Hitachi DZ HS500A UltraVision DVD Camcorder
Manufacturer: Hitachi America Ltd. Part number: DZ-HS500A
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 2 reviews
- More product information:
- Product brief
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- The DZHS500A hybrid model offers the flexible capacity of an internal hard drive ideal for vacations when you want to grab a lot of footage but not to carry DVD discs, or for recording long events where you plan to produce highlight reels from the footage. The internal hard drive also makes downloading footage to a computer for editing a ... Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/08/2009 |
Product brief
Intro: The Hitachi DZ HS500A is a hard disk drive, DVD-RAM (8 cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD+ RW (8cm), and DVD-R (8cm)-based, consumer camcorder.Compared to other consumer camcorders on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $435.
Noteworthy Features: Has a 30x optical zoom.Offers manual focus adjustment, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.In addition, frequent travelers will appreciate how relatively little it weighs, only 15.3 ounces.
Weaker Features: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: Made for those who want the perks of a DVD-recordable disc but don't mind the compromises.
Value: Overall, this camcorder's features are as expected for this price.
Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.
User reviews
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great camera with horrible manual
by teeniv on May 21, 2007
Pros: easy to operate; great image; easy handling; hybrid
Cons: manual is aweful; bad styling
Summary: This camera is a beauty. I tried many different camcorders at the shop. This one was easy to operate with great film quality and good zoom, awesome image stabilization. Controls ...
Summary: This camera is a beauty. I tried many different camcorders at the shop. This one was easy to operate with great film quality and good zoom, awesome image stabilization. Controls are very intuitive. However, camera has a rather bad design styling. Looks quite dowdy compared to the Sony-ies, Panasonics, and the Canons. More importantly, the camera has a horrible operating manual. You have to read the whole thing (I have memorized it) because the index does not even have all the names of controls/terms written on the camera. Whoever compiled this thing needs to be fired. If the old adage is to be believed that a camera is only as good as its manual, this one would get a failing grade. If you can use this camera from experience, it is a wonderful piece of science. The HDD is particularly handy in making long films without having to clumsily burn disks or interrupt important events. Hitachi should include a SD along with the camera since stills are recorded only on the SD. When you price a camera at over $600 that's the least they can do. Bottom line - great cam but make sure it is not your first.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good camera
by ougawha on July 29, 2008
Pros: HDD to DVD dubbing. ZOOM. Easy to use.
Cons: Menu can be cumbersome but I am getting used to it. Have to use provided software for Vista to recognize. (so far). Can't use A/C adapter and charge batt.. at same time.
Summary: I've had for several months now and used at 4 birthday parties. It recorded good video, inside low light, outside bright sun and action shots. I was able to ...
Summary: I've had for several months now and used at 4 birthday parties. It recorded good video, inside low light, outside bright sun and action shots. I was able to edit and created a DVD (separate s/w). The provided software is not very robust but it does have to be installed to allow Vista to recognize (at least for now). If you leave the A/C cord plugged into power unit it doesn't charge battery (Ugh!). Overall, I really don't have any complaints.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hitachi America Ltd.
- Part number: DZ-HS500A
- Description: The DZHS500A hybrid model offers the flexible capacity of an internal hard drive ideal for vacations when you want to grab a lot of footage but not to carry DVD discs, or for recording long events where you plan to produce highlight reels from the footage. The internal hard drive also makes downloading footage to a computer for editing a snap as well as performing basic in-camera editing when no computer is available. The 1-Touch Easy Dubbing feature lets users quickly burn footage stored on the hard disk drive to DVD for playback on most home DVD players. Built to withstand the rigors of family outings, the Hitachi hybrid camcorders offer a unique drop-proofing system that automatically detect falls, suspends read/write activity and cushions the hard drive for impact. Hitachi's top-of-the-line UltraVision DZHS500A DVD Hybrid Camcorder features a polished smoked-chrome finish and aerodynamic design for a dramatically contemporary styling. This model also includes Composite inputs.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Digital Zoom 1500 x
- Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Min Illumination 0.3 lux
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- Image Stabilizer Electronic
- Min Shutter Speed 1/4 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Low light, Spotlight, Sand & snow, Sports mode, Portrait mode
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 0.3 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Digital Storage Media Hard disk drive - Built-in - 30 GB
- Image Storage JPEG 640 x 480
- Media Type DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), Hard disk drive
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 69 mm - F/2.0-4.1
- Focal Length 2.3 mm - 69 mm
- Lens Aperture F/2.0-4.1
- Optical Zoom 30 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 2.3 mm
- Max focal length 69 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Filter Size 34 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Additional Features USB 2.0 compatibility
- Software Drivers & Utilities
- Included Accessories Lens cap, Cleaning cloth, Camcorder shoulder strap
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type LCD
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.2 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 200,000 pixels
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type USB, Composite video/audio output, S-Video output
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Cables Included 1 x A/V cable, 1 x S-Video cable, 1 x USB cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Labor - 90 days, Limited warranty - Parts - 1 year
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 120,000 pixels
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.4 in
- Depth 5.2 in
- Height 3.6 in
- Weight 15.3 oz
Manufacturer info
- Hitachi America Ltd.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Hitachi America Ltd. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.hitachi.com
- Address:
2001 Ruppman Plaza, Peoria, IL 61614 - Phone: 1-800-Hitachi
