Product Description

Like all of Canon's new camcorders, the DC40 is optimized for High Resolution true 16:9 widescreen recording, meaning the footage it records is suitable for playback on the very latest widescreen TV sets. The camcorder's High Resolution, wide color LCD screen and full color viewfinder ensure footage can be monitored during recording exactly as it would appear on a widescreen television. The Level Marker, provided on the LCD, is the best way to keep the horizon line perfectly in position, ensuring high impact panoramic shots every time. For playback on normal televisions, 4:3 shooting is available and easily selected with the push of a single button. Images recorded in widescreen can also be watched on a normal TV in letterbox format.The DC40's distinctive perpetual curve design reflects the natural ease-of-shooting that consumers have come to expect from DVD. To provide effortless handheld shooting, the body of the camcorder is conceived around a single, cylindrical shape. Ergonomically molded as a continuous and flowing curve, the DC40 is a natural fit in the hand, with controls clustered around the mode dial and positioned for intuitive and easy operation.The DIGIC DV image processor provides separate processing paths for video and still images, saved to ultra-compact MiniSD card. With DIGIC DV, the DC40 guarantees optimal color reproduction for each: together with a range of advanced digital photography functions, such as dedicated flash for stills and one-push direct printing, the camcorder is a high-capacity, multi-purpose digital imaging tool.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4009 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Canon
• Dimensions: 8.00 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• 2.7" LCD Screen with Backlight makes it easy to compose and review your shots
• Gives you all the convenience and functionality of DVD technology
• Records true 16:9 High Resolution Widescreen for picture perfect video
• Comes with a 10x optical zoom lens, precisely matched to the camcorder's CCD
• The 4.3 Megapixel CCD that ensures sharp, vivid video also gives you brilliant digital photographs.

From the Manufacturer
The DC40 digital camcorder gives you all the convenience and functionality of DVD technology, which includes a wide array of options for shooting and sharing your video. Only 3 inches (8cm) in diameter, the DC40's DVD -R/-RW discs are compatible with most DVD players and can store up to 30 minutes of video in standard mode and 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 to 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 for you to review your footage quickly and easily without the bother of rewind or fast-forward searching. With the camcorder's Visual Index, you can review your footage at a glance and play the selection you want. You can even select shots and arrange them into a playlist. It's like editing your video right in your camcorder! What's more, the finalization process for these DVDs is quick and easy. It's just one more reason why you'll love recording direct to DVD with your DC40.

DC40 DVD Camcorder Highlights

Roxio MyDVD Software
With your camcorder's Roxio MyDVD Software, you have everything you need to get the most out of the video you shoot. The software supplied with your camcorder enables you to edit your video. This way, you keep just your most precious shots and can let them tell the stories you want to tell. You can then create Chapter & Play menus so you can access and play just the video you want to watch. Then, it lets you burn DVDs so you can share the captured memories with all your friends and family.

Roxio MyDVD Software also makes it easy to share your video with its One Touch Dubbing feature (available only with Windows XP). With one touch of a button, your video is automatically captured to your PC and dubbed to a DVD. No one has to wait long for their copy.

Or, if your PC isn't equipped with a DVD drive, the software lets you capture your video to your computer and then burn a DVD using the camcorder itself.

Finally, Roxio MyDVD Software simplifies your life by letting you read unfinalized DVDs via your USB 2.0 Hi-Speed cable.

It's the software you need to get the most out of your DVD camcorder.

Convenience in a Compact Size
Like all of Canon's DVD camcorders, the DC40's optical excellence and advanced features come in a sophisticated, compact design. Its slim and comfortable design makes it easy to operate, carry or put in your coat pocket.

Widescreen HR Recording
The DC40 records true High Resolution Widescreen for picture perfect video. Canon's Widescreen HR Mode uses the entire width of the image sensor, capturing true 16:9 widescreen.

So why is the way you record widescreen images so important? Because you want an image made for widescreen, not adapted for widescreen. Widescreen is the future -- every HD television is widescreen.

The story of how we do it may be a bit technical, but the result is clear to see. Canon camcorders use the entire width of the image sensor to capture your precious video in true 16:9 format. What difference does this make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Other camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor -- giving you a less than true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality. With High Resolution recording on a Canon camcorder, the canals of Venice will be as grand as you remembered seeing them.

The viewfinder of your DC40 displays the image in a "letterbox" view -- from side to side and top to bottom, what you see will be what you get. No guessing and extra work when looking at an image that's distorted like a fun house mirror. Not only that, but the DC40's big, 2.7" LCD screen lets you see exactly what you're recording.

The DC40 also lets you show your great Widescreen HR video on a standard television in letterbox format.

Plus, to make it even easier, a Widescreen Button lets you switch from standard 4:3 to 16:9 Widescreen Mode at the touch of your finger. The widescreen feature can also be used in both Program Mode and Easy Recording Mode, as well as with the camcorder's advanced image stabilization.

Why shouldn't your camcorder shoot as wide as your widescreen TV? It should. The DC40 gives you the opportunity to own a camcorder that shoots as wide as your widescreen TV. And our competitors can't match the widescreen video you'll get from your Canon DC40.

You want your memories to last forever -- that's why you've taken the time to shoot them. And you want to shoot in widescreen format to get everything you can out of your new widescreen TV or home theater system. Remember -- widescreen is the future -- be sure you invest in that future with a Canon camcorder.

Canon Optical Performance
Because of Genuine Canon Optics, the name Canon is synonymous with unsurpassed optical performance. Brilliant optical quality is part of every Canon broadcast lens, 35mm film camera, digital camera and camcorder -- and the DC40 is no exception. The DC40 comes with a 10x optical zoom lens, precisely matched to the camcorder's CCD and featuring high-quality glass with a unique, super spectra coating developed exclusively by Canon to reduce flare and ghosting for a clean image. Combined with the camcorder's powerful 200x digital zoom, the lens gives an impressive range of focal lengths. Use a shorter focal length to record the breathtaking landscape you discover on your vacation. Or, use a longer focal length to capture the expression on your child's face after he scores the winning goal.

Without image stabilization

With image stabilization

Wide-Angle and Teleconverter Attachments: For more creative flexibility, the DC40 can be enhanced with an optional 0.7x wide-angle attachment or an optional 1.5x teleconverter attachment -- giving you an even greater range of focal lengths. The result? More impressive landscapes, wildlife shots, and action close-ups.

Image Stabilization: The DC40's built-in high-quality image stabilizer allows you to shoot rock-steady video -- whether you're shooting sporting events, fun & games at a child's birthday party, or capturing a shot at a long focal length. It even works while panning and zooming. Thanks to Canon's expertise, the DC40's image stabilization system corrects camcorder shake instantly, thereby eliminating one of the telltale signs of amateur video.

Brilliant Video

4.3 Megapixel CCD: With its razor-sharp 4.3 Megapixel CCD, the DC40 is one of the highest resolution camcorders in its price range. The DC40's stunningly vivid video and color rival those of a 3 CCD camcorder. They are the result of the powerful 4.3 Megapixel CCD, plus Canon's advanced RGB Primary Color Filter. Other camcorders process color using a standard CMYG filter, resulting in duller colors. Canon's RGB filter separates light into its red, green and blue components resulting in natural-looking tones and vivid hues. Together, these two technologies ensure brilliant image quality that matches the camcorder's brilliant DVD functionality.

DIGIC DV: Because Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing circuit processes video and still images differently, you get uncompromising image quality for both. Video and still images have different color requirements and DIGIC DV technology processes the two signals accordingly. That means your video images are maximized for viewing on monitors and for projection. DIGIC DV is another of Canon's advanced technologies that help to make the DC40 an exceptional performer.

Smooth Zoom Control: With this innovative feature, you can always be sure of smooth, steady, professional looking zoom shots. Simply select one of three pre-set zoom speeds. Your DC40 will automatically control your zoom.

Level Shot Control: With this feature, it's easy to keep your camera level for more professional looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot -- including the horizon, of course -- to the marker and you know your camcorder is level. Level Shot control also includes a center marker to help you center your subject in the viewfinder.

Low Light Performance: Some of the most magical shots are taken at the end of the day or long after the sun has set -- and you won't miss any of them, thanks to the DC40's bright Ultra Video Light. Plus, even under the darkest conditions, Canon's advanced Night Mode lets you to keep recording. Whether its your sleeping baby or a birthday cake lit by candles, the DC40 captures the special moments you want to keep.

Stunning Digital Photography
With Canon's DoubleShot technology and the DC40's many advanced photo features, you get both a digital video camcorder and 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.

• 4.3 Megapixel CCD
• DIGIC DV
• 9 Point Ai-AF
• High Speed Shutter
• Auto Exposure Modes
• Image Effects
• Motor Drive Mode
• Special Scene Modes
• Simultaneous Photo Recording
• Built-in Flash with Red-Eye Reduction
• Stitch Assist

Audio Excellence
Your home movie theater experience wouldn't be complete without audio quality that matched the DC40's image quality. That's why the DC40 records audio in Dolby* Digital Stereo. Your friends and family will be impressed as the vivid memories you capture on disc come alive in the comfort of your living room.

Share Your Video

The DVD technology of the DC40 not only makes it easy to capture great images, it also makes it easy to share your video with family and friends.

To begin with, you can simply watch the video you've just shot by connecting your DC40 to your TV and viewing your unfinalized DVD. Or, finalize your DVD, then watch it on your TV by playing it in your DVD player. (Your DC40 comes with both S-Video and Composite output.)

You can also share your video by connecting your DC40 to your computer with the supplied USB cable. Then, with one touch of the Print & Share button, you can transfer your video footage to your hard drive.

Once your video is transferred, the supplied Roxio MyDVD Software lets you edit your footage, create a chapter and play menu, and burn your footage to additional DVDs. Plus, even if your computer doesn't have a DVD drive, you can still make DVDs to share by using your DC40 to create another DVD.

With your DC40 DVD camcorder, all your friends and family can enjoy the memories you've captured.

Share Your Photos

Print & Share: Print & Share turns your DC40 into a photo lab in the palm of your hand. Simply connect your camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the supplied USB cable. Then, with a simple touch of the Print & Share button, you can print directly from your DC40 without going through a computer. Print & Share also makes it easy to transfer your still images to your computer. Simply connect your DC40 and your computer, press the Print & Share button and your photos are downloaded to your computer.

miniSD Memory Card: You can also share your photos, thanks to the camcorder's miniSD Memory Card. Popularly used in today's newest cell phones and half the size of a standard SD card, the miniSD Card offers the benefit of high-capacity storage in a very small size.

Additional Features

• Dolby Digital Stereo Audio ensures your audio quality is as good as your image quality.
• Built-in Electronic Lens Cover means you never have to go looking for your lens cover again. Plus, you don't have the bother of your lens cap dangling from your camcorder.
• 2.7" LCD Screen with Backlight makes it easy to compose and review your shots. The backlight feature gives you a bright, easy-to-see screen, even in direct sunlight.
• Easy Color Menu System has been newly designed, making it easier to operate your DC40.
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Terminal for fast transfer of video.
• Wireless Remote Control lets you operate your DC40 from a distance, so you won't be left out of the picture.
• Digital Effects/Fades add professional looking touches to your videos.
• Selectable Display Languages gives you the choice of English, as well as additional languages that include: Japanese, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Korean.
• 1 Year Parts And Labor Limited Warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers' warranties expire.

Customer Reviews

Decent Camera, well-built. Limited editing
I bought this camera for general use and like it a lot. Compared to other cameras ive owned this one has very good sound recording capability. It's ergonomics are good and its pleasant to use for the most part. Using the DVD options on the camera could be a little more refined but I imagine that will mature with future generations. I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a DVD camcorder to use for family or low end presentations.
The Bad: The editing software included with it is rubbish and requires shelling out more money right off the bat if you actually want to create anything reasonably professional with any footage. In my opinion its a technical support headache waiting to happen. I checked it out then threw it in the trash.
It also does not have firewire which is highly irritating and odd considering my older Canons/sonys all have firewire connectivity. MAC USERS: This means it will not work with iMovie or Final Cut Pro / Express.
Since my preference is for using OS X based editing suites I finish out the DVD and then put it in the computer directly. Rip the footage off the DVD and then import it into either FCP or iMovie. If only it had firewire...
In short: Great camera, very good sound, easy to use and pleasant to operate. Clunky, out-of-box-upgrade-requiring, low-end editing software and lack of firewire keep it from being the perfect little camera it should be.

Fantastic. Easy to Use. A+
Excellent.
Easy to use. Easy to use instruction manual too. I tried out a SONY camcorder, and found the CANON much easier.

Switching between camcorder, and still photos is as easy as flipping a switch.

Photos are excellent! I have printed out 5X7s and 8X10s. I take a lot of photos, and they come out great. The flash is small and only reaches so far. Photos may be blurry or dark if the flash can not recharge in time, or you are too far away. Turning on a light helps this.

No firewire. However, you dont' really need one. It's dvd. After you finalize your dvd, you just slip it into your computer dvd drive, or put it into your dvd player. . .and there you go. You are ready to play your home movies.

Applause for the remote control! This remote works fast. I used to have a high-end digital camera, and the remote was always slow to respond. This remote takes photos great. Get a tripod, and let everyone be in the photo! It's away. It works with both video, and still photos.

Drawbacks: Price. (Ouch) It is the top of line, right now, however. I think it blows the SONY away.
You do have to pay for the upgrade on MYDVD, if you plan on editing a lot. However, you can use any DVD editing program that you like
Otherwise, I can see no drawbacks.. I love my CANON D40

Added 10/2007 :
be sure not to drop this camcorder. I have had other camcorders in the past and have dropped them with nothing breaking. However, I dropped this twice, a short drop onto carpet, and each time the unit broke. It locked up, and could not do anything. Same problem both times. That heavens, I only had to pay to have it repaired once.

Samantha

djm- solid choice
After looking into a camcorder with DVD capability and the flexibility of good still photos, I decided to go with the Canon DC40. It has everything I wanted and is easy to use, at least up until this point (I haven't transferred photos or movies to my computer). The only drawbacks that I have noticed is that battery must be charged by plugging in the camera so you're unable to use the camera while charging your second battery and the battery life if you take stills does not last very long. You can purchase a separate charger (approx $20). Photo quality is great and DVD quality is great. Indoor settings you have to remember to check lighting or use the flash. I don't have much of basis to compare it to, but I do love the camera. It beats carrying a camcorder and still camera and the picture quality is no comparison from older generation cameras. Definitely something to have with small children.