise is a problem, well, the same noise is on my father?s Canon GL1 which is $... So, you make the decision to associate the noise with this particular camcorder or not.
If you want a small digital camcorder that takes great video at a good price, this is one for you.
Great Deal!.......2003-01-15
And I had a real good deal having a free carring bag and free software from Cannon and even a rebate. So, before you pay your credit card, go to check whether there is a rebate or discount offer from Manufacture. Sometimes, you have to browse some where else to find it, I don't trust other retailers, although they do seem to offer better price (they have very high shipping fee!!!).
Ideal Camcorder for me.......2002-12-31
I ordered it together with the external mic DM-50. (You have to order some tape with it, too. Why doesn't Canon include a tape?) I also have a Mac PowerBook G4. Here are my findings:
1. The video quality outdoors is just great. When you play back on a TV, it looks like any professional TV program. Crisp, colors are great.
2. Optics are excellent. 22x zoom lets you fill the screen with an orange 15 ft away. Shake is no problem. Digital zoom only marginally beneficial.
3. The stills are nothing special. But even a megapixel (like other brands) is nothing special. (My first digi camera was a Kodak 1.3 Megapixel. Nice but only good enough for very small printouts. I have a 4 Megapixel Olympus for hi-res printouts today.) Quality is OK if you want to send 640x480 web images.
4. Sound: The built-in mics are better than expected. They are sensitive and omnidirectional. There is some hum from the motor. Not a lot. But the real kicker is the DM-50. It's not totally cheap but it's worth it (in my eyes). The mic is very sensitive and audio is CRYSTAL clear. I taped my wife singing about 25 ft away. She is an opera singer, soprano. Her voice in the high range is a challenge to any mic. It's sensitive enough that I could hear her muttering with the organist, her pageturns. And yet her singing did not distort. The quality exceeds my 2 semi-pro mics. People only 10ft off to the side definitely sounded off mic. And even people right behind me were softer on tape than people in front 20ft away.
The DM-50 has also 2 stereo settings that are more omnidirectional. I haven't explored them yet.
5. Connection to the Mac is absolutely a breeze. Just plug in the firewire and load iMovie and you have the camera image on the computer monitor. You can record/import the camera image directly to hard drive w/o hitting record on the camera. iMovie also controls the camera to load the edited movie back onto the camera tape.
6. After the first 15min of taping I got a message that the heads would be dirty?? I ignored it and kept going. No problem. Maybe there was some residue on the heads from the factory? (The handbook says to clean the heads every 20 h.) 3 h of taping later, the message still hasn't come back.
I'm so glad I got the ZR50. 22x zoom and DM-50 are worth it!
Inferior Picture Quality.......2002-12-17
The packaging of the camera was very nice (especially when compared to the TRV27), with 4 color printing on the outside, and a little molded plastic tray inside to hold all the wires, battery, remote, and other accessories. Although I wouldn't ever make an electronics purchasing decision based on packaging, this was a nice touch that is getting lost by other brands. When you consider that many camcorders are given as gifts, presentation does count for something.
Inserting the battery and plugging in the power supply is quick and intuitive...no surprises here. Inserting a Mini-DV cassette is also fairly simple and loads from the bottom. Compared to the Sony, the loading mechanism is almost the same. Both have the counterintuitive feature of half-closing the tape compartment to trigger the mechanical tape insertion. Although this seems to be the "standard" tape insertion protocol for Mini-DV cameras, it might be easy for an untrained friend or family member to injure your camera if they change the tape.
The Canon ZR50 body feels great in your hands. It is very balanced, appropriately light, and the on/off and record toggle buttons fall naturally under your thumb. The on/off/record buttons are big enough to easily manipulate which is a BIG advantage over the tiny, cramped Sony buttons. If you want very simple controls, or are giving this to a novice camcorder operator, the Canon ZR50 might be a great choice. The play/rewind/forward/stop buttons that you can see in all the photos of the camera are also very big and intuitive. You can even change the backlight colors of the p/r/f/s buttons for an extra cool factor. There is also added perk that the p/r/f/s buttons can glow different colors when the camera is in Player mode vs. Camera mode; when my friend couldn't get the camera to record, I could tell from across the room by the colors of the buttons that he was in the wrong mode.
The construction of the camera is really solid, and feels much tighter than the Sony. The swing out LCD screen and the viewfinder are adequate. Some people who held it made a comment that it had an overall "PlaySkool" quality to it, as if the camera was a rugged little toy. For some reason, this comparison does seem somewhat appropriate.
Recording quality is where the camera falls short. I lined up the Canon next to an older Sony DCR-PC10 (since I didn't have the TRV27 yet, this was the closest test I could do). Holding the cameras side by side, my friend and I shot indoors images, outdoors images, and zoomed in/out with the optical zooms. Comparisons were made based on video quality, color accuracy, brightness and sharpness.
The Canon was consistently off in terms of color accuracy: whites tended to have a red cast and purples were blue. The Sony was very accurate and even its LCD was close to what our eyes saw. Light/bright colors were blown out when outdoors on the Canon, but the Sony captured more color detail in these situations.
The Canon was roughly 20% darker than the Sony in low light. Using the Canon's Low Light and Night modes did not sufficiently compensate for brightness. Image was very grainy and dark in situations such as normal office lighting. Grain became excessive on the Canon at moderate to high zoom levels, but was always present nonetheless. Sony was superior to the Canon in all these situations. Furthermore, the Sony image was approximately 50% sharper and retained better detail on subjects like the folds of a shirt or leaves on a tree. Manipulating the manual settings such as shutter speed, or the various AE modes did not significantly improve quality on the Canon.
Quality comparisons between cameras held true when viewing on LCD screen, NTSC monitor direct from camera, or NTSC monitor after transferring DV files to Final Cut Pro.
Finally, there is the issue of the tape whine that is commonly reported. The wine was clearly present. Since the human ear can hear any DV camera's motor whine, I can't completely fault Canon for recording ambient room noise - including its own motor! However, it is more aesthetically pleasing to have a camera that doesn't pick up its own hum. Again, the Sony Mini DV did not pick up its motor noise.
In summary, this camera would be a great pick if Canon could improve the quality of the picture with a special emphasis on indoor lighting conditions. Unless you are not concerned with getting the best video quality you can for a similar price, I would not purchase this camera. The Sony DCR TRV18, 25, 27 and 50 all have the same Mini DV mechanism (i.e. Mini DV quality), so you should be able to find a price point to fit your budget.
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AudioSource Preamp 5.1 Modular Preamplifier
Manufacturer: Audio Source ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00006I51Q |
Product Description
The preamplifier is the control center of your audio system. A good preamp offers enough inputs and outputs to run your system, and combine with an amp to give you power with little noise. Flexibility is the concept behind the modular separates line. A chassis featuring only amplifiers allows a multizone system to be operated from a single location. The Preamp 5.1 Stereo Preamplifier gives the user greater control over both the configuration and sound of the system. While the rack mountable design allows modular separates to work with any system, the Preamp 5.1 turns the modular separates into a complete, independent unit.Amazon.com Product Description
Build your audio system from the ground up with separates such as the AudioSource Preamp 5.1, a dual-channel preamplifier that gives the listener greater control over both the system's configuration and its audio performance. Designed to link modular amplifiers and/or equalizers to your CD player, DVD player, or other source component, the Preamp 5.1 offers an ideal means of controlling a multizone system from a single location. The device is also rack-mountable, so it works with any system.The Preamp 5.1 includes such functions as a system volume, bass and treble controls (with a tone button that activates or bypasses the controls), and a balance knob. The device is also equipped with two XLR/balanced and two RCA/unbalanced inputs and outputs, along with a line button for switching between the input types. In addition, listeners will appreciate the unit's impressive technical specifications, which vary from a frequency response of 10 Hz to 100 kHz to a total harmonic distortion of 0.008 percent. For best results, listeners can combine the Preamp 5.1 with other AudioSource modular separates such as the company's line of monoblock amps and its five-band stereo graphic equalizers. The Preamp 5.1 measures 7.13 by 16.5 by 2.25 inches (W x H x D) and weighs a mere 3.25 pounds.
What's in the Box
Preamp 5.1, user's manual.
Customer Reviews:
Warning - Deceptive Advertising.......2006-01-21
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Addonics AEMDVRW12XUM 8x;12x8x32 External USB 2.0 DVD/CD-RW Drive
Manufacturer: Addonics ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Accessories:
ASIN: B00006B9FN |
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Canon - EOS Elan 7-E with Canon 28-90 Auto Focus Lens
Manufacturer: Canon ProductGroup: Photography Binding: Electronics Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00012IPHM |
Product Description
Canon EOS cameras have long been the top choice of serious photographers worldwide. Celebrated for their user friendly design, professional precision and uncompromising quality, this new family of EOS ELAN cameras is faster, sharper, more rugged and more intuitive than ever before - with many new features that outperform any other camera in their class.EOS ELAN 7E is the latest camera to feature Canon's exclusive Eye Controlled autofocus. Quite simply, eye control is the fastest, easiest method of selecting a focus point. The autofocus tracking speed of the EOS ELAN 7E rivals that of the leading top-of-the-line cameras available today. With a top shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second and fastest in its class 4 fps film advance, ELAN 7E is a prime choice for demanding sports or wildlife photographers. The Canon EOS line boasts a new ergonomic design. ELAN 7E is now smaller and more compact, with controls placed intuitively, in a user-friendly design, for a superior shooting experience. The construction of the camera body is newly reinforced, with strategically placed metal top and front cover plates, for rugged reliability in any environment. New shooting possibilities open when you shoot in silence. WhisperDrive transport brings near silent shooting, when used with Canon's exclusive USM lenses. In most any situation you find yourself, the versatile selection of exciting system accessories and lenses for the Canon EOS ELAN will meet your needs.
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Audiovox CE-1000X Portable CD Player with Electronic Anti-Skip Protection
Manufacturer: Audiovox ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B000065UUF |
Product Description
Audiovox offers a broad range of personal/portable audio products that meet the diversified and growing needs of today's on the go consumer. Its personal CD players have features that meet all your needs whether you are relaxing on the beach, training at the gym or riding in your car. Car cassette adapters let you play your portable through your existing car stereo so you can have CD in you car without upgrading your car stereo system.Amazon.com Product Description
Take music on the run with this compact, shock-resistant player. Earbud headphones fit snugly in ears and can be stowed in pants or jacket pocket when not in use. A carrying case and belt clip are included.The player offers important features like bass boost (+8 dB at 100 Hz) and battery-saving features like hold (prevents bumps from initiating unintended playback) and auto power-off. Repeat play (track, all), random play, intro play, and program play (20 tracks) round out the CE1000X's features. The unit includes an AC adapter and runs on two AA batteries, which last approximately nine hours (or eight hours with anti-skip protection on).
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Acer AL1917asmd 19" LCD Monitor
Manufacturer: Acer ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Product Features:
ASIN: B000B77BV8 |
Product Description
Free up desk space by upgrading to the streamlined Acer AL1917 LCD! It's a fraction of the size of a CRT, and the speakers are built in.
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Avayon DXP-10P Portable DVD Player
Manufacturer: Avayon ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Product Features:
ASIN: B000BGWOGQ |
Product Description
The Ultra Slim Avayon DXP-10P Portable DVD Player gives you the flexibility you need, to enjoy more of your favorite digital entertainment. Don't bring your precious, expensive DVD discs with you when you travel -- they'll be indanger of getting damaged. Instead, transfer the digital video to a blank CD or DVD disc you burn at home. You can also transfer it to a portable USB-compatible external drive or a memory card; Whatever method you prefer, the DXP-10P will accommodate you. It also offers home theater audio for the very best listening experience, too! Dolby Digital Decode / DTS Output Digital Video Processing 10 Bit / Digital Audio Processing 24 bit 96kHz Video Format 4 - 3 - 16 - 9 (Display resizing) Is Mulit-sytem/Muliti-zone ( PAL / NTSC compatible) USB port and 3-in-1 memory card reader Child Lock On Screen Display Language Selection for Audio and Subtitles 10.2 A-grade 16 - 9 TFT LCD display with 180-degree rotation Plug-and-Play with any larger TV Smart Lithium ion rechargeable Battery -- 2.5 hour playtime Credit card remote 12V DC car Adapter included Stereo inputs/outputs Headphone output (3.5mm jack)Customer Reviews:
decent.... but............2007-02-14
Big screen; plays DIVX; excellent customer service........2006-08-26
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ALERA DVD SLIM CRUISER PLUS EXT ( 270109 )
Manufacturer: Aleratec ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics ASIN: B00017X266 |
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Amazon Imaging T-Shirt Inkjet Transfers (8.5x11, 10 Sheets) APA60
Manufacturer: Amazon Imaging Inc. ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00007FGQH |
Product Description
This exciting new paper provides an exceptional inkjet medium for iron-on transfer of text and/or graphic art to cotton or cotton blend fabrics.Amazon.com Product Description
Whether you're designing shirts for a whole team or just one to display your latest work of art, this pack of quality transfers is just what you need to avoid the high costs of professional printing. Simply substitute this thick sheet for paper in your printer, and then print as you normally would, either in black or full color. Follow the included directions, and your words or logo will seamlessly appear on your favorite cotton or cotton-blend T-shirt or sweatshirt. Each sheet measures 8.5 by 11 inches. Ten transfers are included in the pack. Amazon Imaging's proprietary coatings are compatible with all inkjet printers and are backed by a one-year full-replacement guarantee.Customer Reviews:
Too much trouble . . ........2004-08-24
Electronics: