Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon Elura 50 Ultra Compact MiniDV Camcorder with 2"LCD and Memory Capability

Many owners of the Elura 50 have eperienced the dreaded "Eject Cassette" error. It seems that MANY of these cameras are failing within the first two years of ownership with said error message. Canon has acknolwedged the problem and is apparently repairing these cameras at no cost (see Canon USA's web site for details). But my problem is different and it seems that a number of others have seen my problem as well.

I've used the camera a total of 1 to 2 hours over the 19 months I have owned it and it has worked reliably with a good quality image and decent low light sensitivity. It's a little awkward to operate because it's so small but when you get used to it, you can get some nice shots. I used it last around a month ago, when my baby daughter was born and it worked fine.

Today I turned it on and while it powered up fine, I get no image on the LCD screen or on the viewfinder. The menus show up fine, but there is no image from the lens/CCD. It's as if the lens cover were on (but it's not). Ths unit has not been dropped or abused in any way.

Checking on camcorderinfo.com, I have found that many others are experiencing this exact same problem and it seems to occur 12 to 24 months into ownership and particularly on units that are infrequently used. I did purchase an extended warranty so I guess the repair will be covered but if it is a design defect (as it may be, considering the frequency of its occurence) then I'd like to get Canon to repair it directly.

Anyone considering purchasing this camcorder today new, used or refurbished, should probably consider a different unit. If I hear more from Canon about this problem, I will update this review accordingly. Consumer Reports 'Best Buy' indeed!

Update: I sent the unit into Canon for repair and they did cover the repair under their current service bulletins at no cost to me and without the hassle of using my extended warranty (even though it was out of warranty).

Hey everyone. I to have gone thru the dreaded "eject cassette error" on my Elura 50 and last year Canon did all of the same things to me to. Quoted me 650 to repair, then said nothing wrong just needed head cleaning, then they paid cost to repair but still same error once i got it back. Its been a paper weight here at home for almost a year cuz i was so dissapointed. But great news. There is an announcement on Canons website about the problem and we are being "encouraged" to contact Canon for repair. I took my camera in today and so far all is good they said repairs will be done at no cost. Check out their website for your self http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=227&modelid=9037 Good luck folks

The Elura 50 is a nice camcorder and does everything a beginning videographer like me needs. I just wish it could take higher resolution still photos and was a little better indoors. But most important, it does not tolerate HUMIDITY at all. I had a lot of problems when I took it to the Philippines, all of which cleared up as soon as I got back to LA. My understanding is that many owners have had the same problem when using the camcorder in a humid climate.

I would take a look at Cnet reviews before purchasing this camcorder. I ignored the low light performance issue and found out the difficult way. I discovered low light means general indoor lighting.

This is a well built camera, easy to handle with it's compact design, lovely to behold and most likely the travelers ideal. But, if your going to take home movies in an indoor setting you may find your recordings riddled with grain and with little improvement when placing additional lighting. I also noticed a whirring motor noise picked up in recordings. As frustration set in while fiddling with the settings in an attempt to remedy the grainy video it just became magnified and quite annoying. Although, I will say this is a minor complaint in contrast to it's poor video in low light and would have been easily forgiven. Nevertheless, soon after, back in it's box it went.

Btw, if you plan on purchasing this camcorder make sure you check the video quality through the camera video out to your television. Most folks not privy would never discern the low light issue through the Elura's 2" Lcd until it's too late when they decide to play back through the big screen.

note: Don't let my negative review scare you off. This was suppose to be a gift for a family member and I just wasn't happy with it's indoor performance. Attributing to it's compact design, it's possible I may have kept it for myself for vacation trips and outdoor use only.

good luck,

I am a big fan of Canon products, Canon printer, Canon Powershot, and I am real happy with both. When I first set my eyes on the Elura 50, I fell in love. A perfect companion to my Powershot! I must say in opening the box, the 50 is well built and has a beatiful faux metallic finish. The size is nothing short of amazing. But then I had to ruin it by taking video! I took my first test video in my kitchen during the day, which I would consider pretty well lit. The video was so grainy I could hardly bare to watch it. I moved to other areas inside the house..a family room with a patio door open and all the lights on...still grainy. I must say when I did move outside the video was great. The audio was also not too great...the motor noise I thought was acceptable, but with the mic on top of the camcorder, it didn't pick up the audio from someone talking directly in front very well. Any more than 5 feet away and you would need to turn the TV volume way up. Also the auto focus, though not too bad, did seem to "wonder" while finding its focus...I ended up trading it in for a TRV-22. Great video both inside and out, great sound and focus. When Canon can make an Elura to match the video and sound quality of the 22, I'll buy it!