Great, but. . .
Written: Jan 14 '00 (Updated May 19 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to use, many nice features, versatile format
Cons: Bulky, weak battery, less than fabulous sound quality
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| Trawma's Full Review: RCA CC4392 VHS Analog Camcorder |
What can I say? It's a love-hate relationship. The CC4392 is a good camcorder that is a breeze for just about anyone to use. It's not complicated, and a few minutes practice is all that's needed to master the basics.
It has terrific features, including:
3" LCD Color Screen--this was very important to me-I like being able to view what I've just taped (in case it needs to be redone). I also like that this feature allows me to hold the camera at waist level, or set it down, and still be able to see what I'm taping.
Color Viewfinder--not much to say about this--it had never occurred to me that their might be some other kind.
72X Digital Zoom--when on manual, the zoom works great. The button is easy to access and easy to use without having to look at what you're doing. The auto/instant zoom is jerky, and I don't care for the effect, though it's good for getting a distant subject fast.
Steady Pix---I like it, it's a must for trying to get a clear tape of a moving, distant subject, but it drains the battery at a breathtaking rate.
Built-In Light--nice feature, but certain light conditions cause it to nearly strobe, as it's too light with the light, but too dark without it.
Flying Erase Head
Programmable Automatic Exposure--perfect for special shots, can be used to override the usual exposure, should you want darker or lighter than "normal" shots.
Digital Signal Processing and special effects --I've never had a use for this feature, but sometimes my husband likes to do the fuzzies and the negative images. I'm more of a "give me the image as it was" kind of gal, I guess.
2-Line/1-Page Titler--This is great--you can put date, time, the occasion (birthday, anniversary), etc. Just be sure to turn it off before, or you'll wind up with the title floating around throughout the tape. Yes, we did that.
Advanced Fades--these are fun to play with. Nice, soft fades rather than abrupt ends. There are many types, including sides in, periphery in, and center out.
Uses VHS format tapes--always a bonus in my book--no coverters, no expensive tapes.
The camera is easy to figure out, easy to program, and relatively easy to use. The camera can be connected to your VCR for dubbing, and can even act as a videoplayer, should your VCR go on the fritz. This camera comes with a very nice hard shell case--a definite plus when traveling or moving.
That said, this camera does have some drawbacks. The battery that comes with it is amazingly wimpy--if we can get 45 minutes of taping out of it, we consider ourselves lucky. A definite drawback when it comes to vacationing. The camera is bulky--not a good thing in tight spots, or when trying to hold with one hand. It CAN be operated one-handed, but it's not easy. The sound quality isn't great, which is a common drawback with VHS format camcorders.
So, while I do recommend this camera to folks, it's with some reservations, mostly concerning the size of the camera and the constant need to recharge the battery. But my experience has been mostly good with this camera.
Recommended:
Yes
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