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CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Digital Camcorders. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of digital camcorder.
Hard disk format
With digital camcorders that use built-in hard drives, you can record high-quality MPEG-2 footage and deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality. Some video cameras will also record in AVCHD or H.264 formats, giving you more flexibility for recording. Consumer grade digital camcorders of this type have USB ports for easy video downloading onto computers.
Best for: Trendsetter; home and vacation moviemaker; business videographer.
| Relatively compact digital camcorder designs |
| Easy searching and random access to video segments |
| Selectable image-quality levels, usually including high-quality variable-bit-rate recording |
| Both video and still images can be recorded on one card (instead of on a cassette and a memory card) |
| Need for separate hard drive or DVD burning for archiving |
| Unpredictable recording times with variable bit rate |
| Less support by advanced video-editing and video-effects software than for DV format |
Supporting manufacturers: Canon; JVC; Panasonic; Sony.
Read more in the Digital Camcorder Buying Guide
See more Hard drive products
Disc formats
Mini-DVD camcorders record high-quality MPEG-2 footage directly to a mini DVD-R or DVD-RAM and can deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality. Recording directly to disc makes it convenient for playing directly in set-top players and for storage.
Best for: Trendsetter; home and vacation moviemaker; business videographer.
| DVD-Rs can be played in home DVD players |
| Easy searching and random access to video segments |
| Convenient and stable format for archiving |
| Selectable image-quality levels, including high-quality variable-bit-rate recording |
| Both video and still images are recorded on disc (instead of on a cassette and a memory card) |
| Video recorded on DVD-R cannot be edited on a computer |
| Video on DVD-RAMs can be accessed only via a DVD-RAM drive |
| Relatively short recording times at highest-quality modes and unpredictable recording times with variable bit rate |
| Relatively expensive discs |
| Less reliable for live recording; a single bad bit can render an entire disc of video unrecognizable |
Supporting manufacturers:Canon; Hitachi; Panasonic; Samsung; Sony.
Read more in the Digital Camcorder Buying Guide
Exposure control
Every digital camcorder has a fully automatic mode that lets you simply point and shoot, but it's best to be able to adjust your exposure setting a little. Special shooting modes for capturing subjects lit by a spotlight or other specific sources can be helpful. For full control over exposure, you'll need a camera that lets you manually set both the aperture and the shutter speed. Advanced camcorders offer zebra stripes, which highlight overexposed areas with a striped pattern so that you can fine-tune exposure. Low-light performance is the Achilles' heel of many digital camcorders. Look for a model with a minimum lux rating of seven or lower. Many camcorders offer special low-light shooting modes, but they don't all work the same way. Some simply slow down the shutter speed so that you get full-color but impressionistic-looking footage. Others use an infrared emitter to capture greenish monochrome video in total darkness.
LCD and electronic viewfinder info
More pixels usually mean better viewfinder and LCD image quality. Look for a sharp LCD that's easy to see in bright light; adjustable screen brightness helps, too. The larger the LCD, the easier it will be to see (and the more power-hungry it will be); for all but ultracompact camcorders, look for at least 2.5 inches. An EVF that you can tilt with a diopter lever for adjusting focus will give you more shooting flexibility. Almost all EVFs and LCDs on consumer camcorders display color, although some video enthusiasts prefer black-and-white EVFs, which can make it easier to judge exposure. Touch-screen LCDs have begun to appear on a few consumer video cameras, usually for menu navigation and spot focusing. Some users find them convenient, while others prefer not to have to use the LCD to access camcorder controls.
See more LCD products
CNET product brief
Description: The Hitachi DZ HS500A is a hard disk drive, DVD-RAM (8 cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD+ RW (8cm), and DVD-R (8cm)-based, consumer camcorder.Compared to other consumer camcorders on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $435.
Pros: Has a 30x optical zoom.Offers manual focus adjustment, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.In addition, frequent travelers will appreciate how relatively little it weighs, only 15.3 ounces.
Cons: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: Made for those who want the perks of a DVD-recordable disc but don't mind the compromises.
Value: Overall, this camcorder's features are as expected for this price.
Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
