Canon ZR830 Camcorder Review

by John Neely
Published on Mar 22, 2007 4:00 PM

Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
 Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion Specs and Ratings
   


Audio (3.0)
Since the ZR850 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $265) and the ZR830 (Review, Specs, $240) are identical in terms of audio quality, you can expect to be pelted with the same overbearing white noise whether you record in 12bit or 16bit. 16bit records the highest quality audio while 12bit records on two channels: Stereo 1 (leaving two channels free), and Stereo 2 (for audio dubbing and adding a sound track later). You won’t be able to tell the difference. Even with the windscreen on, the sound is generally terrible. The layout of the microphone lends to seamless, uninterrupted audio recording. Placed at the base of the ZR830’s façade, the microphone sufficiently dodges wandering fingers. In addition, the internal lens cap prevents that classic clinking sound highly popularized by windy Grand Canyon vacations. For playback, use the handy joystick on the LCD panel. Just don’t crank it too high, unless you enjoy your footage accompanied by of white noise. The ZR830’s dubbing feature allows you to record your own audio over a previously recorded video track. This is great if you opt for an external microphone to reduce the amount of encroaching background sound that could be picked up, but wait—the ZR830 doesn’t have a microphone jack. The cheaper ZR800 does. Both camcorders have the same video quality, same audio quality, and very similar features. The ZR800 has a microphone jack. The ZR830 has an SD card slot and USB terminal. It’s up to you to decide what is more important.

Playback (3.0)
The VCR mode on the ZR830 is accessed by the mode dial and brings up the playback menu. Here, you’ll notice a mini control set in the bottom right corner containing play/pause, fast forward, rewind, and stop, all activated by the joystick. Speaker volume is also controlled by the joystick on this screen. By now you’ll be wishing Canon had thrown a bigger joystick on the LCD panel. Pressing the Function button brings up the Function menu, containing record pause, end search, digital effects (try art or mirror), still image size, and the video quality selector. Once you figure out how to press the joystick in the center without accidentally triggering another feature, the administrative menu offers VCR, audio, display, system, and date/time setups. These functions are easy to use, and the average point-and-shooter should have no problems.

Playback Function Menu

Playback admin menu

Connectivity (4.5)
The ZR830 has two panels of ports on the right side. The one closest to the mode dial is an SD/SDHC/MMC card slot for digital still recording. With SDHC, you can record up to 32 GB on a stamp-sized plastic card, but the price of one will most likely exceed the ZR830’s MSRP of $299. Next to the memory card slot is an A/V out jack, USB terminal, and Firewire terminal. Firewire is a standard amongst popular editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and Apple Final Cut Pro, and the ZR830 is compatible with almost every editing program thanks to its MiniDV format. The A/V out jack allows you only to record from the camcorder to a VCR, but not a TV to the camcorder. The ZR830 sports a revamped, trapezoidal DC input, and connects securely compared to last year’s circular jack that was prone to being yanked out.

The only thing to watch out for here is the port covers. They are attached to the body by thin plastic strips that can easily be snapped off if not covered properly. We snapped one off on the ZR850, so take caution. This camcorder has some fragile areas.

 



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