camcorder - Canon Elura 100

[oulisee]

For people who are looking for a decent camcorder: I have decided to buy a Canon Elura 100, which is highly praised by camcorderinfo.com.
After looking for a best price ($599 at FS, $549 at BB), I’ve realized that the best one can do is to buy it online at BB for an extra $50 off. However, I have found this site
http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=cnelura100
where the price was $299 US as of Nov 6. I paid an extra $39 for shipping to Toronto, ON and I got it just yesterday, Nov 8. Extra fast shipping through UPS.
I was expecting to pay handling fees and taxes, but amazingly I didn’t have to pay anything extra. So for $338 US I’ve got a brand new Canon Elura 100.

[WHOAMI]

Looking for DV camcrder. How is the warranty in Canada.
Is there any review for this. Thanks!

[aubergine]

Canon Elura series get condensation problem.
I don't know Elura 100 fix it or not

[slgta]

The link show $308.89 for me. But it is still cheaper then BB or FS.

What about warranty? Do we have to ship the camcorder back to them if we need warranty service?

And how much duty you are expecting to paid?

I think the FS price is a package deal which comes with the case, 2nd battery and DV tape.
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10072056&catid=#

Some reviews ...
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Elura-100-Camcorder-Review.htm
http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_Elura_100/4505-6500_7-31641795.html?tag=lst

[nsx]

...
I think the FS price is a package deal which comes with the case, 2nd battery and DV tape, right?!

Yes.

- a Canon camcorder bag
- a second battery
- a DV tape

[ENG101]

Not to rain on your parade, but I've heard of people getting tax and duty bills in the mail weeks after a delivery. You'll have to wait and see...

[oulisee]

The link show $308.89 for me. But it is still cheaper then BB or FS.

What about warranty? Do we have to ship the camcorder back to them if we need warranty service?

And how much duty you are expecting to paid?

I think the FS price is a package deal which comes with the case, 2nd battery and DV tape.
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10072056&catid=#

That's the thing ... I didn't pay any duties. But again, someone was saying that he knows cases when people got invoices in the mail a week or so later. We'll see.

[cheapbastage]

The U.S deal is pretty good, those who want to stay in Canada:

Henry's has the camera for $499 (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PageDisplay?dest=frames.jsp&currency=CAD&storeId=10001). PM @ BB/FS etc.

Based on my research this is the best camera in the price range.

[frankw]

You are screwed for warranty in Canada. Canon Canada won't even look at it. They will want the serial number before they will issue a RMA and will not accept any argument. I speak from experience.

[look30]

What about warranty? Do we have to ship the camcorder back to them if we need warranty service?


Canon recognizes warranty all over North America.
UPS charges EVERYTHING upfront, I doubt they will send you a bill afterwards.
Fedex will bill you later,they did it with me and I just called them and told I won't pay a cent cause I was not aware of any charges at the time of delivery and they're welcome to come over to my house pickup the damn' thing and returnit ot the states.Answer was "We cancel the charge but next time...." :)

[slgta]

The U.S deal is pretty good, those who want to stay in Canada:

Henry's has the camera for $499 (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PageDisplay?dest=frames.jsp&currency=CAD&storeId=10001). PM @ BB/FS etc.

Based on my research this is the best camera in the price range.

How's Henry's? I have never deal with them before.
Is it better to buy from Henry's or get the combo deal from FS?
The extended warranty from FS is more expensive though.
I wonder if FS will have this baby on sale anytime soon.

[jamied]

Canon recognizes warranty all over North America.


Not true.

Although Canon's still photographic equipment usually has a warranty valid in Canada and the US, video equipment rarely does. I just ordered a Canon Optura camera from B&H in NYC and my research before purchasing it revealed that it would not be covered under warranty in Canada. Sure enough, when it arrived it's warranty card--unlike the warranty card for other Canon camera equipment I've purchased from B&H--was a *US only* warranty. Having said this, apparently *sometimes* Canon video equipment available in Canada but purchased in the US *is* covered under warranty in Canada.

J.

[leehoyuen]

Canon recognizes warranty all over North America.
UPS charges EVERYTHING upfront, I doubt they will send you a bill afterwards.
:)

Not correct.

Depends on the service that was used, the slower service always get charged up front. For the faster service, I got billed from UPS about 7-14 days after I received the item. I remember last time $30 item get charged $19 brokage fees, and a $360 USD lenses from B&H,NY got charged $120 brokage fees.

[look30]

I had no ideea that they make a difference between Video and Photo products.
I know for sure that my S30 I bought from the states was repaired under warranty here without any hassle.

[Lord Denning]

JR.com has it for 299 US.

If you are visiting NYC, they have the at the airport $15 off $150 coupons, bringing it down to 285.

[cheapbastage]

Nov 27: Dell Has the Elura 100 (http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=CADHS1&sku=A0667745) at $479. That's the best price I've seen in Canada.

[tomincanada]

I'm a camera noob so to speak, so maybe someone could answer a couple of questions about this camera.

If it's widescreen - doesn't it have to output in High definition? I only see composite outputs for TV. My tv displays 480i/480p signals in 4:3 mode and I don't think that's optional.

Does it output to the computer? What do you guys store the videos on afterwards - VCR/DVD?

[alkaseltzer01]

Will FS or BB pricematch Dell.ca????

[exnihilio]

A good point too but then again it's free shipping right now for orders over $50 so it'll only cost an extra week really...

Will FS or BB pricematch Dell.ca????

[exnihilio]

Actually it's dropped down another $10 at Henrys and is at $489 and a rebate for Pinnacle Studio V10:
http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/henrys/itemframes.jsp?departmentId=10410&itemID=164604

The U.S deal is pretty good, those who want to stay in Canada:

Henry's has the camera for $499 (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PageDisplay?dest=frames.jsp&currency=CAD&storeId=10001). PM @ BB/FS etc.

Based on my research this is the best camera in the price range.

[Quick_lude]

These MiniDV camcorders, I'm assuming you could transfer the video from the camera/tape straight into the computer via USB? If so, what is the transfer rate?

[nsx]

These MiniDV camcorders, I'm assuming you could transfer the video from the camera/tape straight into the computer via USB? If so, what is the transfer rate?

Via Firewire, not USB.

[exnihilio]

USB is not quick enough to transfer without loss of frames I guess. 1394 is much faster and can keep pace I suppose.
From Canon's site:
Sharing your video is easy because the Elura 100 comes equipped with an IEEE 1394 DV Terminal. Known as Firewire or iLink, the connection is a high-speed, digital interface that ensures virtually no loss of video or audio quality when transferring videos to a computer

Via Firewire, not USB.

[Sybersport]

Future Shop has the Elura package (camera, bag, extra battery, DV tape) for $569 *$30 off $599 regular price)

Then there is the $50 off $500 coupon, it's on their website.

$519 for the package deal - not bad if you ask me.

If you do get this camera package, buy a seperate DV tape, and try it out before you crack open the included tape - apparently some of these cameras have a really bad sound that transfers onto recording (the sound coming from the tape motor) - so if you have to return it, you don't want to get stuck having to pay for some obscure DV tape that was included in the package.

[exnihilio]

Agreed.
$30 more than Henry's and you get bag battery and tape which normally sell for $129 through FS as a pack which is obviously inflated but still...)

This kinda tempts me to jump on for sure.

Future Shop has the Elura package (camera, bag, extra battery, DV tape) for $569 *$30 off $599 regular price)

Then there is the $50 off $500 coupon, it's on their website.

$519 for the package deal - not bad if you ask me.

If you do get this camera package, buy a seperate DV tape, and try it out before you crack open the included tape - apparently some of these cameras have a really bad sound that transfers onto recording (the sound coming from the tape motor) - so if you have to return it, you don't want to get stuck having to pay for some obscure DV tape that was included in the package.

[nagrog]

I got my elura 100 from JR.com in NYC.
I had an amerifriend bring it for me.

Great camera... very good battery life. Very small compared to the other MINI DVs.
I also got some tapes...
The whole thing cost me around 350 CND.

[dreadknot69]

USB is not quick enough to transfer without loss of frames I guess. 1394 is much faster and can keep pace I suppose.
From Canon's site:
Sharing your video is easy because the Elura 100 comes equipped with an IEEE 1394 DV Terminal. Known as Firewire or iLink, the connection is a high-speed, digital interface that ensures virtually no loss of video or audio quality when transferring videos to a computer

Am I reading that correctly, that it comes with a Firewire terminal?

[cheapbastage]

Actually it's dropped down another $10 at Henrys and is at $489 and a rebate for Pinnacle Studio V10:
http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/henrys/itemframes.jsp?departmentId=10410&itemID=164604

I don't think The coupon is a Henry's exclusive. You can use it either way

[milothedog]

Am I reading that correctly, that it comes with a Firewire terminal?

Yes it has Firewire and an analog to digital passthrough that will allow you to convert your old VHS to a computer for editing and back-up.

It was also rated the top camera for 2006 by http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

[spyhero]

Amazon.com is also selling for $299.99 US (no tax) and free shipping to your American friend's address.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Elura-100-MiniDV-Camcorder/dp/B000DZH4D8/sr=8-1/qid=1164670956/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-4498365-9746303?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

[Sybersport]

Just FYI...

I picked up this camera today, and I was not happy with it.

I read on the net about a high pitched "buzz" that the camera emits, and is subsequently picked up on recordings.

I did some tests tonight, and the sound was really quite noticeable when I played back the video. I'm going to be taking this camera back tomorrow.

[ppang1]

We have owned a few mini-dv camcorder and most of them would suffer from noise being picked up by the mic which is very common for camcorder in this class. We do own this device and is quite please with the video quality comparing to a JVC that we owned in the past. Once transfer and burn to mpeg2 DVD, it is enjoyable on 42" plasma.

However, I believe it is still better off to go with HDD based camcorder now as the price come down to 600 range. It is easier to not deal with tapes no more.

[exnihilio]

As an alternative for those concerned about mic buzz and are looking to spend a bit less cash I just went the route of the ZR500 from staples:
They have it at $319.92 in stock (at least yesterday it was)
http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=88%2C297,4467&webid=639741&affixedcode=WW
Add coupons a nd it comes to:
$279.92 + tax and free shipping
Thread here:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370689&highlight=zr500

Main diffs are with the ZR500:
+25x optical zoom (as opposed to Elura 100 20x)
-No analog to digital
-No still image capture support (but a digital camera will take a *much* better picture anyhow)
-No support for extra lens (re: wide angle)
-bottom load tape (tough if you're mounted on a tripod and need to switch tapes)
-1/6" CCD with 680,000 pixels (ZR500) vs. 1/5" CCD with 1,330,000 pixels (Elura 100)

So if any of thoser are important to you may want to spend the extra dough on the Elura but for the price the ZR500 is an awesome camera. Very good review for it as well on the camcorderinfo.com site
I should get it Thursday.

[nsx]

Main diffs are with the ZR500:
+25x optical zoom (as opposed to Elura 100 20x)
+supports mic in
-No analog to digital
-No still image capture support (but a digital camera will take a *much* better picture anyhow)
-No support for extra lens (re: wide angle)
-bottom load tape (tough if you're mounted on a tripod and need to switch tapes)


The most important difference is in the image sensor:

1/6" CCD with 680,000 pixels (ZR500) vs. 1/5" CCD with 1,330,000 pixels (Elura 100).

Elura 100 also supports mic-in.

[exnihilio]

Thanks for the clarification. I edited my post to reflect what you pointed out.

The most important difference is in the image sensor:

1/6" CCD with 680,000 pixels (ZR500) vs. 1/5" CCD with 1,330,000 pixels (Elura 100).

Elura 100 also supports mic-in.

[surfmonster]

However, I believe it is still better off to go with HDD based camcorder now as the price come down to 600 range. It is easier to not deal with tapes no more.

The HDD based cameras do not give the same quality as a good Mini DV cam can give. The HDD are convenient (i.e. tapeless and USB transfer), but the technology is just not up to snuff yet to achieve the same quality as the Mini DV's.

[AnnaBanana]

I just bought the Canon Elura 100 yesterday from FS - got the $50 off and the special "extras".

-$549.99 for the camera
-$169.99 for the 4 year service plan
-minus $50 rebate
Total: 763.78

My question relates to the product service plan.. i feel like i may have been "suckered" into getting it - not sure though. Any comments? I am waiting to open the box to get some feedback as i may just return it to get my money back on the additional warranty. Part of the alure of getting it was that i get a yearly cleaning (supposedly worth $80 per year) - and the peace of mind knowing that if something happens after a year it will still be covered. I hate FS service plans though - so expensive - what do people think????

A.B.

[exnihilio]

Depends on what you're willing to spend I guess as per the Elura price. Check my post above compartively as I spend less than half of what you spent on the Zr500.

As per the warranty...do you have a digital camera? How often have you had to clean it and has it lasted more than 4 years?
You also got 1 year manufacturer's warranty which then makes you warranty through FS 3 years. Not sure what their warranty does that enhances the Canon warranty as many times it simply means FS send the camera to Canon for you. If it's a swap warranty then that's a bit different.

I just bought the Canon Elura 100 yesterday from FS - got the $50 off and the special "extras".

-$549.99 for the camera
-$169.99 for the 4 year service plan
-minus $50 rebate
Total: 763.78

My question relates to the product service plan.. i feel like i may have been "suckered" into getting it - not sure though. Any comments? I am waiting to open the box to get some feedback as i may just return it to get my money back on the additional warranty. Part of the alure of getting it was that i get a yearly cleaning (supposedly worth $80 per year) - and the peace of mind knowing that if something happens after a year it will still be covered. I hate FS service plans though - so expensive - what do people think????

A.B.

[cheapbastage]

Best buy has the Elura 100 on for $450. I think it's because the extra discount due to their pref.customer sale. (Sunday Dec 10) http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10071735&catid=20046&logon=&langid=EN

[nsx]

Best buy has the Elura 100 on for $450. I think it's because the extra discount due to their pref.customer sale. (Sunday Dec 10) http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10071735&catid=20046&logon=&langid=EN

This is just the camcorder instead of the manufacturer bundle (Elura 100 + 1 additional battery + leather camera bag + 1 Mini-DV tape) that is available at FS. ;)

[cheapbastage]

This is just the camcorder instead of the manufacturer bundle (Elura 100 + 1 additional battery + leather camera bag + 1 Mini-DV tape) that is available at FS. ;)

True - but I bought a accessory kit when I bought my HI-8 several years ago...The case wasn't bad but never had a need to use the extra battery, in fact it's still in the package- for most, I don't think it's worth the extra money.

[nsx]

True - but I bought a accessory kit when I bought my HI-8 several years ago...The case wasn't bad but never had a need to use the extra battery, in fact it's still in the package- for most, I don't think it's worth the extra money.

YMMV... depending on the length of one's outdoor shooting.

IMHO, the bundle was a great bargain at $499.99 (before tax) at FS considering the battery's price is about $100 retail. ;)

[dost]

I saw Panasonic DVD 100 for $499 and SONY 105 for $529 at Zellers. Also London Drugs in BC has Canon 500 for $299.
I think that's the lowest I ever seen for these 2 camcorders.

[abercrombieboy]

I just bought the Elura 100 today from Dell Home USA for US$280 after taxes. Their price was US$320, but takes 10% off when added to cart, and I bought a stackable 10% off coupon from ebay (which expires today) for a total of US$259 after discounts. Taxes added another US$21. I had it shipped to my US address.