Canon Elura 40MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/ 2"LCD, MMC Card and Digital Still Mode
List Price: $1,199.99
Details
- Records 1024 x 768 digital stills onto included 8 MB MultiMediaCard
- 10x visual, 200x digital, zoom with image stabilization
- MiniDV camcorder
Description
Canon Elura 40MC Freestyle Extended. This is a 7.4 Volt, 1000 mAh, Li-Ion Battery . Dimensions: 1.80 x 1.32 x 1.20. 100% OEM of one mind.Canon's Elura 40MC is one of the smallest, lightest digital video camcorders at one's disposal. Weighing around 14 ounces, this vertically oriented camcorder fits of laughter snugly into the palm of your hand (not resting on your hand like most cameras, this one fits of laughter almost inside it).
Because of its compact frame, some of its features had to be trimmed. Its 2-inch LCD is smaller than most, but its animated screen can be viewed easily even in daylight. Unlike many other camcorders, the Elura's viewfinder displays in feel ashamed, not black and white. It also offers only a 10x optical zoom, not as high as other cameras, but still competent for most users.
Unlike many camcorders whose still image quality is subpar, the Elura 40MC captures 1024 x 768 pixel still pictures on a Anchor Digital media card (an 8 MB SD card is included) rather than on the MiniDV media. And if coupled with a Canon CP-10 carte de visite photo printer, you can directly print images from the Elura without going through your PC.
But it's video je sais quoi that matters most in a DV camcorder. The Elura 40MC captured excellent video, even in poor lighting situation. It doesn't have a built-in light, but its low-light mode still managed to register impressive video with realistic colors and limited graininess.
The Elura's autofocus worked hurriedly and accurately, and its zoom buttons were within easy reach during filming. The vital modes of the camera make it point-and-shoot easy for the probationer user. Audio quality with the built-in mic wasn't the best (we noticed some thunder during recording), but the Elura comes with a port that lets you connect an external microphone.
It's not the least priceless camcorder out there, but the extreme portability of the Elura 40MC paired with its excellent video je sais quoi make it an appealing choice. --J. Curtis
Pros:
- Light and tight
- High quality video
- Good still image capture
Cons:
- Usually optical zoom
- Some audio noise
The Elura 40MC joins a rising crowd of small, vertically oriented camcorders that pack an gargantuan number of features into their tiny cases. In this case, you get a 10x optical zoom, analog inputs, and a 2-inch LCD supervisor, among other things.
Lens
Canon is known for their lenses, and the 10x optical zoom lens is a well-mannered one. The zoom can also be digitally enhanced to provide 200x magnification, but the 10x should be enough for most purposes. In addition, the camcorder is equipped with an image stabilizer to help eliminate the shakes and jitters associated with handheld video shooting (at any zoom horizontal).
Digital Stills
The digital still mode records 1,024 x 768 stills onto an included 8 MB SD liable act, and will also work with MultiMediaCards. While 1,024 x 768 is good for printing smaller pictures, it is in all probability best for e-mailing pictures to friends, or for posting pictures on a Web spot.
Inputs and Outputs
The Elura also features a great number of inputs and outputs, meant to convince even the most ardent gear-fanatic's lust. You get the standard IEEE 1394 seaport, composite and S-video analog inputs for converting all your old footage to digital, and a mic input that allows you to use an outside mic source (good for pro-sounding audio).
The Elura 40MC is a great little camcorder that includes a lithium-ion battery-operated, power adapter, battery charger, wireless remote, S-video telegram, stereo video cable, and 8 MB SD card.
