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Hitachi DZHS300A DVD-HDD 8GB Hybrid Digital Camcorder (25x Opt, 1200x Dig, 2.7

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72

Good
  • Pros
  • Records to hard drive and DVD discs
  • Supports Mini DVD-RAM
  • Cons
  • Lacks a macro mode
  • Can't use dual-layer discs

Hitachi DZHS300A Review

by Tracey Capen

- If you can't decide whether a hard drive or DVD camcorder is right for you, consider the hybrid Hitachi DZHS300A ($570 as of April 24, 2007). This camcorder comes with both a Mini DVD drive capable of recording in all the now-standard formats (-R, -RW, -RAM, and +RW) and a built-in 8GB hard drive. That combination gives you a number of interesting options for managing your video. At the camcorder's highest quality setting, the hard drive can store 3 hours of video, but it can fit only about 18 minutes of footage on a single Mini DVD disc (the DZHS300A does not support dual-layer discs). Moreover, you can copy video files saved on the hard drive to Mini DVD, in camera, for instant archiving. A hybrid camcorder sounds as though it might be an expensive proposition, but the price is competitive with single-format models.

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User Reviews for Hitachi DZHS300A DVD-HDD 8GB Hybrid Digital Camcorder (25x Opt, 1200x Dig, 2.7

  • Reviewed by: a_l_a

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Simple access to basic functions, hybrid DVD/HD feature, good optical zoom.

    Weaknesses: Poor image quality in dark environment and in still mode. No way to copy raw movie file to your PC directly.

    Overall Evaluation: Camera was easy to use right out-of-the-box. Basic operations do not require opening the manual. Some advanced feature are buried deep in the menu and could be pain to access at recording time. Ability to record on hard drive (HD) and burn on a mini DVD "in the field" is handy, but cannot be accomplished on battery power. Thus "in the field" is not working unless you are at least closew to the car with a power inverter! Picture quality in low light (commonly indoors) is very poor. Outdoor filming, on the other hand, produces pretty good colors. HD recording cannot be copied directly to your PC and requires enclosed software, which forces you to go through disk authoring! What if you need just a raw movie file

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