Canon DC40 Camcorder Review

Widescreen/16:9 Mode (5.5)
Switching between the 16:9 and 4:3 formats is a simple feat that won’t necessitate the user entering a menu structure. The widescreen button for the Canon DC40 is located on the LCD frame along the bottom edge of the screen. This button is well labeled and simple to use engage when the camcorder is in standby mode. While simple to activate, the crop and zoom style of the widescreen format won’t garner users with any additional information. However, there is no difference in the width of the field of view when switching between 4:3 and 16:9.

Scan Rates/24p (0.0)
The Canon DC40 uses a fixed scan rate of 60i, a rate that is nearly universal within the consumer DVD camcorder market. Variable scan rates are limited to higher end prosumer and professional camcorder models: the consumer should, not surprisingly, expect to pay quite a bit more for these camcorders.

Other Features (5.5)
Digital Effects and Faders
The digital effects and fader options for the Canon DC40 are listed within the Function Menu structure and allow users a number of preset image alteration options. The only digital effect available when shooting still images is the Black and White effect. The fader options available with the DC40 are; Fade Trigger, Wipe, Corner Wipe, Jump, Flip, Puzzle, Zigzag, Beam, and Tide. In addition to these fader options the digital effects settings provide black and white, sepia, art, mosaic, ball, cube, wave, color mask, and mirror. The Canon DC40 also includes a multi-image screen feature that records four, nine, or sixteen still images on one split screen. Audio captured during this process is recorded normally and can be listened to during playback. These presets are simple to navigate and engage, and users will find their nostalgic cheese factor to be amusing at times, even when quality and results fall short of the mark.

Electronic Image Stabilization
The Canon DC40 does have an electronic image stabilization, which will certainly help with the10x optical zoom lens. While better than no image stabilization, however, electronic image stabilization will still result in sub-par performance and slightly compromised image quality when compared to an optical image stabilization system.

Level Marker
The level marker feature is located within the Display Setup sub-menu found when the Menu button is pressed. When turned on, it displays a horizontal bar across the center of the LCD screen. This enables the user to frame the shot more accurately.

Auto Slow Shutter
The auto slow shutter setting is located within the Camera Setup menu and will automatically engage slower shutter speeds down to 1/30th of a second for video and 1/15th of a second for still images. The auto slow shutter can only be used when the mode dial is in Auto or P modes; the flash must be turned off if capturing still images. Stabilization will be an issue with this feature, and users may find it necessary to brace the camcorder on a tripod or other surface. Images may also show trailing when shooting in this slow shutter mode.

Closed Battery Design
We have to mention this as often as possible, because new consumers might not know what a pain this can be. The DC40, like the other Canon DC models and the Elura 100, hides its battery in the LCD cavity. What might seem like a clever design is actually a big detriment to convenience. Camcorders batteries die quick, especially this one. And the closed battery design means that you will not have the option of buying a long-life battery. That means more to buy, more to pack, and more to lose.