The Pocket Camcorder
Written: Nov 05 '01
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Pros: Comfortable to use, incredibly convenient and small
Cons: Less feature-rich, drops fast in quality in low light
The Bottom Line: If you are looking to capture the moments b/c you are likely to actually carry it around, this is the camcorder for you!
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| syc's Full Review: Canon Elura 2 Mini DV Camcorder |
I did so much research on digital camcorders, I thought I was never going to be able to pick one out. I read nearly every review on Epinions and on every other review site I could find. The specs for the Sony looked great, although the price tag on the PC100 and PC110 was a tad higher than I wanted to pay. But it seemed that you couldn't go wrong with Sony so it was with Sony on my mind when I went to the store (not for the last time) to try them out in person. I checked out the Sony PC100, PC110, and PC5. I also checked out the Sony TRV series. I was going all-out for Sony. So, how did I end up with a Canon Elura 2MC?
Well, let me start by outlining what I was looking for (not necessarily in order of importance):
1) Digital. I've seen what happens when you copy tapes over and over, and didn't want to end up with grainy poor-quality copies.
2) Firewire. Although I didn't do any video editing, I did like the idea of being able to do it easily and without any loss of quality.
3) Portability. Why have one if I was actually going to use it? I was thinking that it had to be portable enough that I could just grab it on the way out the door and stuff it in a pocket when not using it (delicate, expensive machinery considerations aside).
4) Ease of use. Although features are great, I didn't want to have them interfering in my basic use of the camcorder.
5) Low Cost. Well, relatively speaking anyway. Obviously, I could have saved a bundle by going analog or digital 8 but didn't want to deal with issues #1 and #2, and didn't want to get stuck in a proprietary format.
I'm sure that my criteria list is pretty standard fare, and based on the products I tested, the manufacturers have been listening. I'd have to say that I was very impressed with all of the camcorders that I tested out, but quickly ruled out the Sony TRV series as "bigger than I would actually carry around on a regular basis". I really liked the Sony PC100 and PC110 but they were just a bit too big and significantly more expensive. The Sony PC5 just felt terrible with it's awkward plastic extended handle, and the JVC (which I came across while shopping in-store) was just too boxy for me.
When I came across the Canon Elura 2MC, my first thought was that it was the most polished looking and yet not overwhelmingly "look-at-me" gadgety (which IMHO many camcorders are). And while it is not the smallest camcorder, it is definitely one of the smallest available - and most definitely the smallest camcorder that is comfortable to use for extended periods. The Elura 2MC also had all of the connections/options that I wanted: firewire, digital camera (relatively low quality though) using a memory card, remote control, video in/out, optical and digital zoom, and great stabilization. Although the Sony boasted features that I did want - most notably the night vision and higher digital zoom power (does anyone actually use digital zoom?) - I was willing to sacrifice them for the right reason. I haven't dropped my camcorder (knock on wood), but the quality of the Elura seems solid and it felt as well or better constructed than its peers.
But what really and finally pushed me over the edge? Pure feel. I can't explain it, but the Canon just felt so much better and comfortable than its peers. It has a soothing feeling that makes you want to hold it, and its size continues to amaze me. It's been an absolute no-brainer to use, and has performed flawlessly. I'm very happy with it's image quality (it is both clear and stable) but even happier that I actually use the thing to capture those magic moments, which was my main purpose for getting a camcorder. The fact that it had the best price tag too (not by that much) was just a bonus!
My only complaints? They aren't really so much complaints as they are just features I wish the Canon Elura 2MC had (and, from what I've heard, what all camcorders need). I wish it had better low-light capabilties. When it starts getting dark, image quality drops rapidly. The battery life is pretty short running under an hour, and I've had to augment it with a fat battery pack which pumps up the size. I've been amused at watching how some friends hold the camcorder (it's a bit weird when you are used to the more conventional, non-palm, style of camcorders). Although not a real complaint, it's interesting to point out.
All in all, if you are in the market for a camcorder that you are as likely to carry as a camera, this is the right one. If you can't live without night-vision or 400x zoom, then keep the Sony and JVC in mind. But for me, frequent usage was more important than capturing that one night event in green, or zooming into a stranger one mile away until they are fuzzy beyond recognition. I'm happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend it to any of my friends.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 900.00
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Epinions.com ID:
syc
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Member: Sean Chou
Location: Chicago, IL
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Half-heartedly recovering gadget geek.
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