Vivitar 810HD camcorder review

The Vivitar DVR 810HD is one of the least expensive "High Definition" digital camcorders on the market today, but is it a bargain buy or just cheap junk? I'd say it's half and half.

The 810HD looks, feels, and operates like a "real" camcorder costing hundreds more, but the video and audio quality are poor at best. The lower-res modes deliver about the same results as recording video on a low-end digital still photo camera (or even a good cell phone camera), and although "HD" mode does record at 1280x720 "720P" resolution, the image is pixellated and the unusually low 20 frames per second recording delivers smeary, jittery motion (a sample of this "HD" footage will be featured in my next video).

I would only recommend this camcorder for children, so they can learn how a "real" digital flash memory camcorder operates, with its various manual controls (exposure, white balance, ISO speeds, etc.), without the expense of buying a "real" camcorder and then worrying about it getting lost or broken. The 810HD's low-tech MJPEG files can be easily edited with any version of Windows Movie Maker or iMovie and then uploaded to YouTube, such as I did to create this video.

But if you are just looking for a good inexpensive camcorder, spend a little bit more and get a model from a known brand with good reviews, such as the pocket-size Kodak Zi6 which is now commonly on sale for under $100. Needless to say, I am now returning this camcorder because it is of no use to me. (Don't worry, Staples, I kept everything in the packaging as perfect as I could!)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• vivitar
• dvr
• 810
• hd
• 810hd
• dvr810hd
• digital
• flash
• memory
• sd
• sdhc
• card
• camera
• camcorder
• high
• definition
• 720p
• 1280x720
• 640x480
• vga
• 320x240
• qvga
• cheap
• budget
• bargain
• inexpensive
• model
• mjpeg
• sakar
• international

[MagVidProd]

How do you record the screen?????? :P

[vwestlife]

@MagVidProd Using a video capture card.

[4tha3]

can you put on a fisheye

[vwestlife]

@4tha3 Don't but this camcorder, or any Vivitar camera for that matter. Save your money for something better!

[vwestlife]

@opeagles555 Why would you want to? The fisheye lens would probably be worth more than this camera is!

[vwestlife]

@TAPKC Read the instructions!

[thom19671]

bad resolution!

[TheSoulTakerLordV]

@41cookiesbabe Try putting in FRESH batteries. IF that doesn't work and IF it's brand NEW, Got the receipt? take it back to the store for a new one and make sure you tell vivitar. If you can't exchange it still call vivitar something should be able to be worked out they may send you a new one or refund your money to you.

[TheSoulTakerLordV]

@vwestlife It's cool i figured out the problem, it turns out Vivitar has been having issues with their cameras "certain ones" like the one i have and the knob i mentioned turns out the mini screw in the twist knob that lets it turn is too loose, so when the twist knob is pressed in so hard to get the camera to function it leaves a finger imprint it works like normal long as you keep the knob pressed. or get the receipt take it back to the store swapit for a new one or call the company

[JbHatchet]

Is it just mine or do these things guzzle batteries? Mine only takes about 25 minutes to drain brand new batteries!!

[bakonfreek]

the A-HD+ is on sale at my local wallgreens for $22...I know becase my dad got me one for christmas...it's alright-ish...