Canon DC210 DVD Camcorder (35x Opt, 1000x Dig, 2.7

Canon DC210

DC210 DVD Camcorder (35x Opt, 1000x Dig, 2.7 Review, by John Poultney May 19, 2007

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• Latest User Reviews 1 review
• Reviewed by: suzleigh

  Duration of ownership: 8 Days

  Strengths: If you want a DVD camcorder to shoot videos, make VERY minor edits from the camcorder itself, and then drop in your DVD player -- the DC210 is okay. It's easy to use, despite the poorly written user guide.

  Weaknesses: After talking with Canon, I found out that they chose not to inform their users, or even their retailers, that the output video format in VR mode is "VRO" -- a very new (at least as of Mar/Apr 07) format. Users CANNOT edit their videos without conversion software -- which, according to Canon reps, WILL NOT be provided on the Canon site. And, this format is so new, I had difficulty finding conversion software and I was unable to find freeware to convert the VRO video files (get ready to pay between $15-$25 for conversion shareware -- in addition to DC210'S $340-$400 pricetag). Canon does not provide ANY software for this camcorder -- their reason: the camcorder is ONLY intended for point-shoot-play. Note: Canon didn't even bother addressing the new "VRO" format in the user manual that came in the box or the PDF file on their site (the term itself isn't in their documentation).

  Overall: During my last conversation with a Canon rep, my message was basically "shame on you." Canon has obviously chosen to ignore rapidly increasing consumer interest in video editing, the credit for this going to Microsoft, Pinnacle, and others, who have given us some good, simple tools to do creative editing on home and/or amature videos. Canon totally missed the boat on this one. They could have packaged a decent camcorder with, at minimum, some conversion software and a better user-guide, thus encouraging their customers to get out there and shoot lots and lots of video for sharing, presentations, and so on, which I intend to do -- with a Sony, JVC, or other camcorder. I'm giving 1 star to Canon only because the DC210 does do what they wanted it to do. Canon gets an 'F-minus' for not shelling out a few extra cents for each camcorder sold to ensure customers have conversion software, and subsequently the capability to easily edit their creations with inexpensive, easy-to-use movie/video editing software.

• Reviewed by: ppitono

  Strengths: Reasonably priced, 35x optical zoom, easy to use

  Weaknesses: short battery life, low voice recording

  Overall: This is a pretty basic DVD camcoder. It gives a very good quality standard definition recording. There is no software available because it is only for point-shoot-play. The movie can not be edited, which is a bummer but if you are just planning to shoot and and then play it in your DVD, this is perfect. The camcorder with more features but the same quality will not be priced below $200 like this one.

• Reviewed by: davidnewt

  Strengths: Strength: larger optical zoom; easy to use; compact size; large LCD screen; lens cover; 16:9 video.

  Weaknesses: Low-light video quality is not good; not easy to finalize the DVD disk; No video editting software provided; No shoulder strip.

  Overall: Basically this is a very good and affordable camcorder. The 35x optical zoom is very useful. The lens cover design is very unique and protect the lens very well. The size is small and just the right size for regular hand. LCD screen is large. The 16:9 video is good for new LCD/Plasma TVs. No editting software is provided. It is difficult to put two minDVD into one regular DVD (some shareware software is needed). The low-light video quality is not good. For the price I paid, I am very satisfied.

• Reviewed by: afrugal1

  Strengths: Easy to Use

  Weaknesses: *

  Overall: Good value for what you get. Compact and easy to carry. I am a novice and was able to pick up using this camcorder in no time. Lighting for night time use is not that great.

• Reviewed by: dennghi

  Strengths: affordable and easy-to-operate

  Weaknesses: The audio recording isn't great. From a distance of about 5-6 feet.

  Overall: You CANNOT edit their videos without conversion software -- which, according to Canon reps, WILL NOT be provided on the Canon site. And, this format is so new, I had difficulty finding conversion software and I was unable to find freeware to convert the VRO video files.

• Reviewed by: kyahai

  Strengths: DVD storage, 2.7" LCD, Compactness

  Weaknesses: No lighting for night time photos.

  Overall: Its good camcorder at this price. Easy to carry.The audio recording isn't great. From a distance of about 5-6 feet, you'll have difficulty hearing someone who is not projecting their voice.