Europe here I come!
Written: Aug 17 '01
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Pros: size, video quality, build quality, ergonomics, docking station a great idea.
Cons: size, sound quality from subjects in front of camcorder, stills are ok for web
The Bottom Line: Excellent camcorder in a take it everywhere size!
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| cruztopless's Full Review: Canon Elura 2 Mini DV Camcorder |
After 2 months of researching "small" camcorders I bought the Canon Elura2 MC. I am planning a backpacking trip through Europe for 3 weeks and needed something as small as possible w/o sacrificing quality. I checked the JVC (based on reviews here I took them off the list immediately), the Sony DCR-PC5/9 and the Canon. Based on the reviews the Sony and Canon were both on top of my list and I didn't think I could go wrong with either so I went to Good Guys to look at them in person. After handling both the decision was easy.
Pros:
- The Canon seemed to have a better video quality but what sold me were the ergonomics of the Canon. Sony was HORRIBLE! I couldn't place my hand anywhere without covering something and risk accidentally pressing buttons. Plus, the Sony was not comfortable to hold because the corners were "sharp" where my fingers were located. Canon did an excellent job with the ergonomics and button placement.
- Locating a mic jack, s-video connection, and audio/video connection on the docking station was a great idea. I just leave it plugged into my tv and screw in the camcorder whenever I want to view it on the tv ... no more getting everything out and hooking it up.
- The view screen is adequate in size. I checked out the new JVC with a 2" screen and it was too small to watch what was taped.
- Excellent build quality.
- Indoor shooting is adequate. Definitely not as good as outdoors but it's a heck a lot better than the 8mm and Hi-8's that I've experienced. I would have to say the video quality of indoor shooting is comparable to the Sony.
Gripes:
- size can be TOO small for those with big hands.
- Sound quality is not as good as "traditional" horizontal camcorders. The mic is on top and pics up the noises to the rear and sides better than the front. The voices in front sound subdued.
- the stills are fine for the web so I recommend spending the $200 toward a digital camera (like the Canon A20). This is true with all camcorders that take stills ... including those that take 1 megapixel stills.
Great camcorder and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a small camcorder. But ... be sure to check them out yourself at your local store before buying.
For reviews of this camcorder, check out -
http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/Elura2/
http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/canon/elura2-review/index.shtml
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1015
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Epinions.com ID:
cruztopless
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Reviews written: 3
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