Canon DC40 Camcorder Review

Audio (4.0)
The audio on the Canon DC40 (Review, Specs, $539.99) is something to consider very seriously when comparing this DVD camcorder to the competition. The Canon DC40 comes with an in-camcorder stereo microphone directly beneath the lens, but no way to connect an external mic. This is a fairly standard position for microphones, one which normally results in adequate recording quality that minimizes camcorder noise and handling faux pas which can occur with a top mounted audio unit. Unfortunately for the Canon DC40, these statements do not hold true. The stereo microphone on this camcorder picked up a nearly constant thrumming and chirruping noise as the DVD disc spun inside the compartment. In addition to this obtrusive racket, there was also the fairly constant noise of shifting mechanisms and other intolerable camera-spawned auditory interruptions that compromised recording quality to an absurd level. Although not helpful in overcoming the camcorder noise, a windscreen feature blocks lower frequencies via a high pass filter setting in the Camera Setup menu. A playback speaker is located on the cusp between the lens barrel and the cover for the DVD compartment.

VCR Mode (8.0)
One of the major advantages of DVDs over camcorders which use tape-media is the ability to navigate captured footage in a non-linear method that uses thumbnail images to enable quick navigation. The playback mode is entered by sliding the Power/Mode switch downwards when the camcorder is in shooting mode. When entered, the playback mode will immediately enable the user to view six thumbnail images simultaneously. Navigation and selection of these images is accomplished through the four-way/set controller located in the lower back left corner. Once the appropriate clip has been selected, the video will begin playing and users will be able to engage standard VCR controls through four controls located on the left side of the lens barrel: Play/Pause, Stop, Slow or Fast Forward, and Slow or Fast Reverse. To skip through scenes, users can activate the left and right arrows of the four-way controller.

When inserting the DVD before recording, the user will be able to shoot on either DVD-R or DVD-RW formats. The DVD-R format can only be recorded and limits users to shooting with the Video mode selected. Most common and recently produced DVD players can play back the Video mode footage, though users will be unable to edit it. The DVD-RW recording format allows the user to shoot in either this mode, the Video mode, or the Video Recording (VR) mode, which provides easier footage editing. The only problem with the VR* mode is that not all DVD players will play it back. It’s important to consider which mode and DVD format are to be engaged, since, following recording, these distinctions will be very important.

The VCR controls, located on the upper left side

A screenshot from VCR mode.

Ports (3.0)
Ports for the Canon DC40 are located on the front, back and left sides of the camcorder. The MiniSD card slot is located on the left side of the camcorder, underneath a well labeled port cover constructed of the same material used for the camcorder. This port cover is located behind the LCD screen and is opened with a tab located along the cover’s back edge. This cover has an exceptionally long hinge that should enable easy access to the card slot.

On the back of the camcorder, positioned on the transition plane between this face and the bottom of the DC40, is a second port cover that is also made of the same plastic composite used for the camcorder body. This port cover is a hassle to open and access, which is unfortunate since it protects the essential and often used USB 2.0 port . Also on the back of the camcorder, although this time near the top of the body on the right side, is a rubber port cover that opens from the bottom to reveal an AV out port. It would be nice to have a similarly placed USB port that enabled such simple usage without complications or unnecessary handling.

On the front of the camcorder, in the lower left corner, is a DC in port covered by a rubber flap that can be opened along three of its edges. This port doesn’t have a great placement, and its small size and obtuse location may make it hard for some users to find at first.