Cheap Camcorder Accessories for sale!

   

Sony LCSVAT Deluxe Soft Carrying Case for Sony Camcorders
From Sony

The LCS-VAT carrying case lets you take your compact camcorder or digital camera with you anywhere you go. It features a soft, padded black design that is as stylish as it is sturdy. The included shoulder strap makes carrying as easy and comfortable as possible. It's perfect for anyone on the go.

• Brand: Sony
• Model: LCSVAT
• Dimensions: .0 pounds

Sony LCSVAT Case
Good case for compact camcorder. It is very compact and the construction is very good. It has just enough room for my Sony camcorder(Sony DCR-SR100). The external pocket is large enough for two or three extra batteries. Don't expect to fit any other accessory.

Perfect Size
This case is the perfect size to hold our Sony Camcorder and a few blank tapes. We purchased it for a cruise, because we wanted to carry-on the camcorder and have it protected, but not have to lug the large case we owned that holds all the accessories. This smaller case still protects the camera and allows room for some extras.

very satisfied
Unlike some of the other reviews I read, this case is ideal for my camcorder. I use it to carry my dcr sr82 camcorder along with my digital camera. The front pocket holds the extra battery and remote. It is compact and I really love it and am glad that I didn't purchase one of the bigger ones. Thank you.

   

Manfrotto 718B Digi Tripod with Integrated 3-Way Head and Carrying Bag (Black)
From Manfrotto

The 718B is a compact tripod with a built-in hybrid video/photo 3-Way head. It is similar to the 718SHB model, but with longer leg sections for greater extended height. The 718B has a "dovetail" quick release camera plate (which can be locked in place one-handed), separate pan and tilt locks, and a short pan/tilt bar for more ergonomic use while panning or tracking moving subjects. The leg pivot system uses a unique single hinge design in aluminum, which both keeps the cross section smaller and allows the leg to fold shorter than conventional tripods. The tripod is built with "D" profile tubular legs for extra torsional rigidity and quick flip leg locks for ease and speed of set-up. A quick action lever also blocks the reversible center column extension.

• Brand: Manfrotto
• Model: 718B
• Released on: 2006-04-14
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 4.00" w x 21.00" l, 4.00 pounds

Manufacturer Description
The Bogen-Manfrotto 718B is a compact tripod with a built-in hybrid video/photo three-way head. It is similar to the 718SHB, but with longer leg sections for greater extended height. The 718B has a "dovetail" quick release camera plate (which can be locked in place one-handed), separate pan and tilt locks, and a short pan/tilt bar for more ergonomic use while panning or tracking moving subjects. The leg pivot system uses a unique single hinge design in aluminum which both keeps the cross section smaller and allows the leg to fold shorter than conventional tripods. The tripod is built with "D" profile tubular legs for extra torsional rigidity and quick flip leg locks for ease and speed of set-up. A quick action lever also locks the reversible center column extension.

Features include:

• Leg sections use three-faceted tubing for greater anti-torsional resistance.
• Compact yet solidly-built three-way head allows versatile use with both photo and video cameras. The short pan bar helps keep movements smooth.
• Part of the DIGI series of lightweight, compact supports for small digital point-and-shoot cameras.
• Anti-rotation tubing and leg collars make for a tripod that's easier and faster to open, position and close. Manfrotto uses several different types of anti-rotation system -- on Magfiber and Digi series tripods, the elliptical or three-faceted shape of the concentric tubes means they cannot rotate, while on round-tubed tripods small protrusions down the length of the tube keep sections perfectly aligned.
• Materials, design and construction techniques have been carefully selected to help save weight without sacrificing stability or strength.
• Tripod with built-in head -- unlike most Manfrotto models, this tripod is pre-fitted with an unremovable head. This ensures compatibility and keeps weight and size to a minimum, but means the head cannot be interchanged in the future.
• The rubber feet on DIGI series tripods are angled for a larger, more stable point of contact with the ground.
• The DIGI design uses a single-sided pivot between the tripod leg and the shoulder casting to keep the tripod's cross section even more compact and to reduce overall weight.
• The "dovetail" camera plate is Manfrotto's most compact quick release system, suitable for compact up to light SLR cameras. Its advantage is that it is pushed inwards and upwards on the tripod head, ensuring a rock-solid grip.
• The features of this product make it ideal for both photographic and video applications
• Three separate axes of movement -- panoramic rotation, front-back tilt and side tilt.
• By keeping the head and camera mounting plate as low as possible, the camera is kept safely closer to the tripod's center of gravity for more stable support.

What's in the Box:
Tripod, rucksack-style bag.

This tripod has problems
After five months of intensive use in New Zealand, I'm pretty unimpressed with this item. On paper, it seems to be a great comprimise - light enough for backpacking, but sturdy enough for a decent shot.

Unfortunately, this doesn't stand up to much real use. The tripod clamps seem to have an intrinsic fault that causes the plastic around the clamp arm to snap off under any real use. This has already happened on 2 of my 3 legs, and I haven't used it nearly as much as many would.

Not recommended for any serious use.

Great budget tripod for travel purposes
I have used this tripod on many vacations, including extensive hiking in Yosemite park. This is a light and durable tripod for travel usage. I have found it to be fantastic, with a few limitations.

1. The tripod is light for travel, but too light for serious photography in windy conditions. Don't put a SLR w/ a large lens on this tripod. The longest focal length I'd go is 200mm.

2. The head will limit your ability to take great shots. It's the typical consumer head that will sometimes move a little between shots. Don't expect miracles.

3. If you're not careful, you can break the plastic things that hold the legs.

Having said that, you'd have to spend way more $ to overcome these limitations. It's a great budget tripod.

Good enough for its intended use
After using this tripod to hold up my dSLR camera (Olympus E-500) for almost two years, I am finally ready to relegate it to the use for which it was designed, holding up my point'n'shoot camera (Fujifilm E900). I knew when I made my selection that it was not enough tripod for my intended uses, but it was lightweight and it fit my budget, so I figured I could get along with it for a while. That while is over now, as I finally have another tripod for the dSLR camera. (The new tripod is another Manfrotto rig, a Bogen-Manfrotto 055MF3 3-Section MagFiber Tripod without Head paired with a Bogen-Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N), coming in at almost 4x the price of the Digi tripod and almost twice its weight.)

The 718B tripod is a somewhat taller version of the Bogen-Manfrotto 728B Digi Compact Tripod with Integrated 3-Way Head and Carrying Bag (Black), with a slightly different head configuration and a different quick release plate. I appreciate the extra inches of tallth. While nicely constructed, this tripod is lightweight and will not take the same abuse as sturdier models. The enamel on the cast metal parts chips easily (should have been powder coated), and my unit was damaged by a drop of about a foot (while in its storage bag!).

The head is controlled by a single lever for both pan and tilt, with the pan loosening slightly before the tilt. The head motions are viscous damped to smooth out video pans. The center column and the legs are anodized aluminum, with triangular cross sections for added rigidity. The fourth sections of the legs look awfully skinny. I carry a hex key along to keep the leg pivots tight.

One of the things I used the tripod for was taking panorama sequences, to be stitched together in Photoshop. In order to stitch panoramic images easily, one of the requirements is that the camera remains level throughout the pan. After repeated attempts, I have concluded that this is largely impossible using this tripod.

In gusty conditions, this tripod shakes the camera like a leaf. An aspen leaf. There is no hook on the bottom of the column to add stabilizing weights, which would have helped.

For all of that, I am not ready to consign this tripod to Craigslist. I am sure it will be quite satisfactory holding up my digicam, or the odd camcorder for shooting the odd birthday, etc.

   

Sony BLTHSB Shoulder Belt for most Sony Camcorders
From Sony

Shoulder Belt

• Brand: Sony
• Model: BLTHSB
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 3.00" w x 11.00" l, .15 pounds

The Sony BLT-HSB Shoulder Strap is a replacement for various camcorder carrying cases, such as the LCS-VAC carrying case. This shoulder strap combined with a carrying case, is the perfect way to tote your Handycam camcorder when you're on the move.

Sony camcorder shoulder belt
If you are going to carry your Sony camcorder outdoors use this product, rather than keeping the camcorder in its case. That way, it will be ready to use for those surprise, must have videos.

Good for Sony Camcorders especially HDR SR11
Good quality camcorder strap from Sony. This fits perfectly for my Sony camcorder HDR-SR11. I wish Sony included this along with the Camcorder. May be Sony trying to get more money from consumers. Thanks to Amozone for fast shipping.

geart drap
great strap it really helps me have my camcorder on me without having tp [ut it down

   

Sony Hi8 Tapes (P-6120HMPL/3B) (P6120HMPL3B)
From Sony

• Brand: Sony
• Model: P6120HMPL3B

No complaints!
We use these tapes in our Sony Camcorder and have never had a problem with them. The picture is clear and concise, colors are vivid and are good in both indoor light and outdoor light. Price is very good, usually more expensive elsewhere. I always feel comfortable with the Sony name.

   

Manfrotto 585 ModoSteady 3-in-1 Camera/Camcorder Stabilizer and Support System
From Manfrotto

Bogen Manfrotto MODOSTEADY: a unique innovative-designed, ergonomic, multifunction stabilisation system for lightweight camcorders. A "three-in-one" product: 1. A shoulder support. its bi-injected foot can be used as shoulder pod, so that the MODOSTEADY becomes an extension of the body. 2. A camcorder counterbalancing stabilizer, the counterbalancing stabilizer needs to be set in order to find the proper counterbalance position and weight, considering the weight and the centre of gravity of the camcorder. When balanced it is a very useful camcoder stabilizer, which improves a lot the quality the image when shot in movement. 3. Table Tripod: folding the extension arm, the bi-injected handle can be opened and MODOSTEADY becomes a table tripod, useful also for still-pictures. The Modosteady concept was invented by the design company Sapio and developed by Bogen Manfrotto.

• Color: Black
• Brand: Manfrotto
• Model: 585
• Dimensions: 1.35 pounds

A great little stabalizer
For the price it's well worth it, but not for every camera. I have quite a few cameras and I first tried setting it up for my EX-F1. The camera is right at the upper edge of it's capacity and found it hard to get the right setting. I was a bit tired and didn't work at it for too long and thought I just screw in this Aiptek 1080P I had sitting in the drawer and Wow! It took just a few tries at the settings and I was gliding around like a pro around the house. I downloaded the video and was amazed (I never thought I can shoot scenes like that). This may be my favorite setup for a while but of course I still love my EX-F1.

I have tried the Merlin Steadicam but returned it after a week of frustration using it for my Sony A1U. Too complicated for a hobbiest like me. It only balanced correctly once (hours of trying and watching the video) and never again, even after writing down all the settings.

Some here said the gimbal was too loose, the screw should be loosened not tightened when in use. I feel the gimbal was as good or better than the Merlin's. As for the price, have you ever purchased video camera accessories? Some look like they were made in the back of someone's garage and charge as they were made and developed in a ISO-9000 manufacturing plant. Not with the Modosteady, they really went all out to develop a great little stabilizer for the consumer venue. Yes, it's not a glidecam or a Merlin that will handle more weight capacity, it's just a great little stabilizer for a small modern camera. This is something you can take anywhere without lugging around an extra suitcase of equipment.

This is the first time reviewing something I purchased on Amazon, but had to on this one since I wasn't expecting this surprise.

Bogen Manfrotto camera system
An excellent product for the price. It doesn't match a $3000 hollywood camera "steadycam" set up, but it sure comes close. For my independent filmmaking I will be using it consistantly. Anyone will love it.

For 1/8th the price, a good steadycam
The Manfrotto Steadycam is a strange beast. In terms of effectiveness, it is on the low end of moderately effective steadycams. But it also comes in at about an eighth of the price of the next model up, the 800 dollar Merlin. By that metric, it's pretty amazing.

The Manfrotto specifically is a handheld gimbal - based stabilizer. It works because you carefully balance the swing arm underneath with whatever camcorder you put on top, so that no matter how you move your hand the camera stays forward and up. Small wrist shakes and other movements are absorbed by the carefully balanced gimbal, keeping your camera steady.

This is not an easy thing to do. It will take about 1/2 hour of configuration your first time to get the counterweights and positions right. Furthermore, shooting with a handheld steadycam is a somewhat different experience, considering you no longer have direct up / down control and left / right drifts with the gimbal. It takes quite a bit of practice to be comfortable shoot with a steadycam, and this one is no exception.

However, the Manfrotto does get high marks for convienience and accessability. Setup is genuinely easy to do (though a level indicator would have been nice), and can happen within about 60 seconds if you know what you're doing. The unit folds up to be about the size of a small camcorder. The plastic, while still plastic, doesn't feel cheap. And the tripod functionality has actually been occasionally useful. The weighting is not heavy enough for cameras above 5 lbs or so, but that is beyond pretty much all consumer-grade cameras.

If you've found that watching your home movies makes you nauseous, and you're interested in spending the time to learn to handle it, the ModoSteady is a good choice. It works pretty well, and you really can't beat the price.

   

Canon 6255A003 Neck Straps for Eos Rebel Series - Pro Neck Strap
From Canon

Pro neck straps for Eos Rebel series cameras.

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 6255A003
• Dimensions: 1.70" h x 3.20" w x 6.00" l, .30 pounds

A durable pain in the neck
My Canon 20D weighs about 5 pounds by itself and when purchased, included this durable fabric neck strap. The supplied neck strap is simple, basic, and advertises Canon boldly. That may be okay if you don't make much use of the strap or use light weight lenses. Take my camera however, and add any one of my heavy L lenses to it. The supplied neck strap can still do the job, but quickly becomes a pain in the neck.

Some people may feel the bold advertising brings attention to their camera equipment, causing one to think thieves are paying closer attention to them. While I think the camera itself is enough to get a thieves attention, I don't really know if this is a legit concern.

If you are looking to replace your camera strap, I would recommend saving some cash and consider the Tamrac N-45 foam padded leather camera strap with quick release buckles instead. For about $10 US less, the Tamrac N-45 quick-release padded leather camera strap provides comfort, durability, and convenience.

PROS:
Durable construction

CONS:
A pain in the neck when used with heavy cameras

Great Item for A Great Price
The only issue I have is that I brought this item for a 35mm film camera, not a digital. The picture does not show it, but the writing on the strap includes the word "digital". Other than that great strap!!

Great strap, but cheap buckles
I loved every aspect of this strap until one of the plastic buckles broke and dumped my 20d on the asphalt. ouch!! I just replaced it with the Op/Tech pro loop strap, which has much more subtantial buckles. The Op/Tech seems to be a much better strap for 10 bucks less.

   

Sony HVL-20DW2 Video Light for use with DCRVX2100, HDRFX1 & FX7
From Sony

switchable single-bulb/dual-bulb operation * mounts to compatible Sony camcorder's accessory shoe * lamp power consumption: 10 watts (one bulb)/ 20 watts (both bulbs) * lighting distance: approximately 40 lux (10 Watts), 80 lux (20 Watts) * lighting direction: horizontal * lighting angle: 26 degrees * Color temperature: 3,000 degrees K *

• Brand: Sony
• Model: HVL-20DW2
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 3.10" h x 3.30" w x 7.30" l, .50 pounds

Sony's HVL-20DW2 double-decker camcorder light shines either 10 watts or 20 watts of light on the scene to help you capture footage in nearly any condition.

• 10 watts (with NP-F330/530/550)
• VCT-S30L Accessory bracket available for camcorders not equipped with mount shoe. See your camcorder's documentation to confirm.
• 10 watt and 20 watt modes (with NP-F730H/750/950)

Compatible Models

Sunshine on my shoulders...makes me happy.....
My Sony FX1 has great low light capability, 3 lux, but eventually you WILL need extra light. Using your software to lighten dark shots will likely reveal some degree of graininess, no matter which camera you use.

I'm so glad I bought it. Used it for my birthday party. Though the overhead light was good, dark corners of the room require more light. If you consider yourself advanced, semi-pro, or a pro videographer, you MUST HAVE a light.

My only major beef is it runs at either 10 or 20 watts. No variable for 5, or 15. It is worth getting a long life battery like the NP-970. Independent power source (battery) is a plus. But no outlet plug adaptor that I know of.

must have for low light digital stills
if you have pretty much ANY digital camera and want to do closeups or see what you're taking pix of before flash, you need this or similar light. A german company makes a high-wat LED video light but it has speckled pattern, not good for closeup stills. The light pattern on this is VERY even. Closeup up with light in one hand and camera in other, to cover an object 6 to 8 inches. pull back to widen light to 2 feet or more across. Keep the video light as close to camera as possible, will reduce shadows the camera sees. Even outdoors at 9000' in Colorado I found use for this, taking picture on shady trail where a plant was half in shade, will fix this.

bulbs are replaceable. Yet in 4 years of having one bulb never wore out, and heavy usage, 8 hours at a time. (3 fp-970 batteries, such as batterybarn.com sells will give you 8 hours light. the last time I got it off amazon, FP960 for $47 from computer brain. the new 15 hour camcorder batteries power this light for about 2 1/2 hours)

The onlything that eventually broke was the switch. Don't force it, push down the middle safety button when turning it on or eventually will break it. take battery out when travelling so won't go on accidentally. you can add a grip by getting a disk shaped tripod adaptor and screwing a hand grip such as hakuba's monopod / tablepod combo (the most comfortable grip there is, about $25 at places like Fry's) into the tripod adapter.

It gets warm, almost hot but keeps running no problem with vent slits. Even using it caving in Anza-Borrego, as we knew that we had for sure 2 hours on Li-ion batteries.

Anyway, for indoor shooting in converence halls with bad flourescent lighting, this brings out the colors. You can't use flash closer than about 2 feet with most objects or you get too much glare from reflection..

so use a video light instead for serious indoor shooting where you can't have a fixed light stand. use it in 10 watt mode for most objects, for tall or dark objects, switch to 20 watt. When battery is starting to run low, the light will only go into 10 watt mode.

I have the sony video light 3watt for dvd-403. I keep this on top of camera sometimes when too much hassle to get out video light. But it drains camcorder battery unlike this one, and light output alot lower. good for small objects tho.

and by all means, TURN ON FLASH when farther than 2' and object looks slightly dark. this helps ALOT in your pix. if it looks OK in viewfinder / lcd LEAVE FLASH OFF!

see flashlightreviews.com for general light patterns and battery life of other flashlights incl led lights you might want to buy.

IF sony would just come out with an LED version I'd be happy as a lark! It would last 10 hours or more.

Most flashlights throw uneven ring pattern so are unsuitable for lighting photos.

Worth the money
I do profesional videos. This light has a good lighting patterna nd seems to hold up under heavy working conditions. It is light and fairly durable. I highly recomend it to anyone who does interior or exterior shoots. Light range is optimal from a distance of 6 to 15 ft. Get it and get a upgraded battery it will last for hours.

   

Canon VL-5 Video Light for Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe
From Canon Video

Compatible for use with the following camcorders: VIXIA HF10, VIXIA HF100, VIXIA HF11, VIXIA HG20 and VIXIA HG21 or others with mini shoe

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 3186B001
• Released on: 2008-10-01
• Dimensions: .25 pounds

Not much brighter, but an upgrade from the Vixia's HF100's onboard light...
I just bought the Vixia HF100 camcorder and the built-in video light is adequate if in a situation where you MUST shoot in a very low light setting. Unfortunately, the HF100's light is very much on the cool-blue end of the light spectrum and makes for some ugly skin tones and just plain awful video in general. The VL-5 light, while perhaps emitting only 25 to 50% more lumens than the onboard light, has a distinctly warm tone, which translates into better skin tones and an overall acceptable image. The VL-5 is small but not "tiny" (protrudes 2 3/8" from top of camera, and measures 2 1/2" from front to back at the widest point). The light has a switch for "On, Auto, and Off." You can't use both the onboard light and the VL-5 at the same time (the HF100 won't allow it). IMPORTANT NOTE: You'll have to update the firmware of your Vixia camcorder to 1.0.2 in order to use this light (download from Canon's website). I attempted to use the updater on my Mac Pro and had a glitch with the update: it said that my camera could not be updated. I think I needed to disconnect all of my computer's connected USB devices (other than keyboard, mouse) so the updater would get a clear "read" on the camera). I used my MacBook Pro to install the update and it worked fine (took about 8 minutes). Though it's a certainly overpriced, I'm going to keep it; my night-time videos will at least progress from the camera's default unacceptable and dreadful blue tone to an acceptable warm tone. Note: I think that this is the only accessory light that will currently work with the new Canon Vixia camcorders' "Mini Advanced Shoe."

quality accessory
I bought this to use with my Canon HG-20 and the light works fine. It will turn on automatically when you begin to record when the light is not sufficient. It can also be set to stay on full time if you wish. The light runs on the camera's power so you don't have to worry about batteries, which is a feature I like alot. It also attaches easily as well without any undo effort. Once you slide it into its bracket, it has a small adjustment you turn to lock it in place, and it stays tight without moving until you unscrew that piece. The purchase was delived on time and I am pleased with the way AMAZON does its business. AMAZON clearly is one the best online merchants I have dealt with, and there are some real nightmares out there in TV land.

Overpriced, but I'm glad I bought it!
I just got this product for my Canon HG20 and I am very happy that I purchased it. It got rid of a lot of the low light noise that the HG20 has For such a small light, it is very bright and helps show the potential that the HG20 has. Highly recommended. I'm only taking 1 star off due to the price.

   

Sony BCTRM Compact Battery Charger for DCRDVD 101/201/301
From Sony

When space is an issue, bring along this compact, portable charger for M Series Lithium-ion batteries.

• Brand: Sony
• Model: bctrm
• Dimensions: 1.20" h x 4.50" w x 6.10" l, .15 pounds

Excellent charger that is a space saver too.
This charger takes up minimal space. The prongs for plugging into the wall fold in preventing snags. Excellent design. It also charges your spare battery in minimal time.
Highly recommend.

Good product
I like this charger, very small and portable. Sony shoud sell a extra battery / charger combo. I sure recommend it for taking vacations.

This little charger is a "must have" for DSC-R1 owners!
Forget the "brick" and the AC cord! Just get one of these compact chargers and an extra battery and your DSC-R1 will never be out of power. I carry a charged battery in my gear bag attached to the little charger and swap and recharge as needed.

   

Sony VCL-HGA07 HG Wide Angle Conversion Lens 0.7x for 30/37mm
From Sony

Broaden your field of view with these high grade lenses.They offer unmatched ease of use, making them the accessories of choice for reducing distortion and boosting image detail in a wide angle format

• Color: Silver
• Brand: Sony
• Model: VCL-HGA07
• Dimensions: .75 pounds

Great wide angle lens for average video shooters
I own a Sony HDR-XR520V (as of March 2009 Sony's top consumer HD camcorder) and this lens fits perfectly without any adapters. It's a bit heavy and bulky but it gives you great shots that look professional. Perfect for 'Letterbox' recording. It does not support additional filters though and recommends that you do not use them with it either. I would like to see a filter marketed that could be attached over this lens by a rubber ring. Or (even better) a rubber ring adapter that could be used to attach any different filter with standard threads.

This lens works beautifully! Worth the money. VIDEO REVIEW INCLUDED
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1J9OAVQ7F9ZBP Having recently purchased this lens, I wanted to share my opinions on it. My camera is the Sony HDR-XR520V. My biggest reason for wanting this lens was so I could fit more in the picture when I filming indoors. It works beautifully for this, I now have a lot more in the frame. The picture is clear all the way around. There is some slight barrel distortion around the edges of the picture, but it's only noticeable with straight lines, and it's very slight. I've read in places that the lens is heavy and uncomfotable to use one the camera, but I disagree. Yes, it does add some weight, not enough for me to be concerned though.

I can go on, but I can't think of a better way to illustrate this lens than to show you what it looks like in action. Please watch my video review.

I hope this review helped you in your decision. I am very happy I bought this lens, and you will be too.

Since Amazon is still having problems getting my review online, I hope they let me post the Youtube link for it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFKMWblI4kw&feature=related

Nice alternative to Canon's WD37 series lenses for Samsung HMX camcorders
There are a lot of glowing reviews for Canon's various WD37 lenses -- the WD-H37, WD-H37C, and WD-H37 II. Frankly, the high price and the confusing Canon selection scared me away, and reading how nit-picky some reviewers were in comparing the various H37 models, I was apprehensive to try anything else.

But Sony has a decent reputation, so for a few bucks savings, I gave this lens a try.

It's for use with my Samsung HMX H104 camcorder, which shoots in a wide-screen 16:9 format. Naturally, I was concerned about darkening of the corners, excessive barrel distortion, and image fuzziness. I've been pleased with everything I've shot so far.

There's naturally some barrel distortion which is not really noticeable unless shooting vertical elements. It also becomes apparent when panning the camera steadily, as the image ever-so-slightly contorts at the extreme edges of the frame. But this is expected distortion; there's nothing that truly detracts from the image.

No darkening of the corners, and the images appear crisp and in focus through-and-through.

The diameter and heft of the lens is noteworthy. The size of the Samsung camcorders is roughly equivalent to gripping a mostly empty soda can. The diameter of the Sony lens is more akin to the diameter of a slender wine bottle. Its weight shifts the balance of the lightweight camera forward, and blocks off the flash bulb that sits above the camera's lens. You'll have to carry around the pop-on/pop-off lens cover to protect the substantial glass from getting scratched up whenever you're not shooting.

In summary, with Canon being the standard other lenses are held to, and with plenty of Canon WD-H37 test videos posted on YouTube and Vimeo, I don't see anything in the video I've shot with the Sony to make me think it's a lesser lens -- just a lens with a lower price.

   

Canon DVM-CL DV Head Cleaning Cassette
From Canon Video

Canon started out as a company with a handful of employees and a burning passion. That company soon became a world-renowned camera maker and is now a global multimedia corporation. However, the origins of its success remain unchanged: the passion of the early years and technological expertise amassed over more than 60 years. Canon will continue using its technologies to benefit people as it pursues its objective of becoming a company that is loved by people throughout the world.Canon offers all kind of accessories for its products to make them even more attractive. This digital video head cleaner increases the lifetime of your VCR.

• Size: Cleaning tape
• Brand: Canon
• Model: DVCLEAN
• Dimensions: .70" h x 2.00" w x 2.80" l, .5 pounds

The Canon DV Dry Cleaning Cassette is made exclusively for Canon's digital video units. Keeping your camcorder's heads clean to ensure trouble-free usage.

Works just as it's supposed to. No complaints. Used with GL2.
I own a Canon GL2. I was recommended by the manual to clean at least every 15-20 hours I spend using the camera (for playing and recording)

I bought the official Canon head cleaner, and it's works perfectly as it's expected. Only once in 1 1/2 years has my camera actually alerted me that the heads were dirty. So, I figure my occasional cleaning has done what's supposed to--extend the life of the camera. It's a small price to pay for the comfort that you're keeping your camera as clean as you can.

I RECOMMEND shopping around for prices. Head cleaning tapes greatly vary in price depending on where you buy them from. I've seen this same Canon brand sell from $15 - $35 from different retail sites.

It worked for me
I own a Sony trv8 camcorder.The head was dirty and this cleaning cassette worked for me although I have to clean it 4 times.

Sometimes it just needs a good cleaning!
We were having problems with our mini DV. We decided to try this cleaning cassette, and our problems were resolved! I would highly recommend this product!

   

Deluxe Accessory Kit for the Sony Handycam Camcorder HDRSR10, HDRSR11, and HDRSR12
From Ace Digital Club

Deluxe Accessory Outfit for The Sony Handycam Camcorder HDR-SR10 SR11 and SR12 ASONHDRSRK2

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27361 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Deluxe
• Dimensions: 11.00 pounds

Good Value Overall But Read the Battery Instructions!
This is a pretty decent collection of stuff. I bought it on behalf of our local town museum that has just started an oral/video history project and is on a tight budget. The SR11 took a pretty big bite so there wasn't a lot left over for extras.

Now understand that most of the package is aftermarket product, not "Sony" but not bad either.

I was a bit incensed at first when I plugged in the battery after charging it with the supplied charger and got a "cannot use this battery" message from the camera. Well, turns out that it isn't designed to have the same contacts as the Sony batteries do(but it does snap in place OK) and has a jumper wire and port that bridges the battery output to the DC input of the camera, a fact that I missed when I skimmed over the instructions. I subsequently connected it properly with the jumper and the camera worked just fine. There is also a second port on the back of the battery that can be connected to the Sony AC Adapter to charge the battery in place. I can't speak to the issue of battery life yet because I'm only a day into it.

I felt bad about prematurely sending a "Howler" to the vendor, but also felt it important to point the battery situation out to both potential buyers and existing buyers that might have suffered the same confusion that I did. It really is a decent deal and I did receive the merchandise in good condition and on time.

Technical issues with the product
The product is absolutely wrong for you if you are buying it for Sony HDR SR10. The product's battery doesn't work with the camera. It doesn't also charge in parallel to the camera battery. There is only one adaptor for the entire set of lenses and the filter lenses don't work with the camera.

The tripod worked well with the camera. I haven't tried a lot of other accessories especially the car charger, but do not hava high hopes for that.

I did get a good service from the seller but am very very unsatisfied with the product.

Think Twice about all the items in this box and the one that you really need
For the money its worth it, "on the other hand you may not use all of them that are packed in this". So you may want to take a step back and buy only the things that you want to buy, also if you are ordering this after buying a camcorder, then wait for your camcorder to arrive, you get a sony's 15% discount coupon along with it.

   

Sony NP-QM91D Lithium-Ion Battery for DCR-DVD101, 201, 301, SR1 & HDR-HC1 Camcorders
From Sony

Sony's NP-QM91D InfoLithium M series battery provides up 380 minutes of continuous recording time. And with SQ technology, you can recharge your NPQM91 battery in 140 minutes. This new battery includes a power level display, which with a single touch displays the power level remaining on the battery.

• Brand: Sony
• Model: NP-QM91D
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 2.70" h x 4.70" w x 9.00" l, .50 pounds

Providing up to 380 minutes of continuous recording time, the NP-QM91D InfoLithium M series battery is perfect for long video shoots or demanding photo sessions. It features a power level display which, with a single touch, displays the power level remaining on the battery.

• Provides up to 380 minutes of continuous recording time (actual recording time depends on usage patterns)
• When used with the AC-SQ950D AC/DC Adapter and Battery Charger (sold separately) it charges in about 140 minutes
• Includes one-touch Power Level display
• Works with a number of Handycam camcorders and Mavica digital cameras

Compatible Models

Long-lasting power -- at a price
The good news is that I got what I wanted from this battery. I can go on all-day outings to the zoo, an amusement park, or any place far from an AC outlet, and just keep my camcorder turned on without worrying about running out of juice. Or, I can use my camcorder on battery power for several days running without having to recharge the battery. Furthermore, that battery level indicator on the back is a neat extra added attraction that lets me see how much juice I have left without having to use any in the process.

However, this extra security comes at a price -- and I don't just mean in dollars and cents. Granted, none of the drawbacks I'm about to discuss are actual show-stoppers (and come to think of it, a dead battery literally would be a show-stopper, wouldn't it?), but they're worth thinking about if you want to buy yourself some additional battery time and you're trying to decide whether to buy it in the form of this high-capacity battery or several lower-capacity batteries.

The first problem is admittedly the least important because you can get around it simply by either planning ahead or buying one of those separate battery chargers that does the job faster than the camera itself. But if you do rely on the camera to recharge your battery, this baby takes a LONG time to go from fully drained to fully charged. No big deal if you remember to start it charging the night before the day you need it, but if you forget, you can't start it before breakfast and expect to have a full charge by the time you've finished your eggs

But there's one other reason why this is a lesser worry. Unlike some other rechargeable batteries*, the NP-QM91D** can be recharged before it's fully drained with no resulting loss in capacity. My understanding is that if you try to do this with some batteries, the amount of charge they can hold at that point becomes the maximum amount they can EVER hold again. For example, if said battery originally had a capacity of six hours and you recharged it after using up only four, the battery could then take only four hours worth of charge, and so would would only hold a four-hour charge from that point on. Because the NP-QM91D** can be recharged at any time, you never have to let it fully drain once you've charged it, and thus never have the LONG wait for it to fully charge after you've done it once..


The more significant drawbacks for me come from this battery's increased weight and size ...

The NP-QM91D's increased weight doesn't make the camcorder uncomfortably heavy by any means, but it does shift its center of gravity significantly, which took some getting used to.

But the larger SIZE of the NP-QM91D, and its resultant shape, is what's really been causing me trouble. The lower capacity batteries, such as the NP-FM50 I'd been using, slide nicely down into a recessed area on the back of the camera, and are held snugly in place until you release them because their back surface is flush with the back of the camcorder. This higher capacity battery fits into that same recessed area, but protrudes beyond the back of the camcorder. Yes, the viewfinder can be extended to accommodate this, and I usually use that LCD screen on the side of the camera anyway -- which I can now much more readily afford to do because I don't need to worry so much about the extra drain on the battery. But the protruding battery it makes much harder to connect the AC power adaptor.

More importantly, the battery isn't held in place nearly as securely, because it's a long, heavy rectangle that's being gripped only at one end. I've actually had it come loose and fall off the back of the camera several times. On one of these occasions, that meant I missed a shot I wanted to get because I was reattaching the battery. However, I admit this probably wouldn't have happened if the camera had been mounted on a tripod.

So maybe the real problem is that this battery was intended for professional videographers, and I definitely ain't one. If you definitely ain't one either, you might want to hesitate before buying this battery -- although, as I said at the start, it has been helpful, despite the problems.

* Such as the one in my cell phone or my cordless razor.

** Along with all Sony camcorder batteries, and most other camcorder batteries nowadays, as I understand it.

Long lasting battery -- helpful during Hurricane Rita
I have the Sony battery that came with the camera and bought an additional Sony battery that allowed for 2-4 hours. However, I wanted a battery that I could count on for the better part of an "all day" event and I found it in the QM91D.

I was asked to photograph a wedding from getting ready (hair dresser at 0830, until the end of the reception at 11:30pm) The QM91D held strong. I did not constantly video tape, but with my digital recorder I had 6 sony 120 tapes (60 min digital) -- 5 were captured using the QM91D. I did switch some of the tapes before they were completely used to make sure I didn't miss important events ... so I never actually used up "all" of the QM91D battery.

This battery was used again during the evacuation from Houston (secondary to Hurricane Rita) -- I used it entirely and it did not faulter ... it lasted throughout the trip and I had no need to change to the smaller batteries.

The size of the battery did not really bother me -- I was aware that it would be larger than the others and it did not hamper the use of the camera.

Read the manufacturer information on battery life, charging time etc ... for this battery it is valid.

I would recommend this battery.

Long Lasting... Perfect for HDR-HC1
Just bought this for my Sony HDR-HC1, The battery is big, but it balances the camera better than the standard battery. I think that sony designed the camera a little heavy in the front to make this battery balance the camera so well. The price seems steep but it is less than buying three standard batteries, that it replaces.
A great buy in my book! Buy two so you can always have one charged and ready to go. You will run out of tape before ypu run out of battery!