Canon Elura 65 MiniDV Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom


Product Feature
- 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
Product Description
1.33-megapixel CCD * 16:9 widescreen video mode * digital photo mode * photo resolution options: 1280 x 960; 640 x 480 * Motion JPEG movie mode * SD Card slot for use with MultiMediaCards or SD (Secure Digital) memory cards * 2-1/2" color viewscreen * color viewfinder * PCM stereo digital audio (12-bit or 16-bit) * variable-speed 16X optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 320X) * Image Stabilizer * auto and manual focus * Program AE modes, including Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, and Low Light * Night, Super Night and Night Plus modes for low-light shooting * digital effects and scene transitions * IEEE 1394 digital A/V jack * microphone input * advanced accessory shoe * Exif Print (2.2) compatibility for digital photos * direct photo printing with PictBridge-capable printers * video streaming to PC via IEEE 1394 for online videoconferencing (both parties must have compatible Canon cams and Windows XP) * A/V input/output, including S-video * USB interface (2.0-compliant) * 2-15/16"W x 3-1/8"H x 5-1/8"D * weight: 1.1 lbs. without battery * warranty: 1 year (90 days video head)Canon Elura 65 MiniDV Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom Review
I was a complete novice in this business (I still am to be honest). I wanted a good camera to keep video track of my fast-growing newborn son. I went after the user comments and reviews of people that knew better, on Amazon, epinions.com and every other place I could find. I quickly decided on a miniDV, and ruled out Sony - the good ones were expensive and I still needed to have some money to obtain baby formula! I settled on Canon Elura 60, but decided finally to go for the Elura 65 because of the true 16:9 widescreen recording feature. The Elura 70 appeared nice, but cost close to $100 extra and the difference between the 65 and 70 were mainly that of the wide telephoto lens and bigger battery included with the 70. The 70 also had 18x optical zoom, the 65 had 16x and the 60 14x. Other than these the cameras were basically the same. I was not sure I would need the telephoto lens, and I knew I would later get a couple of extra batteries anyway, so I stuck with the 65.I have no regrets.
I had never owned a camcorder, but I have had no problems whatsoever with this one. It's light-weight, compact and very very easy to use. I've done some recordings while standing, and the images appeared remarkably steady, thanks to the image stabilising feature. The images are crisp and clear when played back on our widescreen tv, using either the S-cable or the included stereo video cable. I have not experienced any background noise or motor noise as noted in an earlier review.
My hands are small, and my husband's are big, but we are both comfortable with the Elura 65. It powers on quickly. The buttons are easy to reach - record/pause, switch on/off and even the menu buttons. I especially love to use the zoom during the priceless toothless grin or yawn moment, with the zoom button right at my index finger. The included SD memory card comes in useful for quick stills. The remote access and self-timer function allow me to include myself in the recordings as I'm on my own with my son most of the time. I'm still learning to use the special effects feature so can say little about that. The battery that comes with it seems adequate for now, although I usually use the included power adapter.
The cons I've seen:
1. Images are kind of dim when recorded in low light. I understand this is a problem with many cameras. I plan to obtain the video light. There's a handy hot-shoe feature on this camera for just such accessories.
2. The user manual comes in 3 languages in one volume, so it's kind of bulky. Can be annoying when I want to take the camera with me when I go out. Would be nice to go with the manual just in case some quick check is needed. It's not really an issue however as it's nothing to do with the cam itself.
Overall I would describe this as a very nice middle-range camera for under $500, with enough features to satisfy my needs and keep me from craning my neck with wistful looks at the next high-tech, top-of-the-range camera.
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