Canon DC22 Camcorder Review

by John Neely
Published on Nov 29, 2006 12:00 PM

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


  
Widescreen/16:9 Mode (6.5)
An external button on the left side of the Canon DC22 (Review, Specs, $409) makes switching between widescreen 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios very easy. Pressing the button while in movie mode instantly toggles between aspect ratios. Unlike most other consumer camcorders, the DC22 employs a native 16:9 sensor which means video recorded in widescreen mode will have the highest resolution the camcorder is capable of producing. To produce 4:3 video, the DC22 uses a pillarboxing technique, where the sides of the image are cropped out of the picture. Camcorders with native 4:3 sensors often use a letterboxing technique to produce widescreen video where the top and bottom of the picture are cropped. Letterboxing reduces the resolution of widescreen footage, because a good deal of information is discarded. All things being equal, a native 16:9 sensor such as the one on the Canon DC22 should produce much better widescreen video than a letterboxed widescreen image captured with a 4:3 sensor. Our only question is this: why did Canon bother to create an external button for switching aspect ratios? Most people are generally going to shoot in one or the other and stick with it. Making it an external button only increases the chances of someone bumping it accidentally.
 
Scan Rates/24p (0.0)
The Canon DC22 records standard definition 60i video, a scan rate that is on par with all currently available consumer camcorders. The term 60i references the rate and manner in which video is captured, i.e. at 60 fields of interlaced video per-second. Many prosumer camcorders support additional scan rates, such as 24p, where 24 progressive frames per-second are captured. 24p and other progressive formats like 24F and 30p have gained popularity in recent years for their film-like look.
 
Other Features (4.0)
Digital Effects and Faders - The Canon DC22 is unusually replete with digital image effects and faders, at least in comparison to camcorders from other manufacturers. The digital effects and fader options on this camcorder are similar to those found on other Canons, and can be found in the Function Menu. We question the value of in-camera effects like “cube,” and faders like “puzzle” and “wave” but we can’t fault Canon for ponying up on bizarre consumer demands; some people still love them.
 
The only digital effect available when shooting still images is the Black and White effect.
 
Electronic Image Stabilization - Canon’s DC22 includes an EIS (electronic image stabilization) system, which reduces the effects of camera shake on the recorded image. EIS systems reduce camera shake by using a portion of the frame as a buffer zone. The camcorder then uses digital processing to stabilize the remainder of the image at the cost of the sacrificial buffer zone. As a result, some image information is lost, and video shot with EIS set to on will have a slightly lower resolution than non-stabilized video. OIS (optical image stabilization), found on some higher-priced consumer camcorders and standard on prosumer models, are superior to EIS because they do not compromise video resolution when enabled.
 
Level Marker - The level marker feature is a shot framing aid found the in Display Setup sub-menu. When level marker is enabled, a horizontal line is superimposed over the center of the video image. The level marker is not recorded to disc.
 
Auto Slow Shutter - Auto slow shutter is found in the Camera Setup sub-menu, and is an optional low-light setting. When Auto Slow Shutter is enabled, the DC22 allows the shutter speed to drop as low as 1/30 of a second in lower light environments. Normally, the shutter speed does not drop below 1/60 in order to maintain a TV-like appearance because shutter speeds below 1/60 can appear stuttered. Auto Slow Shutter is available in Auto or P modes for video.
 
In still image mode, Auto Slow Shutter will drop the shutter speed as low as 1/15 second, and the flash must be disabled.
 
Closed Battery Design - The enclosed battery of the DC22 keeps the external appearance of the camcorder very clean. It also makes the camcorder more portable and self-contained since the battery is so small, and is charged in the body of the camcorder. Unfortunately, closed battery designs come at a significant cost. Unlike external battery slots that can accommodate larger longer life batteries, closed battery slots can only accommodate batteries of a specific size. This means there are no long-life battery options available for the DC22, reducing flexibility.



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