[MW Forums]

Though this camcorder’s image quality pales in comparison to other models we’ve tested, the ZR850 offers a fine assortment of features and capabilities for its price. more

[Nobody]

What??? How on earth is this camera "ideal for home videos" when "its image quality is mediocre compared with other camcorders weve tested?" This makes no sense. Most camcorders are used for home movies. If this one produces only mediocre images, it isn't ideal for anything. Decent review, nutty headline, cop-out conclusion. Better summary: this camera is crap, but it could have been crappier.

[BrianChen]

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What??? How on earth is this camera "ideal for home videos" when "its image quality is mediocre compared with other camcorders weve tested?" This makes no sense. Most camcorders are used for home movies. If this one produces only mediocre images, it isn't ideal for anything. Decent review, nutty headline, cop-out conclusion. Better summary: this camera is crap, but it could have been crappier.

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I'm going to have to disagree with your generalization of most camcorders being used for home videos...home videos are very cut-and-dry and require minimal (if any) post-production; in short, they require camcorders that can point and shoot (such as the ZR850). Buying a 3CCD camcorder or something like the HV-10 to shoot home videos is plausible but somewhat impractical. Camcorders equipped with more advanced features, in my opinion, are more suitable for creative or professional projects.

[scttwtkns]

There doesn't appear to be a whole lot of interest in low end camcorder reviews.

[VidPro]

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What??? How on earth is this camera "ideal for home videos" when "its image quality is mediocre compared with other camcorders weve tested?" This makes no sense. Most camcorders are used for home movies. If this one produces only mediocre images, it isn't ideal for anything. Decent review, nutty headline, cop-out conclusion. Better summary: this camera is crap, but it could have been crappier.

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I'm going to have to disagree with your generalization of most camcorders being used for home videos...home videos are very cut-and-dry and require minimal (if any) post-production; in short, they require camcorders that can point and shoot (such as the ZR850). Buying a 3CCD camcorder or something like the HV-10 to shoot home videos is plausible but somewhat impractical. Camcorders equipped with more advanced features, in my opinion, are more suitable for creative or professional projects.

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So correct me if I'm wrong here. You are saying that not only is mediocre video quality acceptable for home videos, it is actually ideal? /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
If you're saying that every camera with the features you describe is overkill for home videos, and all cameras without have mediocre video quality, then the article should have said that there are absolutely no acceptable OR IDEAL cameras for home video. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[cebritt]

I used a friend's ZR500 and enjoyed the heck out of it. Curiously, the ZR500 has an external mic jack and can be found for less than $200. The little joystick was easy to use.
I shot my daughter's birthday party in low light and it looked fine.