I chose the Canon MV800 as a trusted brand name and for the proven quality of its predecessors. Filming a series of 'live' concerts proved a doddle with this camcorder.
First things first though, I would recommend purchasing additional battery packs and tapes as the basic boxed version only ... Read review
Advantages: Easy to use, Compact, Excellent Quality, PC Friendly, Lightweight, Economically Priced Disadvantages: Lack of included accessories, No external sound connections, No 'still picture' option
I chose the Canon MV800 as a trusted brand name and for the proven quality of its predecessors. Filming a series of 'live' concerts proved a doddle with this camcorder.
First things first though, I would recommend purchasing additional battery packs and tapes as the basic boxed version only comes with a small battery and NO standard mini dv tapes. I also purchased a tripod with standard fitting which works fine with this camcorder. ...including various lighting settings and manual focus options along with digital effects. The great thing about this camera, however, is the point and shoot auto mode which will cover 99% of a beginner's requirements and really is as simple as turning the camera on and pressing the record button. The impressive zoom function is easy to operate and the small lcd screen shows clearly the amount of tape used, battery power, mode etc.
I chose the Canon MV800 as a trusted brand name and for the proven quality of its predecessors. Filming a series of 'live' concerts proved a doddle with this camcorder.
First things first though, I would recommend purchasing additional battery packs and tapes as the basic boxed version only comes with a small battery and NO standard mini dv tapes. I also purchased a tripod with standard fitting which works fine with this camcorder.
The MV800 has a wealth of features including various lighting settings and manual focus options along with digital effects. The great thing about this camera, however, is the point and shoot auto mode which will cover 99% of a beginner's requirements and really is as simple as turning the camera on and pressing the record button. The impressive zoom function is easy to operate and the small lcd screen shows clearly the amount of tape used, battery power, mode etc.
After shooting your footage, capturing to your PC couldn't be simpler with the 'dv out' port. Again you'll need to buy a compatible firewire or usb cable, but these are fairly cheap and I guess the reason that this high quality camera has been made available at such a competitive price is due to the exclusion of such accessories.
All in all a great little budget camcorder which can be made into a high quality semi-professional one with the purchase of a few accessories.
Advantages: Canon is very user friendly and simple menus. Disadvantages: Canon Concentrates only on userfriendliness sacrificing new features
...I carry in my pocket. Canon Cameras and Camcorders have always fascinated me. This review is not about any specific model of the camera, but Canon Camcorders in General. Canon Camcorders are simple to use and easy to learn camcorders. The instructions provided are very simple and a first time use of camcorders can easily work his way out with a Canon Camorder. The inscriptions on the camera are simple . To record/replay and download pictures and ... ...Many features on Canon Camcorders are generally special features on some other cameras and you pay extra for those features. Of course there are other Cam Corders that have features that are not in Canon. Canon tends to introduce new features with every new model that continiously improving. The prices are falling positively with the betterment of features. Due to its simplicity, first time users of canon get to grips with camcorder usage quite easily. ...
atbbiz 05.10.2005 (15.10.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Canon MV 800
With its 20x optical zoom, DiGIC DV and 'Easy' mode, the MV800 combines quality with point-and-shoot simplicity. It features a 2.4" LCD, 16: 9 widescreen mode and image stabilization. With the MV800 Canon's engineers have developed a camcorder where ease of use is all-important. They have stuck to the maxim that technology is only worth having when it is both simple and useful. Functionality that simplifies the key task of shooting great video has been enhanced. This approach has produced a camcorder that sets a standard for uncomplicated performance. Everywhere ease of use is paramount. Menu navigation is intuitive and straightforward. Controls are positioned for instant, fingertip access to key functions. Within seconds of picking it up for the first time you can be capturing quality footage. Flick the 'Easy' switch and the camcorder immediately records in fully automatic mode. The MV800 has a high-resolution 16: 9 mode, which lets you film in cinemascope and is great if you want to play back your footage on a widescreen monitor. And it's as easy to use as the Easy mode. Simply push the button and the camcorder is ready to capture true widescreen images, using the full width of the CCD sensor. The MV800's compact body measures just 5cm across and fits easily in the palm of your hand. It may be small, but its 2.4" color LCD monitor gives you plenty of screen space to keep your eye on detail as you record. What's more, screen brightness is adjustable to aid visibility in outdoor locations. No matter what kind of lighting you have or where you may be, you can rely on capturing the essence of the scenes you shoot. The MV800 has a powerful 20x optical zoom, with exceptional contrast and clarity, and that can place you right at the heart of the action. The MV800 uses a razor sharp 1/6" CCD so that even at the strongest magnifications you will capture images that are crisp and clear. Canon's unique DiGIC DV processor renders these in warm, subtle tones; colors appear natural and vibrant. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) means that hand-held footage remains steady and calm even in tricky shooting situations.
