Because of its compact frame, some of its features had to be trimmed. Its 2-inch LCD is smaller than most, but its bright screen can be viewed easily even in daylight. Unlike many other camcorders, the Elura's viewfinder displays in color, not black and white. It also offers only a 10x optical zoom, not as high as other cameras, but still adequate for most users.

Unlike many camcorders whose still image quality is subpar, the Elura 40MC captures 1024 x 768 pixel still pictures on a Secure Digital media card (an 8 MB SD card is included) rather than on the MiniDV media. And if coupled with a Canon CP-10 card photo printer, you can directly print images from the Elura without going through your PC.

But it's video quality that matters most in a DV camcorder. The Elura 40MC captured excellent video, even in poor lighting conditions. It doesn't have a built-in light, but its low-light mode still managed to record impressive video with realistic colors and limited graininess.

The Elura's autofocus worked quickly and accurately, and its zoom buttons were within easy reach during filming. The basic modes of the camera make it point-and-shoot easy for the novice user. Audio quality with the built-in mic wasn't the best (we noticed some noise during recording), but the Elura comes with a port that lets you connect an external microphone.

It's not the least expensive camcorder out there, but the extreme portability of the Elura 40MC paired with its excellent video quality make it an appealing choice. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Light and compact
• High quality video
• Good still image capture

Cons:

• Average optical zoom
• Some audio noise

Lens
Canon is known for their lenses, and the 10x optical zoom lens is a good one. The zoom can also be digitally enhanced to provide 200x magnification, but the 10x should be enough for most purposes. Additionally, the camcorder is equipped with an image stabilizer to help eliminate the shakes and jitters associated with handheld video shooting (at any zoom level).

Digital Stills
The digital still mode records 1,024 x 768 stills onto an included 8 MB SD card, and will also work with MultiMediaCards. While 1,024 x 768 is good for printing smaller pictures, it is probably best for e-mailing pictures to friends, or for posting pictures on a Web site.

Inputs and Outputs
The Elura also features a great number of inputs and outputs, meant to satisfy even the most ardent gear-fanatic's lust. You get the standard IEEE 1394 port, composite and S-video analog inputs for converting all your old footage to digital, and a mic input that allows you to use an external mic source (good for pro-sounding audio).

The Elura 40MC is a great little camcorder that includes a lithium-ion battery, power adapter, battery charger, wireless remote, S-video cable, stereo video cable, and 8 MB SD card.

This one doesn't have megapixel stills at 1020x960, but it's still tons better than 640x480 on most compact cams, and we have a 35mm for the serious photography anyway. Lots of great on-camera editing and shooting features, and some basic photo and movie editing software included. If you're going to do some serious movie editing, I'd recommend purchasing a better software package or taking advantage of one of Canon's mail-in rebate deals.

Mac users, you'll love this one. We had a pre-USB Powerbook running OS 8.6 and bought USB and Firewire PCMCIA cards for it. It runs just great without spending the extra cash upgrading the OS like the card manufacturers say to. Also, I wouldn't spend the extra cash on the expensive firewire cards that a Mac specific. I picked up an inexpensive IBM card [$$] at the local computer store, plugged it in, downloaded the supporting drivers from Apple, and it fired right up.

You will have a lot of fun with this cam. We took it out for the first time on July 4th, and everyone was amazed by it. Plugged it into the S-video on the nearest TV, and we had a great time watching the day's events!


Great camcorder--Some easy solutions for the drawbacks.   December 22, 2002
Mike (Urbana, IL United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This is a great camcorder! I got one and my wife loves it so much. We enjoyed all the pros of the camcorder and we also solved all the cons easily.

Cons: 1. Motor noise, yes, it is there, but not that noticable. Besides, any decent video editing software is able to filter that out. We also have a small,cheap standard Mic(got for free? Forgot), it also work fine to get rid of the noise.

2. Battery life: Well, you always need at least one additional battery for any camcorder ... Best price for standard additional battery is at batteries.com, 29.99+3.99 shipping; Really cheap compare to many other places. FYI, the standard battery is the same one for Canon S30/40. This is very convinient if you have both.

3. Low light: Come on...even 3000+ camcorder has low light problem too. We bought a cheap samnite(29, maybe?can't remember exactly) light set at bestbuy and everything is fine now...

You will love it...:)


Important Information regarding the Elura 40mc   June 7, 2005
Canon USA, Inc. (New York, USA)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

Please be advised that Canon U.S.A., Inc. has posted information on the web regarding the Elura 40MC and Elura 50 camcorders. This information relates to the "Remove the Cassette" message being displayed on the camcorder's LCD screen.

This information can be accessed by visiting Canon's on-line support at the following URL:
http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=227&modelid=9037

[...]


Very Good Compact Camcorder   November 23, 2002
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

At first I was a bit disappointed with indoor (home) picture quality. However, I faced the know fact that all camcorders need ample light indoors. I bought a cheap Sima light attachment bracket and a Sunpak CZ-200 light. It improved the situation indoors. Pictures in malls and other commercial facilities are simply great! Works great outdoors- no matter what kind of weather you have. The still pictures are very poor though- will stick with the digital camera for this. Recommend this camcorder for people on the go...


A Perfect Mix of Features and Compact Size   November 8, 2002
Eric R. Swanson (Wadsworth OH USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I looked at quite a few DV camcorders before I settled on the Canon Elura 40MC. You will not find a more compact camcorder with this many features in this price range. I especially like having the ability to convert my old analog videos to digital using the pass-through feature.

My only complaint is that it is easy to block the auto-focus sensors with your fingers as you hold the camera. I practiced holding the Elura so that I know the proper position of my fingers. Other than that, I haven't found anything else that I dislike.