convenient and easy to use, but compromises on some features
Pros:
Small size, quality construction, high power zoom
Cons:
Poor low light recording, uncommon recording format, basic included software
The Bottom Line:
A good choice for a basic camcorder that has some nice "bonus" features but with some shortcomings.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
We ordered this camcorder for Christmas and have been using it several months now. So far I'm fairly happy with it, but there are some drawbacks that should be taken into account when considering the FS100 camcorder. Some of the "additional" features that convinced me to buy this unit were the small size, SD card storage format, stereo recording capability, and still-picture capability (which means I only have to take one camera for many occasions).
Thumbs up:
Size - this camcorder is VERY small! The small size makes it great to grab and take along on all occasions. It will easily fit into my wife's handbag, and will also easily fit into a "hip pack" or other around-the-waist type bag.
Construction - the camcorder seems to be well made and functions well with quality buttons and components. Additionally, the fact that it has no moving parts will hopefully translate into a reliable unit with long life (but yet to be determined!)
Zoom - Wow.. the zoom will really "reach out and touch someone", even when limiting to just optical zoom (without the added digital zoom). However, even with the vibration reduction turned on, it is very difficult to hold the camcorder still enough to have a good picture at higher zoom levels. A tripod or other support is required at higher zoom (at least for me)
Thumbs down:
Poor Low light - This is my biggest complaint for this camcorder. The low light picture quality is very poor. Even indoors under what I would consider normal indoor lighting, the picture becomes very grainy. Compared to my eight year old sony 8mm camcorder, it is at an extreme disadvantage (you would think technology would improve in eight years?).
Included software - Although the included software provides everything you need to produce a finished DVD, it is very "clunky" and somewhat difficult to use. It also does not have many editing features to produce a professional-looking dvd. It works, but is very basic
Recording format - The recording format for the camcorder is not supported by some of the more common editing tools. I cannot find codecs that will allow Windows Movie Maker and Camtasia Studio (v4) to recognize the format.
Charging and file transfer - The charger must be used when transferring files to a PC which requires two cables, and the unit will not charge off of a standard USB port (must use the provided charger). Standard USB port charging would have been nice.
Overall, I'm fairly happy with this camcorder, and it meets my needs. Even with the low light recording quality, it still records the memories, which is the reason I purchased a camcorder. I would recommend this camcorder if you want a basic, fairly inexpensive camcorder.
