Would you like to
like it so far...
by Brenda from boston
Rating: 
Just got it 2 days ago. Really didn't do my homework first but I think I will keep it. The first thing I did was go out and buy a more powerful battery. The one that it comes with it is fine for day to day recording. It lasts 2 hours after 1.5 hour charge but I was going to a wedding and knew I'd run out of charge. I upgraded to the BN-VF823U which lasts 6 hrs and 10 min after 3 hrs and 50 min charge. Cost $99. Tried 3 larger stores that carry camcorder equipment before I found it at Best Buy. I figured out how to install the tape, record and play back with some work as I don't feel the controls are easy to use. Buttons do multiple functions which is hard to get right. The lever that controls the zoom feature during recording is also used for volume control during playback. Buttons can toggle/push/press or slide, depending on what menu you are on or in what mode. And I had a hard time figuring out exactly HOW the buttons operate. For example, the directions for the play/record/off button says to "set the power switch while pressing down the lock button". Translation: "press the blue tab with your thumb and rotate the control until the switch is in the right position." Took me a good 20 minutes to get it. Might be easier if you play a lot of video games. On the good side, the picture quality was nice on the screen, easy to view for this old lady. Easy to view outside as well. 35X optical zoom was fantastic. The light that comes with it is nice and bright. Snapshots can be taken while recording, which I think is a convenient feature. Nice and light and fits well in both my hand and my husband's. Paid $174 and I think overall, it's a steal for the price. I'm looking forward to learning all of the features even if they make me feel like a dunce while learning. Once you get it it's fairly easy. So far, so good. I'm giving it 4 stars, because while it's good, it's hard to learn. Also, I think it might be worth it to get the kind that records directly to a DVD, just becasue it's easier to view anywhere. This one I have to hook up cables (included) from the recorder to the TV. Not the worst thing in the world and considering the price, I'm pleased. I'll update more as I learn.
