Camcorders > Canon Camcorders > 20 - 30x

Advantages: Picture quality, interface/functionability, weight, size
Disadvantages: Sound quality, can't charge and mains power simultaneously

...a problem with many videocameras. Canon have concentrated on the lens and semi-professional, to professional functions on this camera and have not cluttered it with effects. It has many handy functions such as Zebra (which you can adjust the sensitivity on) which allows you to set your exposure to the right levels, preventing brilliant white. It also has all of your standard functions such as white balance (Manual and Auto), Exposure (Manual and ...
...XLR) or by buying a canon DM-50 microphone attachment. Neither of these can be done for less than £130 at present to the best of my knowledge. With the camera you get standard accessories such as a remote control, battery pack, battery pack charger, mains connection, drivers and manual. The Mains connection is easy to damage as the lead comes out of the battery attachment upwards meaning it is constantly being bent over itself and can be damaged ... Read review

Advantages: Interchageable lens system, 2xXLR inputs built in, adjustable viewfinder position
Disadvantages: Not good for low light performance, bulky when compared to consumer units, not HD

The Canon XL2 is the pro-sumer miniDV camcorder that is most often spotted on the sets of low budget and independent films. Not because it is a cheap option, but because for a fraction of the cost of a professional rig, you can deliver the same results. SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT SPECS: 1/3" Progressive Scan 3CCD image sensor PAL & NTSC versions available TTL Autofocus and Manual focus ring 20x optical zoom Min focus distance 20mm on wide macro ...
...have the entire range of Canon photographic lenses at your fingertips, a necessity for specialist shooting like nature documentary and astrological study. However, it is important to remember that the lens is probably the most expensive part of a modern camera, so this coupled with the high quality of Canon lenses in general, could lead to an expensive sink for the gadget hungry director. If like most end users you plan to keep this on full auto ... Read review

Advantages: Excelent record quality, Compact, Easy to use
Disadvantages: No USB, not so good in low light, Operating buttons are small and fiddly

...heavy handed. As with other Canon models the lens cover is built into the main body which a) ensures that the lens has maximum protection, and b) there is no chance of it being left behind anywhere. One of the more obvious advantages of this particular model is the fact that it records direct to DVD Mini disk. Recording times vary depending upon the choice of 3 different quality of recording settings. The lowest setting will give a recording time ...
...quality is superb from the Canon DC100, it does not cope quite so well in low light conditions. Whilst the spec does say it will operate in low light, the picture quality is dramatically reduced. Dependant on how you want use the camera, it should be noted that the DC100 does not have a zero light or infra red facility that is offered on some other manufacturers. Another minor point is that the menu and function buttons on the side of the camera ... Read review

Advantages: Good quality, easy to use
Disadvantages: Low battery life, pricey accessories

--Overview and Spec-- The Canon MV890 is a camcorder that boasts such specs as 700x zoom (actually only 22x of this is optical and therefore useful) and widescreen video capture, 16:9 resolution as well as special effects. --Starting Up and Recording-- Firstly you'll have to charge the battery, which'll probably take a bit longer than usual but is necessary if you don't want a defective battery later on which runs out about half as quickly as ...
...easy but automated, so you would need to be careful not to force the deck shut as it does it automatically. You then adjust the 'dioptric lever' which is just to make the camera come into focus, and then you can do the normal stuff like adjusting the strap (which is comfortable for all hand sizes). The cam only has 3 'modes' - Play(back), Off, Camera. It's as simple as that, and they are easy to access when you're holding it. There's a zoom lever ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to use, many features for different light situations.
Disadvantages: Poor battery life, microphone picks up too much wind noise.

I bought the Canon MV940 Camcorder after my previous camcorder was broken in an accident. I wanted something that would be easy to use and would be reliable. I am pleased to say that it has met those expectations and more over a period of 18 months and shows no sign of problems. Features Widescreen display & recording 25X Optical Zoom 800X Digital Zoom Still image capture mode Multi-program settings Ease of use The Camcorder can be use to ...
...just as well as the canon product. The other downside is the built-in microphone which tends to pick up on wind noise rather too much. On a windy day background noise can get almost obliterated by the roar of wind over the mic. Conclusions A great little cam if you just want one for the hols or to film the kids but if you want to be more professional this isn't the one for you. ... Read review