By Panasonic

Caveat Emptor, 2007-07-25
Whether this product is great or rubbish I have no idea. It was purchased from Pixmania (a non-UK company) via the Amazon marketplace. It arrived poorly packaged but on time. It showed clear signs of having been used - opened box, crumpled packaging, loose items etc. All of the instructions were in French and German but then again they would be - the item was an NV-GS230EF not the NV-GS230EB as advertised - never intended for the UK market. Pixmania insist that their own website makes it clear that the instructions are not in English (indeed if you look hard enough at their massive site you will find this somewhere). I remember buying it through Amazon though, where there is no such mention of non-english documentation. Certainly, there was no mention of second hand goods on either website. Pixmania insist (on their national rate phoneline) that they do not sell second-hand goods but offer no rational explanation as to why the product had clearly been used despite the transit box being sealed.
Do I keep it and find out whether it works once I've found a download site for the instructions? Do I pay to have it sent back to Pixmania and hope for a refund? Perhaps Pixmania will collect it at their expense and make more effort to let buyers know they are buying goods never intended for the UK market.(!).
I'm sure this product is great but I'm going to have to wait to find out. The service has definitely NOT being worth the small savings - buy from the UK or USA !!

By SANYO

• 9.12 Megapixels CMOS image sensor
  2.5-inch LCD Display
  5.0x Optical Zoom
• MPEG-4, H.264 Digital Video: easy to upload movies to websites and blogs, or use them in podcasts. You can even load your movies onto your iPod, without having to convert the file format.
• 40MB Internal Memory and expansion slot for SD/SDHC memory cards
• Video Still Image Stabilization; Real-Time Interpolation (12MP)
  High Quality Audio Recording (AAC-LC); Wind Roar and Red Eye Reduction; Web Cam Function
• Super fast start up time, flip up the screen and it is ready to go(DVD/HDD camcorder takes much longer to initialise)

A Good All-Rounder, 2009-01-04
My first impression of the CG9 was that it looks very plastic - which it is, but it also looks cheap. Certainly, the plastic covers over the SD/SDHC card slot and battery compartment don't imply a high quality product but, having use the camera, I've concluded this, along with the flimsy lens cover, is probably the only negative on this little piece of kit.

Performance-wise, and this is what counts more than cosmetic appearance, it is good. Video quality is good and the 60 fps high resolution mode is very good. I won't say it's the best available but it's probably a lot better than that found on other budget camcorders under £200 - £300. It can be a little slow to focus if you pan too quickly or in dim conditions but this is common to many. However, there is a 'High Sensitivity' mode which works very well (although will inevitably produce noisy images) and it managed to pick up an image when filming in almost total darkness in a disused railway tunnel. The stereo sound is superb and the wind filter worked well when tested on the coast (but perhaps not quite as well as that on the waterproof CA65).

An excellent feature is the 9 megapixel camera which sets this apart from probably all other camcorders - most of which can shoot only at 640 x 480 resolution or perhaps 3 megapixel on the more expensive models. The Sanyo VPC-CG9 will produce superb quality pics at 9 megapixel and below but, thanks to the new CMOS processor, will also shoot a 2 megapixel (1600x1200) image while filming at up to 640x480 30 frames per second without pausing the video. I'm sure this is unmatched by any other camcorder in its class.

The camcorder produces mpeg-4 video files which are smaller and much more manageable than the mpeg-2 still produced by the majority of camcorders, but thankfully this is changing with more manufacturers beginning to switch to this more efficient format. Being smaller, these files are much easier to edit and easier for a PC to handle. Most current video software packages eg Adobe Premiere Elements, Sony Vegas etc provide codecs for editing these - but check the version first if you're about to place an order.

With its 'pistol grip' the camcorder is easy and comfortable to hold; the video, zoom and still picture buttons are in just the right spot - unlike the more awkward positioning on the waterproof versions (CA65 and CA8 models) and being small and lightweight, it's easy to carry everywhere. So, it's a camcorder you will actually use, and enjoy using, rather than one which stays in its box or bag because you can't be bothered to lug it around!

As for the plastic body, I'm now questioning if this is really so bad..? During the current sub-zero temperatures, I've found it actually warm to the touch unlike my cold metal-bodied cameras and as the battery is directly beneath my palm, this is staying warm so probably extending its life. Also, the plastic design and close-seams might have made it rather more splashproof than others so I've actually grown to rather like this feature although it was quite a turn-off when I first opened its box!

By Canon

• Video Capture: CCD sensor (in pixels) - 1/6" interlaced CCD sensor 1.07 megapixels including 710,000 effective in video mode and 800,000 in photo mode / Media - Flash memory with SDHC card / Viewfinder - No / LCD Screen - 2.7" LCD screen - 16:9 123,000 pixels / Sensitivity (lux) - 1.7 / Optical Zoom - 37x / Digital Zoom - Digital zoom: 2000x Improved zoom: 45x / Image Stabiliser - Electronic image stabiliser / Focus - TTL focus: minimum 1 cm
• Photo Mode: Photo Mode - Yes / Maximum resolution on memory card (in pixels) - 1152 x 864 / Memory Card - SD and SDHC cards / Supplied Media - - / Sound - 2-channel digital sound recording / Webcam Function/ mini films - No
• Connectivity: Audio Output - Headphones socket / Audio Input - No / Video Output - AV output / Video Input - No / DV in (IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / DV out ( IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / Computer Interface - USB 2.0 and PictBridge / Wireless Function - Wireless remote control / Compatible Platforms - PC and Mac / Supplied Software - Special software
• Misc: Possible power supply - Lithium battery / Accessories included - CR2025 lithium battery, WL-D88 remote control, CA-590 mains adapter, power cable, STV-250N cable, USB cable, BP-808 battery, WS30 strap and CD-ROM / Weight (in grams) - 260 / Dimensions - 58 x 60 x 124 mm / Other Functions - Focal length: 2.6 - 96.2 mm 24 x 36 equivalent: 41.5 - 1536 mm Maximum aperture: f/2.0 to f/5.2 Shutter speed: 1/2000th second - 1/6th second Exposure modes: EASY (automatic)

Great looking camcorder, good value for money, 2008-10-31
When I started looking into buying a camcorder some of the things I was quite specific about were:

1) Had to be Mac compatible
2) Recording to hard disk or memory card
3) Cost no more than £300

The relevance of the last point is that this is my first camcorder so I wanted to make sure that using a camcorder really is for me before splashing out on a more expensive high spec model.

After speaking to someone in the know about the recording format I was advised to go for the memory card option for two reasons; generally lower cost and because a memory card is not a moving part and therefore not in danger of breaking down. And with the low cost of SD cards on websites like Amazon the cost of additional memory sticks should be an issue. The camcorder only came with a 1GB SD card which holds about 15 minutes of footage.

This particular camcorder is light and fits very well in the hand, and the various buttons and controls are logically placed; zoom slider on top of the unit under the index finger, and the record/stop button at the back under the thumb. Note this is quite clearly designed for right-handed people as are all other camcorders I have seen.

The screen is clear and easy so even in bright conditions, and it swivels and rotates making is easy to see even holding the camera at awkward angles. You can even turn the screen around back to front so that you can see it whilst filming yourself ... should you wish to do so that is. The camcorder can be mounted on a tripod.

Obviously this is not a HD camcorder so some may argue that you sacrifice picture quality. For the average amateur home user my guess is that the quality is more than adequate.

The microphone seems to be as sensible as it needs to be without it picking up too much background noise and wind noise.

After putting the camcorder through its paces on a recent holiday I have only found two real points of criticism. If zooming in on an object too quickly the camera can lose focus - but as zooming too fast looks awful when playing back video footage this should never really be a problem. The second point is that the battery life isn't all that impressive - that said I found that it easily lasted a day on a full charge - so this issue can easily be dealt with either by making sure you keep the battery charged or by buying a spare battery.

One final point worth bearing in mind if/when buying memory cards is that you can get large capacity memory cards which will work with the camcorder, but that is not a guarantee that your computer can handle memory sticks over a certain size.

All in all this is a great little camcorder which is easy and intuitive to use. And for the beginner or very occasional user it represents great value for money in my view. It is a fun piece of kit to use, and with applications such as Apple's iMovie it really is a doddle making good quality holiday movies etc.

By Canon

• Video Capture: Sensor (in pixels) - 1/3.2" CMOS sensor with 3.31 megapixels / Media - Dual recording (120 GB hard drive SDHC card slot) / Viewfinder - 2.7" colour LCD screen 123,000 pixels - 16:9 / LCD Screen - 2.7" multi-angle Vivid wide screen - 211,000 pixels / Sensitivity (lux) - Approx. 0.2 lux (night mode) / Optical Zoom - 12 x / Digital Zoom - 200x or 40x / Image Stabiliser - Optical image stabiliser with large frequency range
• Photo Mode: Photo Mode - Hard drive to card / Maximum resolution on memory card (in pixels) - 2,048 x 1,536 / Memory Card - SD / SDHC / Supplied Media - - / Sound - 2-channel Dolby Digital (AC-3 2 channels) / Webcam Function/ mini films - No
• Connectivity: Audio Output - Headphones AV / Audio Input - Microphone / Video Output - AV Component HDMi / Video Input - No / DV in (IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / DV out ( IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / Computer Interface - USB 2.0 / Wireless Function - Wireless remote control / Compatible Platforms - PC and Mac / Supplied Software - PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE DVSD Ver.31.0 for Win/Mac
• Misc: Possible power supply - BP-807 Lithium-ion battery (included) or BP-827 (not included) CA-570 mains adapter / Accessories included - HG21 camcorder, CR2025 lithium battery (for remote control), WL-D88 wireless remote control, STV-250N cable, CA-570 mains adapter, AC cable, BP-807 battery, IFC-400PCU cable, CTC-100/S cable / Weight (in grams) - Approx. 465 g / Dimensions - 80 x 77 x 138 mm / Other Functions - DIGIC DV II Image processor Assisted Focus (zoom, compensation) AE program

canon HG21 - super quality video, 2008-12-16
I have been playing with my new HG21 all day and am really impressed. It is very easy to use even without using the 'easy' button option. I was surprised how lightweight it was compared to my old canon MVX Dv camcorder and slightly smaller too. this makes it very easy to take out and about. The dull winter weather I thought would be a challenge, but the quality was more than I expected. It has a variety of recording types (standard play is still better resolution than my old (non HD camera) and higher qual is brilliant right up to 24mps). the large HD drive will hold 35 hours of standard play(about 12mps), more hours at LP, or less for higher quality- down to 11 hours of full top level. But beware if you want to use the top qual 25mps you need a super computer to be able to edit it -I have a HD sony viao laptop (intel duel 2.0ghz )but its too slow so I will have to content myself with the 17mps shoot until I can buy a bigger cpu! (plus you need 2gb ram)
The camera comes with some editing software -just as well as there are not many available and they can be pricy too- however it is fairly basic, but works (well I have not written any DVDs out yet but capture and playback was easy to master. thats how you can see how good the real quality of the movie is, as the LCD cannot do justice to it.)
The main reason I chose this model over the other slightly cheaper ones is the fact that it has a view finder as well as the LCD screen, as well as getting the best independent write ups when I seached the web.
So overall verdict is that I am very impressed so far -cant wait for some sunny weather!

By Canon

• Straight-to-DVD video recording at your fingertips, with a 30x optical zoom lens and DVD-R DL compatibility• Quick Start and intuitive controls make recording simple• Features: true widescreen recording and 16:9 LCD and EVF, DIGIC DV
Excellent Camera for a Fantastic Price, 2007-11-12
I bought this camera recently with the arrival of our first child to be able to record general bits and pieces as all new dad's do!
For the cost I wasn't expecting a great deal but I've been really surprised at how easy and well this camcorder performs.
For someone who just wants to take general video of 'stuff' you really can't do much better than this for the price, a friend of mine was a bit dismissive of it however he's a professional and spends more on his kit than most people do their houses but for the price he had to conceed it certainly does the job!

By Sony

• Video Capture: CCD sensor (in pixels) - 1/6" HAD CCD sensor 1 megapixel / Media - DVD / Viewfinder - 0.27" colour viewfinder (123,200 pixels) / LCD Screen - 2.7" hybrid LCD touch screen 123,200 pixels / Sensitivity (lux) - 8 / Optical Zoom - 25x / Digital Zoom - 2000x / Image Stabiliser - Super Steady Shot digital image stabiliser / Focus - Automatic and manual
• Photo Mode: Photo Mode - Yes / Maximum resolution on memory card (in pixels) - 1152 x 864 pixels (4:3) / Memory Card - Memory Stick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / Supplied Media - None / Sound - Dolby Digital 5.1 recording Dolby Digital Stereo recording (via optional microphone) Built-in 3-channel microphone Microphone zoom Wind-break filter Built-in loudspeaker (adjustable volume) / Webcam Function/ mini films - No
• Connectivity: Audio Output - Yes / Audio Input - No / Video Output - Video output S-video output / Video Input - No / DV in (IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / DV out ( IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / Computer Interface - USB 2.0 and Pictbridge / Wireless Function - No / Compatible Platforms - PC and Mac / Supplied Software - Picture Motion Browser version 3.0
• Misc: Possible power supply - Rechargeable battery Mains adapter / Accessories included - AC-L200 mains adapter, NP-FH40 battery, RMT-835 remote control, audio/video cable, USB cable / Weight (in grams) - 400 / Dimensions - 55 x 89 x 130 / Other Functions - Easy Handycam function for direct access to main functions Quick on function Info-lithium battery (remaining battery time) Demo mode Manual focusing and exposure using LCD touch screen Automatic / indoor / outdoor

By Panasonic

• CCD sensor (in pixels) - 1/6" CCD sensor 800,000 pixels MPEG2 video recording Panasonic lens
• Optical Zoom - 42x at variable speeds -- Digital Zoom - Up to 2000x -- Image Stabiliser - Advanced O.I.S.
• Accessories included - External charger, lithium-ion battery, AV cable, manual lens cap, PC cable
• Other Functions - Focal aperture: F/1.9 in wide angle and F/4.3 in telephoto Focal length: 1.8 - 75.6 mm Equivalent in 35 mm: video [4:3] 34.5 - 1449 mm / [16:9] 33.2 - 1393 mm Shutter speed: 1/25 - 1/8000s in video mode and 1/25 - 1/500s in photo mode White balance: auto, indoor, outdoor, white set Daylight compensation Faders: white and black Quick start mode: 1.7 seconds Joystick navigation
• Sound - Stereo sound 2-channel Dolby Digital 2 audio recording Microphone zoom Wind noise reduction

By Panasonic

joyous.. but odd, 2008-11-07
just for the record.. i bought this camera from simplyelectronics.net.

this is a really nice camera. it shoots in 16:9, and can be changed to 4:3.
it also takes pictures with 3.1 megapixel quality, also in 16:9!
makes for lovely landscape shots.
it has an SD card recording mode, which has solved a lot of hassle.
it's just a shame it can only record stills onto the SD, and not video too.
both video and stills has up to 700X zoom, which is absolutely amazing.

video quality suffers a bit in low-light condition, but it's equipped with a range of handy filters, including a low-light filter for when you want to brighten up your Pictures, and a 'color night view' for video - which sorts it out perfectly.

while in picture taking mode, it has a really cool 'tele macro' function, which automatically zooms in and changes all the settings for when you see bugs and you want to capture them fast.

i've tried to cover everything i know so far, but if you want to ask questions send an email.

By Panasonic

Great concept, but poor product and software not compatible with MAC, 2008-12-13
I bought this camcorder to record fishing videos using its underwater capabilities. I also thought it would be a kid-friendly camcorder to take to the beach etc.

Unfortunately, the resolution is absolutely terrible, even on the highest setting. I'm not being overly picky or expecting too much from a standard definition camcorder. It really is awful. Not what you would expect from a company like Panasonic. If you plan to watch the videos from this camera on a normal size television, you will probably be disappointed. Indoor shots are particularly poor. Add any kind of motion, and you will have trouble recognizing the subject. This is definitely not the camera for recording birthday parties and Christmas mornings. You could do better using your mobile phone.

The EIS also creates significant feedback noise when it is active (whenever your hands are moving) so any kind of action shot has a significant hum in the audio.

Finally, the software bundled with the camera for converting the .MOD files that this camera saves as video is not compatible with Mac OS, nor is a Mac version available. You can use IMovie to convert the files, but this adds another annoying step in an already disappointing experience.

On the basis of these three complaints, I sent this camera back to Amazon and got a full refund. I would definitely recommend that you avoid this camera at all costs. There are cheaper and better alternatives for the YouTube generation.

By Sony

• Video Capture: CCD sensor (in pixels) - 1/5"ClearVid Exmor CMOS sensor 2.36 megapixels Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens MPEG2 recording (3 modes) / Media - 60 GB hard drive / Viewfinder - No / LCD Screen - 2.7" hybrid Clear Photo LCD touch screen - 211,200 pixels Zoom and recording button on LCD screen Mirror mode Colour and brightness control Fingerprint resistant and anti-glare mode / Sensitivity (lux) - 5 in standard mode 0 in Super Night Shot mode / Optical Zoom - 15x
• Photo Mode: Photo Mode - Photo mode on memory card with built-in flash / Maximum resolution on memory card (in pixels) - 2304 x 1296 / Memory Card - Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro HG-Duo / Supplied Media - - / Sound - Dolby Digital 5.1 audio Dolby Digital stereo play / recording (with optional microphone) Built-in 3-channel microphone Microphone zoom Wind-break filter In-built loudspeaker / Webcam Function/ mini films - No
• Connectivity: Audio Output - No / Audio Input - No / Video Output - AV and S-video outputs / Video Input - No / DV in (IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / DV out ( IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / Computer Interface - USB 2.0 and PictBridge / Wireless Function - Wireless remote control / Compatible Platforms - PC and Mac / Supplied Software - Picture Motion Browser 3.0 software
• Misc: Possible power supply - NP-FH60 lithium battery for up to 2 hours of use NP-FH100 lithium battery for up to 9 hours 40 minutes of use / Accessories included - AC-L200 mains adapter, NP-FH60 lithium battery, docking station, RMT-835 remote control, AV cable, USB cable / Weight (in grams) - 470 / Dimensions - 81 x 76 x 129 mm /

sony standard definition hard drive camcorder, 2009-01-03
A nice easy to use camcorder with nice clear images on my tv`s (crt)
although my lcd is not as good but hey thats progress!