Canon Elura -- Is It The Perfect Digital Camcorder?
Written: Jul 25 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Ease of Use: |
 |
|
| Durability: |
|
|
| Battery Life: |
|
|
| Movie Quality: |
|
|
|
Pros: Image quality is as good as DVD, superb lighting, excellent editing options and PC connectivity, professional quality video in a tiny size
Cons: Steep price ($1400 US MSRP)
|
|
|
| rahulm's Full Review: Canon Elura MiniDV Camcorder w/ LCD |
Introduction
After over a month of research, I finally decided on the Canon Elura MiniDV Digital Camcorder to tape my family with. In my research, I planned on purchasing a device that would be used exclusively for personal usage, but that would also provide me with professional quality images.
Another major consideration in the research process was to find a camcorder that would allow the widest array of editing options, including the ability to edit options on my computer using various software packages.
After all things considered, my final decision was made—I purchased the Canon Elura, which I feel provides me with the most complete feature set. Despite its extremely steep price, the camcorder will offer any individual professional quality images, plus the ability to edit the most cherished moments, making them look better!
Image Quality
Compared to a conventional analog camcorder, the Elura boasts far superior image quality. So good, in fact, that is comparable (and depending on the connections to your TV. better in some cases) than that of DVD.
The Elura uses a storage media known as MiniDV. Essentially, data (video, still images, and sound) are stored on a tape that is approximately the same size as conventional camcorder tape, but in fact is digital. This means that the storage is actually magnetized, and does not impress data physically onto the tape reel.
There are several benefits, and a few disadvantages to MiniDV technology. The most important benefit to note is that image quality is exceptional. Additionally, one gets superior image quality without a loss of recording time, as even very long tapes are relatively cheap (though still more expensive than non-digital tapes). Another cool feature of MiniDV tapes is that, because there is no physical contact on the tape, there is less chance of it wearing out, leading to a longer average life. However, as is the case with all magnetic based storage devices, MiniDV tapes could potentially be ruined by extremely strong magnetic forces (though I’ve never heard of this happening, it’s a possibility).
Specifically, the Canon Elura utilizes MiniDV technology beautifully. One of the most impressive features of the camcorder that I have noticed is its incredibly accurate light compensation. By ‘light compensation,’ I am referring to a built-in automated system that adds extra light to a recording when necessary, or removes it when not necessary. Though this may seem like nothing more than a novel idea, it is actually incredibly useful. How many times has that perfect beach shot of your kids been ruined because the atmosphere is so bright, and your kids simply appear as dark silhouettes? Well, the Elura will automatically provide enough light to be able to see faces if focused on them, even with extremely strong backlighting (i.e. the sun). Pretty cool, eh?
Overall, I would rate the Elura perfectly in terms of image quality. With digital MiniDV storage comparable in quality to that of DVD, one can’t go wrong with the Elura when looking at performance alone.
Ease of Use and Interface
Another huge issue that had to be dealt with in choosing the right camera for me was ease of use. I wanted a device that everyone in my family would be able to use easily. Even myself, speaking from the perspective of a relatively technologically savvy individual, did not want an overly complex device. On the other hand, I was startlingly aware of the fact that normally as easy of use increases, the overall feature set of the product will decrease.
While demo-ing the Elura at my local electronics store, I made sure that I would be able to turn the camcorder on and off in an instant, and that it did not take more than a few seconds to load up initially. The Elura easily met these criteria.
Later, after purchasing the camcorder, I discovered that all of the basic functions of the camcorder were easily accessible for the average user. These important features, which I felt had to be easy to use, included: On/off, record, pause, zoom in/out, and play (to review what had been captured on tape). Once again, I quickly discovered the Elura to be unusually intuitive, as it was able to perform these functions quickly, easily, and flawlessly.
The on screen user interface is equally easy to understand and use, with the LCD display being easy to read and understand in almost all circumstances. Overall, the Elura is undoubtedly the easiest camcorder I have ever used.
Image Review and Editing Capabilities
The Elura includes several options in terms of reviewing and editing the videos that you capture to tape. Initially, new users will likely stick with simply taping what they want, and then hooking the camcorder up to their television through the video/audio in ports. However, is it intelligent to purchase a camera for over a thousand dollars and then not milk it for every feature it has? No. Did I plan on not doing so? Being a power user, of course I was going to squeeze every ounce of power out of this tiny miracle!
Rest assured, the Elura is incredibly easy to hook up to your television and replay videos. Additionally, one may easily review footage on the LCD display that is on the Elura. However, for us power users, editing our home footage to make it look as professional as possible is a must!
Though I despise any company that sells a device expecting users to buy an accessory that is seemingly needed for maximum performance out of the device, I will make an exception to Canon, as it would be ludicrous to include a PC connectivity kit with a camcorder (Or is it? Who knows…)
Regardless, a few days after purchasing the Elura, I went out and bought the Canon DV Capture Kit, which is specifically designed for users to interface with still and motion video through their PC’s. The kit was easy to set up, and after a few wires were plugged into my computer and I ran through the software installation wizard, I was ready to start editing on my computer.
The kit includes MGI PhotoSuite, a relatively powerful photo manipulation software package (though I still prefer Adobe Photoshop 5.5). The most noticeable down side of the Canon DV Capture Kit is that it can only import still images onto your computer (though those still pictures can come from video footage on your MiniDV tapes). I have not yet purchased video importing software, though it does exist at a fairly reasonable price.
Overall Impressions
Essentially, I have nothing but good things to say about the Canon Elura. Anyone who has read other Epinions written by me will know that I will find flaws in anything—however the Elura has relatively few downsides, aside of the steep price. Despite this, one pays for what they receive, and in my opinion the Elura is one of few products that is truly worth its steep price.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1300
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
rahulm
|
|
Member: Anujit Mukherjee
Location: Pittsford, NY
Reviews written: 44
Trusted by: 59 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.