Canon ZR830 Camcorder Reviewby John NeelyPublished on Mar 22, 2007 4:00 PM
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Comparison
Canon ZR850 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $265)
The Canon ZR850 ($329 MSRP) is almost identical to the ZR830 (Review, Specs, $240), but for $30 more, you get an higher resolution imager, subpar video light, higher quality still images, and an AV jack that allows audio input for audio dubbing (but not for video, sorry). On paper, that's not too shabby. But you’ll only notice a slight improvement in video quality, and you’d probably be better off duct taping an LED light to the ZR830 than using this one. Better still, take a look at the next comparison.
Canon ZR800
The Canon ZR800 retails for $279 (MSRP), a $20 shave off the ZR830’s price tag. Both camcorders share the same flimsy construction, same menus with limited manual controls, same 1/6” 680K imager, and the same processor. The ZR800 does not come with a remote control or memory card slot, but it have... hold for applause... a mic jack. The ZR830 has a remote control, memory card slot, but no mic input. Let’s think about this: Canon’s entry-level ZR800 gives you the option to make major audio upgrades, which you’ll want after reading the Audio section in this review. The step-up ZR830 lets you capture stills at an unimpressive resolution that maxes out under 1 MP, which is hardly a valuable feature. Clearly the best deal here is the ZR800. Even a cheap external mic will give you better audio quality than any of these built-in mics. Better audio makes a huge improvement in overall production quality. There's no contest, here. Canon ZR800 all the way.
Canon ZR700 (Review, Specs, $277)
The Canon ZR700 is last year’s top of the line ZR model. Why are we comparing it to the mid-range ZR830? Simple. You can find the ZR700 for well under $299 on almost any website. If you can get over the fact that the ZR700 is not a brand-spanking new 2007 model, then you will be treated to its larger still capacity and built-in video light. Both camcorders have the same imager and similarly weak construction. The only thing the ZR830 has over the ZR700 is a 30x optical zoom instead of a 25x. Big whoop. Save your dough and spring for a camcorder that gives you more options at a cheaper price.
Sony DCR-HC38 (Specs, $279)
In a “Hottest Camcorder” pageant, the Sony DCR-HC38 ($329 MSRP) would blow the Canon ZR830 to smithereens. It’s bold, sleek, and just downright sexy. With all that style, the HC38 also offers a 40x optical zoom and a NightShot Plus infrared system. Although these are fancy little features to have, the HC38 and the ZR830 share a similar 1/6” 680K imager, and based on video performance tests in the past, Canon has maintained the upper hand. The HC38 also implements a touch screen LCD, notorious for its susceptibility to screen-smudging fingerprints, while Canon has an unobtrusive joystick-operated menu. Before you sink your teeth into the flashy eye candy of the HC38, ask yourself these questions: Do I really need a 40x optical zoom? Is NightShot really that necessary when all that is needed for filming at night is, well, a light? Is it worth spending an extra $30 on flashy looks? Try before you buy.
Panasonic PV-GS39 (Review, Specs, $212.8)
The Panasonic PV-GS39 ($349 MSRP) and ZR830 both have similar 1/6” imagers, so you’re going to get an image that is neck-and-neck when it comes to quality. However, the folks at Panasonic are aces when it comes to comfort and friendly design. With a unique side-loading DV tape hatch, retractable viewfinder, and LCD joystick located in the back of the camcorder, the GS39 is easier to handle than the ZR830. Although the GS39 looks shorter and fatter than the latest trend of fashionably tall and thin camcorders, it feels good in your hand and welcomes ergonomic shooting. Also, the GS39 has more manual controls than the ZR830, although sometimes navigating though the menu is like attempting to decipher ancient hieroglyphics. It’s a toss up—until you look at the $50 difference. If you have the money to blow, the GS39 is a fine camcorder in its class. Otherwise, the ZR830 would be a next best bet.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Canon has you covered, point-and-shooters. The menu is simple to navigate through, despite the odd configuration of the joystick. If that doesn’t cut it, you’ve got yourself a nice old Easy button to do the majority of manual control chores for you. On top of that, the ZR-830 offers a number of preset shooting modes so you don’t have to fiddle with the white balance or exposure.
Budget Consumers
At $299, this model is relatively unchanged in the realm of manual controls, body design, and image quality. Although it’s cheaper than its predecessor, the ZR-600, you’d be better off snagging one of last year’s ZR-700’s—you get more for less. Take heed, budget consumers.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
Yes, the ZR-830 can be classified as a hybrid camcorder, but by the skin of its teeth, or chips for that matter. Recording to a memory card greatly reduces the quality of video or stills, which is characteristic of a hybrid camcorder. But the maximum digital still resolution is 640x480, which is a cruel practical joke in the photography world. In addition, you can only record onto cards up to 2GB, while there are a host of other camcorders out there with 30GB hard drives and larger memory card capacities. For what it’s worth, that ZR-700 will at least give you better stills.
Gadget Freaks
Ladies and geeks, I hate to disappoint, but there are no truly innovative or eclectic features on this point-and-shooter oriented camcorder. Sorry.
Manual Control Freaks
The ZR-830 will suit those who like to wear the pants in a consumer-camcorder relationship. You’ve got shutter speed, white balance, focus, and exposure to play with - a very good package fit its class. Canon is generally very keen on implementing key manual controls, although the Panasonic PV-GS39 will tickle your fancy with even more manual controls.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
This isn’t looking like a good fit here. You’re going to hone in on the cheap construction, weak LCD screen, lack of essential manual controls, and come to think of it, everything else possible. Stick with your XH-A1.
Conclusion
The Canon ZR830 is without a doubt a pretty good DV camcorder at a pretty good price. The problem is, it’s step-up sibling, the ZR850 offers some worthwhile upgrades, and only costs a few dollars more - better video resolution (with a negligible drop in low light performance) and higher resolution stills (1152 x 864 versus 1024 x 768). The added video resolution on the 850 was immediately visible in side-by-side comparisons of the two camcorders. Then below the ZR830, you have the ZR800, with identical video quality to the ZR830. Sure, there's no still card capture and no remote control, but you get a mic jack - an incredibly rare find on a camcorder anywhere near this price range. Mic inputs are worth their weight in gold, and certainly worth the cost of sacrificing sub-1MP still capture.
If you do opt for the ZR830 because your bank account has only $299 and you need a Canon DV camcorder today, you’ll be happy with your purchase as long as you don’t crave the enhanced manual controls found on Panasonic’s PV-GS39, or the ultra-ease of Sony’s DCR-HC38.