Canon ZR500 Digital Camcorder - 2.7" LCD - CCD

For budget-conscious consumers, the ZR family of cameras is a perfect balance between style, performance and affordability. ZR digital camcorders give you a variety of features, including Wide screen HR recording, pre-programmed auto exposure settings, a Firewire/DV Terminal and Canon's advanced image stabilization system. Along with its stylish Blue Mist finish, the ZR500 boasts Canon's longest zoom ever. It also comes with features found on more expensive camcorders. An easy-to-read menu system makes it a breeze to operate. The joystick lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure and menu options with a single controller. And a big 2.7 LCD lets you lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording.

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• Reviewed by: vijaymtech

  04-06-07

  Duration of ownership: 10 Months

  Strengths: CheapSlickGood quality

  Weaknesses:No photo freature

  Overall Evaluation: Its a nice camcorder. I got it last year at black friday.The only problem I am facing is that it do not have the photo feature.THe quality good and the video recording works fine

• Reviewed by: highlander2

  12-07-06

  Duration of ownership: 2 Months

  Strengths: compact, exellent image, exellent sound, easy menu.

  Weaknesses:standard low light recording but it is not bad.

  Overall Evaluation: Exellent camcorder for the money. If you just want to make some home movies this is the perfect camcorder. If you want the best of the best spend 1000, this camcorder is good enough.

• Reviewed by: kbteachme

  11-19-06

  Duration of ownership:

  Strengths: External microphone port, easy to use functions, nice widescreen format and best of all the wonderful picture quality with extended zoom

  Weaknesses:None for the price

  Overall Evaluation: This is the best MiniDV camcorder out there under $250. Some online stores are selling them for around $200. I purchased mine at the start of the summer and I beat it up with heavy user load with my kids at theme parks since the purchase. It still works like new and the picture quality is excellent outdoors. I spent many hours of research for a good camcorder for under $250. Look no further... this is the one to buy! I you have $350 or more get the Panasonic PV-GS180 with 3CCDs. I don't know why they are still making camcorders with a SD picture memory card slot. Who takes pictures with a camcorder? I'm glad Canon did not put this feature in the ZR500. It's less things that will cause the camcorder to break-down. If camcorder manufactures were really smart, they would only use the SD card slot as an audio/MP3 recordering port. This will allow video shooters to record high quality audio on MP3 to stage the event and get names of the people or just audio interviews that you can easily take out the SD card and drop it into your computer to audio editing.

• Reviewed by: dtpmike

  09-29-06

  Duration of ownership:

  Strengths: -small size-easy to use-good picture quality-has a mic input-good price (paid $223)

  Weaknesses:-poor on board mic (picks up motor noise)-no mounting shoe for accessories

  Overall Evaluation: So far I really enjoy this camcorder. It is my first camcorder and it is perfect for my budget. If you buy this camera, plan on buying an external mic and an L bracket to mount it on. I bought the ATR-25 and a mounting bracket and the sound quality is much better. With the on board mic you pick up a lot of motor noise.I would recommend this camera to people on a budget.

• Reviewed by: Kinzualyse

  07-05-06

  Duration of ownership: 1 Weeks

  Strengths: It is very small and easy to work. It didnt take me very long to figure out the basics. The instructions were very clear and the different buttons are in very handy places.

  Weaknesses:The battery life is only 60 minutes, but it wont be difficult to buy another one.

  Overall Evaluation: I set out looking for a good camera. After doing a lot of research on the internet and several stores, I bought this camera at Circut City. The salesman was very friendly and bragged tremendously about this camera. I had also done some previous shopping around at Target and the salesman there said that Canon will provide the best quality for the best price. I am very pleased with this model and will be using it on a trip to Tennessee in the next few days. The videos turn out well, even in low light settings.I had to purchase a fire-wire cable to download my videos onto the computer, but i was aware of this extra cost beforehand, and was able to add that to my budget. I would reccomend this model to anyone who is looking for a good piece of equipment.

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