Canon DC40
The Canon DC40 is a 4.3 megapixel DVD camcorder that also doubles as a digital photo. Features include an RGB Primary Color Filter, DIGIC DV image processor, the Canon Widescreen HR (High Resolution) 16:9 recording for true widescreen video, and a 2.7-inch Widescreen display panel.
See more information about the Canon DC40 in the news release below.
Canon DC40 news release.
Canon has incorporated a wide array of new features in the DC40 camcorder that make this new model easy to use and provide excellent image quality. These features include:
Excellent Image Quality
When using Canon’s new DC40 camcorder, consumers can capture their memories with confidence that they will maintain excellent image quality. Canon’s DC40 model combines a 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensor with an RGB Primary Color Filter to achieve high resolution and rich, vibrant color reproduction that rivals the image quality from some 3-CCD models.
The camcorder includes Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV image processor. Acting as the camcorder’s “brain” the DIGIC DV image processor recognizes when people are shooting video or still photos. It then processes the color information in the correct color space for each format (video or still photos), so whether consumers watch their movies on TV or print 8″x10″ photos, they will consistently receive video and photos in exceptional color and clarity.
Record Direct to DVD
Because the DC40 model records directly to a DVD, consumers can easily put the disc into their DVD players and watch their movies in the comfort of their living rooms.
The DC40 camcorder accepts the three-inch DVD-R/-RW discs, which can store up to 60 minutes of video (120 minutes on a double sided disc) and are compatible with most home DVD players, both old and new. Canon chose the DVD-R/-RW format to ensure high compatibility with a range of DVD players. Consumers can easily locate scenes without having to rewind or fast forward and create playlists of favorite scenes-right in the camcorder.
True Widescreen Video
Along with Canon’s new ZR and Elura Mini-DV camcorders, the DC40 model includes Canon’s Widescreen HR (High Resolution) 16:9 recording, which allow users to enjoy a full-screen image on their widescreen TV with vivid detail and clarity. Canon’s Widescreen HR delivers not only a wider picture, the method, in contrast to some other systems, uses a wider area of the CCD image sensor to strike more pixels and deliver higher resolution for superior widescreen image quality.
The camcorder includes a 2.7-inch Widescreen display panel making it easy to compose shots in cinema-style. As widescreen television sets begin to replace standard TVs, consumers can appreciate the ability to frame and record in Widescreen HR and then enjoy full-screen playback on their widescreen TVs for a theater-like experience at home.
One-Touch Dubbing
Making copies of DVD home movies is a breeze with DC40 DVD camcorder One-Touch Dubbing feature. When using the supplied My DVD for Canon video editing software, one press of a button is all it takes to make DVD copies to share movies with friends and family.
Editing and Sharing DVDs
The DC40 DVD camcorder comes complete with software for editing video and photos on a PC or making copies to share with family and friends. After transferring their recordings to a PC, users can create entertaining movies by editing video, adding photos, titles, and creating a play menu among other features. When completed, they can burn their project to a DVD in the camcorder or to a DVD drive. The same software allows users to create DVD copies of original home movies easily and is compatible with most Windows operating systems.
Easy Video Recording
Now consumers can shoot rock-steady video without a tripod-even at maximum telephoto. The camcorder includes a Smooth Zoom Control feature, which provides a choice of three fixed zoom speeds. It also includes Level Shot Control, which are horizontal/center indicator markers that allow users to steady their picture while zooming in and out. The camcorder also includes a built-in lens cover which automatically opens in record mode and closes when switched to playback or turned off.
Bright Lights, Big Memories
The DC40 DVD camcorder also features a built-in Ultra Video Light for low-light conditions, a built-in flash and Red-Eye Reduction. So whether attending a twilight wedding or out-and-about in the daylight sun, the DC40 DVD camcorder will record well exposed images in virtually any lighting conditions.
“Say Cheese” Advanced Photo Features That Are Simple To Use
The DC40 DVD camcorder includes a full range of advanced photo features, including:
• Simultaneous Photo Recording for capturing both the video of everyone singing happy birthday as well as the still photo of the child blowing out the candles;
• Nine point AiAF Autofocus system for fast and accurate focus in still mode;
• Progressive Photo helps reduce blurring resulting in crisp photos;
• High Speed Shutter of up to 1/720 of a second for great photos in bright conditions;
• Aperture Priority (AV) and Shutter Priority (TV), providing further creative control to the photo enthusiast; and
• Special Scene Modes like those found on a Canon PowerShot digital camera; Portrait, Snow, Night, Sports, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks, Beach.
The camcorder records photos onto Mini-SD cards. Popularly used in today’s newest cell phones, the Mini-SD format offers high-capacity storage in a compact size; therefore, people can view their recorded memories at home or visiting the grandparents.
Canon DC40 Reviews
PCAuthority has a review up of the Canon DC40 and writes, “The video output is much better than a high quality VHS signal, but not as good as Mini DV. Colours are compressed but still retain a lot of contrast which makes the footage feel more alive. During high motion scenes, the compressed signal blurs edges slightly … On an 8cm DVD, the DC40 gives you 20 minutes of high quality recording, 30 minutes of standard quality, and 60 minutes of low quality — all of which, except low quality, are widescreen. In contrast, a Mini DV tape will give you an hour of standard play or 90 minutes of long play. … The recording medium doesn’t do justice to the Canon optics and CCD, which means that the footage is some of the best you will see in the direct to DVD camcorder class. If you have your heart set on the convenience of shooting to DVD, the Canon DC40 is a good example on how to minimise the quality trade-off that you should expect from other cameras.” Link.
CNET has a review of the Canon DC40 and writes, “the DC40 operates smoothly and quickly. It adjusts focus rapidly when zooming and panning, for both high- and low-contrast subjects, and swiftly adapts to changes in subject exposure. The zoom switch is quite responsive; in variable-zoom mode, the lens can go from wide to tele in a snap. The constant-rate zoom presets run at slow, slower, and unbearably slow, but I guess that’s where you need them the most. … When played back in a relatively new DVD player, the Canon DC40’s best-quality video looks extremely good: sharp and saturated, with accurate white balance and exposure. As long as you haven’t panned or zoomed too fast, there are few motion artifacts. However, when I played my video on a several-year-old, basic DVD player, it randomly skipped frames; though it’s likely the fault of the player and its inability to fluently read DVD-R, you should keep my experience in mind when you send discs to Grandma.” Link.
PCMag has a review of the Canon DC40 and writes, “The overall quality is quite good, although the Sony DCR-DVD505, with its larger LCD screen and an easy-to-use touch screen, is just a bit better. I was disappointed in the DC40’s Night or Super Night mode. It’s designed for use in low-light situations, but gave me streaky, almost surreal footage. … For a camcorder, DC40 gives you lots of tools for taking great still images. I was particularly impressed with the burst mode. In normal frame mode, the 4.2-second recycle time is just average for a digital camera, although good for a camcorder. But it also has a speedy burst mode, even with the flash turned on. This makes it usable for shooting sports snapshots. … Although performance needs to improve, the Canon DC40 is one of the first miniDVD camcorders to let you shoot decent stills.” Link.
Unbeatable has a review of the Canon DC40 DVD camcorder and writes, “The performance of the Canon DC40 DVD camcorder was very interesting indeed as the footage was second to none and effortlessly done too. Colours were excellent, bright and vibrant and extremely accurate. The video night light was a great advantage to help out in those low light situations, but our subjects would automatically shut their eyes in fear of being blinded as the light is so bright. The LCD was of high quality and very bright indoors especially, however when in direct sunlight was very washed out. Connecting the DC40 to a PC was simple and we were impressed with the ease of operation with everything we tried to do without the use of the manual. … The Canon DC40 is a highly recommended DVD camcorder that is simple to use and provides excellent footage with great colours.” Link.
