Product Reviews

ZR500

View Product 360 Around the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception. For budget-conscious consumers, the ZR family of cameras is a perfect balance between style, performance and affordability. ZR digital camcorders give you a variety of features, including Widescreen HR recording, pre-programmed auto exposure settings, a Firewire/DV Terminal and Canon's advanced image stabilization system. Along with its stylish Blue Mist finish, the ZR500 boasts Canon's longest zoom ever. It also comes with features found on more expensive camcorders, such as its external microphone input. An easy-to-read menu system makes it a breeze to operate. The joystick lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure and menu options with a single controller. And a big 2.7" LCD lets you lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording.
Average Customer Rating:
4 out of 5
4
 out of 
5
3 out of 5(60%)customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for ZR500
Review 1 for ZR500
Overall Rating
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Satisfaction
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Nickname: Buff
Location: Tampa, FL.
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: No
Does not last long
Date: February 19, 2010
Pros: Compact Design, excellent image quality, Easy TV Connectivity
Nice when new, then zip. The thing won't power up, for no reason.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 2 for ZR500
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Quality
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Satisfaction
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Nickname: drumbum
Location: warren,ohio
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
don't buy
Date: October 14, 2009
Pros: Compact Design, excellent image quality, Easy TV Connectivity, Accurate, Vivid Colors, Great sound/audio, Ergonomic/comfortable to hold, easy to use, Good Software Compatibility, Good Low-Light Performance
Cons: Difficult Computer Connectivity, Short battery life, Flimsy Construction, not worth repairing
i purchased this in dec .07'. loved it from the minute i opened it up.quality was very good.loved the features also. i only used it on special occasions; birthdays and holidays mostly. probably 30 hrs. use time if that. iwas on my last day of vacation sept.09' when it malfunctioned.sent it back to the company for repair and was notified it would cost almost as much to fix it as i paid for it.very dissapointed.
5 of 7 people found this review helpful.
Review 3 for ZR500
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Price/Value
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nickname: jermd1990
Location: Euclid, OH
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: No
Great for Beginners/Casual Users
Date: September 2, 2009
Pros: Compact Design, Easy TV Connectivity, Easy Computer Connectivity, Ergonomic/comfortable to hold, easy to use, Good Software Compatibility
Cons: Short battery life, Poor sound/audio, Poor Low-Light Performance
The Canon ZR500 is probably the best camcorder available in its price range.
Sleek design and easy to use. Contrary to what another reviewer wrote, I found computer connectivity to be quite easy. All you need is a Firewire port.
The picture quality is average. Nothing spectacular, but acceptable.
My only complaints are that
a) the camcorder produces an irritating buzzing/whirring sound that is picked up by the built-in microphone. However, there is a microphone port on the camera, so connecting an external microphone should fix this problem.
b) the battery life is fairly short and
c) the picture quality is noticeably degraded in low light levels.
If you're a casual user looking to record experiences with family and friends, or if you're a beginner film enthusiast/hobbyist looking to direct short films, I recommend this camera.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Review 4 for ZR500
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Price/Value
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nickname: Marcos
Date: July 25, 2009
Very impressive result for very low cost. Very good entry mini dv level.
Review 5 for ZR500
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Nickname: jccbwhite
Location: Troy Pa
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
Not the best but okay
Date: May 3, 2009
Pros: Easy TV Connectivity, Accurate, Vivid Colors, good battery life, Great sound/audio, durable
Cons: Bulky Design, Difficult Computer Connectivity, Uncomfortable to hold, Difficult to use, Limited Software Compatibility
The camcorder is really good but i just wish i could get the videos on my computer.
7 of 10 people found this review helpful.