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All in all I have been very pleased with my Canon MD205 Mini DV Camcorder and would recommend it as a good 'budget' camera for a family to use to create lasting memories.... Read review
Advantages: Compact. Good zoom. Good image quality Budget price. Disadvantages: No separate battery charger supplied. Lots of PC disc space needed for film editing.
...a separate battery charger would have been a useful accessory to have.
All in all I have been very pleased with my Canon MD205 Mini DV Camcorder and would recommend it as a good 'budget' camera for a family to use to create lasting memories. ... more
This camera is probably classed as 'entry level' and yet can produce high quality images and is ideal for all of the family to use.
Its' compact size and light weight means this camcorder can be carried around easily. The optical zoom (36X) is more than enough for 'normal' use and most of the time I choose to keep the digital zoom (up to 2000X) turned off so that I do not accidentally stray into this 'zone' as I find that picture quality is better when just optical zoom functions are used.
For high-level zooming a tripod would come in useful as images can be very shaky unless you have a super steady hand.
The clear swivel-to-the-side screen is great for watching footage but I, myself, prefer to use the viewfinder when actually filming.
The control buttons next to the screen are comprehensive, if a little on the small side.
I have added a neck strap to my camera, for extra security and I would suggest that this would be essential if children were to use it.
Uploading images to a computer for editing is simple using the supplied cable. You do need a lot of free pc space , initially, however if you are to edit film successfully. Storage of completed footage is simply achieved, though, as edited images can be saved to writable dvds for viewing on conventional dvd players (and, ofcourse, the mini dv cassettes themselves can be kept and stored, rather than erased and used again, if required).
When I first acquired this camera I was unsure of editing software options and some guidance regarding this would have been much appreciated. However, once you get the hang of it, editing (including adding background music and titles etc.) is easily acieved on the computer (although it can be very time consuming).
A separate battery charger was NOT supplied with my camera so the battery has to be charged from the mains supply whilst in the camera itself. I find this a bit limiting and a separate battery charger would have been a useful accessory to have.
All in all I have been very pleased with my Canon MD205 Mini DV Camcorder and would recommend it as a good 'budget' camera for a family to use to create lasting memories.
Certified for Windows Vista software and devices have undergone compatibility tests for ease-of-use, better performance and enhanced security.
Carrying Case
Case
Included Accessories
Cleaning cloth
Battery
Supported Battery
Canon BP-2L5
Supported Battery Details
1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( included )
Manufacturer's product description
This easy-to-use camcorder MD205 benefits from a Canon 36x advanced zoom and the processing power of DIGIC DV. A microphone input allows capture of superior audio to give every movie that extra edge. The unique combination of genuine Canon optics and powerful DIGIC DV processing now offers extended magnification - even distant shooting subjects are captured in crisp detail. An Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS) helps to ensure steady footage. Your home movies are recorded in eye-catching 16:9, allowing you to get the most out of your widescreen TV set. During shooting the 2.7" widescreen LCD and 16:9 widescreen color EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) help you compose your movies in the correct dimensions. Use the LCD to share the view whilst shooting, or choose to use the EVF to save on battery power. With just one push of the dedicated Quick Start button, the camcorder powers up almost instantly from Standby mode. Never miss a moment of the action. Capturing superior quality audio is easy - simply attach an external microphone to the MD205 via its microphone input connection. This is particularly useful when shooting in noisy environments, when ambient sound might otherwise interfere with your movie's soundtrack. Situated on the frame of the LCD screen, a joystick makes it easy to operate all of the camcorder's key controls. To access more advanced features, simply use the joystick to navigate menus displayed on the LCD screen. Record colors in full, vivid color with the power of DIGIC DV processing. DIGIC DV, unique to Canon camcorders, optimizes the colors in the images you shoot, ensuring that they appear vibrant and true-to-life. When turned to face forwards, the camcorder's LCD screen doubles as a convenient video light. It lights up close subjects when shooting in poorly lit conditions. The camcorder features a one-push Easy mode that allows beginners to get shooting straightaway. Switching all of the camcorder's key settings to automatic, it allows you to concentrate on what you are filming. For more advanced users, a full range of program AE modes is available.
