DVD Camcorder Review: Hitachi DZHS300A Hybrid HDD/DVD (page 2)

The real advantage of the hybrid camcorder is its flexibility, or its ability to dub from HDD to DVD. Scenes recorded to the HDD can be edited (i.e., divide, delete, combine), sorted into playlists and dumped to DVD, all right in the camcorder. This means that you can do a lot of in-camera editing, using the HDD footage as your source and dubbing a "program" to DVD. In the real world, this means making DVD copies for friends and family doesn't require a computer or nearly as much post-production time.

In our hybrid DVD comcorder review, this feature was incredibly easy to use and very intuitive. The one catch to this feature is that you must plug in the power adapter to engage the dubbing mode. You can't dub simply on battery power. Hitachi wants you to keep your DVD camcorder in the best working condition, and, if your power should fail (e.g., a low battery), you would corrupt your video and possibly ruin the hard drive itself. So, if you plan on using this feature, keep in mind you must have access to a power outlet.

When all is said and done, this very flexible hybrid DVD camcorder and easy-to-use hybrid camcorder is a great new approach to a ho-hum world of consumer video. The DZHS300A is not only a useful tool for acquiring video; it's a great tool for sharing what you've captured - which, in our experience, is the most rewarding part.

Format: 3" (8 cm) DVD (-R/RW/+RW/RAM); 8 GB HDD
Image Sensor: 1x 1/6" interlaced CCD
Video Effective Pixels: 340,000
Interchangeable Lenses: No
Lens f-stop: 1.8-3.2
Optical Zoom: 25x
Focal Length: 2.2-55mm
Filter Diameter: 34mm
Focus: Auto/Manual (button driven)
Iris/Gain Control: Auto
Shutter Speed: Auto/AE mode selectable
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/4000
Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/4
Image Stabilization: Electronic
Internal ND Filter: No
Program Exposure Modes: 5
Manual White Balance: Yes
Zebra Stripes: No
Viewfinder: Color 200K pixels (16:9)
LCD Monitor: 2.7" 120K pixels (16:9)
Progressive Scan: No
Video In: No
Video Out: AV cord (S-Video, Composite, Stereo RCA), USB port
Color Bar Generator: No
Audio Modes: Stereo
Microphone In: No
VU Meter: No
Manual Audio Level Controls: No
Headphone Jack: No
Speaker: Yes
Wireless Remote: No
External Battery Charger Provided: Yes
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Form Factor: Standard, horizontal
Disc Loading Config.: Side
On-board Video Light: No
Accessory Shoe: No

• Good color reproduction
• Ease of use
• Hybrid flexibility

• No mic input
• A few low-light strains

The DZHS300A is a refreshing take on consumer video, offering the best in ease of use, plus the flexibility of a hybrid camcorder.

Mark Montgomery is Videomaker's technical editor.

$600
Hitachi
1855 Dornoch Court
San Diego, CA 92154
www.hitachi.com

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