Editorial Review

The Canon ZR10 excels at providing quality digital video footage in a small form factor. The 10x optical zoom Canon lens gets you right in the action, while image stabilization helps prevent unwanted shakes and jitters from creeping into your important footage. The ZR10 has been designed for point-and-shoot simplicity, making it easy for even beginners to shoot great videos. A number of different programmed auto-exposure modes (including sand and snow,sports, portrait, and low light) automatically adjust settings to take the worry out of shooting in challenging conditions. Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• Records in MiniDV format
• Digital image stabilization for reduced movie shakiness
• Captures digital stills
• 10x optical, 200x digital zoom Canon lens
• 2.5-inch color swivel LCD monitor

Reviews (44)

Seems like there's a problem with the thing eating tapes
I've been reading reviews here and it seems clear to me that the problem I'm having with my ZR10 is all too common. My camera started acting up and I thought it was just a dirty head. So I cleaned it. That didn't help. Now it too has started eating tapes and won't record or play, at least not consistently.I own a beautiful Canon EOS ElanII which works flawlessly.
VERY ANGRY AND DISAPPOINTED
Mine was great for a while, but now it eats tape too.It's COMPLETELY useless.Canon knows there is a design flaw, and they should fix them for free or provide compensation to users.

ZR-10 tape stuck
Me to my tape is stuck in the camera. Canon, i will nerver buy your product anymore. The end. ... Read more

Editorial Review

At just over a pound, the lightweight ZR40 from Canon makes an excellent camcorder for the beginning digital-video enthusiast. This compact and comfortable camcorder offers high-end features found on much more expensive cameras, yet is easy enough to use that a novice can begin filming right away. Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 18x optical, 360x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD and color EVF
• Digital photo mode records onto MiniDV tapes
• Analog pass-through ports for direct connection to computer

Reviews (36)

OK for several years...then it got hungry.
Yes it does eat tapes. I have the camera and I have owned it for about 3 years. It did some fine work. I have no complaints except if you need a camera that will never eat tapes, be very wary.
Fine until it started eating tapes
Like many of the other reviewers, my ZR40 is now giving me the infamous "Remove cassette" message and is mangling tapes. I have used it to record maybe 7 hours worth of video over the last two years. Search the web for "canon zr users group" and "eating tapes" to hear similar horror stories. Stay away from Canon camcorders.

Worked Great - eats tapes after some use
Like many who have found this camcorder, I liked the canon name and bought based on Canon and value.It was a mistake because I don't feel I should have already used up the life of this camera yet.If you go to several discussion groups you will see it has several issues with the deck, i.e. "transport".Just google zr20/40 etc. and "eat tapes".Suggest you try Sony or Panasonic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 40, ZR-40   

Editorial Review

Hi8 technology has been ignored lately because of the digital revolution, but price-conscious buyers can still find great picture quality and feature-laden Hi8 camcorders, and the Canon ES75 is no exception. Some of its many features include a color viewfinder, built-in video light, time base corrector for a more accurate picture, and digital effects such as art, black and white, sepia, negative, and 16:9 screen ratio. There are also custom keys where you can set the most used or favorite functions close to your fingers.Read more

Features

• Hi8 camcorder
• 22x optical, 700x digital zoom.
• Color EVF
• Photo Mode records still pictures for approximately 7 seconds
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery; includes power adapter and A/V cable

Reviews (5)

Canon ES75 Camcorder. Exceeded Expectations!!!
This very affordable camera is a quality product in every respect.It was purchased to replace a 12 year old 8mm unit that no longer operated and it is fully compatable with the standard 8mm tapes. Nice little Camera
This camera is very user friendly.It has a wonderful clear, crisp picture as well as sound on the video.This little camera comes with alot of little features that would please any beginner.

Great value on an excellent product.
This is my first hi8 camcorder, though I've had a couple of the old VHS ones before.I was waiting to get one of these until the value caught up with the technology and I could get a high-quality camcorder at an affordable price.Then this little number came along. Read more

Features

• Compact MiniDV camcorder with 1.33-megapixel still capability, built-in video light, and still flash
• 20x optical zoom and 400x 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 good digital camcorder
This is my first camcorder, and I have done a lot of research on which camcorder to buy. I bought it in August,2005, and used in extensively when I went to Rome and Barcelona. It was easy to use, and the video inside the cathedral came out clear even though it was very dark inside. I even saw details from the ceiling which I did not see when I was looking at it with my naked eye. I like the ability to take photos , only at times I forgot to switched between tape and card. I was in a panic when I was trying to chnage tape because I could not make the tape pop out, but after some practice I got it right. The videos were very steady, I am sure of it because after sometimes my arms gets tired and started shaking while taking videos or photos, but amazingly when I was watching the vidoe and reviewing the photo they all came out clear,and have no evidence that my arms were shaking. My only prolem is to figure out how to get a good video or photo with the sunlight facing the camera. This was a good buy.

Excellent little camcorder
This was my first comcorder purchase, and after thorough research using Consumer Reportsas well as much satisfaction with my Canon 510 digital camera, I decided on this one.
Great Camera
This is one great camcorder I have. Its very simple to operate and best part is, I can do recording at night as It comes with built in flash. I haven't used all its features but surely like its design. Its small and cute but it's desplay is big enough. Very pleased with this purchase. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Hi8 video format offers the highest quality outside of digital, and the Hi8 Canon ES60 offers a number of great features for its low price as well. First up is the 22x optical zoom lens, which is anchored by a digital zoom that enhances the range electronically to 700x. To help counteract shaky-hand syndrome, digital image stabilization is built-in. Read more

Features

• Hi8
• Hi8 camcorder
• 22x optical, 700x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
• Color EVF
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery
• Includes power adapter, A/V cable, and shoulder strap

Reviews (6)

Nice camcorder
I was given the ES60 as a gift, and I think its a wonderful camera, especially for the price. The digital effects and titling are great for filming events and holidays.

Greater starter camcorder
This camcorder is very affordable and easy to use for beginners.My husband has always strayed from "technology" but can use this camera easily.I like that the camera has many options (fading in/out, titles, dates etc.)that make using the camera a little more challenging (and fun) for me.You can definately afford this camcorder!My only concern: the viewfinder seems to put the pictures in a yellowish tint and it is distracting.

A lot of camcorder for the bread.
I just got this camcorder and did some filming with it.The Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 1.33-megapixel CCD
• 16x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 320x) 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 (16)

Elura 65 not dependable
I purchased my Elura 65 new, before there were many reviews and like many others have had repeat problems with the "remove the cassette" message. I've had to mail it back to Canon twice and they replaced the drum assembly each time.Now it's died again, with a video tape inside, and Canon wants another $145.00 to get it out.Why would I pour good money after bad?I'll have to write off the tape and just purchase a new a camera, but definitely not a Canon.
Canon Elura camcorder are unreliable
I dont have this model, but I had the Elura 40.For about 8 months, it works fine.Then it started having tape problems.The tape would not load correctly.Eventually it would not even open up for us to get the tape out.It seems like the entire Elura family of camcorders have this problem.After reading about all the headaches people have about repairs and yet the problem still exist, I've decided to trash the Elura 40 and never buy another Canon.JVC or Sony seems like a more reliable brand.

can not load cassette
Like the other reviewers, I used to be a big canon fan. I owns various canon products. But this Elura 65 dissapointed me. It just refused to load cassette after 8 month of ownership. There was a minor problem before this, the zoom lever will be automatically adjusted to the maximum zoom from time to time. I will have to pull things back to the normal size manually. Now with the tape not loadable, it is useless. I wasn't able to tape some important event such as a groundhog day celebration in Punxutawney,PA, and now, foreseably a big superbowl weekend in Pittsburgh. This loss is non-recoverable! ... Read more

Editorial Review

The picture quality of the Canon ZR20 digital video camcorder makes it an excellent personal camcorder for either the beginning video artist or the designated family photographer. In addition, it's light and small enough to carry with you in a large jacket pocket or purse. This combination of portability and recording quality make the ZR20 an excellent value.

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 200x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and color EVF
• Photo mode records still pictures onto tape
• Uses an included lithium ion battery; also includes power adapter, shoulder strap, wireless controller, S-Video cable, and stereo video cable

Reviews (11)

Excellent, So Far......
I would like to take this time and give my input about the Canon ZR 20 MiniDV. First off let me say that the size of this thing amazes me enabling me to fit it in my pants pocket (compared to my old vhs). There aren't that many high end features on this but for the basic everyday recording this is an excellent camera. Be aware that this DOES NOT have NIGHT VISION if you want it purchase the ZR-40 series. I purchased this at the [store] that sells mac computers. It cost me [money] and for [the same amount] at [a different store] i could have got the ZR-40 but they were out :(. Overall i really do like this camera not overpowered with features but does the job well (my first canon camera). From now on i'll stick with them in the future (Much better than JVC and SONY). Down the road I'll upgrade my pc to firewire for video editing, that looks pretty fun. But if yourlooking for a good quality camera with a GLASS lens not plastic like the others and something stylish and small than go with any of the Canon ZR Series (10,20,25mc,30mc,40,45mc,50,50mc) excellent family camcorder
I bought this camcorder to use for family and work purposes.It is very easy to use, and the picture quality is good.It was simple to connect to my tv for viewing.I haven't tried to connect it to my computer yet, but I will have to get a firewire adapter for my desktop first.No video editing program was included, so I will have to get one of those, too.Although basic, the ease of use and small size make this an ideal camcorder for my needs.

Great little camcorder!
Very small and compact, but well laid out so for as the user is concerned.Has both a color viewfinder and a 2.5" LED that extends out from the left side.To save battery power, you can only use one at a time however.Some of the settings are a bit confusing, but going through the manual (well written by the way) will quickly supply answers to any questions you may have.Read more

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

Editorial Review

Canon's Elura 40MC is one of the smallest, lightest digital video camcorders available. Weighing around 14 ounces, this vertically oriented camcorder fits snugly into the palm of your hand (not resting on your hand like most cameras, this one fits almost inside it).Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 200x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2-inch color LCD, color EVF
• Records 1024 x 768 digital stills onto included 8 MB MultiMediaCard
• Very compact model; also includes audio and video inputs and outputs

Reviews (30)

Free repairs
I just got my camera back from Canon today. Repairs, which were free (Canon paid for shipping both ways), were completed in about a week.
Good Camera for less then two years
The "remove tape" issue and damage to tapes started in less then two years. We spent $1000 for this camera for two years, you can buy two camera's for that cost now with the same features. I wish we would have read the reviews before buying. It was a nice camera when it was new thats why it gets 1-star from me and not 0-stars.

Important Information regarding the Elura 40mc
Please be advised that Canon U.S.A., Inc. has posted information on the web regarding the Elura 40MC and Elura 50 camcorders.This information relates to the "Remove the Cassette" message being displayed on the camcorder's LCD screen.
Read more

Editorial Review

Canon's sleek and compact ZR30 MC camcorder provides almosteverything you need to shoot both beautiful footage and digital stills.Small enough to fit in your pocket, the ZR30 MC is equipped with acolor LCD view screen and a color eyecup viewfinder, a digital imagestabilization system to steady the jittery hand, and a digital zoomthat magnifies up to 200 times.Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 200x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and color EVF
• Progressive Photo Mode records still pictures onto MiniDV tape or included 8 MB MultiMediaCard
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery; also includes power adapter, shoulder strap, wireless controller, S-Video cable, and stereo-video cable

Reviews (18)

Awesome camera!!!!!!!!
I purchased a ZR-25 which is basically the same camera. Ignore my previous rant.This is a cool camcorder
I must apologize for my previous review of the Canon ZR30.The review was rather negative, but the problem was in my ignorance--not the camera. Outstanding!
I have thoroughly enjoyed using my new Camcorder. The picture quality is excellent, and the still shots are good also, though less than photo quality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

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

Editorial Review

Improving on an original can be a daunting task. Canon has succeeded quite well, thank you. The ZR45MC is the successor to the ZR25MC. Canon increased the optical zoom to 18x--the digital now sits at 360x--and added an analog pass-through port. Although the ZR line featured analog-in for dubbing your movies to MiniDV, the new pass-through port allows you to go straight to the computer, eliminating a possibly cumbersome step.Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 18x optical, 360x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD and color EVF
• Digital photo mode records onto included 8 MB MMC card
• Analog pass-through ports for direct connection to computer

Reviews (45)

great beginner cam
one thing to watch out for,when using the zoom button,dont just let it go after you zoom,or it will click and the noise will be recorded. however,if you edit and can dub different audiothen it wont matter. that said, we love the camera.
I liked it at first
It was a pretty good camera until it stopped working. One day I turned it on and it started beeping and flasshing an eject tape message. But you couldn't eject the tape and the camera would not respond to anything. I had the camera just over two years when this happened. Luckily I purchased an extended warranty at Best Buy. Best Buy sent the camera to Canon for repair. Canon would not repair it because it would be too expensive so, Best Buy gave me a new camera. And I was allowed to get a different brand, so I went with a Sony Handycam.

Remove the cassetter problem...again
As with others, this was a great camera until the remove cassette problem appeared 8 months ago. Now it barely plays or records. I'm never buying another Canon and going back to Sony. BTW, the buzzing is the automatic microphone gain. If there's not enough sound to record it cranks up the input volume so much that you hear the tape motor. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder takes video and stills and connects effortlessly to your computer, TV, or VCR
• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 400x) 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 (22)

ZR series
2 star rating-BUT I don't have this particular item. I have a ZR60 and LCD screen suddenly went black. We have not used this camcorder that much over the last 3 years (have about 6-7 complete tapes) and it would cost over 200.00 to repair so the ZR85 was recommended for close to the cost of repair(the batteries and tapes would fit the same, etc). THANKS for the info on this camcorder! I think we will continue to look (maybe Sony?). Consumer reports says repairs are higher on the Canon's than any other camcorder....

Great Mini Dig Vid Cam
This cam works great and never had any problems with mine. Great deal even contains a microchip for color etc that only high end camcorders have but itsn't really mentioned.

DONT BUY
I bought this recorder, and used it here and there for special occations, now the camera stopped working.Just a white screen to look at.I hear the camera just stop working, it shows on the lcd for about 10 secs then white.Worthless piece of equipment.Should of bought the exteneded warrenty, would of made my money back on that one.This baby is going to the bottom of the trach can.GO SONY ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Canon Optura 10 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, 2.5-inch LCD screen, and advanced photo capabilities.Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 1.33-megapixel CCD
• 16x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 320x) and image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Advanced photo features and simultaneous photo recording
• Record for up to 1 hour and 55 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (3)

It's not the motor noise that's annoying...
    I just bought this camera a month ago, refurbished, directly from Canon, and the motor noise can be heard, but it could be heard on regular Hi-8, Digi-8's, too.But there's software that can remove the motor whining noises (Studio v9.0 can, and that's just off the top of my head, so I'm sure there are more).And from my experience, it wasn't even that loud (I usually record in situations where there's a lot of audio feedback, so I couldn't even hear it).
Everything ok except...
except the motor noise heard on the tape, its really annoying

Excellent Buy
I have purchased this product after checking no. of other makes and models like jvc,sony etc etc.Features I like the most areRead more

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.0-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 220x) and image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Make MPEG-4 movies and send them straight to your computer
• Record for up to 75 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (9)

Great Family Camcorder, but in low light. . .
I bought this camcorder in the fall of 2003 (it is Jan 2005 as I write this).We bought it to take with us on our trip to Disney World.It replaced our Sony 8mm Steady Shot camcorder that we bought back in 1994.I wanted a camcorder that was small enough to pack into a belt pack.The old 8mm required a good-sized camera bag that was a pain to lug around places like Disney World.
Great camera with certain limitations
I bought this camera just a day before my trip to Alaska and it worked out great. Since there was not much time to read the thick manual, the controls were intuitive enough to operate. The video quality was great. Fantastic Digital Camera Choice
I would highly recommend this camera to anyone who is in the market for a camcorder.I purchased the optura 300 several months ago and have been utilizing it heavily ever since. The camera takes excellent movies of both indoor and outdoor events.I could not be happier with my choice.I did purchase a longer-lived battery which has worked out well.I keep the standard battery charged as a backup, but the larger battery has never died on me even during days that I shot a significant amount of footage.Read more

Editorial Review

Hi8 technology has been ignored lately because of the digital revolution, but price-conscious buyers can still find great picture quality and feature-laden Hi8 camcorders, and the Canon ES8400V is no exception. Some of its many features include a large 2.5-inch LCD screen, color viewfinder, built-in video light, time base corrector for a more accurate picture, preset titling, and digital effects such as art, black and white, sepia, negative, and 16:9 screen ratio.Read more

Features

• Hi8 camcorder
• 22x optical, 700x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• Color LCD monitor and black & white EVF
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery
• Includes power adapter, wireless controller, A/V cable, and shoulder strap

Reviews (20)

as above
I also was upset about the lack of a wireless controller, and my trunk ceased closing just after a year. Disgusted.

Good at the start, then after some use it failed
I found mechanical problems in this camcorder. There is no wireless controller!
I just wanted to tell you that I didn't recieve any Wireless controller. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. es-8400, es 8400, 8400, es8400   

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder takes video and stills and connects effortlessly to your computer, TV, or VCR
• 22x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 440x) 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 (8)

Works great except in low light.
I am pretty happy with this camera. It works will outdoors. Indoor/low light is not that great. Then again, I was looking for the smallest camera with a 22x zoom. No regrets.

Great BUT one thing
well...the camcorder is great and i love the size and shape of it . I have had it for 1 week and my LCD is always so blurry so i thought maybe it's just the Lcd so I connected the camcoder to the T.V and it is still blurry. The good thing is I think it has great sound and recording is just one really simple step. I like the camcorder except the fact that the screen is blurry. I am wondering if the screen is blurry just because it is new...I'm not that sure but...I love the Canon brand.

Good for Simple Projects, Kids
These cameras are very user-friendly. I teach video classes for children ages 8-15 and even the youngest of the group are able to pick them up and go. They capture the best images when used outside; image quality is significantly sacrificed indoors when using automatic mode. They seem to be fairly durable but inconsistently so. Of the handful we have at work, one has started dropping frames during import (into iMovie, FinalCut, and Premeire) while the others do not. It is frustrating that you cannot utilize auto-focus with some of the special effects. Also, the digital steady-cam is pretty useless. All in all, it is not a good camera for extemely important or professional quality footage. However, for kids who want to document their new skateboard tricks, or learn how to make movies using their home PC, or for vacations and stuff like that, it is a good camera with a fair price. It is small, easy to operate, and fun. PERFECT for mini-filmmakers.
Read more

Editorial Review

The Canon XL1 is helping to blur the line between consumer and professional video equipment. Though it's small enough to carry around and doesn't cost much more than a top-of-the-line consumer camcorder, the XL1 produces such high-quality results that many independent filmmakers have started using it instead of a traditional film camera. Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• Broadcast-quality 3 CCD Mini DV camcorder
• Interchangeable lenses--can use Canon EOS SLR lenses with adapter
• Pixel-shift technology enhances image quality
• Included lens features optical image stabilization
• PCM digital stereo audio

Reviews (10)

BEWARE OF FRAUD
Beware of anyone selling these cameras at below retail price.I just got screwed out of $2100 as a result.
XL-1 IS A FINE TOY FOR ALL
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A PRO to use this camera.But shop around for the best price and don't buy from grey markets.Be sure the dealer is authorized by Canon. This is not a toy!!!
I have owned one of these for over a year and a half and love this thing. I work at a full digital TV station with a the latest equipment and the first thing I did was do a side by side comparo against a ...Panasonic DVCPRO broadcast camera. The technicians and cameramen were shocked at the image being equal to their cameras. When we explored the camera further and found the ability to also use the ANTON BAUER battery packs it only got better. They looked at the lens quality and lens swapping ability, plenty of manual setting available for video and audio, hundreds of accesories for the proshooter, and the frame mode made it shine brighter in their eyes. The general manager and chief engineer evaluated the camera and said at the same time "imagine what this could do for our budget!".I use this camera for personal use and have also used it for news gathering, Many requests from the news department have come my way to go on a shoot due to lack of cameras. If you are looking for a camcorder to have many bells and whistles, this is not for you. This is a serious tool. I have read reviews where it dosent take very good still pictures, it lacks the LCD viewer!, It wont shoot in total darkness or see through womens clothes. They forget serious shooters have a main priority in their camera and that is the choice of different lenses. No current consumer camcorder has a interchangable lens system. Something to remember many tools have the ability to do many tasks but they never exceed at one.The Canon XL1 EXCEEDS at shooting video to a professional level.... ... Read more

Editorial Review

Canon's sleek and compact ZR25 MC camcorder provides almosteverything you need to shoot both beautiful footage and digital s