What camera should I buy? I get that question a lot, even though I don’t tend to be “state of the art” with my equipment. But if I were on the market for a digital camcorder I’d get the Canon Elura 100 (no I don’t get paid to endorse). It’s less than $400 and here’s what makes it a decent choice. And an excellent gift (hint):
- I learned about it in Smart Money’s Sept. 2006 article titled “Home Movies.” Indie film star Edward Burns calls it a “no brainer,” and he reviewed cameras up to $800.
- This insanely detailed review at CamCorderInfo.com compared it to other brands in the same price range, and it came out well.
- CNet gave it a “very good” at 7.2, and readers gave it a 7.6.
- Consumer Report (which is usually a last resort since they’re often way outdated on electronics) gave it a 55- which is in the “good” range but closer to “very good” than “fair.” It marked “very good” on picture quality, but “fair” on audio quality. Consumer Reports gave the Elura 85 a better mark (71) but it’s closer to $500.
- Epinions (consumer reviews) gave it a 4/5 rating. Watch out for the “hissing” sounds the mike picks up from the tape motion. It’s an issue I’ve seen pop up in many reviews, but it’s primarily an issue when you’re shooting in low sound. I don’t go anywhere where low sound exists.
- I researched endlessly my Canon Rebel XT still camera and I’m really happy with it. So Canon wins points.
Unfortunately PCMag hasn’t reviewed it yet, which is surprising. I put a lot of weight in their reviews.
I usually got to BestBuy for impulse. But they’re not in stock, and they’re not cheaper. Plus I hate the pressure to buy the warantees. Amazon has it on sale… here’s the link (I do get an affiliate fee for anyone buying it through this link, but in my experience nobody uses affiliate links).
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I love this, although I already have a camera. I just like that it is very helpful and informative.
Now, I have a Canon ZR80, which is not a far cry from the Elura. Mine has the same problem with picking up the tape motion in the built-in mic. Here is a question that you may have an answer to: would an external mic, mounted on the expansion slot, counteract this problem? I’ve been thinking about getting one anyway, so manybe this would be a good reason too. Thanks. Cheers.
I have an older Sony, although it’s starting to feel a tad bulky I remain happy with it. I’m starting to think that an external mike is something I need to pick up ASAP. Now, if only I could convince my wife that I also needed a really big plasma screen TV. I have a Sony trinatron that simply will not die!
One word, Mark. Magnets.
[...] How to pick: Before I purchased, I’d identify a model favored by PCMag, ZDNet, CNet or Consumer Reports (although their models are often outdated). Previously I wrote about this Canon Elura that looks nice. And here are some decent action cameras I reviewed last month. [...]
Is there really anybody who will video for food???
We are doing a cross-canada walk to raise money for a place in Africa. The walk starts May 6….Yeah, right away!
We called a couple of schools to see if anyone felt like documenting this crazy walk thing…two women, an RV, a mission. Endurance Planet, the pod-cast is interested in interviewing…maybe, but that’s only an audio.
Anyone inspired? Interested? Check out website… http://www.simplestepswalk.ca