Features

• Features true widescreen recording and powerful 20x optical zoom
• Widescreen 2.7-inch LCD
• Canon's Digic DV image processor for exceptional color and clarity
• Smooth Zoom Control function prevents jerky zooms
• SD memory card slot for capturing stills

Reviews (36)

Very good overall, but dark in indoor shots
This unit has performed well since we've gotten it in June. We love the widescreen format and the compact size. The features seem good.
PROS AND CONS... PERIOD.
PROS:
Videoblogging supreme
After using an isight for last year for my videoblog, I finally coughed up the coin to buy this little gem. It is performing to my expectations. The true widescreen picture is awesome and very "arty".
Read more

Features

• Features true widescreen recording and powerful 24x optical zoom
• Widescreen 2.7-inch LCD
• Canon's Digic DV image processor for exceptional color and clarity
• Smooth Zoom Control function prevents jerky zooms

Reviews (13)

Excellent Entry Level Camcorder
For the money, this camcorder is a best buy. It covers all the basics and then some. Battery life is good, plus you can snag plenty of deals on aftermarket batteries for this puppy. It uses the same battery as the Canon Rebel Digital XT (350).
Excellent digital camcorder at a great price!
I've owned my ZR 500 now for about two weeks, so I have yet to really delve deeply into all that it can do. It is my first digital camcorder I've ever owned.
Excellent and highly recommended!
This is an excellent camcorder which is not only affordable but also has so many options and extras. I wanted to give it as a gift but my wife and I liked it so much that we decided to keep it because it is very cute, light, stylish, boosts great zoom and the quality is excellent. Overall we are very pleased with it and highly recommend it. ... Read more

Features

• Digital video camera that records straight to 3-inch DVD-R/RW media
• 25x optical zoom with built-in image stabilizer; 2.7-inch LCD screen
• Canon's DIGIC DV image processor for vivid video and exceptional color quality
• Widescreen Button lets you switch from standard 4:3 to 16:9 Widescreen Mode
• Level Shot Control provides horizontal gridlines in the viewfinder for more professional framing

Reviews (9)

Canon DC100
I Love this camcorder.This is the third camcorder I have had.The first being the humongus VHS.I had to rest it on my shoulder to use it.The second was a VHS-C which was about half the size of the first.This one is so small and compact, I can carry it in my pants pocket.It takes excellent video and I like the review screen where I can pick out the video I want to watch.My Daughter likes it so much, she is looking to buy one also. Canon rules.

Excelent Buy and excelent service
I am from Colombia, and consider this product whith high Quality and my requirements of client service were atended fastly and satisfactory, I recommend to buy this product by quality and service.

Great Brand!
Canon is one of the better brands out there for cameras. I bought this as a gift and have heard good things about it. I recommend Canon for all your video and still needs. ... Read more

Features

• HDV camcorder with 1/2.7-inch CMOS image sensor
• High-definition 10x optical zoom lens; super-range optical image stabilizer
• Advanced photo features: up to 3-megapixel stills, histogram display, built-in flash, and more
• 2.7-inch color widescreen LCD; color viewfinder
• Easy one-hand operation; ultra-compact and lightweight

Reviews (1)

Perfect Travel & Casual Use Video Camera
Positives:
Read more

Features

• NTSC
• 2.7" LCD Screen with Backlight makes it easy to compose and review your shots
• Gives you all the convenience and functionality of DVD technology
• Records true 16:9 High Resolution Widescreen for picture perfect video
• Comes with a 10x optical zoom lens, precisely matched to the camcorder's CCD
• The 4.3 Megapixel CCD that ensures sharp, vivid video also gives you brilliant digital photographs.

Reviews (7)

Great Camcorder
I wanted to buy a camcorder that records with high quality.This camcorder does just that...Wonderful quality and easy to use controls makes it very user friendly....Also finalazing the video to dvd takes just 2 minutes which is good.
THE BEST
This is the machine you have been waiting for.It is so easy to use.It will do almost anything you can imagine in terms of still photography. It is as if you have the best digital compact camera.
Well satisfied customer!
I've done my web research and it pointed me to buy the Canon DC40 among other dvd-camcorders in market.It was such an amazing experience using it to capture moments during my nephew's birthday party.The still shots were absolutely fantastic!The video was like no other...it was very clear and sharp.You may want to tweak the settings to get that film look versus the homevideo look on your video shots. Also, tweak the stills settings as well to get that SLR-like shots.I love this product and I highly recommend this to all of you who are planning on purchasing a dvd-camcorder.Cheers! -- Joel Pelayo ... Read more

Features

• Features true widescreen recording and powerful 24x optical zoom
• Widescreen 2.7-inch LCD
• Canon's Digic DV image processor for exceptional color and clarity
• Smooth Zoom Control function prevents jerky zooms
• Joystick lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure, and menu options

Reviews (6)

Not too bad!
The camcorder's quality is pretty good, however the picture quality isn't. I hate to say it, but even when it's on the best possible resolution, it's really "grainy", not like a shot from a regular digital camera. Other than that it's great!
ZR700 MiniDV Camcorder
Great camera, movies are very clear, works great in low light vs my JVC MiniDV camcorder.Very small but easy to use!!would recommend

Perfection slightly flawed
This is a fine little camera.Everything is as advertised and more, except for one glaring exception.The remote control is a plastic piece of junk with (at least in my case) an unopenable battery compartment. I could not get it replaced without sending the whole package back to the manufacturer, so I'm basically stuck with it.But other than that, as I said, it's a fine little camera. ... Read more

Features

• Features true widescreen recording and powerful 24x optical zoom
• Widescreen 2.7-inch LCD
• Canon's Digic DV image processor for exceptional color and clarity
• Smooth Zoom Control function prevents jerky zooms
• SD memory card slot for capturing stills

Reviews (6)

Reviewer
I had this video camera for a while and so far it has meet my expectations considering the price.I did not go for a DVD video camera because the price is still high considering the lower image quality. Also do not expect to record quality clips or pictures using the SD card. It is just a gimmick
GOOD CAMERA,,,butyou need some basic PC skills and common sense
This camera is great and intuitive...tons of features,,if you reduce the shutter speed it works well in low light conditions. If you are a complete moron like the guy above YOU WILL have problems with this camera. The instructions are pretty clear how to connect to a PC, but you need some basic skills.
Great camcorder for a great price
First off, I have ALWAYS loved Canon products and this camcorder is no exception.The documentation regarding transferring video to your computer is a little lacking but if you have a firewire card (or if you don't, you can get one from ebay for less than $20), it is Windows that does the actual transferring so it's pretty automatic.The camcorder is very intuative and it takes no time at all to start shooting like a pro (ok, maybe not a pro, but plenty good enough for the home user).Originally I was disappointed with the indoor shots but switching to night mode definitely cleaned up the image alot.I look forward to bringing this camcorder to Canada and Nigara Falls next month to record my honeymoon (well, not ALL of my honeymoon ;) ) ... Read more

Features

• Compact MiniDV camcorder with 1.33-megapixel still capability
• 18x optical zoom and 360x digital zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch LCD screen with backlight
• Built-in slot for SD memory cards and MultiMediaCards
• Powered by NB-2LH Lithium-ion battery pack

Reviews (3)

Great little Camara
This is my first digital camcorder and so far so good.I'm very happy with it.Easy mode is great for beginners like my husband and kids.I love the auto mode where I have control of special effects etc..... I highly recommend and the price is pretty good.

Very satisfied.
We got this because it is compatible with MAC and iMovies. We are very pleased with the quality of pictures and ease of use. Lots of features we haven't explored yet but it easily does the job. We handed it over to our 11 year old and she did a great job with it, even with unsteady hands.

Decent camcorder overall
Pros
Read more

Editorial Review

The Canon GL2 (like its predecessor, the GL1, and its big brother, the XL1) is helping to blur the line between consumer and professional video equipment. This camcorder borrows most of those cameras' professional-quality components and puts them into a more compact, affordable camera. Though it's small enough to carry around and doesn't cost much more than a top-of-the-line consumer camcorder, the GL2 produces such high-quality results that it could be used as a broadcast video camera. Read more

Features

• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 100x) and image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch LCD with 270-degree rotation
• Save to MiniDV tape or MMC/SD card (8 MB SD card included)
• Record for up to 65 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (32)

Decent Camcorder.....But I still regret it
My primary camera is a Sony HDR-FX1.
Amazing skateboarding camera...so far
i got the camera from amazon about 3 months ago and its amazing. the features are amazing.

Great Unit
This unit is pretty awesome especially with frame.
Read more

Features

• Professional 3CCD DV camcorder with open architecture design for cinema attachments
• 20x optical zoom lens, XL interchangeable lens system
• Color viewfinder, interchangeable with optional professional monochrome viewfinder
• 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 ratio, 3 selectable frame rates: 60i, 30p, and cinema 24p
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack

Reviews (10)

Standard Definition doesn't get much better
The Canon XL2 is as good as the Panasonic equivalent. Both of these cameras are better than eachother depending on who you ask. If you ask me, the Canon's picture is more pleasing, less noisy, and more capable in difficult shooting situations. I love Canon's controls, everything you need is available without searching through menus. The Panasonic is lighter, less awkward to use, and more compact; but Canon's lens and features more than make up for it in my opinion. Best camera you can get for the money.

Okay for the 60i
I'm a non-byist consumer; and ex-owner of the XL1 and XL1S.
Heavy and image quality not as good as i thought
I looked at this and the DVX100. I plumped for this because it had better low light support and interchangeable lens.
Read more

Features

• NTSC
• Digital video camera that records straight to 8cm DVD-R/RW media
• 10x optical zoom and Canon's DIGIC DV image processor
• Shoot 2.2 megapixel photos straight to a MiniSD memory card or to DVD
• PictBridge compatibility allows you print stills directly to compatible printers
• Slender design with lightweight body

Reviews (7)

This camera stinks
I got this camera for my birthday and recorded some very important footage of my daughters graduation.I have not been able to transfer the movies to either another disc or my computer since.The software provided gives me nothing but error messages and Canon says it is a Roxio issue and Roxio won't even talk to you without a $40 technical support fee.I have to return the camera and I am stuck with a disc that I can only watch on the camera which I will no longer have.This camera is the worst camera I have ever owned.

Good Camera, Crappy Software
This is a nice little camera, and the video quality is excellent.However, I cannot recommend it because the video editing software is from Roxio.Canon clearly states that they do not provide product support for the software.Roxio also avoids supporting the software - if you have a problem, they will allow you to call tech support for $40, or they will kindly sell you an upgrade for $39.95.I have been trying, unsuccessfully, for 6 weeks to get an unlock code from them to allow me to use the software.For some reason, when I installed the software and registered it as instructed, I never received back an unlock code, so the software is useless.Roxio obviously made a piggyback deal with Canon in order to force people into buying their "upgraded" product.Roxio simply ignores e-mails.

Heat up
The camera does heat up when attached to the charger.I complained to Cannon support about the camera getting hot enough to the point that you cannot touch it.
Read more

Features

• Captures true 1080 resolution, widescreen (16:9) HD video
• 2.8-inch widescreen LCD monitor; .57-inch viewfinder
• 20x HD zoom lens; Super-range optical image stabilization
• Three 1/3-inch 16:9 CCDs (1.67 megapixels)
• DIGIC DV II HD image processor

Features

• 2.2-megapixel CCD image sensor; 10x optical zoom
• Widescreen HR recording; record direct to DVD-R/-RW/-R DL
• Shoot video and digital still photos; easy to share through one-touch dubbing and Pictbridge compatibility
• 2.7-inch widescreen LCD with backlight
• Digital effects/fades, easy menu system, and built-in electronic lens cover

Features

• MiniDV
• Professional 3CCD camcorder with approximately 1.67 megapixels per CCD
• 20x optical zoom lens, XL interchangeable lens system
• High-definition resolution with selectable frame rates
• 2.4-inch 16:9 color LCD/combination electronic viewfinder panel
• Powered by a 7.4-volt DC battery pack

Features

• Digital video camera that records straight to 8cm DVD-R/RW media
• 10x optical zoom and Canon's DIGIC DV image processor
• Shoot 1.3 megapixel photos straight to a MiniSD memory card or to DVD
• Built-in lens cap; PictBridge compatibility allows you print stills directly to compatible printers
• Slender design with lightweight body

Reviews (3)

This camcorder doesn't work for Apple Mac's
I bought this for my sister as a wedding present.The camera has a lot of good features.But when they used a set of DVDs on it, they found that only 1/2 of the discs they used would record correctly.not sure if the problem is with the disks or formatting.
NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS
I bought this camcorder in December 2005.I asked the salesperson at PC Richards for the best camcorder and this is what he gave me.It's like a small malfunctioning computer.I sent it back to the factory to be fixed and they sent it back to me with only half the functions working.I overpaid for it $629 and now can't get rid of it for 1/2 the price.Although the picture quality is good, it is a pain to operate.The little discs only record 30 minutes and to erase something is a major ordeal.For all you looking go with digital tape!It is much better.

A Super Camcorder for an on-the-go Mom!
I was looking for accessories for my Canon DC10 and was somewhat surprised that there were no reviews for it. I received this camcorder as a gift for my Birthday (around the end of Jan).Our son who was born in May of '05 was just starting to take his first few steps at this time. I do not know much about cameras or camcorders so I had only asked for one that was easy to use! By some stroke of luck I was fooling around with the Canon one evening & was able to catch my son walk clear across the room! Okay it was really only about 8-10 steps but IT WAS GREAT!!!
Read more

Editorial Review

Canon raises the stakes for all-in-one digital imaging devices with the release of the Canon Optura 400 (and its sibling Optura 500; see a comparison table at the end), which is as adept at shooting digital video as it is snapping high-resolution digital stills. Shorter and more lightweight than its predecessors, the brushed silver Optura 400 weighs just 1.2 pounds with tape and battery and measures 2.1 x 4.2 x 4.0 inches. It offers 2.2-megapixel resolution for fine video and photo details, a 10x optical zoom lens, image stabilization, built-in SD/MMC memory card slot, and PictBridge compatibility for direct printing of still photos to compatible printers. Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.2-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 200x) and image stabilizer
• Measures just 2.1 x 4.2 x 4.0 inches and weighs 1.2 pounds
• 2.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Capture low-light recordings with Night Mode and record in 16:9 format

Reviews (2)

Awesome camcorder
I just received mine today and made a short cooking film while cooking dinner.This is a beautiful camcorder and still camera. It is small and fits the hand well. Looks like jewelry to me. It is perfectly quiet.I cannot hear it recording.Do not believe some reviews out there about noise.You can only hear it during fast forward and rewind.Big 1/3.4 inch CCD with Canon optics and color rendering image algorithms.Lots of manual options as well as auto.I bought a spare Canon battery (BP- 2L14, twice the power) and the built in charger charged it and the original with no problem.Very good hand ergonomics with nice button placement, intuitive operation.Excellent colors and imaging.I read my manual carefully and all installations of tape, card and backup battery were a snap.There is currently a $100 rebate and this camcorder is available for less than half the original suggested price, a steal for a camcorder of this quality.

Great camcorder
I used one at a friends house filming their talks and I had fun filming on that camcorder, but it seems to have a battery issue, you need to pay more for a longer lasting battery for the camera. ... Read more

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder takes stunning video and connects effortlessly to your computer, TV, or VCR
• 18x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 360x) and image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Capture low-light recordings with Night Mode
• Record for up to 2 hour and 5 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (18)

Crappy Quality Indoors
Some of the reviews here state that this camera produces good quality video is false. I am wondering what they are comparing the quality to. My camera (Canon ZR80) is horrible. When shooting indoors with light coming through a slider door into the living room the image is very grainy. I compared it to one of the old "suit case" analog camera and the analog camera produces I would say 100% better image quality than Canon ZR80.
really nice camera but some flaws
i have had this camera for about a year and it is good. one of the problems was that when in low light it dosn't deliver really great quality. one time when i was connecting it to my computer it wasn't working so i had to send it back canon and they repaired it. another thing is the battery life. the battery that comes with it lasts a short while. it seems to drain the battery really fast and i am constantly charging it. it's a good camera but next time i would choose another one.

Please people, great cam!
At first, I was really uneasy about buying the ZR80 because of the negative reviews I read. However, I decided to buy the camcorder because It had the features i was looking for at a great price. When i recieved the camcorder I couldn't wait to try it out, and to my suprise i hardly found 1 flaw. Many people say things like there is loud motor noise, lousy picture in low-lighted areas, and a useless night shot feature. Im here to tell you that they are all WRONG! I couldn't notice motor noice, the picture and color were superb, the night shot was a great tool, and you can hear normal conversation talk almost 20 feet away! I would think that the people whom write these negative reviews either have a defect in the camera, or are looking for something other than a digital camera, like the type Speilberg uses. An external mic jack would be okay, but Ive found that it isnt really a necessety. I use this camera for everything from home movies, weddings, and parties. Ive never found the need for an extra microphone. The night mode works great too, ive recorded video in my driveway at midnight during a party and the picture is great. The features don't end there, the software advantages you can use are awesome for editing. Playback is good, zoom is clear and smooth. My experiences with this camera has made me a big Canon buyer. All of the canon products ive bought are high quality and very reliable. I now use Canon for almost all of my office and video needs. If your looking for an all-around great cam, with good features at a low price, then the Canon ZR80 is a good choise. All of my previous 8 millimeter and digital camcorders do not compare, A great buy, trust me. ... Read more

Features

• 1/6-inch CCD imager with 680K resolution
• MiniDV recording format offers up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution
• 20x optical zoom with image stabilization
• 2.4-inch LCD screen
• Has special high-resolution 16:9 widescreen recording format

Reviews (15)

Excelent product
Hello, i was buy this camera, the camera its great, its too easy to use, its small and versatile.
Great for beginners
You can learn how to use this camera in 10 minutes---and this is the first one I have ever purchased.Nothing fancy---it is a very reasonable palm size camera with the zoom and power buttons easily accessible to the person who is filming.

THIS ITEM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE!
I just ordered this from Amazon.com 2 weeks ago. But then I received an email from J&R saying that this item is no longer available because it is a discontinued item. So don't waste your time ordering this! Amazon.com needs to update their site and no longer offer this item (at least not through J&R Music and Computer World). If you go to J&R's web site, www.jr.com, you will see that this item is not even listed. ... Read more

Features

• Compact MiniDV camcorder with 1.33-megapixel still capability and built-in still flash
• 18x optical zoom and 360x digital zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch LCD screen with backlight
• Built-in slot for SD memory cards and MultiMediaCards
• Powered by NB-2LH Lithium-ion battery pack

Reviews (4)

Very pleased with this camcorder
This is only the second camcorder I have owned.I've had it for about 2 months.So far, it has exceeded my expecations.I haven't gotten into the details of what you can do with it.But, the picture and the sound on the camcorder have been great.I would definitely recommend it.

Good camcorder
I like the features this camcorder has (although I have to confess I didn't buy mine on Amazon).I don't give it full stars because the picture quality just seems average instead of bright and sharp.The analog to digital conversion feature is getting hard to find in camcorders, and lets you run VHS tapes from your VCR through the camcorder and into a PC (or onto the camcorder's digital tape), and that's a major plus with this machine.

Corrections
This camcorder has been reviewed by several experts and has received very good recommendations. See for yourself at www.dvspot.com or www.camcorderinfo.com.
Read more

Editorial Review

The Canon Optura 20 camcorder is equipped with a full range of sophisticated features to capture outstanding video and digital photos. It features high-quality Canon optics with a 16x optical zoom, image stabilization, a 1.33 megapixel CCD, and advanced photo capabilities. The Optura 20 improves on its counterpart, the Optura 20, with Super Night Shooting mode, a larger 3.5-inch LCD, and higher capacity battery. Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 1.33-megapixel CCD
• 16x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 320x) and image stabilizer
• 3.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Capture low-light recordings with Super Night Mode
• Record for up to 1 hour and 50 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (15)

2 years and bad iris
Do NOT buy this camera.After two years you WILL have an issue where the iris will get stuck in an over-exposure.Many people have had this issue and there is no known fix from Canon - they charge $170 just to look at it, which is beyond the acceptable margin in my opinion.
So far--I love it!
I just bought this camcorder and took it to an MLB game. It was

Nothing to dislike
I have owned this camcorder for six months now, and have found no fault with it.Before buying it, I was concerned about negative reviews regarding motor noise, low light, and body size.Fortunately, none of these has caused me a problem.The surroundings have to be completely silent to hear the motor; I have yet to have a problem with low light, and I like the feel of the body.I particularly like the ease with which I can take a still photo with only a minor interruption in video recording.I wanted the 16X zoom for sporting events, but I found it also useful at a recent graduation.While seated, I find I can hold the camcorder adequately still, even at 16X zoom, but a tripod is always useful.In the presence of a live orchestra, the audio quality is outstanding. ... Read more