Canon DC20 2.2 MP DVD Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BF0ZHM
• Item model number: DC20
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,723 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 8, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer The DC 20 represents Canon's first offering of DVD camcorder. This model is eye-catching with its distinctive and attractive rounded design and slim, lightweight body. It also boasts superior operability and hand-held comfort, supporting easy accessibility for the 8cm DVD-R/RW media. This camcorder makes possible the high-performance recording of video and still images with the incorporation of a 10x optical zoom lens and Canon's DIGIC DV image processor.

The Canon DC20's slim, lightweight body fits easily in the palm of your hand.

The Photo DV-enabled DC 20 also features an RGB filter and a 2.2-megapixel CCD sensor; the CCD utilizes 1.23-milion pixels when recording video images on tape or DVD, and 2.0-million pixels when recording still images on card media. In addition to featuring a 2-way still-photo function, which supports the capture of images onto either a miniSD card or a DVD, the DC 20 DVD camcorder offers a DVD Random Access function, allowing users to start filming or replay video without having to fast forward or rewind, and a Finalize button, which enables users to easily "close" their video for viewing with standard DVD players or DVD-drive-equipped computers.

This digital camcorder feature outstanding design and operation enhancements, offering a variety of convenient and practical functions, including a backlight button for the LCD monitor, which allows users to view images in bright conditions, and an easy-to-use menu screen. In addition, users can enjoy Direct Print features incorporated into the PictBridge-compatible camcorders in a variety of ways, such as with the Print/Share button, which allows them to easily print still photos with just the touch of a button.

Product Description

With the DC20, you get 2.2 Megapixel performance combined with the brilliance of an RGB Primary Color Filter. You also get Built-in Flash with Red-Eye Reduction, along with a Built-in Video Light for great low light shooting. The DC20 digital camcorder gives you all the convenience and functionality of DVD technology by letting you record directly to DVDs, plus a variety of options for shooting and sharing. Only 3 (8cm) in diameter, the DC20 s DVD -R/-RW discs are compatible with most DVD players and can store up to 30 minutes of video in standard mode and 60 minutes of video in long play mode. That s 120 minutes on a double-sided disc! With the DC20 s DVD technology, you no longer have to worry about mistakenly taping over a once-in-a-lifetime piece of footage. You simply shoot, and the DC20 ensures that you are recording onto a blank part of the DVD. Random Access and Easy Editing The DC20 s DVD functionality also makes it possible for you to review your footage quickly and easily without the bother of rewind or fast-forward searching. With the camcorder s Visual Index, you can review your footage at a glance and play the selection you want. You can even select shots and arrange them into a playlist. It s like editing your video right in your camcorder! What s more, the finalization process for these DVDs is quick and easy with the DC20. It s just one more reason why you ll love recording direct to DVD with your DC20.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, December 25, 2005

By 

K. E. Connors (Minneapolis) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon DC20 2.2 MP DVD Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I took a chance on a Canon, in part because of Sony's lengthy rap sheet of offenses against its customers, in part because a lot of people really seem to like their products. Up to this point I've used a miniDV Sony purchased in 2000. Unfortunately, my gamble with Canon didn't pay off. Two major problems:

1) There is a noticeable scraping noise every 5 seconds as it engages the DVD drive, which the microphone picks up unfailingly in quiet situations. (Imagine filming your sleeping newborn and noticing during playback a sound much like mice hard at work just off camera.)
2) It was hot to the touch within minutes of being powered up, i.e. before I finished recording sample footage. (I was using the AC adapter, not the battery.)

In case it is relevant, here is what pg. 124 of the instruction manual says:
"Problem: The disc's rotation can be faintly heard. Solution: The disc is activated from time to time. This is not a malfunction.
Problem: Occasionally the operation sound can be heard. Solution: The disc is activated from time to time. This is not a malfunction.
Problem: Pressing the start/stop button will not start recording. Solution: The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature. Disconnect the compact power adapter and remove the battery pack and let the camcorder cool down before resuming use."

I didn't buy it from Amazon.com (I didn't want to wait for it to ship over the holidays) & I'm not looking forward to paying a restocking fee to return a "not malfunctioning" but basically unusable product.

P.S. The two stars I gave it are for its compact size and cool appearance. Better luck next time on the rest.

55 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works Great!, November 27, 2005

By 

Camera Nut (San Angelo, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon DC20 2.2 MP DVD Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I thought I would try this camcorder as I have used Canon products before and have always liked them. The controls seem easy to follow. I spent some time reading the book and playing with the camcorder getting used to how the controls work. Video playback quality was very good. I made some test videos on mini DVD-RW disks and loaded them onto my computer and burned them to regular-sized DVD's. Everything worked great. Overall, I am very pleased with this camcorder.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Canon DC20, January 16, 2006

By 

hinabucket (Coatesville, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon DC20 2.2 MP DVD Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Size of camcorder is awesome and best sellng point. It's also pretty to use.
Video is excellent when shooting outside, and inside with plenty of light.
Video is only average when indoor lighting is moderate to fair.
Battery life is OK - about what you find on other camcorders in this category.
Stay away from Memorex disks. Only getting 14 minutes (instead of 20) when shooting in highest mode. Have heard similar complaints from a Sony camcorder owner.