Hitachi DZ GX20A Camcorder Review

Hitachi DZ GX20A: Hitachi introduces three DVD camcorders for its fifth generation product line-up. The latest models offer a host of improvements, including a new imaging engine for a 20 percent improvement in noise reduction and 20 percent longer battery life. A new DVD drive has also reduced the product size by 15 percent and a bare DVD load creates a sleeker, more compact design overall. The new Hitachi UltraVision DZGX20A, DZMV780A and DZMV750A DVD camcorders are designed to meet different consumer needs and all feature a 50 percent faster start time and improvements in overall image quality.

In addition to the numerous technical enhancements based on the new imaging engine and DVD drive, the Hitachi DZ GX20A,DZMV780A and DZMV750A feature an SD or MMC memory card to make sharing still photos even easier with other electronic devices, such as photo printers, digital print stations and SD-compatible PCs, TVs and DVD recorders. All of the 2005 Hitachi DVD Camcorder models also feature a dedicated photo button for ease of use, as well as a 'ready-when-you-are' record start time of only seven seconds. This is an improvement of more than 50 percent over previous generation products from Hitachi, enabling consumers to always be ready to record.

Hitachi was the first to manufacture a DVD camcorder, anticipating the market trends and the needs of our customers. We continue that dedication to users by constantly improving our products based on their feedback and the latest engineering innovations. This commitment is clearly demonstrated in the new 2005 Hitachi DVD Camcorders--a more precise picture, more intuitive functions, longer battery--the ultimate in design and versatility for today's user.

Key Features of the Hitachi DZ GX20A

* 2.1 megapixel CCD

* 16:9 recording mode for both DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs

* Internal still photo flash

* Quick start short start time from power-on to first recording

* Quick mode shortcut to simplified menu system

* The Hitachi DZ GX20 A has a 10x optical zoom, 240x digital zoom

* Disc navigation--instant access to selected scenes and in-camera editing features

* Powered accessory port

* USB 2.0 PC connection

* External AV input for recording analog sources to DVD

* 2.5 inch LCD monitor can operate as a light

Hitachi DZ GX20A: Video Recording

DVD-RAM

o Rewriteable technology

o Stores approximately 40 to 120 minutes of MPEG-2 video on a double sided disc

o Advanced in-camera editing capability

DVD-R

o Write once technology

o Plays back in most DVD players and DVD-ROM drives

o The Hitachi DZ GX20A stores 20 to 60 minutes of MPEG video on a single sided disc

Hitachi DZ-GX20A: Digital Still Photos

DVD-RAM

o Records approximately 2,000 JPEG images on a double sided disc

o 1600 x 1200 resolution

SD/MMC

o Records approximately 25 JPEG images (32MB card)

o 1600 x 1200 resolution

o 3 quality settings for file size adjustment

What's in the Box:

o DZGX20A camera body

o Battery

o Single-sided 8-cm DVD-RAM disc

o PC software

o Custom S-video and composite AV cable

o USB cable

o AC adapter/charger

o Remote control with battery

o Shoulder strap

o Lens cap