Customer Reviews
Canon DC210: Disappointing product 
2008-07-07
Purchased this camcorder for an extended trip to Eastern Europe. Shame on me for not researching better. Found out too late that the files are in a difficult to use .VRO format. Being a mid level computer user & a low level video user, I have not been able to get the files to a point where I can email or post them on our blog. I have neither the time nor the interest to learn the specifics of the various digital formats. Plug & play, not fiddling with files like an old DOS program.
Ordered the AVS software discussed, waiting for the registration key (another story). Hoping that will work, otherwise this camera will likely be left in Russia (in a dumpster). This is an important event for my family & I am furious that this camera is basically a mini DVD maker. My fault for sure, but it seems to be a fundamental task to produce a file that can be emailed or uploaded to a web site, it is 2008 correct?
So far, the videos played in MS media player are honestly disappointing, grainy & weak color saturation.
Caveat Emptor, buyer beware. Be sure this camera can do what you want it to.
Big gadget for a small price 
2008-06-27
I was surprised at just how compact the CANON DC210 was when I opened the box. It fits snugly in my palm (and I have pretty thick hands) and I was able to maneuver the controls very comfortably. I was worried about the positioning of the battery but that turned out to be a non-issue. I'd highly recommend this as a beginner to mid-level digital camcorder for anyone interested in digital videos.
Fair camcorder, got a great deal 2008-05-25
I bought this camcorder on sort of a whim w/ my "stimulus check", at Office Depot, on clearance (brand new in a box) with a one year money back extended service plan for $141.00. I've had a Panasonic minidv camcorder w/ better features (usb, software, etc.), but found the editing of videos with the tape was laborious. The idea of editing more quickly was what drew me to the minidvd comcorder, and, once I found some conversion software (AVS) for about $40, it works fine. Ok picture, lightweight, wish it had a light, though. Yeah, a quick guide and better docs would be nice, but I got what I paid for, and plan on keeping it. I bought an 8mm videocamera back in the late 1980's for $1100. It had a much poorer picture, and was an absolute nightmare to edit with. So, considering inflation in the last 20 years, I think this camera is great! (But not for everyone)
How to finalize canon DC210 2008-03-31
I found out that if I had the side screen open I could not finalize my disc. It took me a whole day to figure out that if you close the side screen, and look through the eye hole, the finalize option is activated and I am able to finalize my disc CD R.
UN-EDITABLE!! 2008-03-16
The picture is good, but if you want to edit your movies, this is not for you
It's Not Worth the Money 
2008-03-05
With the affordable and easy-to-operate Canon DC 210, you get all the performance of DVD technology, along with the brilliance and power of a Genuine Canon 35x Optical Zoom. You also get an impressive array of features found on more expensive models. With the Canon DC 210, you'll enjoy capturing the precious moments of your life and sharing them with everyone.
Good camera 
2008-03-05
I like the camera. But I've had alot of trouble getting it to finalize a disk. I'm usually a pretty tech saavy guy. But this camera doesn't work the way the manual says it should.
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! 
2008-01-23
I got my camera the day after I ordered it, and could not be happier, it is so easy to use, We love it!!! Thank you.
Bigfoot.... i'm coming for you!!!! 2008-01-10
As a avid Crypto fan and Bigfoot enthusiast, I received this for x-mass 07, for tromping thru the woods and trying to get a good pic/video of Bigfoot. LOL, In short this camcorder will get 'er done when I find the big guy!!
After a short introductory read on the poorly written manual, I was up and shooting within 30 min. The item works exactly as promised. The ZOOM is amazing... 35X and 1000X digital zoom. The even speed zoom in/out feature is easy to use, and the steady shot works great. Used it IN the rain during the recent storm to get damage and got no fogging, or condensation, ... water Not recomended but nice to know it is rugged.
The function are easy to use but a "quick guide" would have been cool.
I received this as a combo pack with bag, extra battery, memory card (for pics) all cords, the camcorder, pinnacle software for editing, and another software CD that is some kind of backup? and 3 DVD-R's.
If you want the versitility of re-recording go with DVD-RW and no problem.Standard play recording gives you aprox. 30 min rec. time.
As for someone without a HI-Def television, I saw no lack of quality in picture on standard TV. Playback on the camcorder itself is amazing looking!!!
Easing the "finalization: process would be cool, But was not hard to learn either.
The "quick Start" that lets you get back to shooting in .9 sec vs. wasting battery power is awesome. Basically a stand-by mode.
Sound recording was low from about 10' out, but anything close or in a group is def. audible. Especially if narrating footage, no problem hearing the person doing the camcording.
I like being able to take a pic or video (one less thing to carry)
This camcorder would easily been in the 1000.00 range a few years ago... For the price, Its NOT as bad as people are making it out to be...try it before you knock it... Besides if you don't like it, thats what returns are for...
Overall VERY SATISFIED with this product.
Does what it was advertised to do. 2008-01-02
This camera does exactly what I bought it to do. It records standard definition video in what is basically a point and shoot manner. It does not have a lot of frills and editing features. It has a good zoom and the image stabiliztion wroks reasonably well. It is at its best when used outdoors although it does ok indoors. Be sure to have as much lighting turned on as is available. My biggest complaint is the poorly written manual although you can eventually figure things out if you read it carefully. The necessary "finalization" of the disk (if you wish to play it on your dvd player rather than playing it in the camera) is exceptionally poorly documented in the manual. It will not inteface with a computer however I did not expect it to and this is of little consequence to me. I bought this for my wife for being able to easily take casual videos of family functions and possibly road trips and vacations. It does this adequately. I am overall satisfied with the camera but I am well aware that the camera is nothing special. All in all I like the camera but have no strong feelings for it or against it.
Pros: Zoom, image stabilization, decent audio in dolby stereo, long lasting battery
Cons: Poor manual, clumsy non-intuitive menu structure, no lighting source on camera, still photograph function produces lackluster photos, video is very grainy in low light.
