Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon ES8400V Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5" Color LCD Screen & Image Stabilizer

I read the other review which said that the picture was grainy. More so than a Sony camera of comparable qualty. I took pictures in good light and found that the video quality was excellent in normal and telephoto shooting. I used Hi8 video tape. The picture was grainy only in low light situations. In a low light situation I don't plan to take videos, although the lens is light sensitive enough to take such pictures. I have several other camcorders of different models and types and this camera stands up with the best of them. It is also small and very easy to carry and take pictures... I plan to keep it. It is an excellent camcorder.

I recently bought the Canon 8400 after having a Sony CCD 8 mm (non HI-8 format) for 5-6 years, which was great. Here are the Canon's Pros: It's small and light weight. It has a light and image stabilization. It has a LCD screen. It has a high power zoom.

Canon's Cons: Compared to the Sony, I'm a little disappointed in the picture quality. Although the zoom is easy to use, the picture quality was fairly grainy, even at what I would consider relatively short distances (15-20 feet). I frankly don't think it's any better than the Sony non-Hi-8 format. Also, the 2.5" LCD screen is too small.

I think if I were buying again, I would look more seriously at the Sony's. The comparable price point Sony model didn't have image stabilization; however, that feature I now realize isn't as important as picture quality.

I brought this camera because of the price compared to a digital camcorder. The camera does exactly what I want it to do and with excellence. The picture quality is great if you use the correct lighting. Save your money if you don't need digital this works just as well.

We just recently purchased the Canon Camcorder and love it. After looking at the digital camcorders, I just couldn't spend the money. I also own a Canon Rebel-G SLR camera. I love the automatic settings that this Camcorder has like the Rebel-G. I didn't give a 5 because the LCD could be bigger and the Eye View Finder could be in color. Other than that, I love it.

This is the first camcorder I've ever bought and used, and I'm pretty happy with how easy it is to use. Plus all those options to work with, especially the image stabilizer! It is also very easy to copy the Hi8 tape onto VHS tapes. I still have to experiment with all the different settings, but I know I will have fun doing it! Make sure to get a longer-lasting battery pack; you'll have so much fun you'll forget about the battery lasting only so long!