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Canon DC20 DVD Digital Camcorder (2.2MP, 10x Opt, 200x Dig, 2.5" LCD - MPN: 0751B001)
Description: Record eye catching, colorful home videos straight to DVD. Canon's DC20 teams impressively accurate, lifelike video capture with the convenient ability to record directly onto a miniature DVD disc. When you're done shooting, simply finalize.... Read More Description: Record eye catching, colorful home videos straight to DVD. Canon's DC20 teams impressively accurate, lifelike video capture with the convenient ability to record directly onto a miniature DVD disc. When you're done shooting, simply finalize the disc, pop it into your DVD player or computer DVD drive, and play back your footage. It's that easy. Handy DVD recording is only one part of the story, however. Thanks to Canon optics, Canon's proprietary digital processing, and the DC20's RGB color filter, you get movies with impressive detail and beautifully realistic, natural color. Birthday parties, weddings, first steps, stunning vacation scenery, they'll all be captured looking as vibrant as they did on the day you filmed them. Plus, you get other shooting perks. There's Image Stabilization, for avoiding the blur that can be caused by hand shake. 16:9 widescreen mode lets you capture movies that will fit a widescreen TV perfectly, without zooming or stretching. And the DC20's Super Night Mode and built-in video light give you plenty of flexibility when recording in low-light settings. The DC20 is also a very capable digital camera. With its 2.2-megapixel image sensor, it can snap pleasingly precise images. A host of photo-friendly features make using the camera mode a breeze: there's sophisticated 9-point autofocus, special scene modes, metering options, and a built-in photo flash. You can even snap photos and save them to an optional mini Secure Digital card while shooting video simultaneously. Last but not least, the DC20 is designed for extremely easy operation. The body is notably slim and light; this camcorder weighs in at under a pound, making it a great candidate for toting along on all kinds of outings. Other perks, like high speed USB connectivity and Canon's Easy Print and Share function for sending photos to a computer or printer, take the hassle out of video and photo transfer. Even the battery is high capacity, so you can go longer between charges. Minimize |
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| Date Reviewed: 11/14/2005 |
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Strengths: Very User Friendly, Small Size, Built-in Light, Quality of Picture, LCD Screen size and veiwability (backlight), Power Cord
Weaknesses: Time associated with finalizing a DVD (see comments below),
As with all miniDVD camcorders - Maximum shooting time is only 1 hour per disc
Summary: 2005-11-14 15:06:02 The Canon DC20 has been wonderful. When you first put a DVD into the camcorder, the camera will prompt you to initialize the DVD. There are actually two different shooting modes that you can use. There is a VR mode and a Video mode. Both modes will save each video segment as a separate file. This makes it very easy to quickly find a video segment that you are looking for. Initializing the DVD takes less than a minute and then you can begin shooting.
Using DVD-RW discs in the VR Mode seems to be the easiest shooting mode. In this mode, it is very easy to move files, delete unwanted scenes, cut scenes, and edit your video all from the camcorder. When I want to watch the DVD I first have to finalize the disc. Finalizing the disc takes about 10 minutes. But then I can slip it right into my computer and it will start right up. (With DVD-RWs you only have to finalize a disc one time and then you can record, delete, and re-record videos and you never have to finalize the DVD again. You may want to take all of your DVD-RWs and initialize them and then immediately finalize them so that you don't have to worry about finalizing them later. NOTE:only do this with DVD-RWs because if you do that to a DVD-R, you will not be able to record anything else.)
Unfortunately, my DVD player connected to my TV will not play videos shot in the VR mode. I have to record in the Video mode to play the DVD on my TV. The drawback for the VIDEO mode of shooting videos is that it is not possible to edit the files. Also, after finalizing a disc, you have to UN-finalize the disc before you can take more videos -- then, you have to finalize the disc again-- very time consuming!
What I have been doing is using the VR mode of recording and then using the software that came with the Canon DC20 to save my files to the computer and then create a DVD that will play to my TV.
Also, it is easy to just use the camera as a dvd player. The camcorder comes with cords that go from the camera to rca inputs on my tv for easy playback of the videos. The camcorder even comes with a remote!
I have not totally run out my battery yet, so I am not sure how long it will last (I think it's supposed to be about 45 minutes). I did buy an Energizer battery that will give enough juice for 1.5 hours to supplement the battery from Canon. The camera also comes with a power cord that is plugged into the camcorder for power or to charge the battery when the camcorder power is off.
At this point I have not used the camcorder to take still shots. I still need to buy the miniSD card.
This is my first camcorder. I looked at several different ones before I chose this one and I am very satisfied with my purchase. I am not an expert on all of the ins and outs of camcorders, but I can say that this camcorder is very easy to use, records a great picture, and has lots of great editing features built into it. I would definitely recommend this camcorder. I love it!
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| Date Reviewed: 02/24/2006 |
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Strengths: Mega! Functionality, Video or Still Photography, convenience, user-friendly, options, compactness, design, layout, remote & even editing software with USB cables & DC charger. Clear Sound too.
Weaknesses: The instruction manual has tiny greyscale print and it's hard to discern fluff from important stuff. This camcorder would be too tiny to operate for large hands, most men or abstract thinkers.
Summary: This tiny camcorder (4.8"D x 3.39"H x 1.85"W), (smaller then a box of Cracker Jacks) is a machine with more features then you'll know what to do with for a good long while (assuming you are an amateur videographer like myself, just getting your feet wet in the digital realm). I have had this camcorder for 2 months now and have found it to be very simple to warm up to. The convenience of being able to quickly create a 30 - 60 min. home-video using the mini-DVD format and then slip it into an envelope and mail it to friends and family is a fantastic way to communicate or enter contests like those Martha Stewart offers...
I love this product am blown away that it is so full of details. I was told just today, that Canon has come out with a newer camcorder, but it does NOT have all the details or options that the DC-20 offers, and I assure you that the DC-20 will be classified as a more high-end product very soon, and if you delay your purchase, in the future it will probably cost you more to acquire.
This camcorder/camera has optional zoom too. You can go strictly with the 10x Optical zoom or you can bump it up to 200x by engaging the Digital zoom. The LCD crystal screen is clear and easy to use...even driving down the road at 70 mph, won't blur your recording (obviously you should not be driving when using your camera), and the battery time is about 45 mins. taking into account how many times you turn your camera on and off, or zoom in and out, it will vary. There is a built in light on the camera too, which for quick tasks like looking into a small dark space, it is great, or I think up to about 6 ft. in pitch black, would be good too, but after that, you need additional light. For this reason, I recommend that you also look into acquiring a few accessories as they are cheaper to acquire if you do a package deal then buying separately.
I had a hard time, up until today, which is 2 months after my purchase, in finding someone that stocked the miniSDcard this camcorder requires. I called around and Canon directed me to the 3 manufacturers that create the miniSDcards, which I Googled for. What I found out is that yes, you must have a MINI Secure Digital Card not the standard sized SD card, and Pricegrabbers can direct you to the many retailers that offer the best deal on this type of media, through their search engine.
I found one retailer today where I was able to buy a 512 MB miniSDcard, and a MobileMate 5-in-1 SD Mobile Memory Card Reader, for under $56.00 with free shipping. A Reader makes thing much easier to download your pictures to the computer as it plugs into a regular 4 prong USB port. No wires, no software required, no fuss.
The other thing I learned is that you do need mini DVD's. They are approx. 3 inches in diameter or 8 cm. (1.4 GB, single sided disk/2.8 GB double sided disk). Your future camcorder/camera requires -R/-RW DVD's only. When using a -R DVD, which is all I have to work with just now, there is no prepping or formatting of disks required. Just pop a -R disk in, put you camera on video, hit the play/record/pause button and when you see the red light, you're on your way. Press your main button again, and the camera/camcorder will stop or pause. It's all very simple, but it is also true that you can neither rewrite on a -R disk or edit it. I think you'll still be able to delete scenes off of it, but them you may just have blank space, I'm not sure. If you want to do a lot of practicing, or writing over and saving on the same disk, as well as play with your editing software on the computer, then you'll need the -RW disk (which need to be initialized before usage). The finalizing of these tiny disks is less then 2 mins. depending on how may clips you have that the camera needs to bookmark, or how much space is still avilable etc.
I figure nobody really has an hour to sit down and watch a home video anyway, even if it's just for your personal archives, so why bother with having to initialize disks, or delay your creative juices from flowing... With the -R disks all you do is pop the disk in and go.
Additional accessories that I think are worthy investments would include: An additional Rechargeable Battery, an exterior BP-208 battery charger w/international converter, a 60" Remote Control 3 Way Fluid Head Tripod, a RL-20 Video Light (you'll need a separate mounting adaptor if you want your light to be atop your camera rather then on a tri pod, so inquire about that), plus, the miniSDmemory card w/ Standard sized SD/MM converter, and the memory card reader.
With all that stuff, you'll be fully equipped with the latest technology to have lots of fun for a long time to come. You'll be able to IM your pics or email them, or edit and print them directly from your computer. Not to mention burn them to another large DVD to archive.
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| Date Reviewed: 04/25/2006 |
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 unhappy with my DC-20 Strengths: small
Weaknesses: instability of dvd media leads to data loss during recording
Summary: Beware! When you encounter any type of disk error with a DVD, it wipes out all of the video that you have recorded on it. I have lost several hours of valuable footage due to this problem. Sometimes, the unit encounters a disk error during startup. Other times, it happens during recording.
I have also encountered some problems with compatibility of the dvd output to other devices. Overall, I am unhappy with my unit.
The other reviews sound like they were written by Canon sales personnel. Don't be fooled. Check some of the other camcorder forums on the internet and you will learn about some of the issues regarding Canon DVD camcorders.
80% of People (8/10) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/20/2005 |
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Strengths: EASE OF USE VERY USER FRIENDLY. A PRESCHOOLER COULD USE THIS CAMCORDER.
Weaknesses: NONE
Summary: AFTER LOOKING AT NUMEROUS CAMCORDERS CANON DC 20 AND SONY 403DVD. THE OBVIOUS CHOICE TO ME IS THE CANON SIMPLY BECAUSE OF EASE OF USE PRICE AND OVERALL COSMETICS. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS CAMCORDER TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO TAKE GOOD HOME MOVIES AND WHEN ONE IS ON VACATION. YOU CAN EVEN PLAY THE DVD'S IN YOUR HOME DVD PLAYER. YOU KNOW KNOW WHO HAS THE BEST AND WHAT IS STOPPING YOU FROM ORDERING IT. DONT WASTE ANYMORE TIME LOOKING AT THOSE OTHER MANUFACTURER'S LIKE I DID IT IS ALL A SMOKESCREEN FOR NOTHING!
67% of People (14/21) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 03/17/2007 |
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Don't Buy this one
Strengths: Great Day Shot
Weaknesses: Night Shot Terrible, runs hot easily, picture quality poor
Summary: This Camera is the worse, notwithstanding that I now realize that I was ripped off buy the sales clerk in the Aventura mall who sold me the Camera as a “GOOD” Buy against the Sony Cameral that I originally went in to buy. I think the camera itself is crappy and Canon should never sell this camera . The day shot is good but THAT’s IT. The night shot is TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, it gets hot to the point that I sometimes canner use it and have to resort to the tripod stand. The video editing software looks to have been developed by a school child with no value to the user what so ever. I’ve been trying to get the darn thing to do simple things and it takes an hour to upload an 8 minute video from the camera to my PC. Don’t even entertain the though of me not knowing what I’m doing, I’ve been in telecoms and the IT world for 6 years, bringing a network up and down seems to be easier. If it did what the manual says it should do as easy as it says it should, I would be fine Buyers, beware.
67% of People (2/3) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 07/29/2006 |
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Strengths: clear images, vivid color
Weaknesses: only 10x optical zoom
Summary: I am using Canon DC100 at the same time, which has 25x optical zoom, but only .68MP. Obviously, this DC20's images is much better.
Although its optical zoom is only 10x, it's enough for most cases.
I recommend this camcorder to the beginners.
67% of People (2/3) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 03/07/2006 |
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Strengths: Small size, easy to use,high quality picture, good work in dark
Weaknesses: a little hot when a long work for DVD driver.
Summary: I have use it a week, wonderful experience.Before I bought it, I researched many camcorders, Sony DVD 305,403. I found DC20 has high ratio between performance and price. Everything is best so far. I love it!
67% of People (2/3) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 02/02/2006 |
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Strengths: Size makes it great,Colors are vivid, Easy to use controls and love the battery being hidden.
Weaknesses: You need to get a second battery but this is not really a problem
Summary: This is a Great DVD camcorder! I did my research and believe for the money it is the best one on the market today. Looked at the DC20 and the Sony DVD 43. I chose the Canon for all the right reasons. Hope you like it too!
50% of People (4/8) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/08/2006 |
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50/50....
Strengths: Superb DAYLIGHT photo quality and sound.
Weaknesses: VERY poor quality in dim or dark situations. Losing material due to random "disk errors".
Summary: 2 big complaints about this camera: 1. So called "Night Mode" is useless. Everything is blurry and trippy-looking, and if you turn the light on, it either A. blinds people, or B. doesn't reach to where the action is. 2. The "disk errors" as above described in an earlier review. This has happened on numerous occasions for me for no reason...you'll tape a bunch of stuff, then all of a sudden, "Disk Error". You can actually see the material burned on the disk but you can't retrieve it (even when putting the finalized disk in a computer). If anybody else has had this problem and found a way to get the lost footage, please let me know!! It's a real shame because otherwise, this is a great camera. Shoots excellent quality photos and videos, as long as you are able to access to data again! I love the thing, but unfortunately, losing memories you can't recapture again is a huge con that outweighs the many benefits of this camera.
50% of People (1/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 08/06/2006 |
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 Honeymoon's over Strengths: Button positions, price, sales pitch
Weaknesses: Software stability and ease of use. Freq. disk reading errors. port positions.
Summary: Downloading from the disk using the supplied software is a frustrating hit and miss. If your aim is to make movies with editing software - like Sony Vegas, for example - I suggest getting a few bottles of aspirin on your way home for the coming weeks ahead. Good Luck with your particular unit.
50% of People (1/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 03/09/2006 |
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Strengths: Easy to operate, very tiny size, good resolution
Weaknesses: It should have seperate DVD-finalized function for each of video in the feature.
Summary: I really love this camcorder. In the very beginning, I just want to buy camcoder w/o DVD (taper type), such as canon ZR300. However, I was attracted by the goog price and high resolution of canon DC20. So I decide to buy it.
This is really wonderful camcorder, tiny size, good shape, aluminum shell. It's a perfect camcorder for me.
50% of People (1/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/26/2006 |
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Strengths: Good auto adjustment. Ability to shoot in two different movie mode.
Weaknesses: Should have provided a pre DVD-FINALIZED mode data transfer feature.
Summary: The handycam is sleek and stylish. Movie quality is good. Keeps shots as individual clips (Use of RW DVDs is recomended). Sound quality is better than other canon models. Only problem is that you have to finalize a DVD R disk to even transfer it to your hard drive and no erase all feature with DVD R.
But no need to stream and edit and compress etc as direclt burns on to DVD in DVD format itself.
Over all a nice product specially for beginers.
Regards
Avijit
40% of People (2/5) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 04/05/2006 |
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Strengths: Multi-functional
Weaknesses: dvd initialization
Summary: This camcorder has a lot of functions and is very small. I purchased it over the internet and I was not disappointed. The product reviews were unclear, but this has a flash, for still photos and a separate light for video (although not super powerful). I have not yet tried initializing the DVD-RW in a DVD burner to reduce the usage on the camcorder, but I will be even happier if that is possible.
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