Hitachi DZ-MV730A DVD Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom

I really like this camera a lot. It is easy to use. DVD-RAM idea is great, but not super compatible.

My goal was to take videos with the camera, then burn the DVD-RAM disc's images onto DVD-R type disks and then be on my way.

This version of the camera does not have a USB port, so the only way to get your videos on your computer is by taking the DVD-RAM out of the camera and inserting it into your computer CD/DVD drive. The only issue here is that most DVD drives that I know of do not read DVD-RAM discs, so I had to go out and buy a new DVD drive for my computer.

Now I can get the files from the DVD-RAM to my harddrive, but now I can't get any of my DVD programs to edit the file. I ended up buying Womble MPEG Video Wizard DVD but that was pretty expensive. This software allows me to edit the movies and then it gets the video all ready to be written to a DVD-R disc that you can play in your TV-based DVD player. The only problem with Womble (an otherwise awesome video editting software tool) is that they do not have DVD burning software bundled in with the program, so you have to use Nero or something like that to burn the disc.

Someone who wants to buy this camera and can use my review above to learn what you have to do and what tools you need to do it will have a much easier time that I did.

I am all set up now and completely love it, however, there were a lot of growing pains in the learning process. I hope this review makes it easier for you!

See other comments about the challenges of viewing this on your computer. They make it sound like you're just recording a DVD and you'll be able to pop it in anywhere. WRONG. And this model doesn't connect directly to a computer directly. Be careful when buying these to make sure you can do what you want to. I feel seriously abused having purchased this and it makes me far less likely to purchase from Hitachi in the future, or to purchase this type of electronics through Amazon (and I'm otherwise a very happy Amazon customer).

You are not going to get every option avaliable with this camera! But then again your not paying for for every option either! Just take the time to reaserch your needs and what your budget is. Personally I wanted to record family movies directly to DVD and convert my old HI8 and VHS video to dvd. This camera does this with no problem in fact really easy. If you want to edit on a computer which I also do with this camera as I did with my old HI8 you can purchase an external video input hub that connects through a usb port for around $30 but you can edit on the camera just the same. I compare the camera in terms of cars - Yes there are cadilacs but everyone can't afford to own one or don't feel the need to have the most expensive car on the lot (that will be outdated in a few years) A Buik is a nice ride to and is 10K less!

Without purchasing another piece of hardware ,you cannot record to dvd via PC with this little number.All the other features are great but it's like traveling 500 ft and stopping short 1 foot from the destination .WTF!!!!
Amazon advertises the Monster cable as an "accessory". Really?
I have no idea why ,after spending the 39.99 for it and opening it like Ralphie from a Christmas story it may as well have been a bunny pajama suit.In hindsight I would have purchased the 780 not the 730,but it wasn't disclosed .

i have had this unit for over a month (summer 2005), took it on a trip to Vegas and even in very high ambient heat there, it has performed flawlessly. also used both mini DVD-R (best general choice for most people) but also used and recorded to the mini DVD-RAM discs which come in those nice protective case cartridges.

AN IMPORTANT ISSUE;
on the RAM disc issue.... my home PC system did not have a DVD which could read the RAM format, so... i bought an LG GSA 5163D external drive which is both very affordable, and very good. the mini DVD-RAM cartridges have a small spring clip on each side which, when pressed inwards, allows the disc to be removed and played or read in a normal DVD drawer inner (mini) table. i believe you have seen those small circular depressions in the inside DVD tray... the 8 cm ones.

('they' say that the predictable life of the RAM media is 100,000 cycles with the housing and only 1,000 cycles without it.)

the LG drive also comes with a bunch of software and cables, connects both USB and Firewire, and is totally quiet.
with that drive, i can use and reuse the DVD-RAM on this Hitachi camcorder. without it, again, i only suggest anyone using this camcorder try the mini DVD-R format which plays on most every deck i have tried them on lately.

the camcorder came with one 120 minute battery. i bought an extra long life battery which is a good idea as i take this thing everywhere.

the ability of this unit to handle delicate shades of color and smooth details is very rewarding. depending on the resolution i pick, one of these small discs can hold at least 60 minutes of video. taking videos in low light conditions works down to around 0.3 lux. by the way, i have a small vac brush and use it after every shoot outside, and this was especially true in sandy Las Vegas.

Amazons delivery service is superb by the way!

this camcorder was one of the least expensive ones i found, and seems to do everything my older Mini-DV does, and the DVD format takes a few steps out of the process.