Canon DC210 DVD Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom

July 18, 2007: Read my response in the comments section to a question from Jason G regarding VRO.

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If you want a DVD camcorder to shoot videos, make VERY minor edits from the camcorder itself, and then drop in your DVD player -the DC210 is okay. It's easy to use, despite the poorly written user guide. As to its features -it doesn't really stand out in the crowd of similar (less expensive) models.

The audio recording isn't great. From a distance of about 5-6 feet, you'll have difficulty hearing someone who is not projecting their voice.

Regardless, after a weekend of significant frustration, this camcorder is going back.

After talking with Canon, I found out that they chose not to inform their users, or even their retailers, that the output video format in VR mode is "VRO" -a new, largely unsupported format.

Users CANNOT edit their videos without conversion software -which, according to Canon reps, WILL NOT be provided on the Canon site. And, this format is so new, I had difficulty finding conversion software and I was unable to find freeware to convert the VRO video files (get ready to pay between $15-$25 for conversion shareware -in addition to DC210'S $340-$400 pricetag).

Canon does not provide ANY software for this camcorder -their reason: the camcorder is ONLY intended for point-shoot-play. Note: Canon didn't even bother addressing the new "VRO" format in the user manual that came in the box or the PDF file on their site (the term itself isn't in their documentation).

Finally, if you need decent audio via use of an external mic, forget it -Canon also didn't put an external mic jack on the DC210 (Canon's ZR800 does have an external jack).

During my last conversation with a Canon rep, my message was basically "shame on you." Canon has obviously chosen to ignore rapidly increasing consumer interest in video editing, the credit for this going to Microsoft, Pinnacle, and others, who have given us some good, simple tools to do creative editing on home and/or amature videos.

Canon totally missed the boat on this one. They could have been packaged a decent camcorder with, at minimum, some conversion software and a better user-guide, thus encouraging their customers to get out there and shoot lots and lots of video for sharing, presentations, and so on, which I intend to do -with a Sony, JVC, or other camcorder.

I'm giving 2 stars to Canon only because the DC210 does do what they wanted it to do.

Canon gets an "F-" for not shelling out a few extra cents for each camcorder sold to ensure customers have conversion software, and subsequently the capability to easily edit their creations with inexpensive, easy-to-use movie/video editing software.

The very worst available. I spent half of our summer vacation trying to find discs that my pretentious Canon would accept. Only Sony, and only sometimes. Ugh. I used to trust Canon. Now, I will read and write reviews more often.

Buy Canon DC210 DVD Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom Now

I am very satisfied with this camcorder. Picture quality is very good for a standard definition camera and operating it is about as easy as it can get. On-camera editing capabilities are not extensive so if you need those you may want to look at the cameras higher in the lineup.

The only complaint may be with finalizing disks. You have to read the manual carefully as the charger must be plugged in and you have to be in play mode before it will even give you the option to finalize a disk. Fortunately you can change disks then go back and finalize them later.

I have had absolutely zero problems playing back finalized disks. Just put the disk in a DVD player and press play.

Read Best Reviews of Canon DC210 DVD Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom Here

Well, there goes my daughter's first birthday footage. It's on a mini disc, but the only thing that will play it back is the camcorder itself. Won't work on any computer, playstation 2, or even a regular phillips dvd player. The user manual lists functions that aren't even selectable in the various menus. You can initialize the disc but not finalize it... though that's supposed to be an option in the menu. I'm taking it back tonight. What a piece of junk.

Want Canon DC210 DVD Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom Discount?

I am a beginner when it comes to camcording and taking pictures. I wanted an easy to use 2-in-1 camera/camcorder. I spent Christmas Eve reading the users guide. I wanted documentation listing steps for a quick setup and use. There is no such thing. What's given is confusing at best. After about 2 hours, I did manage to get things rolling, basically on my own. I thought I did a good job figuring things out, such as initializing the discs, switching between the four basic modes (taking and viewing videos and pictures), making videos, and taking pictures. I was disappointed with the quality I saw on the camcorder, but thought things would look better on my computer or DVD. So I took tons of pictures and videos on Christmas Day. I spent about an hour and a half today (the day after Christmas) learning to convert my pictures for computer/DVD use and finalize the disc. I was tickled to see my pictures on the computer, but all pictures and videos were very grainy, not good quality at all. And I couldn't even get the disc to play in the two DVD players I have. I've spent more time than I wanted to on learning this machine, and I am very disappointed with the results. I could read a little more in the unfriendly users guide about picture qualitiy, but I'm not; I'm going to return it right now!