Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon ZR50MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Digital Still Mode & MMC Card Slot

What noise? On the basis of the reviews of this camera I ordered the accessory mike. It hasn't arrived yet but I have used the camera to film Honolulu Boy Choir reahearsals and performances. The 16 bit audio is impressive. (as I learned from the GL 1 I had borrowed) I haven't heard the motor noise and it doesn't seem to show up in the audio tracks when I'm editing in Final Cut Pro.

I would have liked to purchase a GL2 but the value to dollar ratio of this camera is pretty darn good.

I just purchased the Canon ZR50MC and just returned the ZR50MC. I'm new to the digital format, but I expected better quality indoors under normal lighting. My purpose is taking family functions like Christmas morning, but the result would be very graining or pixilized. I did normal roomlight recording and was very disappointed with the result.

In addition, the motor (scanning head?) whines. This is picked up either through the microphone or directly throught the body and is very noticable on the playback.

To be sure it was the camera, I went to our largest video retailer with my tape and used other manufacturers cameras. The lighting in the store was also room light (they use a darkened area to display televisions) I played back the Canon segment followed by the other and the different was very noticable.

Maybe other models do better, but I'm changing brands.

I got the ZR40 (same camera but ZR50 has more options) about a week ago and I'm very pleased. I have had none of the problems mentioned in other reviews. The off white color when recording inside can be fixed by setting the white balance manually or setting it to outdoors. I have not noticed any motor sounds at all. The quality of the image is excellent and it's very easy to use.

This is an awesome camcorder! I've had it for about two weeks now, and I love it. The video quality is very good and its compact size makes it very portable. I have a Apple iMac G4 and the ZR50 runs outstanding with it.

I am an amateur filmmaker and I was previously using my father's Canon GL1, which is a great camcorder, but I needed something for myself. I was skeptical of a high quality camcorder at a low price. So I did all the research and liked the ZR50.

The still quality isn't that good, but that is not why I bought it. If you are looking for a nice digital video and still camera, this is not for you. It is a nice bonus, though, to take low quality photos and share them with people over the Internet.

If you have read that the motor noise is a problem, well, the same noise is on my father?s Canon GL1 which is $... So, you make the decision to associate the noise with this particular camcorder or not.

If you want a small digital camcorder that takes great video at a good price, this is one for you.

I bought this camcorder just before Christmas. I've read all the reviews before decided to buy it, they are really helpful. This machine is perfect to me, having all the great features described by previous customers.

And I had a real good deal having a free carring bag and free software from Cannon and even a rebate. So, before you pay your credit card, go to check whether there is a rebate or discount offer from Manufacture. Sometimes, you have to browse some where else to find it, I don't trust other retailers, although they do seem to offer better price (they have very high shipping fee!!!).