Customer Reviews

Canon DC320 1.07MP DVD Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I am used to a VHS camcorder (a Sharp Slimcam) that takes fabulous video, but am upgrading to digital for the first time. I did a lot of research and decided that DVD recording was better for me than hard drive or card media because I'm not into the "transfer to computer, edit, burn to disc" video making. I want to pop the finished disc into my DVD player and be done with it. I never saw the attraction to Sony's touch-screen camcorders. Why smudge up your LCD screen with fingerprints? This Canon has two buttons and a joystick next to the LCD as well as a regular viewfinder in case bright daylight washes out the LCD. I bought the cheapest SD card I could find (Kingston 2gig $14) for the still pictures and Memorex miniDVD-RW's (3 for $15 at Best Buy) for the video. Both work fine. I'm sure there are better prices out there but I wanted to get started. All I want is simple movie making and, while this unit has some whistles and bells I will never use, they don't get in the way. There is an "easy" switch to make the camera do everything, and a manual mode that lets you tweak settings if you're into that. It takes pretty good quality video with the SP (higher quality) setting, I haven't tried the lower one. But don't expect eye-popping videos. You will need a hi-def camcorder for that and a Blu-Ray player to watch them unless you intend to use the camcorder as your player. As far as recording standard, home videos, the DC320 is a good value if you pay less than $350. The still camera, however, cannot match my little Fujifilm S3100 and I did not buy this Canon for that. If I happen to have it handy when a photo op arrives, I may use it, but will always have my "real" still camera with me. When you snap the shutter, there is a long delay for focusing before the picture is taken, so candid shots will be challenging. It does have a rapid-fire setting so you can press and hold the shutter for a series of quick shots. But you will have to upload your pix via a card reader of some kind because there is no USB port on this camera. Images can be watched through a standard 3-wire AV cable plugged into your TV if you want. There is no built-in light for still shots, but you can use the LCD screen as a small light source by using a menu setting to switch it on, (it turns white) and turn it towards the front. Better than nothing, I suppose. There is no extra light source for video taking, but there is a night-mode among the different settings. Videos can be recorded in one of two modes - you have to initialize the disc for the mode you want before shooting. One mode lets you erase specific scenes in the camera while keeping others, but requires a limited type of DVD player for playback. The other mode is more universal but restricts your options to erasing the whole disc if you want to start over. DVD-RW discs let you do that, DVD-R's are pretty much "you shoot it, you keep it" unless you edit with your computer later and burn to another disc. Overall, the menu is pretty intuitive once you learn where stuff is, and the joystick makes for quick navigating, plus you never touch your LCD screen! The biggest complaint I have is the position of the on/off/mode switch. When your hand is through the strap, it is very difficult to operate this switch with your thumb like you're supposed to, but fortunately you don't need that switch while you're shooting. There is a standby setting that lets you power down for a few minutes to save battery power and then power up quickly. The battery life is dismal - maybe 20 minutes of average shooting time, you will want to find a long-life (1 hour) battery to carry as a backup. Videos can be shot in widescreen format which is great for my LCD TV. Battery charging must be done on camera unless you buy a separate charger. Also, you need to remember to close the lens cover when you're done shooting - no automatic cover at this price. Summary: Nice, easy to use, somewhat flexible camcorder with average resolution. Don't expect miracles with a camcorder under $600 and you will enjoy this Canon.

The good side of this camera is the weight. I carried it almost 80% following the kid through a parade and my arm didn't get tired. The steadiness was great - no real shaking from the walking (almost running) to keep up. I can't say much about the lighting, the street lights were amber so it gave a bad hue. I blame the street lights for that, not the cam, but it wasn't as dark as I thought it would be. You could still see faces.

I've never had to initilize a disc. So the cam is good to go when plopping in the disc.

Downside, its tricky getting to the menu to finalize the disc. But it does it rather quickly. That might be because the discs dont hold much content, even the dual layered discs. Which is the other downside.

Shop around when getting more discs. Some places like CC, charge double the price just for the discs for the same price at OD with plastic covers.

I love this Camcorder,easy to use and great pictures. I like that it records to a DVD, no need to download, it plays directly on a DVD player.

I really like this camcorder. It was fairly simply to operate. The only complaint that I have is it was a little hard at first figuring out how to start the actual recording. (Of course that could have been avoided by reading the directions first.) Once I figured that out it has been very simple to operate. I saw the Canon DC 410 which is very similar to this camcorder selling for $279.99. I think for the price this camcorder is a great buy.

This is a wonderful camera. The instruction book was easy to follow. As soon as the battery was charged we were shooting great pictures and videos. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone who wants a great camera at a great price.

Camera works okay. Good price for a video camera that creates DVDs. DVDs make it simple to use (coming from mini DV tapes). But, compared to my last Canon mini DV video camera, the picture is not quite as crisp and the steady shot does not work as well. Also, because the DVDs are obviously larger than the mini DVs, this camera is not as easy to hold / doesn't fit into my hand as well. But, it works, and I'm happy to have it. If you have the money, and if you have a large TV, I would recommend getting an HD DVD camera.

Need4digital.com store is a total SHAM!! I called and asked them about a cannon camcorder and asked about the warranty and battery. Then placed the order and the next day was told that I have to call customer service and they informed me that this was an 'import model' and the warranty would not be valid and the battery was a 1 time use battery~!!! None of which was on their site or stated when I called them before I placed the order!

After a year of use, my Canon DC320 has recorder more than 60 hours of
family events and small jobs for clients. It has been perfectly reliable
every time. The convenience of using a DVD recorder with the ability to
play back on our DVD player is just what the doctor ordered. We view the
recordings on a 42-inch screen. They appear pretty clear and the color is
rich. I'm certain that you would have to spend twice as much on a camcorder
to find a more perfectly sharp picture, or to get extra features. However,
I feel satisfied with the DC320 for what I paid.

Since the camcorders I first used 30 years ago - and I believe I have used
every format marketed in the USA - the technology has progressed amazingly!
The size reduction has allowed users to carry a camera nearly anywhere, but
the miniaturization make them more delicate - easier to break - harder to
hold on to. I have dropped and bumped this model a few times and it is none
the worse for that. I know that it can take a little abuse now, but it is
wise to be very gentle and careful with today's cameras.

We just love this camera. It's fairly easy to use, and super lightweight. The battery lasts a good while. It took a little getting used to in the beginning but once we got the hang of it, it was no problem. I don't see us having to replace it any time soon.

Recently purchased this camera before leaving to meet our Italian relatives for the first time in Italy. What a nightmare! The camera would not, no way, initialize the discs that were recommended for purchase with the camera. Very disappointed not to have had a video memento of a trip we had planned for many years. We purchased a battery charger and an additional battery for this camera, and now cannot return it. A lot of money wasted, although we did receive a refund for the camera itself. I'm giving this a one star rating only because I can't leave no stars! Buyer beware.