Hitachi's move into Blu-ray recording brings with it HD video and crushed consumer expectations. Continuing the manufacturer's legacy of almost identical models, the DZ-BD70E and DZ-BD7HE look like a futuristic vacuum cleaner and perform like one. Their image quality is so far behind consumer norms that not even the gadget factor of Blu-ray and the long HD recording times that it brings can save these camcorders. Despite steep discounts of over $500, the $760 (DZ-BD70E) and $1500 (DZ-BD7HE) prices are above the real value of these models. The main (and mostly likely only) difference between the two is a 30GB HDD on the more expensive model.



The 1/2.8-inch, 5.3 megapixel CMOS sensor produces image quality, that is, simply put, very poor, and in low-light is becomes unwatchable. The Blu-ray records full HD, 1920 x 1080 interlaced video to five disc types: BD-RE/-R, DVD-RAM/-RW/-R.



The 10x lens can hold a minimum aperture between F1.8 at full wide angle and F3.0 at the telephoto end. Digital stabilization is used, despite the fact that optical stabilization would be more appropriate at this price point. A 2.7-inch widescreen LCD and 0.2-inch viewfinder are also provided.



A joystick on the LCD provides quick access to the menu control system. Only focus, exposure and white balance can be manually controlled – an uniquely limited configuration for this price.



Stereo audio is recorded by the on-board microphone, and the addition of an external microphone is possible. Not surprisingly, no other audio options are available.



Photos can be captured at a 4.32-megapixel, 2400x1800 resolution. 2.07 megapixel stills can be saved frrom already recorded video footage.



The array of ports on the BD70A and BD7HA is actually good: HDMI, component video output, USB 2.0, S-Video, composite AV output.