Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon ZR70MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 22x Optical Zoom, Digital Still Mode, MMC Slot, Image Stabilization and Wide Angle Attachment

If you looking for a high quality Mini DV camcorder at a reasonable price then look no further. Cannon is for you. I am not a person who can be easily impressed but ZR70 has got everything which you expect from your camcorder. Here are few things I would like to share:

1. The picture quality is excellent. On a sunny day you can expect broadcast level picture quality. Even if it is cloudy the picture quality is impressive. (That is what I care about most)

2. The nightmode as well as low light mode litrally brightens the picture on the camcorder screen but you loose the picture quality but it is still better then many other top camcorders. (I tried Sony for the same conditions)

3. The voice quality is superb. The microphone is very sensitive and picks sounds cleary but at the same time picks wind noise.

4. Its small, very handy and easy to carry around.

Things which I dont like:
1. Some button are hard to reach.
2. When using digital zoom, the image stabilization is not good.

Verdict:
Good value for money. You will never regret it.

I purchased this camera just a few days ago so I have yet to try out all the functions and get a real feel to it, but so far I really enjoy it.

I like Canon. I have one of the Canon digital still cameras, although just an entry-level point-and-shoot, I think it's great for the job.

First of all, those of who have yet to move from analog to digital, do it now! Prices for digital camcorders are incredibly low. Digital quality is superior to all analog.

This camcorder is very ergonomical. It fits nicely into my hand (I originally thought that it was going to by a lot bigger). I enjoy the light up buttons and the fact that the buttons and well placed and large enough for me to handle. Also, this camcorder does not feel "cheapo." It seems quite durable.

...If you want to transfer the video to a computer you need:
1. Firewire cable (4 pin to 6 pin)
2. Firewire card on computer (or built firewire)
3. Software to capture this. i.e. Adobe Premiere, Pinnacle Studio

The picture quality is awesome and the sound is great too. I have yet to hear the so called "motor whine" when using this camera. I mean I can, but only if the TV is turned WAY UP. But you should get an optional microphone.
1. Sony WCS-999 Wireless Mic System
2. Sony ECM-717 Table Top Single Point Mic
3. Canon DM-50
These are great microphones.

Most of the negatives things said about this camcorder is expected to be true of all digital camcorders. For example low light conditions is weak and the still photos is too.

All summed up: Great camcorder for the price. Get it!

This is a great little camera (fits in your hand nicely) for the beginer as well as the more advanced video buff that does not want to carry a heavier equipment.
Very easy to use, it has a number of effects (usual fade-in and out, sepia, black and white and various fun digital effects) that will make your movies fun to watch.
Menus are easy to follow and make sense. Documentation is good.
The 22X optical zoom is realy nice and beats out the competion. Most camcorders optical zooms don't even get close to 20X.
The wide angle attachment is a very nice addition as it realy makes a difference when shooting indoors to get more of the room.
Mine came with a free Pinacle Studio 8 editing software which is a good entry level software.(You will need a serious PC, though, if you are going to do any large editing work as digital movies require a lot of space and memory).
The only serious con is the image quality in low light situations. The resulting image is grainy and cold and the camera's "spot" light is useless.
Some reviewers have complained about the motor noise that is picked-up by the built-in microphone, it is noticable when filming in a church (!) but for most applications,you will not notice it.

Before buying this I did lot of research finally came down to canon zr70mc and sony dcr-hc30. (don't fall for other canon models like zr80-85. they lack features ) Both models are appealing for price. Sony has bigger lcd and better lowlight performance while Canon have better zoom (22x as compared to 10x of sony ) and lots and lots of features. Some people say canon is having better image stability So it can afford 22x zoom w/o problem.
in zr70mc you can download video from TV/VRC or other camcorder witout any additional accesories. So easily copy old analog tapes to this digital camcorder Or burn DVD's. Canon also provides wide angle lens (very useful ) Plus sony has only 3 months labor while canon gives 12 months labor warranty.

only tape loading in zr70 is little difficult if you use tripod.

Overall this is a good value. I tested indoor using 100w room light. Picture was little yellowish. But I got filter set from ebay for 17$ and all looks good now.
NOTE: protect lens and always use uv filters.

My wife and I recently purchased this camcorder because we recently had a baby. I am impressed with the video and audio quality of the this camera. It has plenty of options and if you are not afraid to read the owner's manual these options are easy to use. I have sent several pictures/small movies over the internet using the digital camera option and the quality is fine for the internet/email. If you want better quality for printing, it is my opinion that you should purchase a good 35 mm SLR or a good digital camera/printer combo.

As for those who complain about the motor noise, I don't hear it as much as others on these reports. Is there some motor noise - yes. Understandably, this is such a small camera that it would make sense. Is it loud enough to bother me - No. You have to turn the TV up unbelievably loud to hear it.