Canon ZR960 Camcorder - Silver

This camera has what it takes to get the job done.
Naturally, it will be a good tool for capturing family outings and events.
I decided to take it a step in another direction and that is for making videos and low budget films.
It runs at 30 frames per second, which means, if you want that slowed down film look, you'll have to be careful with your panning and compositions.
Also, it would help to use ample light and run tests.
This camera has a stereo mic input, rendering it invaluable for bypassing the on-board stereo mic to capture live performances without distortion or running a soundboard mix direct to dv tape.
The design is sleek and the controls are well placed and nothing takes too much effort to utilize.
I went ahead and bought a wide angle lens for it because I'm looking to make shots comparable to film and capture several subjects at a time.
The attachment lens was only about 30 dollars and though not mind blowing, does it's job at widening the perspective well enough.
The quality of image on this Canon is superb for a low priced unit.
The stock battery fares well in life and the plug in power supply/charger is useful and convenient.
My only real complaint so far is the firewire handicap. You'll need a firewire port on your PC or you may have to install a card if you don't have one. This is a low cost addition, averaging about 50 dollars including transfer cable.
Once you capture your footage(in real time), use your editing software of choice, make your cuts, add your effects and credits and bam..you're golden.
The real key to unlocking creativity is using a unit such as this.
The obstacles you leap over takes fun to use brain power and the features this camera has already make this adventure well worth the effort. The price is right and the camera is tight.

Considering the price and everything that comes in the package, this is a real bargain. Regardless of the quality of the bag (not really that bad), and the size of the mini-tripod (it's a real miniature) the price you pay for it is almost the price of the camera (the last model of the ZR series from Canon) plus probably a couple of the items of the whole deal. I really enjoyed the package.

I love that it is so easy to use. This is my first camcorder that uses DV cassettes, so there is a little bit of a learning curve in that area. The quality of the playback is excellent. It transfers easily to my Mac with the use of a DV (IEEE1394) cable. One of the main reasons for me buying the Canon ZR960 was its compatibility with the Mac ... I am completely satisfied with my purchase.

Old technology. Not a very wide view. Nice and light to use. Shutter speed can be over written and therefore is use for me as a golf pro reviewing swing for customers.

Camcorder works great! Nothing about it I disliked. Bought it to film things in the sky and it gets the job done!