Canon DC210 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Dec 26, 2007 6:15 PM 
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The DC210 is Canon’s entry-level DVD camcorder, and is identical to the DC220 (Review, Specs, $318) except for the lack of a MiniSD card slot and a USB slot, the latter causing some degree of consternation. In this price range, finding a camcorder that takes good video is hard enough; worrying about how to edit or back it up should not be another headache. Fortunately, the DC210 has a good combination of features and performance that make it one of the better choices in the budget class for those with the right editing set-up in their homes.
The Front (5.0)
The Canon DC210 is a peculiar looking camcorder, resembling more of a nautilus shell than a piece of video equipment. Canon’s entire DVD fleet is designed this way, so get used to the quirkiness. Up front, the DC210’s façade is as bare bones as they come. The 35x optical zoom lens has an aperture range of f/2.0 – f/5.0 and is capable of the following focal lengths:
-2.6mm – 91mm
-45.8mm – 1603mm (16:9 Movie, EIS On)
-41.0mm – 1435mm (16:9 Movie, EIS Off)
-49.8mm – 1743mm (4:3 Movies)
-43.6mm – 1526mm (Still Images)
The lens is shielded by a manual lens cover, operated by a switch located to its right. Beneath the lens is the DC210’s built-in stereo microphone, and that takes care of the front.
The Right Side (3.75)
The right side is minimalist to the max. The central focus here is the DC210’s disc hatch, which swings outward from the body of the camcorder. Canon disc hatches tend to respond rapidly, and the DC210 will not keep you waiting like certain Panasonics we’ve seen this year. Unfortunately, the architecture is a bit cramped on the right side—the disc hatch is partially blocked by the thin hand strap, which is anchored too low. Because of the hand strap’s poor placement, the DC210 has a tendency to flop to the left at a significant angle. It’s obvious that ergonomics was second to aesthetics. The round DC jack is located toward the lens end along the bottom of the right side.
The Back (6.0)
In back is where most of the actions takes place. But wait—where’s the battery? We’ll get to that in a minute. For now, feast your eyes on the DC210’s sad, sad viewfinder. This plastic bump does not extend or pivot upward and is not rubberized for comfort. Canon is the only manufacturer to slap such a poor alternative monitor on its camcorders. Some manufacturers have given up on viewfinders entirely. We supposed this is at least an option, if not a great option. The dioptric adjuster is located just below the bottom ridge of the viewfinder.
Next down the line is the Video/Photo switch, rear-mounted joystick, and Mode switch. Canon’s joysticks are handy indeed, but lack the buttery refinement of a Panasonic. The slick Mode switch is a nice touch, offering a more secure system as opposed to a round dial that is prone to inadvertent jostles. Along the right side of the back you’ll find the DC210’s unmarked Record Start/Stop button. We’re still not sure why Canon is shrouding this universal button in a silvery cloud of mystery.
The Left Side (4.5)
The left side of a camcorder is usually a grab bag. Sometimes buttons, switches, and controls abound. Other times, it’s like the Sahara. The left side of the DC210 has definitely seen its share of tumbleweeds, but it’s not entirely barren. In the top right corner is a circular cluster of buttons consisting of Function, Quick Start, and Display. An arced plastic port cover houses an AV jack, but no USB port! If you want to play back clips, a DVD player or A/V cables are your only options. Inside the LCD cavity you’ll find…the battery! Aha! Only on the DC210, you can’t upgrade to a larger pack—you’re stuck with that good old BP-208. Bummer. The battery release hatch is located to the bottom right of the battery chamber. Along the bottom of the LCD panel, Canon has provided a strip containing the following controls: Zoom Out/Rewind, Zoom In/Fast Forward, Record Start/Stop/Play/Pause, and Playlist/Stop. These are tasty bonuses that most manufacturers are gradually whittling away, so take advantage of these glorious LCD panel controls.
The Top (4.5)
Noticing a pattern? The top of the DC210 is also simple. Toward the back end is a column consisting of the Auto/Manual switch, Zoom toggle, and Photo button. The DC210’s zoom toggle is fairly sensitive, so go easy on the torque. The playback speaker is embedded within the top of the viewfinder, and that’s all there is to the top of the DC210.
