Would be ok except for battery life. Overall it's not THAT bad. I do agree with someone else's opinion that the full resolution must be done with some sort of software interpolation (meaning it's really lower res but "faked" to a higher one). It's clear enough, but jerky when panning due to no image stabilization. The worst is the battery life. Upon the initial 8+ hour charge, I took this out and about one day and got a "whopping" 4 minutes and 20 seconds worth of video before it gave me a sudden "low battery" message and then cut off. I either got a defect or this is wayyyyyy bad.My opinion: While the video quality is better than some other camcorders of this type, and the price isn't bad, the jerky panning, VERY poor battery life, and tinny sound quality doesn't put it at the top of my Xmas list. Would be ok except for battery life. Overall it's not THAT bad. I do agree with someone else's opinion that the full resolution must be done with some sort of software interpolation... » Read More Would be ok except for battery life. Overall it's not THAT bad. I do agree with someone else's opinion that the full resolution must be done with some sort of software interpolation (meaning it's really lower res but "faked" to a higher one). It's clear enough, but jerky when panning due to no image stabilization. The worst is the battery life. Upon the initial 8+ hour charge, I took this out and about one day and got a "whopping" 4 minutes and 20 seconds worth of video before it gave me a sudden "low battery" message and then cut off. I either got a defect or this is wayyyyyy bad.My opinion: While the video quality is better than some other camcorders of this type, and the price isn't bad, the jerky panning, VERY poor battery life, and tinny sound quality doesn't put it at the top of my Xmas list. « Show Less
1969713
it is true, my last about 6-10 hours depend on the usage, Gregory A. Henry ur must be defect or something!
21576
I think you may have gotten a defect battery because I only charged mine for an hour or 2 when I first got it. (I disconnected it because the charged light turned green) and I was able to use it all day yesterday and today. I still haven't gotten the low batter indicator.
470085
for video recording, i lasted as much as i needed. Longest i used it for was close to 5 min using a class 10 32gb card. I think it records plenty though so it should be good for +5min vids. I did have my battery drained much faster too so keep that in mind. Other than that, yea it's pretty good cam for the price. I getting me a 2nd one which the first one i just had a little scratch on the lens. Hopefully that was helpful! :D
1693904
I'm not so sure about that. Sure there are better camcorders out there now, but they're also more expensive. Unless you absolutely must have bleeding edge technology, I don't see any reason not to pick up a camcorder that's a couple years old at a discounted price. If it was amazing 2 years ago, it's still quite good today.
1721899
The front camera shoots acceptable video. They call it HD but it sure doesn't look HD. The bottom camera is really bad. Looks like less than 1.3MP no matter what they claim. As far as still pictures go, you can snap them but they quality is low. I have an interest in video and photography myself. This unit is a nice starter but consider it to be a learner unit. You WILL crash many times. You WILL break it. The batteries WILL overheat and swell. You WILL have the unit take off and be uncontrollable. But it's relatively inexpensive for a drone so you WILL learn a lot. And for that, it's worth it. The front camera shoots acceptable video. They call it HD but it sure doesn't look HD. The bottom camera is really bad. Looks like less than 1.3MP no matter what they claim. As far as still pictures go, you can snap them but they quality is low. I have an interest in video and photography myself. This unit is a nice starter but consider it to be a learner unit. You WILL crash many times. You WILL break it. The batteries WILL overheat and swell. You WILL have the unit take off and be uncontrollable. But it's relatively inexpensive for a drone so you WILL learn a lot. And for that, it's worth... » Read More The front camera shoots acceptable video. They call it HD but it sure doesn't look HD. The bottom camera is really bad. Looks like less than 1.3MP no matter what they claim. As far as still pictures go, you can snap them but they quality is low. I have an interest in video and photography myself. This unit is a nice starter but consider it to be a learner unit. You WILL crash many times. You WILL break it. The batteries WILL overheat and swell. You WILL have the unit take off and be uncontrollable. But it's relatively inexpensive for a drone so you WILL learn a lot. And for that, it's worth it. « Show Less
1866837
Searching online for some factual specs for you, I found the following The PJ780VE has a 10x optical zoom with a focal range of 26-260 mm and aperture at f/1.8-3.4 Compared to my earlier Sony HD Camcorder of about 5 years or so ago, it has by far a better wide angle capability than did my old model. I would with it find myself stepping back quite a bit to gain a place from which to shoot videos that would be all inclusive of my subject matter. Don't know how/why the other respondent indicated what he/she did. Unless of course 26mm isn't wide enough for you? I found a few good reviews online, including this off-shore review: http://www.digitalversus.com/camcorder/sony-handycam-hdr-pj780ve-p15261/test.html http://camcorder-test.slashcam.com/compare-what-i-cmp-u-cmd-i-view-u-mode-i-docompare-u-lang-i-en-u-id-i-226-y-294-u-name-i-Sony%20HDR-PJ780-u-bname-i-Sony%20HDR-TD20%20(2D)-u-cmd-i-vergleich.html http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/HDR-PJ780VE As for me...I'm totally satisfied with this camera's performance...as is my wife, who is working as a videographer and photographer at the National Western Stock show this year. Our videos are stunningly sharp and pleasant to watch! AND, the unit comes with a remote control as well, by the way. You may want to purchase a larger battery, and keep the original as a backup for when you run out of juice. I've not had any problems with premature battery drain, either. There are variants of this camcorder model, be sure to investigate each of them before ordering to make sure you are getting what you expected. Also...not get rattled by the "rattle" coming from within the camcorder. It has an internal "floating" platform used for optical stabilization when shooting videos...a most welcome feature!
881250
I would not say it is better or worse than any other camera in this respect, yes you can make out details - the camera is not good in bright light or at night - my cellphone is better in both cases. The LCD is quite low quality the pictures look worse on it than they do on your PC/laptop/tablet.
1844762
I would agree with everyone and mine worked perfect for snorkeling, hiking/biking and just as a regular camcorder. Video quality is very good.Caveats:- sound is not too great (if it's important)- I would add "wasabi" set of 2 batteries and charger, I bought it here at Amazon- Mounting options: instead check mounts for iON camera's carried by Walmart, they seem to fit by thread and look better than JVC provides. I did not use them yet but want to check.
2126551
i did not use it for long duration videos. the video quality is 720 pixel. i think the battery life is good.
1603338
This is a really bad camera. Very nice and beauty, but almost useless. It has just a few mega pixels and from 15 pictures you take, only 4 or 3 of them are usuful. I think this is a bad choice.Regards.Alberto T.
1382401
Alex, Let me just say that I have recorded very long sessions while turning it on and off repeatedly and never really though, "oh this battery life stinks!" It's simply amazing. Also, I purchsed the 64GB card for it. Basically, I have TONS of movies i have recorded since purchasing it over 2 years ago and STILL haven't pulled them off the card. Good luck.... Case
1442809
more importantly, how will the image quality be and will it be worth owning? reviews of the P80 were not kind. I'm hoping they have fixed this issue.
954785
YES. [Great compact size, records in HD, but not great inside or in low-light. I posted a YouTube of the first day I used the camera at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxIBsgxEoCA&feature=share&list=PLA654543133F8DAF2 - I never really had an issue with battery life and the size was so small I actually shot that video and others with a digital camera at the same time.
1179773
Irene.Yes, there many video quality settings available, up to Full HD: 1920x1080p / 30fps. I haven't try them out because I have a HD camcorder. Be sure to use a 32g SDHC card or higher capacity. I got a set of 2 Nikon compatible batteries with a wall/car charger for an extremely cheap price and they fit perfectly. One battery took 130 photos with a flash, while zooming in an out, before dying out. With the other battery, I took a series of still photos without using the zoom or the flash, and it took 340 photos. The dead batteries took 4 hours to fully recharge each time. I will use these cheap batteries and save my Nikon battery for emergencies. See my other reviews for the cheap battery if you are interest. Irene.Yes, there many video quality settings available, up to Full HD: 1920x1080p / 30fps. I haven't try them out because I have a HD camcorder. Be sure to use a 32g SDHC card or higher capacity. I got a set of 2 Nikon compatible batteries with a wall/car charger for an extremely cheap price and they fit perfectly. One battery took 130 photos with a flash, while zooming in an out, before dying out. With the other battery, I took a series of still photos without using the zoom or the flash, and it took 340 photos. The dead batteries took 4 hours to fully recharge each time. I... » Read More Irene.Yes, there many video quality settings available, up to Full HD: 1920x1080p / 30fps. I haven't try them out because I have a HD camcorder. Be sure to use a 32g SDHC card or higher capacity. I got a set of 2 Nikon compatible batteries with a wall/car charger for an extremely cheap price and they fit perfectly. One battery took 130 photos with a flash, while zooming in an out, before dying out. With the other battery, I took a series of still photos without using the zoom or the flash, and it took 340 photos. The dead batteries took 4 hours to fully recharge each time. I will use these cheap batteries and save my Nikon battery for emergencies. See my other reviews for the cheap battery if you are interest. « Show Less
616749
i have recorded numerous 5 and 10 minute videos with a bunch of stills.i cannot guarantee it, but i am extremely peased with this cameras performance.i use it on a daily basis, in all kinds of extreme conditions..Pipeline Workthe battery last ! and i would rate it a 5 on a 5 scale ;~PB
1220355
In a word Yes. I only ever shot one video just to see how it worked and the sound seemed weak. Never played on my computer though but did read that others had your same experience as you. Battery saving feature??
1442807
I'm more concerned with the image quality issue. They're getting 12 MP onto a really tiny sensor. The pixel density is 43 MP per square CM. That's really pushing it. Serious cameras (like DSLRs) tend to be under 5, sometimes even under 2. They use way bigger sensors, up to the size of a 35 mm picture, for a similar or not-much-higher pixel count. On paper this camera is exactly what I need, but I'm going to wait for some reviews before I put my money down for one. (Shouldn't have to wait too long, fortunately.)
390746
The battery life is better than average but I turn the camera off after shooting pix. Have not used the video, so can't answer your question there. I have taken the camera and pictures all day turning it off when not shooting and it never balks at all with power. You may wish to restate your question as someone may use it more frequently than I. I do most of my shooting for eBay items I list, so it is generally not a pleasure camera. I never fear running out of juice. Hope that helps.