Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon Elura 2MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

The Canon Elura 2MC MiniDV camcorder is a marvel of technology. It packs several great features (progressive CCD for great image quality, firewire output, up to 40X zoom, digital effects, etc.) into the smallest camcorder commonly available. Rather than repeating several of the great points mentioned by other reviewers, I'd like to elaborate on two specific details:

1) Size: The incredibly small size of this camcorder will absolutely change the way you film events - rather than spending a majority of your attention on the camcorder when filming a scene, the camcorder almost disappears in your palm and allows you to concentrate on your subject - and not on the act of capturing the moment.

2) Progressive scan CCD: The design of the image capture system means that every frame is captured completely. This differs from other CCD designs that captures half of the pixels each frame and combines two sets to create a still image. The Progressive scan system makes for crisp video images and clearer stills.

A couple of Pro's:

- The manual is clear, detailed and well laid-out.

- The camcorder comes with a battery charger than can hold multiple batteries (although it only charges one at a time).

A couple of con's which should provide only minor annoyance:

- The camcorder does not dome with the 4-pin to 6-pin firewire cable that is required for computer connectivity. While I was able to purchased one for only $15.99, why isn't one included?

- The memory that holds still images (Canon's own MultiMediaCard) is proprietary, and replacement/expansions for this memory is difficult to find (and can't be ordered from Canon's website). I would have preferred either of two popular formats: SmartMedia or CompactFlash.

- Battery life is quite short (using the 2.5" display, the battery is done after only 40 mins). While this is required to reduce size, any sort of extended use will require several batteries.

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Overall, this camcorder sets the standard for all of Canon's competitors to meet. It's size advantage is even more impressive because this camcorder has all of the functionality of it's larger competition and more. This is a great camcorder for family/personal use - only those individuals whom need very high-end functionality (triple CCD or advanced white balancing) will need to look elsewhere.

Wow, talk about small! I compared it to the Sony PC-100 mini DV before I bought the Elura 2 online -- its roughly half the size of the Sony, with the same size (2.5") LCD screen. I bought it for the promise of quality video and stills from its progressive scan CCD -- the Sony PC-100 doesn't have this feature. It basically allows a full 680k pixel image on each frame of video (and stills too) while most other cameras take interlaced images -- only half the lines of each image per frame. Anyway, it certainly doesn't disappoint. Video taken in daylight or otherwise bright settings are so clear, I found myself with my nose to the TV screen to see if I could pick up any noise, snow or artifacts. There was none. One caveat: images taken in less than ideal light, like at home at night with normal artificial lighting, results in images roughly equivalent to my old Hi8 in similar light. That is, in low light situations, there is noticeable noise and muting of colors. Except for this one shortcoming which may be common in other cameras, I would definitely give it 5 stars. I am extremely happy with its super compactness, optics, ease of use, and overall performance. I easily hooked it up to my computer through a Firewire connection (requires purchase of additional accessories), and editing family movies was a snap and trouble free. Unless you shoot mostly in low light, this is about as close to the ideal consumer camcorder as you'll find.

The ultimate consumer grade digital camcorder currently available. The Elura 2 MC offers both superb camcorder features and the ability to record photos on either tape or multimedia cards. You can even transfer photos from tape to multimedia card. It has every bell and whistle for editing and dubbing video and audio. Progressive scan allows for great rapid action pictures. One of its best features is its size. It is amazingly compact but all controls are easily usable and accessible. Menus are clear and easy to operate. Its small size ensures that it will find a home in any jacket pocket, purse, briefcase or tote. Unlike the Sony products, it does not use proprietary accessories so that you aren't locked into a single provider and don't need to be concerned about being to move to a different product in the future. (Sony should have learned its lesson from Betamax). The Elura 2 MC is the digital camcorder equivalent of the digital Powershot S-100 Elph camera. Way cool and totally functional covering all bases.

After 2 months of researching "small" camcorders I bought the Canon Elura2 MC. I am planning a backpacking trip through Europe for 3 weeks and needed something as small as possible w/o sacrificing quality. I checked the JVC (but quickly removed from my short list due to bad reviews), the Sony DCR-PC5/9 and the Canon. Based on the reviews the Sony and Canon were both on top of my list and I didn't think I could go wrong with either so I went to Good Guys to look at them in person. After handling both the decision was easy.

Pros:

- The Canon seemed to have a better video quality but what sold me were the ergonomics of the Canon. Sony's was HORRIBLE! I couldn't place my hand anywhere without covering something and risk accidentally pressing buttons. Plus, the Sony was not comfortable to hold because the corners were "sharp" where my fingers were located. Canon did an excellent job with the ergonomics and button placement.

- Video quality was excellent. The detail and colors, especially outdoors, exceeded my expectations. Indoor, low light quality was much better than my 8mm and was adequate in my eyes. It did have a bit of graininess to it. It was comparable to the Sony.

- Locating a mic jack, s-video connection, and audio/video connection on the docking station was a great idea. I just leave it plugged into my tv and screw in the camcorder whenever I want to view it on the tv ... no more getting everything out and hooking it up.

- The view screen is adequate in size. I checked out the new JVC with a 2" screen and it was too small to watch what was taped. - Excellent build quality.

Gripes:

- can be TOO small for those with big hands

- Sound quality is not as good as "traditional" horizontal camcorders. The mic is on top and pics up the noises to the rear and sides better than the front. The voices in front sound subdued.

- Battery life is short. 45 minutes with the slim battery using the lcd. Get an aftermarket 2 hour battery because it doesn't stick out as far as Canon's 3 hour battery. I bought 2 and it has met my needs.

Great camcorder and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a small camcorder. But ... be sure to check them out yourself at your local store before buying. The size of the camera is smaller than my early 90's 35mm point and shoot and you WILL want to take it everywhere with you.

The size and shape of this camcorder is amazing! The finish is beautiful and elegant. This pocket size camcorder takes great video and the color is excellent. There are a few things it can do better: 1. Low light situations looks good but can do better. 2. Still pics are good for email or web but resolution is still low comparing to megapixel camera. 3. Battery last about 40-55 minutes (using lcd and viewfinder), but this is expected from such a tiny and thin battery. Despite few negatives, this is still a great camcorder to have and it is so tiny that will amazes you everytime you see it. Beautiful and awesome camcorder to travel around with. If you do decide, be sure to buy at least 2 extra batteries and get a MMC reader using usb.