Typical price: £450
What is it: DVD camcorder with in-camera editing features
What we think: A robust all-in-one camcorder and editing tool, the DZ-MV580E will suit hobbyists who don't want to edit using a computer
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 14 May 2005
Tags: hitachi, camcorders, compress, shape
We like:
Solid build; straightforward interface; light weight and small size of DVD media
We don't like:
Can't shoot uncompressed video; confusing variety of DVD media; vulnerability of DVDs to smudges and scratches; no Firewire
You might also need:
For stable shots you might want a tripod. You'll also need plenty of blank mini DVDs because recording capacity can be as little as 30 minutes.
CNET.co.uk judgement:
The Hitachi does its job extremely well, and you may love the simplicity of recording straight on to a DVD that you can play in your home DVD player. However, compared to a MiniDV camera in the same price range, the Hitachi is less flexible and captures a slightly lower quality image. For those without directorial aspirations the Hitachi is a total solution, but for budding filmmakers the limited options for transferring your footage to PC are just too restricting
Hitachi DZ-MV580E History
30 Jan 2006 in Reviews
VHS is dead, long live the DVD. If you loved the convenience of your old VHS camcorder, then you'll find these new DVD-based ones equally appealing. All these camcorders record straight to a half-sized DVD, burning footage in real-time. Once you're done recording, pop the disc out and place in it your home DVD player and you can watch the footage back in glorious colour
12 May 2005 in Reviews
Best camcorders for a summer holiday
So you're jetting off to some exotic location. You've got two choices about what kind of video camera you take -- which will it be?
Latest user reviews
March 27, 2007
Posted by: stefan andersen
"Best thing ever"
May 18, 2005
Posted by: Little Tyke
"Simplicity - I like"
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