Good value
Written: May 29 '01
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Pros: Inexpensive,
Digital 8 format,
Firewire,
Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS),
Easy to use.
Cons: Focus control,
Placement of controls,
Slow response time.
The Bottom Line: Only get this camcorder if you plan to shoot outside only. The video quality is terrible indoor, even under decent (average) lighting and don't forget to purchase the optional battery.
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| smailli's Full Review: Hitachi VMD875LA Digital-8 Camcorder |
I purchased this camcorder to get into DV video editing. I was able to do that successfully using my Macintosh Powerbook G3 via Firewire (iLink, IEEE 1394).
The Hitachi VMD865LA comes with an AC adapter, a battery, a remote control, a set of audio cables, manuals and a strap. I also received a carrying case from Circuit City where I purchased the camcorder as an open box item for $ 412.00.
The first thing I did upon arriving home was to connect the camcorder to my computer. The image was fine but there seemed to be some kind of feedback problem with the audio. I had to turn the volume all the way down on the computer. I did not have this problem using a Sony TRV 320 a few weeks before with the same computer.
This camcorder is very easy to use. It feels like a Sony camcorder. One problem I noticed is that the camera responds very slowly to commands such as play, rewind, and eject. There is a very noticeable delay after every command. I do not know if that problem is specific to my camcorder or all Hitachi camcorders. I'll investigate that. Another major problem with this camcorder is the placement of the manual focus control. You have to use two fingers to press two buttons simultaneously to turn on manual focus control. It is very hard to operate the focus without shaking the camera. That is a serious usability problem! It's almost as if you are discouraged from using the manual focus.
The picture quality is OK. It feels like Hi8 quality to me. The manual claims better quality that HI8 but I have not been able to achieve that. I taped a graduation ceremony indoor and a few outdoor activities. The indoor tape is of very poor quality. Using back light compensation (BLC) improves the quality but not by much and you have to keep your finger on the BLC button. Outdoor footage is OK but not impressive. The outdoor shots do not look any better than the shots made with my HI8 camcorder.
Apart from these issues, it's a decent camcorder and a steal at the price I paid for it. The Hitachi VMD865LA is a good entry-level camcorder to get started in DV on the cheap.
I only recommend this camcorder if money is an issue otherwise, a Sony digital 8 camcorder may be a better deal.
The menus are very easy to navigate and most functions can be performed without consulting the manual.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 412,00
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Epinions.com ID:
smailli
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Reviews written: 1
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