Product Description

Forget camcorders that use tape. Go for one that uses DVD as recording media. Want the best? Take a look at this Canon DC50. The DC50 is at the top of Canon's impressive line of DVD camcorders with the performance of a 5.39 Megapixel CCD image sensor -- outstanding video quality and 5 Megapixel digital photographs. You get an array of advanced features including Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization, Dual Layer recording capability and Canon's exclusive next-generation DIGIC DV II for uncompromised video and still image processing. The DC50 is also easy to use, with the Joystick exposure control, Quick Start, and Horizontal Marker -- all in a stylish and easy-to-use design. You've looked at it. Now you can look through it and enjoy superior camcorder results in standard and widescreen modes. Uses DVD-R and DVD-RW media plus DVD-R DL (Dual Layer) Recording Time capacity - (single sided/single layer - 1.4GB) XP - 20min., SP - 30min., LP - 60min.; (single sided/dual layer - 2.6GB) XP - 36min., SP. 54min., LP - 108min. SD slot for capturing digital-stills Night mode at 0.3 lux illumination Viewfinder - 0.27-inch TFT Color, approx. 123,000 pixels; LCD Screen - 2.7-inch TFT Color, approx. 123,000 pixels Unit Dimensions - (W x H x D) 2.4 x 3.5 x 5.1in. (62 x 90 x 130mm) (not including grip belt) / Weight 17 ounces (not including battery)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4094 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Canon
• Model: DC50
• Dimensions: 8.00 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• 5-megapixel CCD image sensor with RGB primary color filter
• Genuine Canon Optics; 10x optical/200x digital zoom
• DIGIC DV II image processor; Super-Range Optical Image Stabilizer
• 2.7-inch widescreen LCD monitor; widescreen HR recording
• DVD-R/-RW Dual Layer recording format

Manufacturer Description
Canon DVD camcorders offer the perfect blend of performance and features. Enjoy a wide variety of advanced, yet easy-to-use features in compact and lightweight style. Canon camcorders are perfect for capturing all of your life's most precious moments, for beginners and advanced users alike, and make it easy to share your video with family and friends.

DC-50 Highlights

DVD-R/-RW Dual Layer recording format Only 3 inches in diameter, these discs can store up to 60 minutes of video (up to 108 minutes on a dual layer disc) and are compatible with most old and new DVD players.

5-megapixel CCD image sensor Whether you’re shooting video or photos, you will benefit from the camcorder’s razor-sharp CCD image sensor. Images are captured with outstanding clarity. For rich, accurate color, the DC50 uses an RGB primary color filter. It separates light into red, green, and blue color components, resulting in vibrant images with natural-looking tones.

Genuine Canon Optics with 10x optical zoom/200x digital zoom Genuine Canon Optics ensures that video and photos are clear and rich with color and detail. Canon’s expertise in designing lenses for photography and broadcast television goes into every camcorder we make.

Super-Range Optical Image Stabilizer The DC50 features Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Utilizing a Hybrid detection method (combining vector and gyro detection method), the OIS corrects camera shake instantly for steady shots -- even when they're hand held, at long focal lengths, or taken with the camera in motion. And unlike electronic stabilization, which can cause a loss in image quality, the optical system corrects the shake, while preserving the quality. It is even effective while taking photos.

DIGIC DV II Image Processor DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology.. Even though video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV II digital signal processing ensures optimal image quality for both video and still images. Thanks to DIGIC DV ll image processing, the DC50 produces video with improved color reproduction -- especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction -- for images that are crystal clear.

Quick Start Instead of powering off your camcorder between shots, simply press the Quick Start button to put the camcorder in stand-by mode. Quick Start considerably reduces the power consumption of the battery and allows the user to return to recording mode in approximately .9 seconds, so you’ll never have to miss another special moment.

Widescreen HR The DC50 records true widescreen for picture perfect video. Canon’s image processing system uses the entire width of the image sensor, capturing a big picture in true 16:9 widescreen so no one and nothing is left unseen. And Canon camcorders take advantage of more pixels to give you amazing quality.

2.7-inch widescreen LCD A 2.7-inch widescreen LCD and .27-inch widescreen viewfinder lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording, and what your TV will display later.

Joystick The joystick makes using the camcorder easier than ever. Extra buttons have been eliminated, allowing you to control playback, focusing, exposure, and menu options from one convenient place.

Lower power consumption The DC50 consumes less battery power giving you longer operation time.

Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization Shoot rock-steady video even when you’re at maximum telephoto without a tripod. It is even effective while shooting photos.

Smooth zoom control Want to shoot like the pros? Three fixed zoom speeds allow you to produce smooth video that will be enjoyable for everyone to watch.

Level shot control Even if you are first camcorder user, you’ll never have to worry about shooting crooked video. A horizontal marker and center indicator always keeps you on track.

Grid display It's easy to compose your shots for more professional looking video. The Grid marker is very convenient for setting up the special balance in your shots. Since background colors vary, you can select from two line colors to make the lines easily visible.

Advanced photo features A variety of advanced photo features transforms the DC50 into a high-quality 5-megapixel digital camera, allowing you to capture incredible photos:

• 9-point AiAF: Bring off-center subjects into sharp focus.
• Progressive Photo: Reduces blurring so you get crisp photos.
• Super high-speed shutter (1/720): Perfect for shooting on bright sunny days.
• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction: Ideal for shooting at night, indoors, or filling in shadows on bright, sunny days.
• Motor Drive mode: Acts just like the motor drive on a camera. Great for capturing fast-action sports.
• Auto Exposure Bracketing: Ensures you get the perfect shot.
• Simultaneous photo recording: Capture e-mail ready digital photos to a memory card while you record video.
• Aperture Priority (AV) and Shutter Priority (TV): Provides enhanced exposure control for photo and video. Aperture Priority allows you control depth of field by adjusting the aperture. Shutter Priority allows you to control the speed of the action, by adjusting the shutter speed.
• Special Scene modes: A wide selection of automatic exposure modes makes it easy to capture great video or photos under any condition. Choose from: Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, or Fireworks.
• Image effects: Choose from the following effects to add a creative flare to your photos: Vivid, Neutral, Low-Sharpening, and Soft Skin Detail.

Print & Share button For fast and easy, one-touch printing of your photos at home, simply press the camcorder’s Print & Share button. The button can also be used for one-touch downloading of your images to a computer.

Ultra Video Light Brighter than Canon’s Mega Video Light, the Ultra Video Light allows you to keep shooting even in the darker conditions.

Built-in flash Capture superb photos in low light and indoor photography settings.

Display widescreen on a standard TV Even if you don’t have a standard television at home, you can watch video shot in Widescreen HR. The video will be displayed in letterbox format, just like movies you buy or rent.

Built-in electronic lens cover A built-in lens cover automatically opens in record mode, and closes when switched to play mode or turned off. There is no dangling lens cover to lose.

Easy menu system An easy-to-read, color menu system makes it easy to find your way around.

17 selectable languages English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Polish, Romanian, Turkish, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Persian, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Customer Reviews

Great Camcorder! Only a couple draw backs.
While this camcorder may be one of the more expensive DVD based Camcorders, its probably one of the best you'll find before moving on to High Definition. I had actually purchased the Sony SR42 30 GB before this and had to return it immediately because its performance was highly disappointing. This Canon camcorder however takes excellent footage. It also takes great still images too - a cool function in addition is that you can set it to take photos while in recording mode (at a little lower resolution). Doing this allows you to take advantage of the digital zoom to get in a little closer for still photos. This brings me to one of the draw backs of the camera, it only has 10x optical zoom. While while it is not bad, there are many cameras with a more powerful optical zoom. The plus side, is that the digital zoom (the 40x option, not the 2000x) is actually pretty good. Maybe not to the full 40x, but for the first little bit of additional zoom it still looks great. The only other draw back for me was getting used to the rewritable dvds and transferring them to my computer. It took me a little bit to figure out (just set up the disc in VR-mode) but after I did it was terrific. Now I just plug in the USB cord and put on the video into my editing program and edit away. You may here some reviews noting that the controls aren't all the intuitive, but just spend a minute or two with them (or read the manual) and the controls and functionality are good. Ultimately I would rate the camera a 4.5, but it wasn't a choice. If you're debating between this camera and others, just spend the few extra bucks and get this one. Also, if your far from moving up to high def, get this camera as well because I believe its towards the top of regular def (it does does have the option to shoot in either 16:9 or 4:3). Enjoy!

WINDOWS VISTA USERS - DONT BUY THIS CAMERA!!!
If you're using Windows Vista, DON'T buy this camera. The camera is not compatible with Vista, meaning you can't plug the camera directly into your computer. Also, the software the camera comes with (Sonic MyDVD) isn't compatible either, so you won't be able to edit the video or even copy to your hard-drive.

Maybe it's more fair to say don't buy Vista, but since Canon technical support was unapologetic and un-helpful, I'm not going to give them the benefit of the doubt.

not good at low light or night shots
Positive:
I just bought couple of weeks ago. Camcorder works good if you record during day time indoor or outside and good quality. I have not tested the photos yet.

Negative:
Night time video recording not good quality. little better than my 6 year old camcorder.

NO touch screen like Sony and others (Plain old Joy Stick).

Hand Strap is in the bottom not comfortable holding camcorder straight.unless your hand is big.

Battery life, You need additional batteries if you plan to record >30 min.