| The Vivitar DVR 810HD is one of the least expensive "High Definition" digital camcorders on the market today, but is it a bargain buy or just cheap junk? I'd say it's half and half. The 810HD looks, feels, and operates like a "real" camcorder costing hundreds more, but the video and audio quality are poor at best. The lower-res modes deliver about the same results as recording video on a low-end digital still photo camera (or even a good cell phone camera), and although "HD" mode does record at 1280x720 "720P" resolution, the image is pixellated and the unusually low 20 frames per second recording delivers smeary, jittery motion (a sample of this "HD" footage will be featured in my next video). I would only recommend this camcorder for children, so they can learn how a "real" digital flash memory camcorder operates, with its various manual controls (exposure, white balance, ISO speeds, etc.), without the expense of buying a "real" camcorder and then worrying about it getting lost or broken. The 810HD's low-tech MJPEG files can be easily edited with any version of Windows Movie Maker or iMovie and then uploaded to YouTube, such as I did to create this video. But if you are just looking for a good inexpensive camcorder, spend a little bit more and get a model from a known brand with good reviews, such as the pocket-size Kodak Zi6 which is now commonly on sale for under $100. Needless to say, I am now returning this camcorder because it is of no use to me. (Don't worry ... |
