Well, that was just about a complete waste of time....

[kyrielle]

Yesterday, I stopped at Fry's. I picked up a JVC GZ-MC505, figuring I had about 50-50 odds of being happy with it - one of their higher-end digital camcorders. One person recommended the JVC Everio line to me (and was happy with a lower-end camcorder from it), and another told me they had crappy image quality and should be avoided at all costs. Sadly, I am obliged to come down on the side of the second person - the video is grainy enough on my monitor that I fear what it would look like on a TV if I burned it to DVD. I realize that home movies are crap by definition, but this was particularly bad. Of course, that's after it went through their software, since nothing on my PC could open those files (as I'd expected, from what I'd heard). So maybe it's just that their software bites (since the recommending party uses a Mac, where other options can open the files).

I also picked up a digital photo frame at the same time. The images are so dark and blotchy on it. I realize it is a small thing and not going to give ideal resolution, but making even lightened pictures turn so dark they're hard to recognize is not a selling point. Back it goes.

I also picked up a 9-volt battery for the smoke alarm at my parents' house. I am pleased to report that this worked as expected, and therefore doesn't need to be returned.

I think I'm going to let the camcorder thing go for a bit. Scott found one he thinks looks promising, but it is not out yet. Maybe we'll give it a try. Maybe not. Right now I am frustrated enough to be doing the sour grapes "why do I need one of these stupid things anyway?" sort of comment. :P I'll probably get over that, tho.

Comments

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

I waffle back and forth about a camcorder, too. I have no idea what I need one for except to record our possessions for insurance purposes. I actually just took regular digital pics of the rooms to show what is in them and put that on a disk with a half hearted list.

I will be interested to see what you do with a camcorder. Maybe I need one and don't know it yet, lol.

[kyrielle]

I was thinking of the cats, who are a stitch to watch - and of visits with family (we are going to head east to be with the whole family for my Aunt and Uncle's 50th wedding anniversary - or rather, a celebration after the fact of it - this summer, for example) - and of vacations and conventions a little bit, though not as much. I'm not sure we really need one, but those are what I was thinking of, anyway.

[canyoncat.livejournal.com]

I picked up a digital photo frame for Robin last Christmas and it has excellent photo quality. I wanted to get another one of the same kind for my Mom but they don't seem to make this model any longer.

[kyrielle]

Which brand and model? *curious* Even that might give me a point to start from....

[canyoncat.livejournal.com]

It's this one here...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BP8AMY/103-1414774-1379863

And since it is apparently in stock think I am going to order another one now and save it for my mom's birthday.

My little CoolPix slide scanner did a very good job with the last set of Canyon shots so I think I will grab some of my dad's slides and give them a try. If I could load this thing up with some old photos (along wth some recent ones) it would be a very nice birthday present for her.