Hitachi DZ-MV100A DVD Camcorder

Review Pages

1. Introduction
2. Features
3. Camera-Cautions-Battery
4. Using the Camera
5. Menu-Zooming-Stills
6. Connections-Tranfer Data
7. Performance
8. Conclusion

Hitachi DZ-MV100A DVD-RAM Camrecorder - Page 8

- Conclusion

The Hitachi DZ-MV100A is a fine example of what the future of Digital Cameras should be like: Based upon optical technology (DVD-RAM) and with quick and easy navigation/erase functions. The price of the camera is high (< $2000) but as always consumer electronics fans are aware that new technologies do cost. The camera's recording quality isn't the best compared to what DV cameras can do. There are other proposals in such a price category (such as Canon GL-1) that may also catch your attention.

Positive (+)

Negative (-)

- 1.1MegaPixel CCD sensor
- 12x optical zoom
- Records directly to Mpeg2 (DVD compliant)
- Still images of 1280x968 pixels
- Supports 8cm DVD-RAM format
- DVD-RAM format supports Defective Data Management
- Unique easy access, editing, view of recorded movies/stills
- Wipe, fade, and skip effects are available during Disc Navigation
- Very good 3.5" TFT LCD screen
- Good quality of recoded movies (with FINE mode)
- Can be connected with various sources
- Can be used as a Mpeg2 hardware encoder with external analog sources
- Almost complete retail package

- Recording quality even with FINE mode is far from perfect
- Quality of stills photos isn't very good either
- Problems with low light...
- Included battery lasts only for 30mins
- Retail package doesn't include DVD AlbumSE software
- Exported movies cannot be used with all DVD authoring software (?)
- Manual does not explain several "hot" issues in depth
- Cannot operate at low temperatures due to its DVD-RAM format
- Price (<$2000)

And last, here is our wish list for a future DVD-RAM camcorder (maybe MV200A?):

- Better recording quality
- Mpeg2 VBR encoding option
- Optical digital input/output
- FireWire/USB 2.0 interface connection in order to eliminate the need for DVD-RAM compatible drive
- Higher resolution of CCD sensor and selectable resolution of stills
- Night Shot feature
- Longer battery life
- Better software support