Hitachi bundles comprehensive programs for viewing and editing video, still, and audio files. Unfortunately, they are not well integrated or bug-free. It wouldn't matter so much if Hitachi provided documentation of any sort. The MP-EG1's video quality is outstanding. This is more than adequate for most Web displays.
Colors are accurate and vibrant, motion is clear and continuous, and audio is flawless.
Nevertheless, aliasing is apparent on oblique angles, and the lack of a flash, exposure compensation, or a backlight switch often translates into subpar illumination. The MP-EG1's zoom lens is a combination 3X optical zoom with an enhanced 2X digital boost. Although you have a seamless 6X zoom capability, going to telephoto interpolates the images, thus reducing picture quality. What we liked most about the Hitachi MP-EG1 is that it's really fun to use. You can effortlessly mix and match video with stills and audio, get instant-replay feedback, and transfer images to your PC in standard file formats.