Canon DC40 4.3MP DVD Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

The camera boasts lots of features & a decent price, however Canon has omitted one very important feature that is very crucial 2 some users such as myself- It has no ability (per the Canon Service Reps) 2 have the video pass- thru without having the on-screen data shown on the recieving end (such as on a video switcher). The only way 2 get that data off is 2 RECORD your video. We needed 2 use the camera 4 sending a live video feed, but alas, we were not able 2 get the on screen info 2 not show on the final feed destination. The Canon rep said that this is the only video camera that he has seen without the proper menu options 2 correct this.

Other than that, the video quality appeard 2 be very nice.

THIS IS MY FIRST CAMCORDER BUT IVE SEEN SEVERAL DIFFERENT ONES. BUT THIS CAMCORDER OUT RATES ANY OF IT.. YOU CAN DO SO MUCH WITH IT WITHIN THE CAMCORDER OR ON TO YOUR COMPUTER.. YOU JUST HAVE TO READ THE BOOK CAREFULLY.. THIS IS THE BEST DVD CAMCORDER AND I SUGGEST YOU GET ONE..

I bought a DC40 in Feb, 2007. From the first day, I found that I couldn't transfer the vedio from the camcorder 2 PC. I thought that it may be the problem of software, I contacted the Roxio, which is the manufacturer of software. It was very difficult 2 get support from Roxio. After many trys, they didn't tell me what was wrong, & stopped responding my questions.

I read the manual carefully, but couldn't find any answers 4 the problem. I just gave up.

In the middle of July, I found that the camcorder was dead, couldn't be charged. I called Canon. It was easy 2 get some one on phone 2 talk to. I was told 2 mail it or drop it 2 the nearest repair center. I dropped it 2 a repair center just 20 mins away.

The young lady of repair center took the camcorder, & told me that it may be the charger didn't work. The problem of transfering vedio may be caused from the same part of camcorder. I was told that it should be fixed in 5 business days.

I received the call from repair center after 8 business days. I went there 2 pick up, the girl gave the fixed camcorder. I tried 2 use it right after I got out the door, but it was not working. I found that the battery was missing. The girl couldn't find the battery. She gave me a new one. I tried 2 charge the battery after I got home, it was not working. I had 2 go back with the AC adapter. It was the defective of the adapter. Now it is working, charging battery & importing the vedio 2 PC from the camcorder.

I may be just unlucky.

The Canon DC40 is a great camera in all levels of light. I just got back from Disney & filmed the fireworks show. I've never had any luck filming things like this but with this camera set on the special "Fireworks" setting it looked as good as the firework shows you see on TV. Daytime movies came out fantastic as well. The camera feels sturdy & I have no fear of it breaking. Takes really sharp vivid color photos. The option 2 take pictures while you film video is pretty cool but the photos don't come out as good as when you take the photos by themselves. The one problem I have with it is that it picks up a lot of wind sound. I glued a very small piece of foam, kinda like what is on earbuds, on the mic & it cut down on the noise quite a bit with no loss 2 voices & sounds. If your budget won't allow you 2 go hi-def then this is the cam 4 you.

I've had this camera 4 6 mos. now. This is a great option 4 those not wanting 2 carry two different cameras. Switching between video & still is quick & easy. The quality of the pictures & video are superior 2 others. My brothers own comparables Sonys & a Panasonic. Pictures/Video are better on this; however... The video editing software leaves much 2 be desired. And the very low light video is better on the Sony. Other than that I would choose this camera vs. the others. The best part is that the wives agree; the Cannon is easier 2 use, more comfortable 2 hold & takes better pictures.

Take this on your next vacation or outing! The DC40 digital camcorder gives you all the convenience & functionality of DVD technology, which includes a wide array of options 4 shooting & sharing your video. Only 3" (8cm) in diameter, the DC40's DVD -R/-RW discs are compatible with most DVD players & can store up 2 30 minutes of video in standard mode & 60 minutes of video in long play mode. That's 120 minutes on a double-sided disc! With the DC40's DVD technology, you no longer have 2 worry about mistakenly taping over a once-in-a-lifetime piece of video. Whenever your shoot, the DC40 automatically records onto a blank part of the DVD. The DC40's DVD functionality also makes it possible 4 you 2 review your footage quickly & easily without the bother of rewind or fast-forward searching. With the camcorder's Visual Index, you can review your footage at a glance & play the selection you want. You can even select shots & arrange them into a playlist. It's like editing your video right in your camcorder! What's more, the finalization process 4 these DVDs is quick & easy. It's just one more reason why you'll love recording direct 2 DVD with your DC40.

The DC40 records true High Resolution Widescreen 4 picture perfect video. Canon's Widescreen HR Mode uses the entire width of the image sensor, capturing true 16:9 widescreen. Not only that, but the big, 2.7" LCD screen lets you see exactly what you're recording. A 10x optical zoom lens plus up 2 200x digital zoom enhancement & optical image stabilization make video & still imaging especially easy & fun. With Canon's DoubleShot technology & the DC40's many advanced photo features, you get both a digital video camcorder & digital still camera -- all rolled into one. What's more, the DC40's photo features make it a still camera that rivals other state-of-the-art digital cameras.