Canon DC210 Camcorder Review

by Michael Perlman
Published on Dec 26, 2007 6:15 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion
 Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Comparison
Canon DC100
Last year’s DC100 ($499.00 MSRP, under $300 online) is an uglier, more annoying version of this year’s DC210. Last year’s entry-level Canon DVD camcorder features an identical 1/6-inch imager. The DC100 is strapped with a side-mounted navigation panel as opposed to the DC210’s luxurious rear-mounted joystick. The DC100 also comes up short in the zoom department with a 25x optical range. Those are the most prominent divergences between both Point-and-Shoot specials. On a final note, the DC210 is a looker when pinned up against the Alien/Predator façade of the DC100. The DC210 is the champ here.

Canon DC220
For an extra $50, the DC220 ($399.00 MSRP) offers a MiniSD card slot and USB terminal. This is not a profound upgrade, but it will pad the user when disc issues arise. The ability to import directly via USB and record still images to a separate swappable form of media will really come in handy when that internal DVD laser throws in the towel. The DC210 does not have this luxury. From imagers to manual controls, the camcorders are identical. The DC220 simply has your back. It’s like traveling everywhere with two giant guys named Moose and Rocco.

Sony DCR-DVD108
Sony’s entry-level DCR-DVD108 ($349.99 MSRP) is a fierce contender. A USB terminal, Memory Stick PRO Duo slot, and massive 40x optical zoom barrel out of the starting gates at top speed. Matrix-like style and a retractable viewfinder also blow past the DC210’s cheap, uninviting construction. Both camcorders are equipped with 680,000 pixel, 1/6-inch imagers, and at this level performance will not vary greatly—although the DCR-DVD108 has a bit more noise kicking around. The DC210’s only swords here are its rear-mounted joystick and lush set of manual controls. Those who are adamant toward the infamous “love or hate” Sony touch screen will want Canon’s advanced refinery. Point-and-Shooters will not be able to pass up the DCR-DVD108’s Easy mode.

Panasonic VDR-D210
Although we haven’t had a chance to test the VDR-D210 ($349.95 MSRP), we tested the VDR-D230, which shares the same imager. Low-end Panasonic camcorders have really performed well this year, and the VDR-D230 was no exception. Therefore, you can expect a superior performance out of the VDR-D210. As far as manual controls and handling, the VDR-D210 is like a Cadillac compared to the Canon DC210, which is more like a souped-up Volkswagen. Keep in mind the DC210’s limiting enclosed battery design. Both camcorders lack memory card slots but feature rear-mounted joysticks. Panasonic steps it up a notch with gain and a highly intuitive, well-designed menu. Power users will want to shoot for the VDR-D210 while portability freaks will aim for the DC210.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The Canon DC210 is as much a Point-and-Shoot camcorder as you can get. With a 35x optical zoom, easy DVD media, and low price, the DC210 will debut at soccer fields far and wide.

Budget Consumers
Canon’s entry-level DVD camcorder falls just below the $350 mark, which will make your wallet smile. The trade-off? It’s an entry-level DVD camcorder.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
Stills can be captured in two sizes and are accompanied by Canon’s extensive Histogram/Stat page. On the downside, the DC210 does not feature a card slot, meaning all images are recorded directly to disc. Ho-hum.

Gadget Freaks
An entry-level DVD camcorder is not going to appeal to any gadget freak.

Manual Control Freaks
Focus and Exposure lie at the will of your thumb while Shutter Speed and White Balance are waiting in the wings of the Function menu. To top it all off, the DC210 offers a slew of Image and Digital effects in addition to a Shutter Priority mode. Look out, Panasonic!

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Not if the DC210 was the last camcorder on Earth…well, maybe if it really was the last camcorder on Earth.

Conclusion
The Canon DC210 is an entry level DVD camcorder with a solid set of manual controls, but a serious dearth of connection options. We like the handling and menu operation, for the most part. DVD is inherently easy to use, thus it enjoys a wide popularity with non-techies. But the lack of a USB port can pose some serious problems when it comes to editing or moving the footage off of the disc. If you have a PC, you’re probably fine… as long as it’s relatively new and can read these types of discs. Macs, however, typically have a slot loading drive that cannot accept the smaller, 8cm discs used in camcorders. That leaves you high and dry if you want to upload video to the internet or even back up footage to a hard drive. For $50 more, the Canon DC220 has all the DC210’s features, plus a USB drive, making it a worthwhile consideration.

 

 

 



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