Hitachi Open Box DZMV550E DVD Camcorder - PAL SYSTEM for Europe
Open Box Item: Limited Availability-100% Guaranteed
A digital camcorder that records video to DVD-R or DVD-RAM media / 18x Optical Zoom / 500x Digital Zoom / SD/MCC Slot

Was $699.99 You save - $227.50 Your price $472.49

A digital camcorder that records video to DVD-R or DVD-RAM media / 18x Optical Zoom / 500x Digital Zoom / SD/MCC Slot

Hitachi DZMV550A DVD Camcorder - This model is not intended for sales to USA customers. Unlike US models, this model is intended for European use and records for the PAL system instead of NTSC. It does not carry a Hitachi USA Warranty. Camcorders are a terrific way of documenting the important moments in your life. They let you share them with family & friends, and preserve them for generations to come. This camcorder is unique in that it records to DVD media, making editing, sharing, & preserving much easier! Just pop the DVD-R or DVD-RAM Disc into your computer, no capturing needed!
Zoom - 18x Optical / 500x Digital
113,000 Pixel Color Viewfinder
2.5" LCD Display
Compact design with easy to access controls
In-camera editing
Recording Time - 30-60min. on DVD-R / 40-120min. on double-sided DVD-RAM
Electronic Image stabilizer for Video & stills
SD/MMC Media Slot
Still image recording at 640x480 resolution
680k Gross Pixel CCD
0.3 Lux Low Light Mode
Auto & Manual Focus & White Balance
6 Mode Auto Exposure
Self Timer
Composite A/V Input
S-Video & Composite A/V Output
Connects to a computer via USB 2.0
Includes: remote control w/ battery, Lithium-Ion battery, AC adapter, DVD-RAM disc, USB cable, S-Video & Composite A/V cable, DVD Mobile Album, MyDVD, shoulder strap, & Lens cap
Dimensions (W x H x D) - 2.52" x 3.51" x 5.75"
Weight - 1.09 lbs

Was $699.99 You save - $227.50 Your price $472.49

Hitachi Open Box DZMV550E DVD Camcorder - PAL SYSTEM for Europe

JVC Open Box GR-DVM75 Cybercam Digital Camcorder
Open Box Item: Limited Availability-100% Guaranteed
Color Viewfinder and 2.5" LCD Screen / 10x Optical & 200x Digital Zoom / MiniDV Format / Digital Still Photo Mode / FireWire

Was $799.99 You save - $485.00 Your price $314.99

Color Viewfinder and 2.5" LCD Screen / 10x Optical & 200x Digital Zoom / MiniDV Format / Digital Still Photo Mode / FireWire

With the Professional grade GR-DVM75 Cybercam Digital Camcorder in hand, you can follow in the footsteps of your favorite directors and break new artistic ground
680,000 Pixel CCD offers exceptionally detailed images with super-fine resolution--up to 520 lines horizontally
Uses MiniDV tape Format
Color viewfinder plus built-in swiveling 2.5" LCD color Monitor
F1.8 10x Optical and 200x Digital zoom Lens
27mm filter diameter
USB port and IEEE1394 FireWire DV in/out port provide easy Data transfer with comparably equipped PC and Macintosh Computers
Still image Storage on included 8MB Multimedia Card (MMC) or on MiniDV Tape, with up to 1024x768 XGA resolution
On-board Editing and special effects
Includes image Processing Software (for PC only)
Includes rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery and AC adapter/charger, Multi-brand Remote Control, Strap, Cleaning Cloth, Software on CD-ROM for Windows

Was $799.99 You save - $485.00 Your price $314.99

JVC Open Box GR-DVM75 Cybercam Digital Camcorder

Panasonic Open Box PV-DV953 MiniDV Digital Camcorder
Open Box Item: Limited Availability-100% Guaranteed
3 800K CCD Sensors / 10X Optical - 700X Digital Zoom / Includes 16MB Memory Card / 3.5" Color LCD Monitor + Color Viewfinder

Was $1229.88 You save - $330.00 Your price $899.88

3 800K CCD Sensors / 10X Optical - 700X Digital Zoom / Includes 16MB Memory Card / 3.5" Color LCD Monitor + Color Viewfinder

PANASONIC PV-DV953 - The detail and true to life Color this MiniDV camcorder captures will keep your precious memories ready for stunningly realistic retrieval. Three CCDs separate the Reds, Greens & Blues that compose every image. Each 800,000 Pixel CCD, combined with PANASONIC Quad-Density Pixel Distribution Technology, delivers true 3 Megapixel (2048 x 1496 interpolated) still images.
Leica Dicomar Lens w/ 10X Optical - 700X Digital Zoom
Autofocus w/ manual focus ring
Still images stored on removeable SD Memory Cards (16MB card included)
MEGA Optical Image stabilizer
3.5" Color LCD Monitor + Color Viewfinder
USB - RS-232C Serial - i.link ( IEEE-1394 " FireWire " ) PC Interface
MPEG4 Internet Movie mode
Still Image Format: JPEG
Progressive PhotoShot Mode
Picture-in-Picture
Built-in light & auto pop-up Flash
SD Voice Recorder
3 mode Microphone Input level control
Includes ArcSoft Software suite (4 titles), IR remote
Dimensions: 5-1/8"H x 10-5/8"W x 8-1/2"D; weighs 1.68 pounds
One year Warranty

Was $1229.88 You save - $330.00 Your price $899.88

Panasonic Open Box PV-DV953 MiniDV Digital Camcorder

Panasonic Open Box SDRS100 SD Digital Video Camera
Open Box Item: Limited Availability-100% Guaranteed
3 CCD Image Sensor / 10X Optical, 25/100 X Digital Zoom / 2.8" LCD Monitor / Supports SD Cards

Was $899.99 You save - $200.00 Your price $699.99

3 CCD Image Sensor / 10X Optical, 25/100 X Digital Zoom / 2.8" LCD Monitor / Supports SD Cards

Panasonic's SDRS100 SD Digital Video Camera takes portable digital Recording a step forward. Incorporating 3 CCD technology into an ultracompact model, along with the 10x Optical Zoom and 3.1 Megapixel still picture recording bring perfect digital recording to the consumer. The 2.8 inch LCD Monitor lets you preview your images and footage. Superior ease of use combines with Professional features and an incredibly portable size, in the Panasonic SDRS100.
3 CCD optical sensor
3.1 Megapixel still picture recording
10x optical zoom, 25/100x Digital zoom (10X Leica Dicomar lens)
Minimum 1 Lux illumination
2.8" LCD monitor (21k pixels)
1.5 second quick start
Auto Lens Shutter
Auto White Balance
Built-in stabilizer
F Value: F1.8(Wide)/F2.8(Tele)
Filter Diameter: 37mm
Stereo Zoom Microphone
Functions as Webcam
SD Card slot
Takes still pictures up to 2048 x 1512 (JPEG)
Connections: S-Video Input/Output, USB 2.0, Headphone jack
Dimensions(WxHxD): 1.96" x 3.8" x 3.17" (49.9 x 96.7 x 80.4 mm)
Weight: 0.52 lbs. (238g)

Was $899.99 You save - $200.00 Your price $699.99

Panasonic Open Box SDRS100 SD Digital Video Camera

Panasonic Open Box VDR-M53 DVD Palmcorder Camcorder
Open Box Item: Limited Availability-100% Guaranteed
Record directly to 8cm DVD-R & DVD-RAM disc media / 1/6" CCD (680,000 pixels) / 24x Optical Zoom / 2.5" LCD / SD Card Slot

Was $499.99 You save - $185.00 Your price $314.99

Record directly to 8cm DVD-R & DVD-RAM disc media / 1/6" CCD (680,000 pixels) / 24x Optical Zoom / 2.5" LCD / SD Card Slot

Panasonic VDR-M53 DVD Palmcorder Camcorder - Panasonic VDRM53 Record directly onto DVD-RAM or DVD-R discs for multiple Recording and playback options. With DVD-RAM discs you never have to worry about erasing a recording or finding blank space. You can just start recording. DVD-RAM discs can also be played back in compatible devices, like select Computers and home DVD-players. DVD-R discs are strong and versatile, and can also be played back on most home DVD players. You can also capture still images - still pictures - with this camcorder. You can record onto SD Memory Cards. These versatile, high-capacity Storage cards are extremely small--about the size of a postage stamp. They work as Digital film, letting you capture images and then transfer them to a compatible PC, TV, PDA, or other device equipped with an SD slot. It is an easy way to share your images with friends and family. Electronic Image Stabilization helps keep images super sharp by filtering out normal hand movements that can result in jitter. The 24x Optical Zoom acts like a telescope to produce close-up shots with extraordinary clarity. With variable zoom speeds, you can adjust how fast the camcorder Lens moves from wide-angle to full telescope. In addition, the Digital zoom ratio can be increased up to an extraordinary 800x. Now that's close up! But the most fun is that you're recording straight onto DVD discs so you can kiss those tapes good-bye as you say hello to the VDR-M53 Palmcorder from Panasonic.

Was $499.99 You save - $185.00 Your price $314.99

Panasonic Open Box VDR-M53 DVD Palmcorder Camcorder

SONY Open Box DSR-250PAC PRO DV DVCAM CAMCORDER with VCTU14 TRIPOD PLATE
Open Box Item: Limited Availability-100% Guaranteed
3 CCD / Uses MiniDV and MiniDVCAM tapes / Sony iLink IEEE1394 Port / 12x Optical Zoom / Accespts 58mm size Filters

Was $4299.99 You save - $1393.00 Your price $2906.99

3 CCD / Uses MiniDV and MiniDVCAM tapes / Sony iLink IEEE1394 Port / 12x Optical Zoom / Accespts 58mm size Filters

The Sony DSR-250PAC is a Professional Digital camera designed for Video journalists and photographers. It comes with a VCTU14 Tripod Plate for professional tripod supports. It uses 3 CCD sensors with 330,000 Pixels each that combine to provide outstanding resolution. Though the DSR-250 can use MiniDV tapes, its performance shines with Mini DVCAM tape.
12x (6mm-72mm) Lens accepts 58mm size filters
Auto or manual Focus modes
Auto or manual Exposure modes
2 Lux minimum illumination
Super SteadyShot®
Electronic Title Function
Digital Effects
Video and still image modes
4MB Memory Stick® included (for up to 60 still images) - Optional Memory Stick® cards available
USB Flash memory port and reader for Mac & PC included
Sony iLink FireWire DV port for camcorder to PC transfer Connectivity
Time/Date stamp to tape with seconds readout (selectable)
500 Line B&W Viewfinder and 2.5" swivel Color LCD Monitor
Directional Camera Mono Shotgun MIC included
NTSC (480 active line 4:1:1 recorded subsample) - 530 Lines enhanced mode
Remote

Was $4299.99 You save - $1393.00 Your price $2906.99

SONY Open Box DSR-250PAC PRO DV DVCAM CAMCORDER with VCTU14 TRIPOD PLATE

Buying a refurbished LCD TV, or in that case, any refurbished electronics, represents a possible option to knock a sizeable chunk off the retail price. But is buying refurbished electronics worth the risk of not buying something new?

In this article, we explain what qualifies as 'refurbished' in the electronics world. We also show you how to transform the risk into a smart buy.

Introduction:

We are always looking for new ways to save on the bigger purchase - irrespective of whether this is a new PC or notebook, a digital camera, or a big screen LCD HDTV for the living-room entertainment area.

Seasonal and clearance sales are always on the agenda of bargain hunters, but there is a further option - that of buying refurnished products. For example, a refurbished LCD TV may sell online for anything from 50% to 70% of its retail price.

Still, even at these big savings, it is not easy to get someone to buy a refurbished product for the first time.

To the uninformed, buying a refurbished product may seem like a compromise; it is as if buying a car with dents and scratches on the paintwork, or unknown problems with the mechanics. However, in the electronics world, things are somewhat different. It is unfortunate that to many, it is not so obvious what the tag 'refurbished electronics' does actually mean.

Refurbished electronics can be either third-part refurbs or manufacturer (factory) refurbs. Third-party refurbs offer greater savings and do come with a warranty but it is only factory refurbished electronics that come with a manufacturer warranty. For the smart shopper, buying factory refurbished electronics is a way to enjoy substantial discounts and still have a product that is essentially 'like new', but...

You need to exercise constant vigilance when buying refurbished electronics. This is only possible if you have a thorough understanding of what the 'refurbished' tag, once assigned to a product, implies in the electronics world.

What 'refurbished' products are not?

Before we delve further into what may qualify as refurbished electronics, it is important to get a clear understanding of what cannot be labeled as 'refurbished'. In particular, there is the misconception that 'refurbished' and reconditioned' are the same.

A refurbished product may or may not have been installed, repaired, or slightly used for reasons given further on in this article. On the other hand, a reconditioned item is a used product, that may have been used for an extended period by a first owner - often under lease - but then was repaired (not necessarily by the manufacturer), and resold by a retailer.

'Used' re-conditioned products represent greater savings over refurb units as these sell cheaper, but then such products constitute a higher risk. This risk is even more pronounced when dealing with expensive electronic products such as rear projection TVs, home theater projectors, flat-panel HDTV sets and the like. You can never really tell what has been the impact on the aging of the respective electronic components inside the unit as a result of the previous use.

We say: Be wary of such products. Instead, if you are after a smart buy and a great bargain, opt only for 'factory certified' refurbished products. These still represent substantial savings over the normal retail price, and carry a manufacturer's warranty.

So... what qualifies as 'Refurbished Electronics'?

In general, refurbished electronics are items that were returned for one reason or another, to the manufacturer. These items are then re-tested at the factory to make sure they are in tip-top shape. Any defective or damaged parts - if need be - will be replaced in order to restore the product to its original specification, and then the product is repackaged 'like new'.

Consumer laws prevent manufacturers from selling anything considered factory refurbished electronics as 'new' since the original factory seal has been broken; hence these items are sold as 'refurbished products' often at deeply discounted prices.

More specifically, reasons for returns include:

Customer Return: Most major retailers offer a 30-day money back guarantee; during this period, a customer may return the product for whatever reason and still get full refund. If there is nothing wrong with the product, most stores will simple reduce the price and resell it as an 'open box' special. However, if there is some sort of defect, the product is returned to the manufacturer were it is inspected and/or repaired, and then repackaged for sale as a refurbished item.

Shipping and Exterior Damage:These include damaged packaging due to mishandling, the elements, etc., in which case the product itself may be perfectly fine. These may also include minor damage to the product exterior casing, such as dents, scratches, etc., and any other exterior damage that in it self would not affect the product performance. Retailers would normally return these products to the manufacturer. The manufacturer would then inspect the product, replace any damaged casing, etc., and then repackage the item just like new. However, these items cannot be sold as new; hence they are tagged as refurbished electronics.

Demonstration Units: Sometimes demonstration units at major retail stores, trade shows, and even returned items by product reviewers, are often returned to the manufacturer where they are inspected and/or repaired if needed, and repackaged as refurbished units.

Opened Box: Sometimes, if a box was simply opened, the item is returned to the manufacturer where it is re-tested and repackaged. Even though technically, there is no issue here, yet the item cannot be classified as new; instead, it will have to be sold as refurbished electronics.

Defect during Production: If a specific component is identified as defective once the product leaves the factory - say as a result of an abnormal number of customer returns during the warranty period, a manufacturer may recall a product from a specific batch or production run that exhibits the same defect. When this occurs, the manufacturer can repair all the defective units and send them back out to retailers for sale as refurbished units.

Overstock Items: While most retailers with an overstock of a particular item would simply reduce the price and put the item on sale for clearance, yet there are instances when a manufacturer wants to introduce a new model on the market at a time when there are still a substantial number of older models on stores shelves. In these circumstances, the manufacturer may opt to collect any remaining stock of the older model and redistribute them to specific refurb retailers for quick clearance. Overstock items are brand new items; these can be sold either as a 'special promos' for quick clearance, or can be labeled as refurbished electronics and sold at deep discounts.

To strike the best deal, you have to act fast, but not too fast!

Fast... because when it comes to refurbished electronics, you cannot expect to simply walk into a store and pick up your favorite refurbished LCD TV or plasma unit off the shelf. Major refurb retailers like Second Act, work with manufacturers and distributors to acquire as many products as possible, yet the quantity they acquire can vary from just a few units to a couple of hundred units. In other words, you never really know how long they will last, and at the big savings associated with refurbished products, inventory levels change all the time. Additionally, you never really know if a particular model will be available as refurbished item.

But... do not just jump on the first deal. Act too quick and you may equally miss on the right deal. Act only when you feel you have got the right product at the right price. Once you think you have found what you want, then it is time to check with the retailer about return policies and warranty issues. If the refurbish item is factory-refurbished and comes with a full manufacturer warranty, then it is time to act!

Finally, remember: Purchasing a refurbished item can be a great way to a smart buy. There is no reason why the 'refurbished' tag should lead to a negative connotation to the product under consideration. At the same time, it is important that you inspect the product yourself within the return policy period. This is especially important since with refurbished electronics, you are getting a bit of a hit on product warranty in that you are only getting a typical 90 days warranty against the one year or so associated with standard products.

Happy bargain hunting!

This article is an excerpt from a detailed informative guide appearing on Practical-Home-Theater-Guide.COM, and that discusses at greater length the issue of 'Buying Refurbished Electronics'. It provides additional tips and advice that should help you transform the risk into a great buy - one that results in a big reduction in price. This additional information should also prove useful especially when buying online.

Read the complete article at http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/refurbished-electronics.html.

Copyright (c) 2004/2007 www.practical-home-theater-guide.com. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Andrew Ghigo - An Electronics engineer by profession, and a keen home theater enthusiast, with a lifelong interest in home electronics and a devoted audiophile for the last 25-yrs.

Editor & publisher of Practical Home Theater Guide [http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com] - a comprehensive guide to home theater systems, product reviews and home theater design.