Objective motor noise tests.
Written: Jul 30 '02 (Updated Jul 30 '02)
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Pros: Great size, design, weight. Perfect price point for features.
Cons: Motor noise.
The Bottom Line: Great design, and price...as long as you don't want to record in average ambient noise levels. Have a baby? You won't getting a video of him/her sleeping.
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| jeffdaro's Full Review: Canon ZR45MC Mini DV Camcorder |
Before purchasing the ZR45, I had read many reviews here and on other web sites, that said the motor noise on these units was so loud, that the tape would record it. I also found an equal number of posts disputing this fact.
I bought a ZR 45 last night, and tested the motor noise problem. I sat 5 feet from my wife on the couch, and with no other noise in the room other then the central air running, I recorded 10 seconds of video. I then walked about 10-15 feet from her, and she recited the ABC's. I then also spoke with the camera still up to my face.
We then turned the TV on and set it to a comfortable listening volume, a little low I would say, as my wife does not like the TV too loud.
In both recorded segments, the motor noise is very apparent. It is not extremely loud, but the volume combined with the frequency make it very audible. The level is high enough that it competed with her and my voices on the tape.
I was also dissapointed with the image quality. With 525 lines of resolution, I was expected DVD quality on my Mitsubishi 55 inch projection TV. The video quality was VHS at best. I must admit though, that this may be user error, or a configuration problem, as I was simply testing the motor noise and got the thing out of the box and hooked it up without reading anything.
I returned the ZR45 and replaced it with a Sony DCRTRV27. This camera is so far, incredible. I tested the recording and with my TV cranked to max you can just make out the motor noise. I think it's a keeper. I won't write a review on that one, until I have it another day or so.
Jeff.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 669
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Epinions.com ID:
jeffdaro
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Reviews written: 4
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