Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder

I've had this camcorder for 2 months now and use it several times a week. I have to say -- coming from the Sony world of camcorders -- that the Elura is far superior. The only thing I miss in my Sony is the touch-screen control, but the joystick of the Canon works just fine. I was in Prague in August when my Sony simply upped and died on me -- and it would have cost more to repair than the camcorder was worth. Very pissed, I used my Canon (Elph) digital camera to take movies (in addition to the stills it was already taking) and came home with some good movie footage that I stitched together using Windows MovieMaker. But that's not what I bargained for.

Now I own the Canon Elura 100, and I've been using it hard for 60+ days, and have downloaded (via FireWire) tons of footage, and most of it shot at 16:9 widescreen. And it's GREAT! Especially for its price, the Elura is a no-brainer. I don't seem to suffer from the motor noise I keep reading about. Ninety percent of my shooting is regular daylight, and I use all the effects and controls available (especially the fun "mirror" effect), and this little thing is a charmer. Kids and excursions, family dinners and high-school outings, flying kites and visiting relatives -- these are the things we use our camcorders for. I am one happy fan of the Elura 100.

While I don't yet own a Mac with iDVD (check in with me next month!), I have been making cool videos with the free Windows MovieMaker and with Adobe Premiere Elements. This is why god made computers -- so we can have some control over our lived lives and depict our roles, families, loves, and travels for the generations to come. The Elura 100 rules.

Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder $306.89
From: Canon

• Features true widescreen recording and powerful 20x optical zoom
• Widescreen 2.7-inch LCD
• Canon's Digic DV image processor for exceptional color and clarity
• Smooth Zoom Control function prevents jerky zooms
• SD memory card slot for capturing stills
• Canon SC-A50 Camcorder Soft Leather Carrying Case for ZR, Elura, Optura & DVD Camcorders
• Canon Video Light for Canon Camcorders
• Canon DVME60 60 Minute MiniDV Digital Videocassette
• Samsonite Journey Camcorder Bag for Most Camcorders
• Canon DVM-CL DV Head Cleaning Cassette