Hitachi tries again with DZ-BD9H hybrid Blu-ray and 60GB Full HD camcorder

Hitachi returns after suffering scathing reviews for their generation-one Blu-ray / HDD hybrid camcorder. Its new 60GB DZ-BD9H hybrid still records 1,920 x 1,080 MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video to 8-cm BD or internal hard disk. This time, however, it's aided by an improved 5.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, Picture Master Full HD processing, and brighter 2.7-inch LCD. We're talking about 9 hours of recording to disk at max resolution -- that's about an hour to that wee 7.5GB Blu-ray Disc. HDMI and USB 2.0 remain standard as does that super steep price when it arrives in Japan on February 12th for ¥180,000 (about $1,700). But you'll wait for the reviews first, right? Better yet, why not consider Hitachi's new DZ-HD90. Same 60GB camera sans Blu-ray but with an eSATA connection for ¥140,000 (about $1,320). That pup hits Japan on March 1st.

Gallery: Hitachi tries again with DZ-BD9H hybrid Blu-ray and 60GB Full HD camcorder

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[silverblackvoid @ Jan 22nd 2008 2:55AM]

this camera looks gorgeous. whats the point of the sarcasm?

[Dan @ Jan 22nd 2008 10:13AM]

What's the point of what sarcasm? Incidentally, it's the lowest form of wit.

[Electromodo @ Jan 22nd 2008 1:36PM]

I usually hate all disc-recording cameras, because they induce customer laziness and no efforts in crappy home movie editing. This camera, though, can also record on hard disc, which is good.

I can even justify the direct Blu-ray disc recording, considering the incredibly high price of all alternative consumer Blu-Ray recording equipment.

What are my first thoughts? MPEG-4 H.263 is surely not a professional recording format, but should be OK for the consumer. Large 1/2.8 inch CMOS is good too.

Now the bottom line after reading the review from a well-known site: (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Hitachi-DZ-BD7HA-Camcorder-Review-33581/Specs-and-Ratings.htm)

Drawbacks:

- Bad low light performance (in comparison with similar consumer HD cameras)
- EIS instead of OIS (you are loosing pixels this way)
- No manual controls
- Poor auto response system
- Terrible image quality

Conclusion: utter crap

I would not call it my opinion, because I have not tried it myself, but I respect the opinion of camcorderinfo.com. They have good reviews and testing procedures.

So, judge by yourself.

[Nathan @ Jan 22nd 2008 2:57AM]

I will need this to be able to survive a lot of blunt force trauma and have a 7-8 hour battery life with the use of night vision and spot light.

Only then will I be able to make a movie that gives the viewer motion sickness and buyers remorse simultaneously.

[Deluxe @ Jan 22nd 2008 3:18AM]

If you're referring to Cloverfield, at most 2 hours of battery life would be required (Concidering it "wasn't edited" and the movie was less than 2 hours long )

As for anyone that gets motion sickness from simply watching jerky video, I suggest ride the Eejanaika 4D rollercoaster at Fuji Q Highlands in Japan, Bungee Jumping of Macau Tower or simply just growing some balls. Sorry ladies ;)

[Nathan @ Jan 22nd 2008 3:21AM]

Yeah let me take my executive level salary and hop on the next red eye to Tokyo! I'll get right on that.

Does it feel good to give yourself that pat on the back, letting the anonymous denizens of the tubes know all about your crazy-fun adventures all over the globe? Man I wish I could live the exciting life you purposely hint at to make up for your own insecurities, then I would be complete.

[Bluestealth @ Jan 22nd 2008 3:34AM]

I haven't seen Cloverfield yet... but if it contains lots of shaky cam... well then I will probably hate it... I much prefer movies to be shot with steady cam... not because the former gives me motion sickness, but because I do not need the reminder that you are running around. I think its a great tool when used correctly, but when it gets overused... I start getting annoyed.

[Clinton @ Jan 22nd 2008 3:20AM]

good job hitachi... just make a model without the bluray and I'm sold.

[Zeus.:God @ Jan 22nd 2008 3:42AM]

Does this come in HD-DVD flavor?

[Nathan @ Jan 22nd 2008 3:50AM]

Hahahahahaha......HA HA HA HA...Ha ha ha ha..PHEW!

Thanks for that! I needed a good, hearty laugh!

[Jeff @ Jan 22nd 2008 3:58AM]

Or better yet lets hope it comes in your standard DVD flavour so you can record glorious 1080p to 1.4GB DVDs. All 60 seconds of it.

[Zeus.:God @ Jan 22nd 2008 4:00AM]

It was sarcasm. I get the feeling you thought I was being serious.

I feel HD-DVD is going to pull it off, but honestly.

[Dan @ Jan 22nd 2008 10:12AM]

And just to clarify, this doesn't shoot 1080p.

[Killer @ Jan 22nd 2008 6:04AM]

"about $1,320"

EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW....

[Zachary Williamson @ Jan 22nd 2008 7:47AM]

looks, cool. don't really want to jump into bluray though

[captain underpants and the bringdown gang @ Jan 22nd 2008 8:42AM]

with the advent of Ultra-High Definition why do we still call 1080p full HD? its not even the highest resolution HD-TVs come with.

[Trev @ Jan 22nd 2008 8:54AM]

esata out? could the HD-90 be the new hv-20 replacement for the indie filmmaker market?

[climber @ Jan 23rd 2008 7:46AM]

Hmm this report seems to suggest Hitachi might be pulling out of the consumer electronics market altogether. Would this be the last of its camcorders?
http://www.smarthousenews.com.au/Business_News?Article=/Business%20News/F4P3L5J2

[skylar @ Jan 22nd 2008 11:25AM]

Did you even read the article?

"Better yet, why not consider Hitachi's new DZ-HD90. Same 60GB camera sans Blu-ray but with an eSATA connection for ¥140,000 (about $1,320)."