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Elura 2MC

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Canon Elura 2MC


 
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Rating
Reviewed by: John Sorial
 (Intermediate)

Review Date
August 20, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 Year

Visitors rate this review
3.50 of 5,
8 votes

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Review 1 of 8

Summary:

If your looking to make the jump into digital video, then look no further. Canon has done a remarkable job with the Elura 2MC (newer version, not shown in the product photo). This well designed camcorder feels like it was made to fit in your hand. All the camera functions can be acessed and control with one hand, you'll never have to use your non-shooting hand for anything other than flippind the LCD monitor. The camera controls are inituative using a logically menu system and scrolling thumbwheel. By far the best camcorder based on size, construction quality, image quality, and ease of use. A camera for the beginner and expert alike. And because it's soo small, you'll take it every where...probaly annoy all your friends, but theyl'll forgive you once they see the great video footage you captured. This camera is a pleasure.

Strengths:

Ergonomics Video quality LCD monitor functionality Comprehensive features Ease of use Size Auto exposure setting for diferent conditions Easy to operate manaul adjustments: exposure, focus, shutter speed.

Weaknesses:

Tape eject mechanism ahas too many mechanical parts, which make me nervous Sound (microphone) pick-up could be better.

Similar Products Used:

None

Customer Service:

Great...I had a problem with a dead pixel, sent it too them with a letter explaining the problem and they had it back to me within 2 weeks...2 weeks that's a very responsive turnaround. The CS phone people we're also very polite and knowledgeable.



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Rating
Reviewed by: Don Sorensen
 (Intermediate)

Review Date
July 25, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
1 Month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

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Review 2 of 8

Summary:

Just returned from a 3 week trip around the country. Used the Elura 2 everyday. It's size makes it wonderful for taping inconspicously. Many times I just held it in the palm of my hand at waist level.

I also use a Canon XL1 and use the "frame movie" mode often. I'm hooked on it's film look. On the Elura 2 this mode works well in bright light and when the subject matter isn't moving lots. Great for portrait type shooting.

Strengths:

Size, size, size. The ergonomics are excellent. The camera fits comfortably in your hand. I also found I could easily store it in pants with large side pockets.

Battery life of the supplied "soda cracker" is minimal so it's good to also buy a larger battery. All the functions are very easy to use.

Weaknesses:

Low lighting situations. But, the camera also has a mode for this, but does cause a coarse picture.



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Rating
Reviewed by: Marcel
 (Intermediate)

Review Date
July 17, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
1 Month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

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Review 3 of 8

Summary:

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 (based on reviews here I took them off the list immediately), 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 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. - 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. - Indoor shooting is adequate. Definitely not as good as outdoors but it's a heck a lot better than the 8mm and Hi-8's that I've experienced. I would have to say the video quality of indoor shooting is comparable to the Sony. 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. 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. I want to thank this website and the reviewers of this camcorder to help me with my decision. For reviews of this camcorder, check out - http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/Elura2/ http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/canon/elura2-review/index.shtml By the way, Goodguys.com is matching the prices of authorized retailers, no tax and free shipping. (For the price match they will add in the other retailers shipping costs). They matched Profeel.com's price so I got it for $1015 total. I could have gotten it $50 cheaper but it was worth the peace of mind buying through The Good Guys.

Strengths:

Size, video quality, build quality, ergonomics, docking station a great idea.

Weaknesses:

Size, sound quality from subjects in front of camcorder, stills are fine for the web (although this seems to be a common complaint for all camcorders that have this feature ... even those with megapixel capability)

Similar Products Used:

none

Customer Service:

not used



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Rating
Reviewed by: Yannick
 (Intermediate)

Review Date
June 27, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
3 Months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

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Review 4 of 8

Summary:

Very good product, with a lot of features and manual
control (for those who like that). Colors are amazing,
digital transfert is very good. I use it with
the EditDV Digital Origin product and it's fun.
1600$CAN for the little object it's a lot but
it's worthed. Didn't want the MC because I already
have a digcam of 2.1 Megapix that is a lot better that
what the Elura can offer. Don't forget that it is a
camcorder afterall.

The only big problem is the recording in low light, it's
bad. You can record indoor with the low light feature but
you'll have all kind of visual noise. But I didn't have
the money to buy the Sony PC10...

Strengths:

Amazing color, digital transfer.

Weaknesses:

***Low light recording***,
Battery length



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Rating
Reviewed by: Nolan
 (Beginner)

Review Date
May 3, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
1 Week

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

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Review 5 of 8

Summary:

I just bought this camcorder to use on my upcoming honeymoon. Its best feature is its compact size. It has a nice balanced feel to it and is, in my opinion, not as heavy or bulky as Sony's PC-5 and PC-100. The controls are within a thumb's reach. The camera has a few drawbacks. Low light shots are somewhat grainy. I would probably have to buy the optional light attachment. However, researching on the web, it would cost an additional $200 to go this route. This includes the light (VL-10Li), light attachment (SA-1 adapter), light battery (BP-915), and light battery charger. This all attaches to a base adapter that is itself attached to the Elura. Also, the digital effects can't be used in conjunction with one another. Example, I can't use the fade with black & white. I've demoed the Sony PC-5 and it has a lot more features. The Elura isn't as feature rich as the Sonys, but I'm not one to use the features. I think that DV editing software does a better job of adding effects. All in all, the Elura 2mc is great for toting around and doing what I expect it to do, document events and shoot good video.

Strengths:

* Good, overall feel * Compact size * Good control layout * Good video * Simple and easy to operate

Weaknesses:

* Bad low light recording * Not that many features * Too many optional accessories and attachments needed.

Similar Products Used:

None



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