Ab Work Outs: Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There's a lot to be said for compact cameras and digicams - most people will be happy with the results, and they get used a LOT more than bulkier, heavier, more complicated versions.2.2 x 3.0 x 4.3 inches is pretty small!

But there are some inevitable compromises - the main one being, the size of the lens and sensor has a lot of impact on the quality of the images, especially in low light.Personally, that's fine for me - there are so many shots I'd otherwise miss, that I get with a compact camera.So if that's your approach, you'll want to consider this entry- to mid-level budget Canon.

The Elura 100 is the replacement for all of last year's Elura models - the only 2006 Elura.(Amazon has it wrong, this camera was announced January, 2006 and just became available.)It's a step up from the ZR line, but below the Optura line.

There's a lot of info above already, so some key points that might not jump out:
- Video is headed toward widescreen; this camera is actually designed for it, not just in the video capture but also the LCD and the viewfinder.It may take some getting used to shooting with it, though.
- At 1/5th inch, the sensor is larger than some low-end models; though it claims 1.33 million pixels; that's reduced in practice, but still more than many at this price:using 16:9 widescreen mode, it's 750,000 (with image stabilization) or 880,000 (without); and using 4:3 traditional form, it's 690,000.
- It has a semi-usable snapshot mode; you can actually make an OK print from a 1 megapixel (1152 x 864) image.You need a memory card, though.
- The lens accepts accessories, like a wide angle converter.
- The external microphone connection is a plus for some, the kind of thing you might realize later that you want; though there isn't a place to physically attach the mic.
- The built in lens cover is handy.
- Like many (but not all) camcorders, it has an analog input; so you can convert your old tapes to digital by using this as a recorder, or even just passing the signal through the camera.

Some caveats:
- Compact cameras can't perform as well in low light as some might like.Experiment a little before you really need it, to learn how to make the most of what it can do.
- Controls may be small and awkwardly placed for some.
- If you want to transfer the video to a computer, you still need a Firewire cable and port.The USB port is only for stills, and analog to digital conversions.
- The viewfinder is fixed, not moveable.
- The movie mode that records onto the memory card is too low-resolution to be any real use (320x240 15 fps), but that's not what you're buying this for.
- The feature menu is a little complex.

I'll leave it to others, for now, to comment on how they like the joystick; the lights; and the low light performance.

Stuff you might need to buy:get an SD memory card for images - they're cheap enough that it's worth having just in case, and standard speed will do, given that there's only low res video modes; and a Firewire cable to transfer digital video.

Filter diameter is 27mm.

The Canon site has more info, and the Support Download Library has a PDF of the manual.Google for reviews, though few are out yet.

And as always ... never pay list price!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder

Product Description:
Go widescreen in styleAround the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing, and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception. The Elura family of camcorders offers a wide variety of advanced, yet easy-to-use features that make them perfect for capturing all of life's moments. The Eluras are the most affordable of Canon's Megapixel camcorders and give you both vivid video and brilliant digital photographs. They make it easy to share memories with family and friends. With the Elura 100, you get all the flexibility and versatility of the Elura line, plus an impressive optical and digital zoom range, Double Shot technology for great video and digital photos, new features like Smooth Zoom and Level Shot, plus features found on more expensive camcorders. You also get an easy-to-read menu system for simple operation. And an omni-selector joystick that lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure and menu options with a single controller. All this - in a stylish, affordable, easy-to-carry camcorder.Widescreen HR RecordingCanon camcorders use the entire width of the image sensor to capture video in true 16:9 format. What difference does this make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Other camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor -- giving you a less true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality. With a Canon camcorder, your videos of your travels will let you relive great memories.In addition, the viewfinder on your Elura 100 will display the image in a letterbox view. From side to side and top to bottom, what you see is what you get. Or, you can view your widescreen shot in the Elura 100's large, 2.7" LCD screen. Either way, there isn't the guessing or extra work in looking at an image that's distorted like a fun house mirror.To make it even easier, a Widescreen Button lets you s