Portable Quality, Easy to Use
Written: Nov 19 '00
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Pros: DV quality, compact, easy to use
Cons: Still photos are limited resolution
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| richlt's Full Review: Canon Elura MiniDV Camcorder w/ LCD |
The Canon Elura MiniDV camera is a great way to get into DV right now (Nov '00). I have been using a Sony Hi8 Camcorder for the last two years and was pleased with its performance, but was ready to switch from analog to full digital editing and movie-making. In order to get my wife to agree to the purchase, it had to be something small, and easy to use. The cameras I had to choose from were the JVC portable series (70u,80u,90u), the Sony PC100, and the Canon Elura.
All of these cameras use the same MiniDV tapes which are about the size of an old answering machine cassette. They are all small enough to fit inside a jacket pocket or fanny pack. They all can take digital
'snapshots'. I was unable to find any in-depth reviews about the JVC mini-cams (outside of Epinions), and the information I found on the Internet indicated the quality and audio was somewhat lacking overall. The Sony PC-100, on the other hand, has lots of reviews on it, most of which say it is pretty good. However, the Elura is rather popular as well-why did I buy it?
For starters, the Elura has OPTICAL image stabilization. This makes the Elura a little bigger than its new newer release, the Elura2 MC, but optical stabilization is usually found on higher-end cameras because it works the best, and provides the smallest loss in quality. This makes up for the fact you are more likely to have a shaky picture when using a smaller camera (heavier ones are easier to stabilize). The half hour of video that I have taken has given me the results I need in this area. The Sony and JVC use electronic stabilization, which is cheaper, lower quality, and easier to miniaturize.
Secondly, the Elura offers what is called "Progressive Scan" (I do not believe the Sony or earlier JVC models have this) recording mode. Most camcorders chop each frame up into "fields" that results in a blurred image when you pause playback. This also adds additional loss in quality when you are manipulating your video with an application like Adobe After Effects or Premiere. The Elura, with progressive scan, can take video with full frames, each of which could be extracted from the video as a still photo! This is also ideal for video that will be eventually converted for distribution on the Internet. The drawback is that when you are filming locations that have a lot of motion, progressive scan can result in a "jerky" look when viewed on a television. The simple fix is not to use progressive scan in those situations, or remember that it should be developed as Internet video.
I, and my wife, find this camera very easy to use. My Sony(s) in the past had lots of buttons, most of which were in inconvenient places. The Elura is very ergonomic, and I am able to make most changes while recording, just by moving my thumb! There is an 'easy shoot' mode that takes care of focus and exposure for you, or you can go to manual and adjust white balance, focus, and exposure yourself.
Although the camera does not come with the cable or video editing, software, it worked great with my laptop's 1394 (firewire) connection. I was able to just plug in a ten dollar cable, open up my video software, and copy the video right from my camera to my hard drive. The picture quality is spectacular! The Elura has an "RGB" filter which attempts to keep your colors looking brilliant, and I think it works! The other cool thing with DV is that you can control the camera from your computer as well! Through my software, I can fast forward, rewind, play, and set up which parts to capture to my computer quickly and easily. If you have analog sources (VHS, Hi8, TV), you can plug them into the Elura and record them to DV, which can then be imported into your computer.
I have read about the poor audio on the Elura. I find it adequate, but not outstanding. You have the option to use a 12-bit soundtrack, which lets you record music or another audio track over an existing video (cool!), or you can record 16-bit higher quality audio that does not leave the space on the tape for the extra track. Since you can add whatever you want when you import to a computer, I won't be using the 12-bit option. The end result is better sound with the 16-bit setting anyway (I wonder if the complainers out there figured this out?). For about $50 you can buy a docking unit for the Elura that allows you to plug in an external microphone if you want better sound.
Currently you can get an Elura for about $1000 ($900 for a factory refurb). The Sony and JVC models cost hundreds of dollars more (except the JVC 70u which is not that great from what I have read), and do not have the higher-end features I mentioned previously. With this savings, I was able to purchase my Firewire hardware, a filter set for my Elura, an extended battery, a wide angle and macro lens, a carrying case, and I still have money left to buy the other accessories that the Elura can use. The new Elura2 has a slightly better CCD (the device that captures the image), but lacks optical stabilization, is smaller, and can record pictures to a Smartmedia card instead of DV tape. The pictures, especially in low light, aren't good for much except Internet use, so this addition isn't worth the extra $3-500.
There are a couple drawbacks: battery life and still photos. The Sony series have an advantage because their infolithium batteries can last 8 hours or more. However, they add to the bulk of the camera and result in a higher cost of ownership. My Elura lasts about 30 minutes with the supplied battery. If you are a smart videographer you will not be leaving your camera on all the time while you record. Since it is a no-no to record more than 5-10 seconds a scene anyway, this does not bother me a bit. However, most beginners leave their camera on and record plenty of fluff; if you think you need to 'record everything' you will not be pleased with the battery life. I bought a replacement battery for $46 that is supposed to last 1 1/2 hours. I have not tested it yet, and I also found accessories that could theoretically allow you to use the Elura for 7 hours. The still photos are the same resolution as DV which does not reach megapixel quality, but is okay for web use. I don't think the quality is good enough to get prints made from them. However, you can record hundreds of photos right onto the DV tape, which makes it handy if you only have the camcorder and no camera.
Bottom line: I really like this camcorder. The Elura has been very easy to use so far, and the results have been better than what I expected. The problems with battery life are common with portable cameras (batteries take up space and add weight), and still photos still aren't up to digital camera standards (2 megapixel) on ANY DV camcorders for <$2000. If you buy an Elura you will be getting a quality, compact, camcorder, that you can take with you ANYWHERE. Enjoy.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1030
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Epinions.com ID:
richlt
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Member: Richard Thomsen
Reviews written: 50
Trusted by: 11 members
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