Canon Digital Camcorder Fires Another Shot

Don Collins
December 1999

When set to record video, the Canon digital camcorder has two basic modes of operation: an easy mode and a program mode. For quick and simple all-automatic, point-and-shoot recording, the easy mode is the setting. No effects or manual controls are accessible in this mode. To customize your shots or to use some of the different automatic settings and features or try the digital effects you'll need to choose the program mode and then manually make your adjustments.

In the program mode, the Canon digital camcorder features a number of pre-configured settings and manual controls that let you adapt to almost any situation. It also has Canon's patented Flexizone feature that enables users to set the focus and exposure on certain parts of the screen by positioning a moveable frame that's controlled using your thumb on a small joystick conveniently located on the back of the Canon digital camcorder.

There are seven basic automatic exposure settings on the Canon digital camcorder: fully automatic, FlexiZone, sports, portrait, spotlight, sand and snow and low light. An exposure lock mode enables you to manually adjust and lock on a particular exposure setting.

For basic scene transitions and some artsy images, the Canon digital camcorder includes seven digital effects. Fade, vertical and horizontal wipes make up the transitions, while art, black and white, sepia and strobe round out the effects. There are two flaws here; first, the effects button is inconveniently located on the front left side of the Canon digital camcorder so that when you flip out the view screen, the knob is difficult to adjust. And second, the digital effects menu stays on only for a few seconds before it selects whatever effect you've scrolled to and shuts off. We found this to be frustrating when we wanted to peruse the menu to choose an effect or to sample an effect without committing it to tape. The only way to keep the menu on is to continually rotate the knob. The two second window is just too quick.

The Canon digital camcorder uses optical image stabilization (OIS) to compensate for shaky shots, instead of electronic image stabilization (EIS). It works well to help to cut down somewhat on shaky camera shots. Generally, optical image stabilization is preferable to electronic image stabilization because it employs motorized glass elements in the lens that move to counteract shaking. Electronic image stabilization, on the other hand, digitally enhances the image, distorting the image somewhat. The only downside to the Canon digital camcorder OIS feature is that it defaults to the "on" position whenever you fire up the camcorder. You have to deactivate it by pushing a button.

For the more experienced videographer looking to solve challenging situations or looking for more creative control, the Canon digital camcorder allows hands-on, manual control of focus, exposure and white balance - but you have to work for it. To activate any of the manual controls, users must choose the program mode. To deactivate the automatic focus, users must press the focus dial. Like the exposure knob, the focus dial is positioned awkwardly near the front on the left-hand side of the Canon digital camcorder, so when you open the viewfinder, it's difficult to adjust.

To set the white balance, users can choose between automatic and indoor/outdoor, or they can elect to set the white balance manually from the feature menu. We're pleased that Canon digital camcorder included these manual controls that are all-too-often missing on other camcorders, but it would have been better if the Canon digital camcorder would have a provided a simple automatic and manual switch on the camera body. That way those who prefer to use the manual modes of operation could switch to manual and wouldn't have to reset every time they turned the Canon digital camcorder off and on again.

The Canon Ultura sports PCM digital stereo sound that lets you choose between 12-bit and 16-bit audio modes. 16-bit recording produces a sound that's slightly superior to CD-quality, but the 12-bit setting allows you to add another stereo track later, if you choose. The on-camera PCM stereo microphone is fairly sensitive and records well, but as all videographers soon learn, an external mike is crucial to capture crisp, clear audio. And the Canon provides the jack to connect an external mike.

It also has a convenient speaker with volume control that lets you listen while reviewing what you recorded without having to worry about headphones. If you have headphones, all the better, since Canon included a headphone jack.

The Ultura is a good Mini DV camcorder that's easy and comfortable to use. Newcomers won't be intimidated by it and more experienced videographers will have the controls they look for. Although definitely geared for automatic settings, Canon provides the means for manual control. The Canon Ultura handles well and provides crisp, clear images and excellent audio at a price that will still allow you to buy some Mini DV tapes.

Don Collins

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