The Canon Elura 2MC MiniDV camcorder is a marvel of technology. It packs several great features (progressive CCD for great image quality, firewire output, up to 40X zoom, digital effects, etc.) into the smallest camcorder commonly available. Rather than repeating several of the great points mentioned by other reviewers, I'd like to elaborate on two specific details: p1) Size: The incredibly small size of this camcorder will absolutely change the way you film events - rather than spending a majority of your attention on the camcorder when filming a scene, the camcorder almost disappears in your palm and allows you to concentrate on your subject - and not on the act of capturing the moment.p2) Progressive scan CCD: The design of the image capture system means that every frame is captured completely. This differs from other CCD designs that captures half of the pixels each frame and combines two sets to create a still image. The Progressive scan system makes for crisp video images and clearer stills.pA couple of Pro's:p- The manual is clear, detailed and well laid-out.p- The camcorder comes with a battery charger than can hold multiple batteries (although it only charges one at a time).pA couple of con's which should provide only minor annoyance:p- The camcorder does not dome with the 4-pin to 6-pin firewire cable that is required for computer connectivity. While I was able to purchased one for only $15.99, why isn't one included?p- The memory that holds still images (Canon's own MultiMediaCard) is proprietary, and replacement/expansions for this memory is difficult to find (and can't be ordered from Canon's website). I would have preferred either of two popular formats: SmartMedia or CompactFlash.p- Battery life is quite short (using the 2.5" display, the battery is done after only 40 mins). While this is required to reduce size, any sort of extended use will require several batteries.p------------pOverall, this camcorder sets the standard for all of Canon's competitors to meet. It's size advantage is even more impressive because this camcorder has all of the functionality of it's larger competition and more. This is a great camcorder for family/personal use - only those individuals whom need very high-end functionality (triple CCD or advanced white balancing) will need to look elsewhere.

Wow, talk about small! I compared it to the Sony PC-100 mini DV before I bought the Elura 2 online -- its roughly half the size of the Sony, with the same size (2.5") LCD screen. I bought it for the promise of quality video and stills from its progressive scan CCD -- the Sony PC-100 doesn't have this feature. It basically allows a full 680k pixel image on each frame of video (and stills too) while most other cameras take interlaced images -- only half the lines of each image per frame. Anyway, it certainly doesn't disappoint. Video taken in daylight or otherwise bright settings are so clear, I found myself with my nose to the TV screen to see if I could pick up any noise, snow or artifacts. There was none. One caveat: images taken in less than ideal light, like at home at night with normal artificial lighting, results in images roughly equivalent to my old Hi8 in similar light. That is, in low light situations, there is noticeable noise and muting of colors. Except for this one shortcoming which may be common in other cameras, I would definitely give it 5 stars. I am extremely happy with its super compactness, optics, ease of use, and overall performance. I easily hooked it up to my computer through a Firewire connection (requires purchase of additional accessories), and editing family movies was a snap and trouble free. Unless you shoot mostly in low light, this is about as close to the ideal consumer camcorder as you'll find.

The ultimate consumer grade digital camcorder currently available. The Elura 2 MC offers both superb camcorder features and the ability to record photos on either tape or multimedia cards. You can even transfer photos from tape to multimedia card. It has every bell and whistle for editing and dubbing video and audio. Progressive scan allows for great rapid action pictures. One of its best features is its size. It is amazingly compact but all controls are easily usable and accessible. Menus are clear and easy to operate. Its small size ensures that it will find a home in any jacket pocket, purse, briefcase or tote. Unlike the Sony products, it does not use proprietary accessories so that you aren't locked into a single provider and don't need to be concerned about being to move to a different product in the future. (Sony should have learned its lesson from Betamax). The Elura 2 MC is the digital camcorder equivalent of the digital Powershot S-100 Elph camera. Way cool and totally functional covering all bases.

After 2 months of researching "small" camcorders I bought the Canon Elura2 MC. I am planning a backpacking trip through Europe for 3 weeks and needed something as small as possible w/o sacrificing quality. I checked the JVC (but quickly removed from my short list due to bad reviews), the Sony DCR-PC5/9 and the Canon. Based on the reviews the Sony and Canon were both on top of my list and I didn't think I could go wrong with either so I went to Good Guys to look at them in person. After handling both the decision was easy. pPros:p- The Canon seemed to have a better video quality but what sold me were the ergonomics of the Canon. Sony's was HORRIBLE! I couldn't place my hand anywhere without covering something and risk accidentally pressing buttons. Plus, the Sony was not comfortable to hold because the corners were "sharp" where my fingers were located. Canon did an excellent job with the ergonomics and button placement.p- Video quality was excellent. The detail and colors, especially outdoors, exceeded my expectations. Indoor, low light quality was much better than my 8mm and was adequate in my eyes. It did have a bit of graininess to it. It was comparable to the Sony. p- Locating a mic jack, s-video connection, and audio/video connection on the docking station was a great idea. I just leave it plugged into my tv and screw in the camcorder whenever I want to view it on the tv ... no more getting everything out and hooking it up. p- The view screen is adequate in size. I checked out the new JVC with a 2" screen and it was too small to watch what was taped. - Excellent build quality.pGripes:p- can be TOO small for those with big hands p- Sound quality is not as good as "traditional" horizontal camcorders. The mic is on top and pics up the noises to the rear and sides better than the front. The voices in front sound subdued.p- Battery life is short. 45 minutes with the slim battery using the lcd. Get an aftermarket 2 hour battery because it doesn't stick out as far as Canon's 3 hour battery. I bought 2 and it has met my needs.pGreat camcorder and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a small camcorder. But ... be sure to check them out yourself at your local store before buying. The size of the camera is smaller than my early 90's 35mm point and shoot and you WILL want to take it everywhere with you.

The size and shape of this camcorder is amazing! The finish is beautiful and elegant. This pocket size camcorder takes great video and the color is excellent. There are a few things it can do better: 1. Low light situations looks good but can do better. 2. Still pics are good for email or web but resolution is still low comparing to megapixel camera. 3. Battery last about 40-55 minutes (using lcd and viewfinder), but this is expected from such a tiny and thin battery. Despite few negatives, this is still a great camcorder to have and it is so tiny that will amazes you everytime you see it. Beautiful and awesome camcorder to travel around with. If you do decide, be sure to buy at least 2 extra batteries and get a MMC reader using usb.

This camcorder combines ease of use, picture quality and convenience in a very small package. It has a wide variety of features, most of which I have not even begun to play around with.pFor travel purposes, I can't imagine going anywhere without this compact yet powerful camcorder -- you can throw it in a fanny pack and hardly even notice it's there (but be sure to buy the 2 hr extended battery if you plan on shooting footage for more than 1/2 an hour). It also doubles as a digital camera, but take note that the digital photos it takes on the multi-media card are not suitable for print-quality photos; rather, it's a handy way to take pics and send them over email or post them to a website with decent picture quality without having to go and buy a digital camera (or travel with both).pIt's also great for capturing high-speed action with the digital scan mode. Tape a golf swing, hockey game or skiing action and replay it in slow-motion.pI have no complaints to level against this product, and I have no reservations recommending this if you're looking for a high-quality camcorder that you can take just about anywhere and not have to worry about weight and bulk.

While the small size of this camera makes it great to take around, and easy to use, it apparently doesn't come without a price. When I brought my Elura 2MC home, and shot a few minutes of test video, I was shocked to discover just how loud the motor noise was on the recorded video. Although there is a built-in noise filter, it seems to have no effect on the constant hum from the motor while filming.pGiven the price, I assumed that my camera had a manufacturing defect, so I took returned it for a new one. Unfortunately, the second camera had the same problem. While the camera is otherwise quite nice, the constant, annoying background really ruins the video it takes. ;-(

This is absolutely the best camcorder I have ever seen. We went to several electronic stores looking at different digital camcorders. I was impressed, but felt they were still too big to take along everywhere I needed to go. I went on-line and searched for camcorders seeing if there was anything smaller. The Canon popped up and I got it on that basis.pLittle did I imagine the power and features of this little device. A few highlights:p1. The size is absolutely perfect. It fits easily into a front pants pocket, where it can be forgotten until needed.p2. The quality of the resultant output is wonderful. The auto-focus and auto-exposure is usually dead on. The resultant output looks more like DVD rather than the VHS-like quality of the older analog systems.p3. The firewire interface allows you to capture scans to your PC. Add an editing package like Adobe Premiere and you can make really professional movies. While it's true, as one reviewer says that it doesn't come with the firewire cable, mine came with my PC card.p4. The total effect of this camera, small size, quality and PC interface results in a whole new animal. Digital cameras and image software have given users complete control of a digital darkroom. This Canon brings the same result to movies.pA few minor complaints:p5. Battery life is quite short. You will want to pick up at least one extra battery, two if you're doing extended filming.p6. The Zoom seems backward, pushing forward should zoom in, not zoom out.p7. The still camera is handy for embedding still shots in your films, but the resolution is probably not good enough for printing to paper. On the plus side, I got a larger memory card that can hold over 500 shots on one card.pOverall though, i couldn't be happier with this camera. A wonderful tool for preserving memories and producing first-class movies.

I was very sceptical about this camera upon purchase. My needs are for a camcorder for family activities. We never used the Hi-8 unit we have had for 5 years, just sits in the closet to bulky to be practical or convenient. The size is perfect for my needs. I was concerned about quality, robustness, and utility (would controls be impossible to reach). brSeems to work well for my needs. The battery winds down pretty quick (about 60 mins on a charge with no LCD usage and only recording usage). However seems to retain charge over a period of time (unlike some other comments read). brPictures are very clear, and am amazed at the quality. Stability mechanism works well. Do not use the digital zoom, as feel this is only a gimmick and of little real use. brControls are reasonably intuitive, seems like manual overrides for most anything, but use on automatic mode most of the time. Would like a wide angle lens, as equivalent of a 50mm lens. Quality definitely deteriorates under low lighting. brAfter 3 weeks of use give a heartly thumbs up, seems like a keeper.

I took a brand new camcorder on an extended international trip shooting in a variety of harsh climates. Image quality - spatial and contrast resolution are superb. The colors are vibrant even in harsh sunlight. Better than average indoors. Editing is a breeze, even for a novice. You can't use this camera without everyone around you marvelling at its small size - even other jaded technofiles. Without reservation, an excellent camera.

Very small...works great...easy operation...also films in BW and sepia which i love...this is my 4th digital camera, and i like this one the best....only problem is the battery does not stay charged for long periods of non use...but recharges fast..maybe i should look into a larger battery?

This is one camcorder you can take everywhere.. in perhaps your handbag ! It is also light enough ( 1 lb.) so you can hold it comfortable in one hand and shoot for a while.pIts 110V/240V (60Hz/50Hz) charger pack lets you use it anywhere.. just find a cable that fits into the charger's slot (I unplugged one from my boombox in India).pThe flip side is that, the battery (BP-406) doesn't last very long while on the go. So an extended-life battery pack (BP-422) is a definite plus to have.pAnother nice-to-have would be USB connectivity. (Buy a PC with an iLink/Firewire/IEEE1394 port, or just a PCI card if you already own a PC. A USB reader for the Multi-media Card is not enough).

Sending mine back-- liked the small profile and features. Shot a few minutes of video on a new tape. Brought it home to watch it and ate the tape up when I tried to rewind it. I'm glad I was only trying it out, I'd hate to have the tape of something important get eaten by the machine.

I just got my camcorder for a thesis project. The digital effects are going to be great for creating an "old fashion film". The fact that it weighs less than a pound is amazing!! I'm in love with it.