Editorial Review

Small enough to carry around and costing not much more than a top-of-the-line consumer camcorder, the XL1S produces such high-quality results that it is sure to be the top choice for many independent filmmakers who demand full features and controls. Like its predecessor, the XL1, this camera uses three separate 270,000 pixel CCDs (one for each primary color) for the best picture quality. The XL1S records digital audio, with two channels of 16 bit/48 KHz sound or four channels of 12 bit/32 KHz sound. The body is based on a magnesium-alloy frame for maximum durability. It ships with a 16x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, but is also compatible with other XL camcorder lenses. With an optional adapter, you can use Canon EF (EOS) still-camera lenses--some of which also feature optical image stabilization. Read more

Features

• NTSC
• Professional-quality MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 3 CCD lens
• 16x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 320x) and image stabilizer
• Interchangeable lens system--can use Canon EOS lenses with optional adapter
• Three shooting modes: Normal Movie, Digital Photo Mode, and the cinema-like Frame Movie Mode and shoot in 16:9
• Record for up to 90 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (19)

great camcorder
i am currently in high school, in the media tech department. we do the school news, and produce some films. we currently have 3 kinds of camcorders, the sony dsr200, sony dsr300, and the canon xl1. most of the class perfers the xl1 for many reasons.
Canon XL1s - Be Wary of Service & Waranty
Canon still seems to have problems with it's lenses and how they interface with its electronic components, which means a blurry picture.For Canadians, there is only 1 service department in Calgary, while customer service is in Ontario.Imagine the bills trying to track down your camera over 2 provinces.Canon has somehow managed to keep this issue under wraps but it is a good idea to investigate where your nearest service department is and what kind of return time you can expect on repairs.The XL delivers great shots and definately looks the part, which can be important, but if it's not in your hands then it won't do much good.

Good Enough
As of now, the XL1S is a little outdated by some other cameras that are on the market, but the end product has very desirable results. I have used cameras like the Panasonic DVX-100, and the XL1 will suit your needs at least 90% of the time that the DVX will. There is no LCD screen, but the viewfinder does sort of double as one and the overall shape of the XL1 makes it unwieldy at times, and more convenient at other times.
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Editorial Review

Looking for an easy way to break into the world of digital video? Look no further than the Canon ZR60, which makes capturing valuable family memories as simple as pressing a button. Connect your camcorder to a computer running Windows or Mac operating systems, and experience the digital world like it was meant to be: quick, seamless, and fun. Read more

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder with 18x optical zoom, 360x digital zoom
• Image stabilization for smoother and steadier video
• 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and color viewfinder
• Takes digital still photos and stores them on tape
• Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394)

Reviews (41)

Good Value, Not Top Notch
Overall, the camera houses some nice manual features, and an external mic in, and is very user friendly. However, you get what you pay for. The color defintion is not there; anything less than full sun and the colors drain out of the picture. Low light performance leads the camera to crank up the gain and produce a noisy image that I would call un presentable, but still fine for the price range. The camera always seems to be two steps away from a black and white image, so plan to do some color correction to fix the image. I agree with everyone else on the external mic; the tape transport is noisy. In the end, however, I love the camera. It's low quality, cheap, but has tons of features and a shoe and mic input to add a shotgun to the top. I know of many cameras that cost much much more than this one that do not even provide a headphone jack seperate from the microphone input. I realy love the camera, and you will too, as long as you can compromise on the image quality in lower light and the audio issue.

Great Cam - but possible CCD defect
Just over a year after purchase, the LCD screen went black. I did some research online and heard about the CCD malfunctioning in a bunch of canon series camcorders, including the ZR60. The camera tech I took it to was going to charge me $300 to fix it, but luckily Canon did it for free! because of this happening to so many cameras! So, since I got it fixed it still works great! I wouldn't use it for anything professional, but its small enough to carry around for a good time and film home movies!

No problems after 3 years and still great value
Great value for the money (at the time, and now).Very high quality images in good lighting, especially outdoors; average to lower quality in low lighting (but hard to blame this on Canon; my old Sony was worse).No motor noise or any other problems.No problems with buttons, functions, etc.Just thinking about a new one now since the 2.2M pixel CCDs are the norm now, and this one has less. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. zr-50   

Editorial Review

Whether shooting up-close or from a distance, the Optura 30 delivers video and photos with exceptional definition and contrast, making every shot you take a potential award-winner. Featuring Genuine Canon Optics, the Optura 30 combines a powerful 12x Optical Zoom with a 240x Digital Zoom, ensuring that you always get the shot you want. Read more

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.2-megapixel CCD
• 12x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 240x) and image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Capture low-light recordings with Night Mode and record in 16:9 format
• Record for up to 225 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (6)

Very good camera if you have a lot of light
We have owned this camera for over a year and our feelings are mixed:
Fantastic outdoor camera
I shot over twenty hours of footage on this camera with brilliant results.The 2.2 megapixel ccd makes for outstanding video quality outdoors.Because my video is shot in widescreen, my friends often tell me my home movies look like independent feature films.When there is enough lighting, you will be impressed with this camera.
So far, so good.... and a little word to the Canon-hater!
First, about the camera. I've only had the Optura for about two weeks. I've only used it indoors and the quality is acceptable under moderate indoor lighting. Is it great? No, but it's also not a pro camera. The quality seems to be a little better than the Sony it replaced, as far as I can tell. That's about all I can say at this point. I did notice the battery going down pretty quickly, but at this point for my family, a battery that needs to be charged often isn't a big deal. If and when it is, I suppose we will purchase another battery. Considering we paid $425 including s/h and after the rebate (from MPSuperstore) I can't complain too much.
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Editorial Review

Looking for an easy way to break into the world of digital video? Look no further than the Canon ZR65MC, which makes capturing valuable family memories as simple as pressing a button. It also features the ability to take high-resolution digital still photos and store them on memory cards.Read more

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder with 20x optical zoom, 400x digital zoom, image stabilization
• 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and color viewfinder
• Takes digital stills (1024 x 768) and stores them on included 8 MB Secure Digital memory card
• Shoot panoramic still photos, then stitch together on PC
• Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394) and USB (for photos)

Reviews (27)

risk in defect of CCD
My canon zr65 suddenly went black (No image detected).From what I found on the web (a lot of people have the same problem), the CCD may be the cause.It looks like there is a quality issue about this part.To replace a CCD is very costly.Take your chance.

from '02 to 1wk ago thought it was great, now eats tapes....
(correction: i just noticed 12/3 i actually have a zr50mc..duhh...) guess i bought it around 3/2002 since my first tape is dated 3/18/02. (online for $580 or something like that...cant remember.) i've shot 12 90minute tapes since that time (60mins set at SP for 90min recording).like i said, i thought it was a great camera for video until recently.my main reason for getting it was to record my new kids, one now 4yo and one 2.5yo, becaue my vhsc panasonic camcorder began recording very warbly audio (video was/is still good) and i wanted to capture their early talking, etc.the zr65mc problems started recently while i've been converting those tapes to dvd to share selected clips with the grandparents, aunts, friends, etc.(i found ulead's products very good for this, by the way, after first using windows movie maker to import to dv-avi format.had to buy a new 120g hardisk though to add to my 60g since each imported tape took up to 19gigs each.i always wondered why people needed such big harddisks - now i know.) anyway on importing about the 7th tape, while rewinding, it jammed.i was able to eject the tape and used a pencil to wiggle and extricate the caught tape inside but it was chewed up pretty good and about 6inches was hanging out.after some scary tinkering with the cassette since i didnt want to loose the rest of the tape i was able to figure out that you you can manually rewind the tape. if the window side is up, operate the latch to open the tape cover on the right bottom.by using a hairpin or something small to depress the little latch on the bottom back middle and use the eraser of a lead pensil to either rewind or forward past the chewed up tape.sometimes i had to rewind or forward a bit more if it wouldn't work again after the first reloading.but i was able to convert all the tapes with only a few seconds of lost video.the problem is i thought it was only with the rewind, but yesterday (11/27/04) on a bart outing to the metreon with 12 of my family, afterworking at home, at the bart station i pulled it out to continue shooting on the same tape and it gave me the dreaded red eject tape message on the lcd blue screen of death.i put it back in the car and used my old reliable casio qv2300 digital camera the rest of the day.let me just say, i am a video, digital camera, computer and internet sorta guy...the rest of the family luvs it but the wife often hates it.
Great
I shot a feature film on this little baby. Works best under low light. For those who had problems with the camera, maybe you're just too dumb to make it work. Maybe you should go to film school like I did. No problemo. Great camera for the price. Only, i paid full price for it and now see Amazon.com had a much better deal! Ahhhh! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. zr-50   

Features

• Sleek, compact MiniDV camcorder and digital still camera
• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 360x) with image stabilization
• High-resolution 16:9 widescreen recording mode for true widescreen playback
• 2.4-inch LCD screen with option of letterbox-style display and brightness adjustment for viewing on sunny days
• Low-light recording settings

Reviews (13)

Great deal!
I thought I had only ordered the camcorder, which was a great price since shipping is free and no tax!It was overall cheaper and easier to get than going to the store.Circuit City had this open-box for the same retail price.
Incredible color and widescreen performance for the money
Operative phrase: "for the money." Honestly, I am really surprised at how well this camera has performed over the last 8 months since I bought it. I have had excellent performance in color, the widescreen is SO much cleaner and crisper than the older Sony unit I was using previously. Even when exporting to Pinnacle Studio, and rendering to DVD - the resolution and saturation were wonderful. Is it HD? no. Will it record in 24 FPS? no. Did it beat the hell out of my expectations for a 300 bones camcorder? Absolutely!
Great picture quality, no noise, best bang for the buck
There may be "better" camcorders out there. Better in terms of more features. But it is unlikely the video or sound quality is much better than this one (in some cases actually worse). A 720X480 video frame (Mini DV standard resolution) can only accomodate approx 340 K pixels - therefore a mega or multi mega pixel camcorder will not improve your video performance one bit. And they cost least twice as much.
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Features

• A palm-sized wonder with a 2.12 million pixel CCD
• 9-group, 11-element glass-molded aspherical lens designed specifically for the camera's high-resolution demands
• Separate, optimized processing for moving and still images
• Frame-based noise reduction based on twice the visual information of conventional field-based noise reduction
• First camcorder with USB Video Class and USB2.0 High-Speed Transfer--send the DV signal directly to a PC’s USB2.0 port with no need for i.LINK (IEEE1394) connection

Reviews (6)

Unreliable
Don't waste your time on this junk.Mine blew up just out of warranty with a tape loading problem.Repairing is almost as expensive as purchasing a new model.
Best in both world (video & still) for the price
For USD399, you get good quality video and digital stills. PC Magazine review this as one of the highest resolution camcorder [...]. DVSpot also give this camcorder good review. Included battery life is short. But you can look in Amazon for JVC VUA228KIT Camcorder Starter Kit for GRD33US/72US/93US/200US/230US & GRDV500which has 4 hour battery, MiniDV tape, and case and it only cost you USD30 (after huge discount).
Great Video, Very Decent Snaps
This is probably the best time to buy this camcorder for an unbelievable price of 399.00, its well worth it! Video quality is great and photos at 1600*1200 res. aint bad for a camcorder!! If you are planning the get it, think about buying another battery (gets drained fast) and a SD card (the 8mb card provided wont do). ... Read more

Features

• ZR300 Kit Contents - ZR300 Camcorder, NB-2LH Battery Pack, CA-570 Compact Power Adapter, STV-250N Stereo Video Cable, WL-D85 Wireless Controller, IFC-300PCU USB Cable, 8MB SD Digital-media Memory Card
• Capture brilliant photos and videos with DIGIC DV
• Standard and Widescreen Images
• Television System - EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color
• Video Recording system - 2 rotary heads, helical scanning DV system

Reviews (15)

Great Camcorder
We have had a family camcorder from Sony and it will not even work anymore. I recieved this as a gift for my birthday and this camera has been everywhere to Georgia to Arizonia To Tennesse and is about togo to Cacun Mexico. My besy friend recieved one for Christmas she loves hers to.

So far so good.
No problems so far. Nice quality, small, but not to small.I recomend this product.

High optical zoom
A key feature of this camera is its high optical zoom, which is necessary for filming events where you are trying to key
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Editorial Review

Boasting an ultra-compact vertical design, the Canon Elura 50 is a well-equipped camcorder with features such as a 10x optical zoom, 2-inch LCD screen, and digital still capability.Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 400x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2-inch color LCD, color viewfinder
• Records 1024 x 768 digital stills onto included 8 MB SD card
• Compact vertical design

Reviews (33)

I miss my Elura 50
Hi folks, I've owned my Elura 50 for two years and recently dropped it in the mountains and killed it...
I own it sice 2002 and is working perfect!
I bought this camera on 2002 and today is still working good, I never had a problem!

Flawed
I purchased this camcorder shortly after it was released thinking the size and functions were perfect.Well after three years of limited use, the Eject Tape warning would pop up.And recently, when I put it on record, the screen stays black and the view finder stays black.Like many others here, I called customer service and was told to send the camcorder in so they can tell me how much it will cost to repair.When I asked if there was a flat cost for specific repairs, they said no.After seeing how much people wereqouted, I dont think I'll take the chance of paying for shipping only to refuse to pay the high cost of repair.
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Editorial Review

The advanced Canon ZR70MC MiniDV camcorder brings together all the features of the ZR65MC, from its ease of use to still photo mode and digital effects. It also adds a 22x optical zoom, 440x digital zoom, motion JPEG movie mode, Super Night mode, and an advanced accessory shoe for powering a microphone or video light.Read more

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder with 22x optical zoom, 440x digital zoom, image stabilization
• 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and color viewfinder
• Super Night mode for low-light filming, Motion JPEG movie mode
• Takes digital stills (1024 x 768) and stores them on included 8 MB Secure Digital memory card
• Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394) and USB (for photos)

Reviews (51)

LCD problem too, product bought in China
As a lot of people mentioned, this product has several good features and drawbacks. The most attractive feature is 22x optical zoom. Video quality is not bad. However, it performs poorly when the light is low. I used it for three years and took a lot of videos. Frankly, I didn't use it with too much care. I was lucky that it didn't die for 3 years.
product recall
yes,i've checked canon's website.if your digital camcorder or camera are having lcd display problems --blank or distorted--, canon will repair it free of charge, regardless of warranty status.just call thier customer support center @ 1-800-828-4040. they will cover shipping charges in connection with the repair.i have a zr60 digital camcorder & powershot a70 digital camera.both exhibit the same problem.if you go at their official website, go to support, type in your model and product and you can see a service notice for ccd image sensor.
Canon camcorder screen gone black
First of all thanks to everyone making the effort to report this problem. I found this as a result of searching. I was preparing to do some semi-professional shooting of Tai Chi training videos right now. We are in bluebell season and I had planned to shoot it now. Only a 6 week window. So I will try a canon centre and hopefully get it fixed for free.
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Subjects:  1. zr-50   

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.0-megapixel CCD
• 11x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 220x) and image stabilizer
• 3.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Make MPEG-4 movies and send them straight to your computer
• Record for up to 110 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (8)

I recommend this DV camcorder
I've owned the Optura Xi since June 2004 and my experience has been wonderful. I am a novice user in that I have not spent a lot of time learning the intricacies of the many, many features on this camcorder, such as the aperture settings and things of that nature and outside of using the zoom feature, I let the camcorder figure out the best options for what I am filming.
Disposable Cameras
Nice features which are included because Canon saved money by using a cheap tape transport.Within very little time expect to be continually exposed to the "Remove the Cassette" which can, apparently, only temporarily fixed at the Canon Repair Center.It appears that the cheap transport is not model specific.Caveat Emptor

Amazing!!
This cameras amazing one of the best canon has to offer (for the price anyways) this camera has great zoom features not to mention it takes great pictures which is half the reason I bought it. I recomend buying this if you have nice video editing software...I dont think imovie will cut it but vegas 5.0 is very compatible with this camera..I have not had a problem yet... ... Read more

Editorial Review

Whether shooting up-close or from a distance, the Optura 40 delivers video and photos with exceptional definition and contrast, making every shot you take a potential award-winner. Featuring Genuine Canon Optics, the Optura 40 expands on this range with a 14x Optical Zoom and 280x Digital Zoom. Both models allow you to cover all the angles, be it wide or telephoto, ensuring that you always get the shot you want. Read more

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.2-megapixel CCD
• 14x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 280x) and image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Capture low-light recordings with Night Mode and record in 16:9 format
• Record for up to 225 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (11)

Great, convenient, likes my Mac
Wonderful! I don't know much about video, but I just plugged it in and it worked. I am really pleased with the quality of the video and the nice way it connects to the software that came free on my computer (iMovie).
Very disappointing
After doing a great deal of research I purchased the Optura 40.It was highly recommended by Consumer Reports and reviewers on this and other sites.I also purchased the Video Light since most reviewers mentioned poor low light performance as the main drawback to the camera.First of all, the light created red eye in my child, the main subject of my recordings.Without the external light video of indoor events, my main place of recording, was grainy and dark.Second of all, the automatic zoom was terrible.It was almost always out of focus.Third of all, the noise when the camera is recording is extremely loud.I had to look up tips online for how to adjust the camera so the noise wouldn't show up on the actual tape.I have a Sony analog with low lux and 16x zoom which I held side by side with the Optura and used to record the same things.The Sony was far superior.For the price of this camera you would think you could expect good low light performance and zooming.Canon can't manufacture a camcorder that doesn't make loud mechanical noise?I don't understand how everyone could say this is a good camcorder.Needless to say we have returned the item and are going to start looking at Sony digital camcorders.

Canon Optura 40 MiniDV- Best compact camera by far
Canon Optura 40 MiniDV
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Editorial Review

The biggest knock on the Optura Pi was its lack of a high-resolution digital still mode. Sure, it took pictures, but with a resolution of only 640 x 480. With the Optura 100MC, Canon has addressed this issue by including a 1.3-megapixel still-shot mode, and created an outstanding product. Most of the features that made the original so compelling have returned, including the progressive scan CCD (perfect for recording and analyzing that golf swing), and optical image stabilization. Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 200x digital, zoom with optical image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and color EVF
• 1.33 megapixel still shot capability uses MMC or SD memory cards, 8 MB MMC card included
• Uses included lithium ion battery; includes wireless remote

Reviews (17)

Optura 100 MC - Great video camera!
First of all, let me point out that I am not a camera buff, nor do I even know how to work a professional 35MM camera (with aperture, manual focus, etc...) I have always been a fan of technology and of opening the box and using the product without having to do much reading of the instructions. So, here's my review... best 1-ccd minidv
Owned Opyura100 for almost 1 year and very happy with it. Video quality is great and is very easy to use although standstill picture is only good for email. Optical stablizer worked very well. Recommend to anyone looking for small camcorder with excellent video quality.

Very Satisfied
I have used this camera in Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Prague,Florida and for a large number of school events over the last 6 months.I haveused the video and still functions and am very happy with the product.I am clearly an unwrap, charge and shoot user.I refer to the directions only if necessary or I want an excuse not to work on my tax return.This was ready to go out of the box and, when I do take a moment to read the directions, I am able to make adjustments necessary for my shooting situations.While I have had very good luck with the video in all lighting situations, the auto flash for still pictures is actually not useful in places like old churches with very low lighting.I find myself preventing the deployment of the flash.While it is a bit bigger than the other mini-versions of the minidv's, it is a nice fit for larger hands and has not failed me yet. ... Read more