Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder

Box Contents: Elura 100 camcorder, BP-208DG battery pack, CA-570 compact power adapter, WL-D85 wireless controller, STV-250N stereo/video cable, IFC-300PCU USB cable, Digital Video Solution Disk for PC and Macintosh
With the Elura 100 Digital Camcorder, you'll go widescreen in style. It offers a wide variety of advanced, easy-to-use features that make it simple to capture all of life's precious moments. Capture vivid video and brilliant digital photographs, then share those memories with family and friends. All the latest TVs and monitors are going widescreen, and you'll be ahead of the curve by capturing footage in widescreen format. You can preview your video or stills on the 2.7" LCD screen, and create the perfect image from a standard shot with its multiple image modes and features. Get images as sharp and vibrant as the moments they capture, with the Elura 100. Viewfinder - 0.33, 113,000 pixels (16 - 9 display supported) 2.7 LCD screen Exposure Lock adjusts exposure by up to +/-11 stops (+/-2.75 EV) Motor Drive Mode for capturing sports and other fast action Progressive Photo gives sharper details Image Stabilization for unsurpassed optical performance Auto Exposure Bracketing for tricky light conditions Level Shot Control Smooth Zoom Control Auto Slow Shutter function Mega Video Light - Twin LEDs take over when the light gets low Metering Modes give you the right exposure under different lighting conditions Special Scene Modes & Image Effects 9 Point Ai-AF (Auto Intelligent Auto Focus) ensures sharp images and creative flexibility Analog Line-in/Converter lets you use your Elura 100 as a signal converter, switching analog signals from a TV, VCR or analog camcorder to digital Simultaneous Photo Recording Motion JPEG Mode records movie clips directly to your memory card, for posting online or e-mailing Connect through the USB to any PictBridge-compatible pr

Customer Reviews:

Too much motor noise comes through on playback
I just purchased this camcorder and I will make two observations supporting what many others have stated- both here and in other reviews. The motor noise is for real. The noise I am getting is a high pitched motor/ tape transport noise that is annoying while shooting and a major problem on playback. There is also a lower pitched constant rumble that combines with the high pitched noise to really ruin the playback experience. I tested this in different environments, and it is clearly the camcorder and not any surrounding noises.

The only other negative thing that other reviews mention and that I will confirm is that it is, for me, an uncomfortable camcorder to hold. Try before you buy. If it were not for the motor noise I could live with the way it is held.

Other than that, this is a great little camcorder. Too bad about the noise.
--2006-12-19

Motor Noise Ruined It
The motor noise that is picked up when recording is absolutely unbearable. Unless you plan on watching the video muted, don't bother with this camcorder.
--2006-12-18

Great quality and great price
My six year-old JVC miniDV had recently died, so I had to pick up a new camcorder for the holidays. I initially purchased a Canon that records onto mini DVDs - WHAT A MISTAKE! The technology simply isn't there. The data rate of mini DVDs vs. MiniDV tapes is much lower, resulting in an unacceptable amount of compression. I immediately returned the DVD camcorder and purchased this one.

I was initally VERY WORRIED by reports of loud tape drive motors being picked up by the onboard mic. After a series of tests and playback on my hifi surround, I detected zero tape noise. I had expected to hear a little hum. Sound quality was shockingly good from the onboard mic. I can only suspect (as other readers have suggested) that there was either a bad batch of cameras or that Canon has addressed the design issue. I also like the option of adding an external mic if I ever get the urge.

I have only had the camcorder for about a week, but I am extremely happy. Firewire/1394 performance with my computer has been exceptional, with zero dropped frames. USB connectivity was a snap. Still photos saved to the SD card are very, very good for a camcorder, but my dedicated Canon digital still camera still blows it away in that regard. Widescreen recording is wonderful. Navigation of menus is easy with the well-functioning joystick. People with huge hands might have a problem, but I think it's unlikely.

Minor quibbles:
The tape door feels flimsy. I've seen this problem on most miniDV camcorders.
The LED light is weak and has too much of a blue hue. Most people probably wouldn't use it anyway.

--2006-12-15

Tape drive noise makes this camcorder unusable
I got this because cnet recommended it as the best budget camcorder. Unfortunately, the microphone picks up the whirring of the tape drive while it records. During playback the whirring on the tape is so loud it makes the video unwatchable. If you've ever watched an old silent movie on a projector and can remember all of the noise that the projector makes, well that's the level of noise that gets recorded to your tape.
I returned mine and would not recommend this one.

--2006-12-13

Great for beginners
This camcorder delivers on everything promised: great picture, impressive widescreen mode, ease of operation with optional limited manual controls. Works well with iMovie. Transferring analog tape (VHS, VHS-C, 8mm) to either DV or computer is very easy with minimal quality loss. Still shots are easy to capture with decent quality.

Shipped UPS from JR Computer/Music World. Packaging and all components in excellent condition. Shipping was fast.

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There does exist an underlying motor noise. The noise is especially noticeable indoors. Battery life could be longer. I would definitely recomend a spare battery. You'll also need a firewire cable (not included) to transfer your DV tapes to a computer.

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I would highly recomend this to anyone wanting a quality, user-friendly camcorder. However, the bells and whistles are found elsewhere.
--2006-12-12

- Canon