Product Description

Canon DC100 ultra compact DVD camcorder combines one-push high resolution true widescreen shooting and 16: 9 wide LCD, with a powerful 25x optical zoom, DIGIC DV and still image capture to disc.The DC100 offers convenient recording straight to DVD (-R/-RW), shooting eye-catching video and great looking digital photos is easy - simply transfer the finalized disc to your home player.The DC100 is ready to record high-resolution true widescreen 16: 9 movies. It features a color viewfinder and a wide 2.7" LCD screen, allowing video footage to be monitored exactly as it will appear on a widescreen TV set. The LCD includes a level marker to help center the horizon.Switching between 16: 9 widescreen and 4: 3 shooting modes is easy and done at the push of a single button.A powerful, precision-engineered 25x optical zoom delivers great looking footage. While Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) eliminates unwanted vibration, a range of different zoom speeds is available for greater control.Thanks to Canon's DIGIC DV processor, separate signal paths are provided for video and stills, ensuring that colors are optimized and remain vivid and vibrant for each.In a smooth and rounded body, the compact DC100 is perfectly portable. The DC100's lens is always protected thanks to a convenient sliding lens cover incorporated into the camcorder's body.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3616 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Canon
• Model: 100
• Released on: 2006-04-15
• Dimensions: 1.50 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• Digital video camera that records straight to 3-inch DVD-R/RW media
• 25x optical zoom with built-in image stabilizer; 2.7-inch LCD screen
• Canon's DIGIC DV image processor for vivid video and exceptional color quality
• Widescreen Button lets you switch from standard 4:3 to 16:9 Widescreen Mode
• Level Shot Control provides horizontal gridlines in the viewfinder for more professional framing

From the Manufacturer
With the affordable Canon DC100, you get all the convenience and functionality of recording and sharing your videos with DVD technology. You also get the same Canon expertise and features found on more expensive camcorders. The DC100 delivers great video and makes it easy to capture the precious moments in your life.

The DC100 digital camcorder gives you all the convenience and functionality of DVD technology. It lets you record directly to DVDs, and lets you shoot and share video through a variety of options. Only 3 inches (8 centimeters) in diameter, the DC100'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 DC100's DVD technology, you no longer have to worry about mistakenly taping over a once-in-a-lifetime piece of footage. You simply shoot, and the DC100 ensures that you are recording onto a blank part of the DVD.

The DC100'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 with the DC100. It's just one more reason why you'll love recording direct to DVD with your DC100.

Like all of Canon's DVD camcorders, the DC100'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.

The DC100 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.

The Canon DC100 captures video and photos in true 16:9 widescreen, for better picture quality on widescreen televisions.

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 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.

Get an accurate view of what you're shooting with a 2.7-inch letterbox-view LCD screen.

The viewfinder of your DC100 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 DC100's big 2.7-inch LCD screen lets you see exactly what you're recording.

The DC100 also lets you show your great Widescreen HR video on a standard television in letterbox format.

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.

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.

Because of genuine Canon optics, the name Canon is synonymous with unsurpassed optical performance. Brilliant optical quality is part of every Canon broadcast TV lens, 35mm film camera, digital camera, and camcorder--and the DC100 is no exception.

A high-quality, coated 25x-optical-zoom lens takes you seamlessly through a variety of shooting environments, from landscapes to parties.

The DC100 comes with a 25x 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 1000x digital zoom, you get the widest range of focal lengths available in a Canon single-CCD camcorder. Whether you're recording beautiful nature panoramas, a group shot at your daughter's wedding, or close-ups at your child's birthday party, you always have the right lens.

Image stabilization helps you shoot rock-steady, professional-looking video.

The DC100's built-in, high-quality image stabilizer allows you to shoot rock-steady video--whether you're shooting sporting events, fun and games at your child's birthday party, or capturing a shot at a long focal length. It even works when you're panning and zooming. Thanks to Canon's superior electronic expertise, the DC100's image stabilization system corrects camcorder shake instantly, thereby eliminating one of the telltale signs of amateur video.

DIGIC DV
The DC100 features Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV image processor for vivid video with exceptional color and clarity.

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 DC100 will automatically control your zoom.

Level Shot Control
With this feature, it's easy to keep your camcorder 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.

Audio Excellence
To match the brilliance of its video image quality, the DC100 records audio with Dolby Digital Stereo--ensuring a complete movie theater experience in the comfort of your living room.

Easily connect your DC100 to a TV for convenient image and video sharing.

Share Your Video
The DVD technology of the DC100 not only makes it easy to capture great video, it also makes it easy to share that video with family and friends. You can simply watch the video you've just shot by connecting your DC100 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 DC100 comes with a Composite output.) With your DC100 DVD camcorder, all your friends and family can enjoy the memories you've captured.

Additional features:
Dolby Digital 2 Channel Audio ensures your audio quality is as good as your image quality.

Built-in 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-Inch 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 easy for you to operate your DC100.

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, German, Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Italian, Polish, and Thai.

One-Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers' warranties expire.

What's in the Box
Canon DC100 camcorder, compact power adapter CA-570, battery pack BP-208, stereo/video cable STV-250

Customer Reviews

The camcorder is easy to use, but performance is mediocre in low light.
The Canon DC100 is a very easy DVD camcorder to use, just set it to auto mode, press the record button by your thumb, and start recording. The microphone is surprisingly good for such a small camcorder. The camera boasts the ability to take still photos, but I haven't attempted to use this feature at this time. The camcorder is very small, slender, and very light to hold. Although it's a fairly good camcorder for its price range, it's not to say there aren't significant improvements needed.

A couple of things that I felt could be better are the following:
1. The recording function in low light needs improvement. Granted, I don't use the manual controls too frequently, but performance seems to be lagging a bit.
2. The mini-DVD disks hold 20 minutes of video at XP setting. Not that big of a deal to me, especially since the battery will only last that long, but it may be an annoyance to others.
3. The battery (as I mentioned above) only lasts for approximately 20 minutes. Get a spare on E-bay (it's cheap...less than $15 each).
4. You cannot finalize a disk, unless you have the AC adapter (plugged into a wall outlet) connected to the camcorder. It doesn't matter how much battery power you have, if you don't have the AC adaptor, forget about finalizing.

Not disappointed!
I purchased the Canon DC100 from Amazon in mid-May. This is my fourth camcorder since 1985. Therefore, I pretty much know what is needed by me in the manner in which I use a video. This camera is new but appeared to 'fit the bill', so I bought it on faith. I am not dissapointed! This is a little jewel. How small can a camcorder be designed? It will fit in your coat pocket or your purse. The ergonomics are very good. Who thought to hide that wafer sized battery behind the LCD? That gets it out of the way and it charges in situ. A surprise is the high quality of the fit and finish. From what I have seen in others, this was unexpected. The picture quality is good. Probably not great but this is what you get with small CCDs. However, you do get the long optical zoom (25X). Long zooms are absolutely necessary for my use. You can't get them with mega-pixel cameras. I was apprehensive about the DVD format,but my fears were unfounded. The discs are dirt cheap except for RWs and they are so easy to access and play. If you want a fun camera that you will actually use, this is a good choice. If you are a pro(you probably just think you are) or like to edit(a ridiculous activity) ,get something that costs $800 instead of $400 and let it collect dust.

Excellent Camcorder
I recently got new Canon DC100. I was using Sony TRV350 for last 2 years and so was a bit shaky going for Canon. But it seems I did the right thing..

The new camcorder has almost the same recording quality as that of Sony. Audio quality is even better. The size and convenience of use is just incomparable.
More to that it directly writes to DVD. So now onwards no need to spend hours burning CDs/DVDs. Simply superb!!!
The pros could be absence of memory card. I will seriously miss that with my new Canon.

But All in all its a good deal...