Canon Elura 100 First Impressions Camcorder Review

Although relatively cumbersome, the Elura 100’s design makes it easier to handle than past Eluras (e.g the Elura 90) because of the reduction in external buttons and the implementation of the joystick. In the past, one would have to juggle with the camcorder engage manual features, but now most of these adjustments can be made with the flick of ones thumb. Panasonic offers a similar joystick feature that sticks out further towards the user making it easier navigate with. Both options are more user friendly than the Sony Touch Screen menu system. Having to constantly tap on an LCD screen that is littered with menu options can be discouraging.

LCD/Viewfinder
The Elura 100 has a 2.7” widescreen LCD with 123,000 pixels and a 0.3” color viewfinder displaying the same number of pixels. The LCD can rotate about 270 degrees. While the LCD’s mobility aids the user in making smooth transitions between high and low angle shots, one is limited by the slight distortion that occurs when the image is viewed at an angle. The viewfinder is the biggest hindrance to this model’s flexibility; it does not extend out towards the user, forcing the user to press his or her face against the back of the camcorder. It is difficult to access the menu or make adjustments over the quality of the image when your face is being nuzzled by the very buttons and joystick you need to use. The immobile color viewfinder plagues this year’s ZR series as well.