Canon DC50 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on May 28, 2007 12:27 PM
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Comparison
Canon DC40
Last year’s DC40 ($899 MSRP) is not very different from this year’s DC50, aside from a few minor alterations and a slightly smaller imager. The extra tenth of an inch doesn’t really come into play when you compare the DC40’s 1/2.8” chip to the DC50’s 1/2.7-incher, so expect strikingly similar video quality. Low light is about the same as well - not as good as we had hoped. The only other major difference is the DC40’s side-mounted joystick—a definitive handling factor. You’ll fall for the DC50’s rear-mounted joystick, capable of one-handed camcorder operation. Maneuvering the DC40’s joystick will just annoy you. The safe bet is the DC50. Of course, you'll be able to find great deals online for a one-year old camcorder, so if you want the DC50's quality and can settle for poorer handling, the DC40 may be worth looking in to. Sony DCR-DVD408
The first thing you’ll notice about the Sony DCR-DVD408 ($700 MSRP) is its colossal size when sitting next to the DC50. The DVD408 emulates the look of the Sony HDR-UX1, however, the DVD408 has no cam control ring and only records in standard definition. The DVD408 also has an infamous touch screen menu, which is great for consumers but not at a minute 2.7” size. You’ll dig the DC50’s rear-mounted joystick instead. As far as the imager, expect more noise from the DVD408 in lower light based on Sonys of the past. We really liked what we saw from last year's DCR-DVD405. Canon has had some pretty interesting low light issues as well, but it has the edge as far as size is concerned (1/2.7” vs. 1/3”). The Sony is cheaper, however, and you can probably find it online for an even better price. This is too close to call. We'll have to wait for a full round of testing on the DVD408. Hitachi DZ-HS500A
This is going to be brutal. Hitachi is like the nerdy kid who means well but receives a face full of sloppy joe on a daily basis. The DZ-HS500A ($799 MSRP) is a hybrid camcorder combining the luxury of DVD with a 30GB HDD, not to mention an SD card slot. It sounds great, but why equip your top hybrid model with a tiny 1/6” imager, convoluted menu button farm, and electronic image stabilization? The only thing the DZ-HS500A has going for it is…well…that fact that it’s a hybrid. The DC50’s 1/2.7” chip, rear-mounted joystick, and OIS easily top the DZ-HS500A’s sad set of offerings. You know the winner here. Sony HDR-UX5
The Sony HDR-UX5 ($999 MSRP) is basically a DCR-DVD408 that records via the AVCHD format instead of standard definition. That being said, you can expect up to four times the video resolution but with increased motion trailing and artifacts. How will the UX5’s 1/3” sensor fair against the DC50’s massive 1/2.7” chip? From every angle, more or less, AVCHD is going to look better than standard definition. An individual camcorder's imager is going to affect color performance one way or the other, but the overall sharpness and level of detail that HD offers is undeniable. In addition, Sony's upper-end consumer camcorders tend to produce a great color pallete, which could compete directly with the DC50. The big question is whether you're ready for AVCHD or not. You need a robust computer and the latest Sony Vegas, Ulead, or Corel software to edit. You need an HDTV to take advantage of playback, and you need patience because the format is young and buggy. Not everyone is prepared. The UX5 does offer a hot shoe, however, and if you are a diehard camcorder add-on freak, then that could change the way you view the DC50. Regardless, you’ll save $200 with the DC50. Canon HR10
In terms of a Dada ready-made, the Canon HR10 ($1199 MSRP) - Canon's first AVCHD DVD offering - is a stunning piece. Those who crave a more conservative camcorder will turn away immediately at the sight of the HR10’s wonky copper highlights and two-tone gray paneling. Despite its Mad Max styling, the HR10 shares with the DC50 the same size imager, rear-mounted joystick, and, come to think of it, pretty much everything else. It’s safe to say that the Canon HR10 is the AVCHD version of the DC50. AVCHD freaks will most likely wait for the HR10 to hit the shelves as long as they can hit up mom and dad for an extra $500. That's a very big price gap - too big, in our opinion, considering the price of Sony's UX5. Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Based on the stellar video quality mashed with repugnant audio, the DC50 will prove ultimately faithful to the hardcore tourist documenting the activity of Old Faithful.
Budget Consumers
The DC50 packs a lot in for the budget consumer: great video quality, menu control, and hybrid functionality. However, at $899, a microphone jack would aid the poor sound quality.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
Still photo fans will get a kick out of the onscreen levels, F-stop, and white balance during playback. There’s also a flash and an intricate photo menu. The fact that it’s a hybrid makes it all the more worthwhile.
Gadget Freaks
Gadget freaks will swoon over the Mini SD card, hybrid recording options, and internal lens cover. However, they will soon grow weary of the DC50’s straightforward design and bow down to the budding world of the AVCHD camcorder.
Manual Control Freaks
Shutter priority, Aperture priority, focus, exposure compensation, and more - this is as good as Canon offers in standard definition. Panasonic tops it with independent shutter and aperture.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Serious Hobbyists: You’ll like the video quality. Pros: Need not apply.
Conclusion
Canon has given us their top standard definition DVD model for 2007, and it’s…OK. The handling is a bit off thanks to its thin, cheap, plastic hand strap and awkward finger placement. We did like the rear-mounted joystick and broad range of still features. The DC50 also performed very well in bright light, but it lost some steam in low light. Sound quality was poor, and a mic jack is sorely missing for a "top-of-the-line" model.
With the AVCHD at such a nearby price, you should expect either more for your money at $800 or a lower MSRP. Panasonic had the right idea by offering their top DVD camcorder at a mere $700, which will likely deliver similar video quality with better manual controls. Sony's strategy is to flood the market with offerings at multiple price points, drilling a "Sony... Sony... Sony..." mantra into shopper's heads. Canon has some of the best camcorders on the market for 2007, but we want to see a mid-year price reduction on the DC50 before we can consider it a great buy.
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