Canon MV 400i

Generally, I need to take a deep breath when it comes to technology so when buying this five years ago I asked for one that was simple to use.
In practice it has met this requirement. I have never used the viewfinder preferring to open the LCD screen, which makes it simple to see what is being recorded.
Although supplied with a shoulder strap I did not feel the camera would be adequately protected so purchased a leather carrying case ...
...belt is very comfortable when holding the camera to film. Pressing a button starts, stops and pauses the process and the zoom moves smoothly by thumb. It can therefore be operated effortlessly with one hand.
The finished recordings are always sharp - sound quality has never been an issue (see later). I always power by battery when recording.
There is a knack required in getting the battery to click into place. It is also essential to ... more

Generally, I need to take a deep breath when it comes to technology so when buying this five years ago I asked for one that was simple to use.
In practice it has met this requirement. I have never used the viewfinder preferring to open the LCD screen, which makes it simple to see what is being recorded.
Although supplied with a shoulder strap I did not feel the camera would be adequately protected so purchased a leather carrying case (with pocket for spare battery and film). The Cannon grip belt is very comfortable when holding the camera to film. Pressing a button starts, stops and pauses the process and the zoom moves smoothly by thumb. It can therefore be operated effortlessly with one hand.
The finished recordings are always sharp - sound quality has never been an issue (see later). I always power by battery when recording.
There is a knack required in getting the battery to click into place. It is also essential to buy a spare - otherwise guess which mountain you'll be up when the power has discharged. On holiday I would always recharge overnight.
Loading the tape requires patience. Once the compartment is opened it more or less does-it-itself but rather like a midwife tells you when to push but not to press! The screen will indicate if a 'write protected' cassette has been inserted.
Amongst included accessories is a good length power cord but both the connection points (for this and for linking to a personal computer) are hidden under flaps that need respect because they appear quite flimsy. They are still in tact.
Films can be played back from camera to TV screen and edited to VCR. When purchased the retailer included Presto Video Works software. This I used to computer edit and add musical backing tracks. Resulting short films were then transferred back via camera to videotape.
It is during these processes that the number of wires and handbook became confusing. Eventually I wrote out my own instructions to avoid flipping between pages. Using the camera's remote also proved awkward, as it has to be pointing towards the camera front to have any effect.
I have since changed computer operating system. Still photos can be taken with the MV400i via a photo button on the top but I find it better to just record and then capture one frame with Windows XP camera wizard. This appears more straightforward than the process required by a digital stills camera purchased later. It is how I insert photos to ebay listings.
After five years and much use this product still functions well and I believe its price has dropped considerably. Now the only apparent change is that whilst written messages appearing on the LCD screen are clear, symbols are more difficult to identify - but that could be my eyes.
 

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