( 7 reviews )
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Posted: 06-06-2009
I've been using the GR-DR550U without problem since around 2005. I have taken it on many vacations and it works well for the price with no problems ever. It is a great video camera if you are in the market for Standard Digital video recorder and are happy with that quality, however I am getting rid of it because I am ready to step up to AVCHD recording. The features I liked were: 4-pin Firewire out, Mini USB out, mic input, 15 X zoom, easy menu, 12 or 16 bit audio recording, and added SD slot for video thumbnails & pictures - Note: at 1.33 Mega-pixel the pictures are better used for scene place marking rather than pictures to keep as masters (i.e. Bring your good digital camera too when traveling).
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Posted: 11-11-2007
I bought this camera for inflight videos. It is one of the few cameras that has a mic input, a remote control, accepts the tape from the top, and has an appreciable optical zoom all in one package. It works for recording videos from the cockpit as well as recording radio communications between the pilot and air traffic control. Makes a perfect accessory to pilots who want to learn from their experiences. The downside is poor battery life, and LOUD hissing when using the onboard mic. If you want to use this for home video, use a separate mic.
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Posted: 01-21-2007
I have had this machine for 2 years and it has always been very dependable and produces excellent results for a 1 CCD recorder. The machine provides lots of flexibility and I regularly receive positive comments about the quality of the image. The camcorder is generally used for some light travel and recording lots of sporting events. The machine also allows conversion of analog to digital tapes. This means you can record from a VCR to this machine (digital). It is also easy to transfer files to a DVD recorder. I am sure there are better machines out there by now but this has been well worth it. The camera stills are a bit small to be useful at this time (1.2 mp-seems small now but was pretty good when this was first released)
