Canon ZR400
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"Very poor software included" on by xpsd300
Pros: price, size,features
Cons: poor software, no dv cable, no dv mini cassette
Summary: I believe canon had such success with the zr100,zr200 and the zr300 that this camcorder was pushed out the door for the holidays. It doesn't appear that much thought or effort was given to providing the quality software neccessary for the camcorder to be a successful one.
If you update to version 5.5 of the software on the canon web site, you still have nothing new to work with. DV messenger 2 would not download for me. I tryed 3 times. You have to fill out a form, each time that ask for everthing except your shoe size.
I expected more from canon! Now, I have to buy software. Also no Dv cable, for connecting to the computer, or mini DV cassette is included in the package !! What is one to record movies on? The 16mb card that's included.
If canon did't provide the dv cable or the mini Dv cassette to record movies on, there must be a reason. Maybe, So you won't find out how bad the sofware sucks until it's too late! -
"Not a good camcorder when it comes to night recording." on by pankajkhazanchi
Pros: It works great with the daylight recording. Is handy to operate.
Cons: The recording is not clear while doing night recording. It also records the machine sounds. Too much noisy.
Summary: Overall this camera does not perform well as compared with other camera in the same price range. It also records the machine sounds and makes the recording more noisy.
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"Okay product" on by MADOREW
Pros: none that I can see
Cons: does not work with Yahoo messenger for one
Summary: not sure what else it works with. Their DVmessenger program is useless. Their support for this problem was very unsatisfactory. It seemed as if they do not care that it is a problem.
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"Works well for me" on by cchan_junk
Pros: Size, wide-angle lens attachment, "easy" recording mode, remote
Cons: Battery life/meter, bottom-loading feature
Summary: This camera has worked very well for me thus far. I've used it to capture basic home videos (including a friend's wedding), and it has performed well. It's very easy to use, and the "easy" recording mode makes it simple if you don't want to manually adjust all the other features. The included remote and wide-angle lens attachment have been particularly useful.
Other reviewers have criticized the low-light performance and the software. I haven't done much recording in low-light situations, and I use Adobe Premier Elements (works great!), so I don't have an opinion on those 2 areas. Things I don't like: The bottom-loading feature is inconvenient when using a tri-pod. The remote sensor on the camera is in the front, so the remote is only useful if you're in front of the camera recording yourself. The battery meter seems to be screwy on my camera. I will fully charge the battery, turn the camera on, and it will show a full battery. If I use the camera for 2 minutes, shut it off, and then turn it back on, the meter shows 60-70% full.
Overall, I'm pleased with the camera. -
"So far so good!" on by jh21
Pros: Easy to understand
Cons: Almost too small I've got big hands!
Summary: I've looked at a lot of camcorders and this one has worked out great.
