Canon ZR850 1MP MiniDV Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom

Product Description

The ZR850 gives you clear, vibrant and brilliant video and digital photographs with a 1.07 Megapixel CCD image sensor. 35x Optical and 1000x Digital Zoom lets you get closer to the action for unsurpassed optical performance. The ZR850's image stabilizer allows you to shoot rock-steady video even at maximum telephoto without a tripod for professional-looking video. Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV image processor takes video and photos differently, resulting in exceptional color and clarity for both. The ZR850 even comes with a built-in video light so you can record video that's great when the light isn't. The 0.35-inch viewfinder on your ZR850 displays your widescreen image in a letterbox view. The 2.7-inch LCD screen lets you view your widescreen shot right as you're taking them. The Widescreen Button lets you switch from standard 4:3 to 16:9 Widescreen HR with the camcorder's advanced image stabilization. Simultaneous Photo Recording lets you capture a digital photograph while recording video. Level and Grid Markers - Both markers can be set to white or grey for enhanced visibility Built-in Video Light 1.07 Megapixels 1/6-inch CCD Image Sensor MiniDV Tape Format Viewfinder - 0.35-inch, 114,000 pixels, widescreen LCD Screen - 2.7-inch, 112,000 pixels, widescreen Exposure Lock - Lets you lock your exposure settings and then recompose your shot Auto Slow Shutter Function - Ensures perfect exposures in low light by lowering your shutter speed 9 Point Ai-AF - Auto Intelligent Auto Focus will bring it into sharp focus Progressive Photo gives you sharper detail in your digital photography Scene Modes - Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight or Fireworks Image Effects - Vivid, Neutral, Low-Sharpening, and Skin Detail Dimensions - Width 2.2 x Height 3.6 x Depth 4.7 inch (57 x 92 x 119 mm not including grip belt) Weight - 13.4 ounces (380 grams)

Customer Reviews:

Nice camcorder.......2007-12-17

really neat product.

CONS:

* It does not come with a Firewire cable which you'd need if you want to download videos to your PC/MAC.
* Battery last only one hour

Great for the price - a few drawbacks.......2007-10-28

There are a few drawbacks. The motor noise mentioned in other reviews is a real problem - it's a loud whine and hiss, really annoying. I almost sent the camera back because of this alone so be warned. There is no Firewire cable included, you have to get one before you can transfer video to the computer. No video software is included but since I am using Kino in Ubuntu Linux, it wasn't an issue. In Linux, it's extremely easy to transfer to Kino, edit, and burn to DVD using K3b. (don't forget in Ubuntu you have to run it as root - 'gksudo kino'). Kino controls the camera through the DV interface, playback, edit, export to DVD. Haven't tried anything more complicated than that yet. Controls are nice and picture and sound quality quite good.

Canon ZR850 1MP MiniDV Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom.......2007-07-01

This camcorder is great. I had an earlier version of it and like this one better. Picture quality is good and easy to use. glad i bought it.Canon ZR850 1MP MiniDV Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom

Not worth the money.......2007-06-01

I am a first time camcorder owner and decided to get this camcorder based on reviews on another website. Then, right after I ordered the camera, I began reading the reviews on Amazon and got worried--I should have checked here first. After further research, I decided to also order the Panasonic PV-GS80 to compare the devices.

What I found is that the Canon is just as loud as everyone has reported. When I played back the tape on my TV, you could hear the humming noise it makes while filming plus a clicking noise each time you zoom in or out. My other complaints are that it doesn't fit in the hand as well as the panasonic, it has a bottom tape loader, and the power adapter is only a couple of feet long

In comparison, the Panasonic was quite as a mouse. Images are also more crisp on the 2.7 inch screen and the power adapter is at least 5 feet long which is very helpful.

I am returning the Canon ASAP.

Great for the price.......2007-05-16

I did a lot of research before I settled on this camera. I was prepared to spend a fair amount of money on a better model, but I came to the conclusion that it was a better idea to spend less money and wait a couple of years for the HD technology to come down in price and the hard drive storage format to become more established. So this was, in my opinion, the best mixture of quality and price. There are certainly cheaper models out there but beware. There are three major bugaboos camcorders have to face: internal noise, image stabalization, and low lighting conditions. You can expect cheaper machines not to excell in these and to pay dearly for those that do. Canon's real selling point is its optics, but like most lower-end models, they don't "shine" in low light. They put external mike jacks only on their chapest models so they can sell to schools (the education market likes low prices and external mikes). Personally, I have a pocket digital recorder with a lavalier mike and I edit in a separate digital soundtrack to get around the noise problem, but not everyone wants to do that. Canon's image stabalization seems improved from the previous model that I've had, although while 35X zoom seems impressive, I've not yet tested it to see what the vibration reduction is like at the etxreme end. My biggest problem is the low lighting, so I bought a portable utility light at a home improvement store for ten bucks to help with that.

The reality is that even though you don't care to spend a couple hundred bucks every year on new ccamcorders, you should consider this a disposable camera. It costs almost as much to buy a new model as to fix them. I bought this to replace a ZR85. Which leads me to another point- if you have the option, you might consider an extended warantee. The earlier generations of camcorders seem to have had a habit of blowing out.

You will want to buy an extended life battery as well- the battery that this model came with was good for only a short while.

I wouldn't bother much with still photography- camcorders don't have great snapshot capabilities just as camera's don't generally have good video capabilities. It's tempting to try to kill two birds with one stone, but none of the models I've seen do both eaqually well. Even my cheapo point and shoot digital camera takes better pictures (but not nearly as good video). Also, copying video to the SDram card is a quick and easy way to slap a short video clip on your website or email it to friends, but you will get a compressed file with significantly poorer quality than the miniDV tape. On a PC you can use Windows Movie Maker (free download if you don't already have it) but it only saves in WMV format. To burn in DVD format you will need authoring software (that's another review, but I use Adobe premiere elements).

MiniDV is on its way out, but will probably still be around for a while. It has great quality- much better than a DVD, although you can certainly create DVDs from a miniDV tape. As far as storage goes, the tapes are pretty cheap- 13 gigs or so for a couple of bucks is pretty good. In the future though I think the hard drives are going to be the next big thing.

Copying your tapes to a DVD via a Mac is a breeze with imovie and iDVD (no, I don't work for Mac) although I generally do my editing on a PC. It is a bit of a pain (less so when you finally get the hang of it) but I don't have regular access to a Mac.

This is a really great starter camera if you are just getting into digital video and a real easy, convient, point and shoot workhorse. That being said, it is sophistocated enough that you can grow into it. My guess is that by the time you grow out of it the prices for more advanced technology will have come down and this camera will have reached the end of its lifespan anyway. I found mine brand new online for 260 bucks, and I got what I paid for and then some.

Product Description

Vanguard wins another round with the DA series compact binoculars! Classic compact styling and full-size power slip into your pocket to be taken to any event. Non-slip rubber armor and quality construction will ensure years of reliable use. DA series binoculars are lightweight and compact so they can be taken anywhere!Each binocular in the DA series features lenses and prisms made from fully coated optical glass. Soft rubber eyecups can be folded for eyeglasses. The binoculars are available with or without ruby coated lenses.

Vanguard Ultra-Compact 8x21 Binoculars w/Multi-Coated Optics

Average customer rating:

Vanguard Ultra-Compact 8x21 Binoculars w/Multi-Coated Optics

Manufacturer: VANGUARD
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Vanguard | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Binoculars | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Accessories & Supplies | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
ASIN: B000167SU8

Product Description

Vanguard's goal is to maximize sales of the products produced by the mother company, Guardforce Corporation, by developing an up-to-date sales program, through effective marketing, and efficient distribution at a lower cost than competitive products. Guardforce's mission is to produce high quality products at affordable prices in order to appeal to the largest possible cross-section of the population.PRODUCT FEATURES: Ultra compact, rubber armor binocular; Fast focus; Soft rubber eyecups.

Vanguard 8x21 Compact Ruby Coated Lens Binoculars

Average customer rating:

Vanguard 8x21 Compact Ruby Coated Lens Binoculars

Manufacturer: VANGUARD
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Vanguard | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Binoculars | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Binoculars | Hunting Optics | Hunting | Categories | Sports & Outdoors
Product Features:

8x21, 7.2 degree angle of view, 379' field of view
Non-slip rubber armor
Includes carrying case and neck strap

ASIN: B00006JQLV

Product Description

Vanguard's goal is to maximize sales of the products produced by the mother company, Guardforce Corporation, by developing an up-to-date sales program, through effective marketing, and efficient distribution at a lower cost than competitive products. Guardforce's mission is to produce high quality products at affordable prices in order to appeal to the largest possible cross-section of the population.Product features are: Non-slip rubber armored surface; Ruby coated objective lenses; Roof prism design; Neck strap and carrying pouch; Angle: 7.2?; Field of view: 378 ft/1000 yards.

Vanguard Compact 8x21 Binoculars w/Aluminum Storage Case

Average customer rating:

Vanguard Compact 8x21 Binoculars w/Aluminum Storage Case

Manufacturer: VANGUARD
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Vanguard | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Binoculars | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Binoculars | Hunting Optics | Hunting | Categories | Sports & Outdoors
ASIN: B000167OZM

Product Description

Vanguard's goal is to maximize sales of the products produced by the mother company, Guardforce Corporation, by developing an up-to-date sales program, through effective marketing, and efficient distribution at a lower cost than competitive products. Guardforce's mission is to produce high quality products at affordable prices in order to appeal to the largest possible cross-section of the population.PRODUCT FEATURES: 8X21 Compact Binocular Gift Kit; DX-8210 binocular; Ultra Compact; Fast focus; Aluminum/Kote Skin Hard Case; Quick release latch; Padded for impact resistance; Includes foam padding.

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