Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder

This camera is everything I hoped it would be. I wanted a mini-dv tape format, & there is a dwindling number of those available. I wanted it 2 include a port 4 converting my analog videos 2 digital, & I wanted an external-mic port. Few current camcorders in the under-$400 price range contain these options. The Elura met all these criteria, but I had concerns about its low-light capabilities, since I film a lot of family events indoors. I also had concerns from reviews that slammed it 4 having a high amount of motor noise.
I'm pleased with the quality of the Elura's low-light images. As 4 motor noise, my experience 4 comparison was only with a large VHS format camcorder; it had no problem with motor noise. The motor sound of the Elura 100, while alarmingly noticeable next 2 my ear when recording in quiet settings, is not a significant problem on the recordings. It might be a factor if it were recording a silent scene in a still room, but it has not hurt the sound in any of the situations I have yet used it.
The manual is organized pretty well, & is usually quite clear in giving instructions.

CONS:
Reviewers sometimes mentioned the flimsy port covers, & I have 2 agree. Everyone who handles my camcorder is instructed 2 deal very gently with the port covers, & they have held up so far.
The toggle switch 4 selecting menu options is quite short; it takes a more precise touch than others I tried, but after extra time practicing with it, the user can navigate quickly among the options.
The hand strap is positioned so that the camera flops sideways in the hand if I release my grip on it. It should rest more stably in the hand.

I purchased this camera 4 work & have been satisfied with the results. I interview members of the community 4 our oral history project & video tape them 2 record it. The camera is not professional quality, but on our small museum's budget it does the trick. The images are clear, the camera is easy 2 use & small enough 2 haul around when doing interviews at people's homes. I purchased a firewire connection so I can upload the images onto the computer & make DVDs of the oral histories. They might not be movie quality, but they are good enough 4 displaying in exhibits & 4 researchers 2 access.
If you want this camera 4 home use or other small events I recommend it.

We have had this camera 4 a year, & have been very pleased with how it has worked. It is easy 2 operate, & gives great results. Have noticed only a bit of background motor noise when we have recorded in a very quiet setting (interior locations without any conversation.) While we were somewhat concerned about noise because of other reviews, it has not been a problem. Great battery life.

I was deciding what type of camcorder 2 get & didn't want 2 spend more than $600 on the good stuff nor $200 on some cheap miniDV. I read about the Canon elura 100 many times but the camcorder was out 4 1yr already. I wanted 2 get the latest & greatest thus I purchasing a basic Panasonic DVD camcorder(D230)...boy was that a mistake...I thought I can record onto dvd, pop it in my dvd player & start watching it, or copy the dvd video(vob) onto my desktop 4 editing, but NOoo, it doesn't work like that. After you finish recording the DVD you have 2 finalize within your camcorder while it is plugged in (won't finalize if not plugged in), the process takes about 10-15min 4 a 30min footage, & the finalized DVD is not recognizable by the PC, so you'll end up with tons of DVD-Rs. (no sure if this is true 4 all dvd camcorder or just the panasonic one I got)

Anyhow, I decided 2 go back 2 miniDV (can transfer 2 the PC, easier 2 edit, superior video quality compared 2 DVD & HD camcorders & more compact) I wanted 2 get the Elura but it was discounted, & all the new Canon MiniDV's had worst video performance than the Elura (based on numerous reviews). Also, none of them had 2 LED(don't do much but better than nothing) & built in lenses cover. I was torn. After researching some more I found out about the new Sony DCR-HC48. It is about the same price point as the Elura, about the same size, similar CCD, got a sliding lense cover & it can record in infrared (which I thought was pretty cool)!

I end up buying a refurbished Elura online & a brand new HC48 at local store. First thing I did was 2 test 4 motor noise since so many people complain about it. I took both camcorder 2 the bathroom where the echo is loudest & recorded 1 min footage on each. I then played it back on both camcorder with volume turned 2 the highest, 2 my surprise the Sony camcorder actually had much louder motor noise than the Canon. The Sony had a loud motor noise while the Canon had a light whirling noise.
The canon's video performance was also better, with more accurate color & auto focus. The infrared on the Sony was fun 4 5min, but I don't see any particle use 4 it (unless you either want 2 create some Pariz Hiltxn video with glowing green eyes, or if you want 2 record someone in the dark without the person knowing, but keep in mind the range of the infrared LED is about the same as a regular white LED, the camcorder needs 2 be 3feet away from the subject in order 2 illuminate it in infrared) Anyhow, I kept the refurbished Canon & am happy with the decision. Oh did I also mention that the Elura is the most compact miniDV camcorder in the market? the major downside of the Elura is that is has been discontinued & only refurbished units are available online now.

I am sorely disappointed with this camcorder. Its lighting is not only poor -its erratic !! Sometimes at whatever angle I record, even in bright light, the resulting picture has unpredictable dark & bright lighting. This camera is just not worth it. The rewind & forward operations are plain frustrating. JVC wins hands down anyday!

Around the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing, & superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception.The Elura family of camcorders offers a wide variety of advanced, yet easy-to-use features that make them perfect 4 capturing all of life's moments. The Eluras are the most affordable of Canon's Megapixel camcorders & give you both vivid video & brilliant digital photographs. They make it easy 2 share memories with family & friends.With the Elura 100, you get all the flexibility & versatility of the Elura line, plus an impressive optical & digital zoom range, Double Shot technology 4 great video & digital photos, new features like Smooth Zoom & Level Shot, plus features found on more expensive camcorders. You also get an easy-to-read menu system 4 simple operation. And an omni-selector joystick that lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure & menu options with a single controller. All this - in a stylish, affordable, easy-to-carry camcorder.