Canon DC40 Camcorder Review

Comparison
Canon DC20
The Canon DC20 was released in fall 2005 and provided users with a DVD camcorder that has a smaller imager size, smaller 2.5 inch LCD, and a lower image quality than the second generation DC40 follow-up. This camcorder does have some benefits over the DC40: a smaller camcorder body and fewer artifacts in video footage. Similarities between these two models include their writing to DVD-R/-RW, MiniSD memory cards for still format, electronic image stabilization, and a 10x optical zoom range. Similar manual controls include white balance, exposure, focus, and the same list of digital and image effects options. This camcorder can be found online for around $699, although availability is limited and some searching may be necessary to procure this model. Winner: DC40.

Sony DCR-DVD405
Available at around the same price as the Canon DC40 the Sony DCR-DVD405 provides users with lower noise levels, similar color performance, more in-camcorder sharpening, and an unfortunate tendency towards more pronounced stair-stepping than the DC40. The DCR-DVD405 has a larger imager size, hybrid capabilities, a better flash position, four-channel audio recording which is translated into 5.1 surround sound, and a 10x optical zoom. A touch screen interface provides a simpler control space, and the limited manual options will appeal to basic users not looking to move beyond the point-and-shoot method. The LCD on this camcorder measures a comparable 2.7 inches and has an identical 123,000 pixel resolution. The 405 is equipped with a superior electronic color viewfinder, due to a swiveling eyepiece that enhances functionality and comfort. An Active Interface proprietary hot shoe connects the camcorder to external flashes, video lights, and microphones, if equipped with the appropriate Sony brand hot shoe attachment. Our pick, the DCD405.

Panasonic VDR-D300
With a slightly higher price of $999 MSRP and a 3 CCD imager, the Panasonic VDR-D300 provides users with more manual control options in a simpler interface. The user of the VDR-D300 can choose between three formats: DVD-RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RAM settings to be engaged. Manual controls for the Panasonic VDR-D300 include focus, aperture, exposure, gain, white balance, and shutter speed. Setting options for manual controls like aperture, gain, and shutter speed are far more nuanced and wide-ranging, allowing even less advanced users to access and alter these settings competently and without worry. This DVD camcorder has hybrid capabilities and an equally poor position for its in-camera flash. The 10x optical zoom was controlled by a zoom toggle that was less subtle in transition, and the results weren’t as smooth or controlled as those found with the Canon. The VDR-D300 has an identically sized 2.7 inch, 123,000 pixel LCD screen and an electronic color viewfinder that is designed to actually be functional. The VDR-D300 has a cold shoe and a mic in port for alternate external microphone options. By far, the D300 is the favorite here.

Hitachi DZ-GX3300A
The Hitachi DZ-GX3300A is a DVD camcorder being released by Hitachi in 2006. This camcorder comes with 10x optical zoom, a 1/3 inch, 3.3 MP CCD, four DVD formats which include DVD+RW, an in-camera flash, and an accessory hot shoe for $799. The external control layout is confusing and a bit cluttered: not nearly as streamlined as the Sony DVD camcorders or the Panasonic models. This camcorder does have manual control over exposure, focus, and white balance; while this is a good start, the Hitachi is unable to provide manual control for aperture, shutter speed, or gain. The LCD for this camcorder measures 2.7 inches and provides a widescreen display in addition to an electronic color viewfinder. In addition to the in-camera microphone, there is also a mic-in jack for external microphone options, a feature that this camcorder shares with the Panasonic and Sony models. For the mic-jack alone, this ties with the DC40.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (5.0)
The plethora of external controls and cluttered layout will likely be an impediment for the beginning point-and-shoot user looking for simple design and an even simpler interface. The dual menu structure will take some getting used to, and options like aperture and shutter priority will likely go unused. Camcorders by Sony provide point-and-shoot users with a basic camcorder that produces strong results while remaining in full auto mode.

Budget Consumers (3.5)
DVD camcorders aren’t inexpensive, and the DC40 is no exception with its $899 MSRP. The compression levels produced poor image quality, the audio was terrible, the menus will be complicated for beginners, and the overall video results weren’t stellar. With this many setbacks, it seems inconceivable that the budget consumer would consider this DVD camcorder. Instead, users should consider a camcorder like the Canon Elura 100, which retails at half the price and with far better results.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.5)
The Canon DC40 does have still and video options, allowing the user to record images with resolutions up to 2304 x 1736 to MiniSD cards. Also included with this camcorder are preset shooting modes, 9-point AiAF, image effects, burst mode, auto exposure bracketing, built in red-eye reduction, and special scene modes. The only major problem with the still features on the DC40 was the in-camera flash positioned vertically to the side of the lens, leading to unflattering light distribution.

Gadget Freaks (3.5)
Although DVD camcorders are a relatively new product, the gadget freak will inevitably have already stashed two or three of these camcorders away and will now be on the hunt for the latest and greatest technology. For these consumers, the Canon DC40 has lost its first generation techno-sheen in comparison to newer technologies like consumer high-def and hard disk drive camcorders. You’ll find this market salivating currently over the HC3 by Sony or the SDR-S100.

Manual Control Freaks (5.0)
The Canon DC40 has numerous manual controls: extensive white balance alteration, exposure range, aperture priority, and shutter priority. While the manual focus failed to perform with success, the zoom control did provide nuanced control with quality handling. This camcorder comes with nearly everything and, although lacking a gain option, this model should appeal to the manual control user.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (3.5)
There is no reason for the pro or serious hobbyist to consider this as an option for shooting video. Terrible DVD compression leading to poor video quality, poor audio recording capabilities, poor viewfinder design, cluttered external design, and a host of other problems will cast this DVD camcorder in an unfavorable light for this sector of the video market.

Conclusion
The Canon DC40, at an MSRP of $899, is a tough sell. DVD camcorders grew up this year, moving from low-end consumer convenience toys to solidly performing camcorders. Sony and Panasonic took the biggest steps forward. The Sony DVD405, their top CCD chip DVD camcorder, has a lot great automatic controls, as well as good video quality. The Panasonic VDR-D300 has three CCDs working together to produce an exceptionally sharp image.

The DC40, on the other hand, produced colors that look great, but the compression (like Sony) is creating some problems with the video quality. And while Canon offers a goodly amount of manual control, it cannot match Panasonic’s bevy of controls, including independent aperture and shutter speed. Nor can it match the D300 and DVD405's fantastic video quality. Coupled with the closed battery design (no extra-long life batteries) and lack of a mic input, this is not standing up very well.

People interested in this camcorder are probably banking on Canon’s history as a manufacturer of superior optics. And it looks like they’ve pulled through on part of that promise. The color quality is excellent. A large CCD and a well-tested processor make sure of that. But something is getting lost in the translation from MiniDV to DVD. Despite the specs and price tag, this is not a substitute for an Optura. Bottom line, especially considering it's high price point, we can't single out a market niche that the DC40 really fits.