6.5 out of 10

Canon DC100

Information found in: from 91 sources in 26 countries.
  • User Score (54)
    7.8 7.8 from 54 reviewers
  • Expert Score (13)
    6.3 6.3 from 13 reviewers
  • Design (4)
    6.2 6.2 from 4 reviewers
  • Value for money (19)
    4.6 4.6 from 19 reviewers
  • Features (15)
    5.5 5.5 from 15 reviewers
  • Ease of use (15)
    7.8 7.8 from 15 reviewers

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Manufacturer's Specs

Digital Video

  • Image Sensor
    1/6-inch CCD, approx. 680,000 pixels Effective pixels (movie): approx. 340,000 pixels (4:3) approx. 450,000 pixels (16:9 IS* OFF) approx. 400,000 pixels (16:9 IS* ON) Effective pixels (still image): approx. 450,000 pixels
  • Maximum recording time
    (single sided: 1.4GB) XP: 20min., SP: 30min., LP: 60min. (double sided: 2.8GB) XP: 40min., SP. 60min., LP: 120min.
  • Lens
    f = 2.6 - 65 mm, f/1.8, 25x power zoom
  • Minimum Illumination
    2 lx (using Night Mode)
  • Recommended Illumination
    More than 100 lx
  • Filter Diameter
    Not supported
  • Viewfinder
    .3-inch TFT Color, approx. 123,000 pixels
  • LCD Screen
    2.7-inch TFT Color, approx. 112,000 pixels
  • Recording Media
    DVD-R/-RW
  • Audio
    Dolby Digital 2ch (AC-3 2 ch)

Review Summary

The DC100 is Canon’s new entry level DVD model. Entry level DVD models have a tough time competing because of all the competition that is circulating the industry. And on top of that, they must also be easy enough to suit the needs of the beginner but advanced enough to allow knowledgeable buyers to get what they need. So as you can see, this is a very tricky niche that the Canon DC100 is trying to enter.

While there are some benefits that go along with buying the DC100, the bottom line is that you should probably pass on this model. There are many entry level DVD models that outperform the DC100, and to get your hands on one you only have to pay a few more bucks. In fact, Canon offers the DC10 that is which has more features than the DC100 for only $100 more. Unfortunately, Canon missed out big time on the production of the DC100 as it was not worth its price tag the second that it hit store shelves.

For novice, budget minded buyers who simply want a point and shoot camera the DC100 can probably get the job done. It offers simple to use features, and auto modes that will make it easy for beginners to get started.

But for anybody who wants more from their camcorder the DC100 is not a good choice. If offers below average performance in both video and still shooting, as well as poor performance in low light situations. And as mentioned above, with the DC100 you are spending almost as much as you would on a better model.

Do yourself a favor and shop around before you settle on the Canon DC100. Not only will you find a better model from Canon, but other manufacturers also outperform the DC100 as well.

The name Canon has always meant photographic and broadcast television cameras with optical excellence, advanced image processing, and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no e…

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  1. Canon DC100

    Reviewer: Picture correct
    13 May 2008

    Mississauga, ON, February 21, 2006 – Canon expands its DVD camcorder line up with the DC100 DVD model. This new entry-level DVD camcorder provides consumers with an affordable, high quality solution for recording precious memories. With its 25x optical zoom lens, Widescreen HR (High Resolution) recording and 2.7-inch Widescreen display panel, the DC100 model expands ease-of-use and enhances the affordability of video for entry-level users. Read more

  2. Reviewer: Wired
    29 December 2006
    Overall 7
    7.0
     

    A steal at $500, the DC100 caters to novices. Its automatic features are refreshingly straightforward, and when you’re ready to trust your own eye, you can manually adjust the focus, exposure, shutter speed, and aperture priority. The trade-off: You’ll have to convert stills to MPEG on-camera before ripping a DVD. Plus, there’s no flash media slot or light to shine on video subjects. Read more

  3. Reviewer: Easy Camcorder
    30 October 2006
    Overall 6
    6.0
     

    Quick Camcorder Review : Canon DC100 Read more

  4. Canon DC100

    Reviewer: Digitaltrends
    31 August 2006
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    The name Canon has always meant photographic and broadcast television cameras with optical excellence, advanced image processing, and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders... Read more

  5. Reviewer: Camcorder Info
    22 May 2006

    The Canon DC100 ($499 MSRP) has some tight competition in the entry-level market, not the least of which comes from its own sibling, the Canon DC10, which can be found for as little as $20 more. Both of these models have a couple noteworthy detriments – an enclosed battery (meaning no extended life batteries) and navigation controls tucked away from the user. The DC100 has the added burden of lackluster video performance, lackluster still performance, and poor low lig... Read more

  1. Let there be DVD Camcorders only - this summer

    Reviewer: uditmohanty, Mouthshut
    07 February 2007
    Overall 6
    6.0
    Value for money 8
    8.0
    Ease of use 8
    8.0
     

    This summer I was packing for the break, I dubiously looked at my Old Sony 218 Camcorder and decided to dump it. I had to choose a camcorder with DVD, compact, ease in operation and quality of video. Although not the best Canon DC100 ultimately suited... Read more

  2. Good value for money @300USD

    Reviewer: Dodobrazil, Digitaltrends
    25 October 2006
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    Clear video quality and very quick focus whichever direction you move the camera. Highly recommended for home video. Read more

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