Canon DC310 DVD Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom

From the #1 brand in photography and networked imaging solutions for business and home comes the DC-series DVD camcorders. These affordable and feature-focused camcorders offer the ease-of-use and convenience of DVD recording all within a stylishly compact body. Preserving life’s precious memories has never been this fun and easy to do.

Canon DC310 Highlights

DVD-R/-RW/-R DL Format Only 8cm (3 inches) in diameter, these discs can store up to 80 minutes of video (up to 108 minutes on a dual layer disc) and are compatible with most old and new DVD players.

Genuine Canon 41x Advanced Zoom Capture the action from even farther away when using Canon’s exclusive Advanced Zoom. By utilizing Genuine Canon Optics and the DIGIC DV II Image Processor, Canon has developed a new way to extend beyond the optical zoom, both wide and telephoto, while continuing to maintain optimal image quality. With Canon’s Advanced Zoom, you can now enjoy stunning video from any distance.

Quick Start Instead of powering off your camcorder between shots, simply press the Quick Start button to put the camcorder in stand-by mode. Quick Start considerably reduces the power consumption of the battery and allows the user to return to recording mode in less than a second, so you’ll never miss another special moment.

Widescreen HR recording The DC310 records true widescreen for picture perfect video. Canon’s image processing system uses the entire width of the image sensor, capturing a big picture in true 16:9 widescreen so no one and nothing is left unseen. And Canon camcorders take advantage of more pixels to give you amazing quality.

2.7-inch widescreen LCD A widescreen LCD lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording, and what your TV will display later.

Image stabilizer Shoot rock-steady video — even when you’re at maximum telephoto without a tripod. It is even effective while panning or zooming.

LCD Video Light Shooting in low light situations has never been easier with Canon’s new LCD video light. The next time you are using your DC310 in a dimly lit room, simply flip over the LCD screen to face your subject and activate the video light function. A soft light emanating from your LCD illuminates the area in which you are shooting allowing you to get high quality video even in less than ideal lighting conditions.

Joystick The joystick makes using the camcorder easier than ever. Extra buttons have been eliminated, allowing you to control playback, focusing, exposure, and menu options from one convenient place.

Lower battery consumption The DC310 consumes less battery power giving you longer operation time.

DIGIC DV II image processor DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology. Even though video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV II digital signal processing ensures optimal image quality for both video and still images. Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the DC310 produces video with improved color reproduction — especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction — for images that are crystal clear.

Smooth zoom control With this innovative feature, you can always be sure of smooth, steady, professional looking zoom shots. Simply select one of three pre-set zoom speeds. You can also select variable so you can control the speed manually.

Level Shot and Grid Markers It’s easy to keep your DC310 level for more professional-looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Then line up any horizontal lines in your shot to the marker and you know your camcorder is level. The Grid marker is also very convenient for setting up the special balance in your shots. And since background colors vary, you can select from two line colors to make the lines easily visible.

Built-in lens cover A built-in lens cover means no dangling lens cover to lose.

Still image recording Capture stunning photos in 4:3 aspect ratio to an SD card.

SDHC memory card slot Capture your photos and short movie clips directly to either a standard SD card or a high-capacity SDHC card. This allows you to use cards with a capacity of 2GB or larger.

Advanced Photo Features A variety of features allow you to capture great photos.

• 9 Point AiAF: Bring off-center subjects into sharp focus.
• Histogram display: With just one push of a button, the brightness information of a still image is revealed. This allows you to monitor image quality, so you can make adjustments to improve the next shots.
• Simultaneous Photo Recording: Capture e-mail ready digital photos to a memory card while you record video.
• Image Effects: Choose from the following effects to add a creative flare to your photos: Vivid, Neutral, Low-Sharpening, and Soft Skin Detail.
• Drive Modes
• Special Scene Modes: A wide selection of automatic exposure modes makes it easy to capture great video or photos under any condition. Choose from: Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, or Fireworks.

  9 selectable languages English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese

  One-year parts and labor limited warranty Canon’s camcorder limited warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers’ warranties expire.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Good buy
Item arrived in time. Bought it for my brother. Tested it and works well. What I like about it is the zoom (41x). My only concern is one has to slide the lens cover manually. I was used to DC40 which is more automatic. Overall good buy.

5 Stars Question?
Can I use a Kingston 4GB SDHC Memory Card for Canon DC310 DVD Camcorder? Please let me know. Thank you.

5 Stars Very nice mini DVD camcorder by Canon
Update: 11 Feb 09. This is an excellent camera, but it has one of the most quirky interfaces I’ve ever seen. Trying to explain how to use this camera to someone over the phone would be akin to describing how to tell someone else how to ride a unicycle blind-folded. Other than that, and once you figure out the “joy stick” (still can’t believe they call it that) and the multifunction power/control switch…you’re there. Fine camera, but don’t get in a hurry trying to use it. That small human interface problem aside, I would still recommend purchase.

Although the indoor light setting for automatic exposure leaves the video image slightly grainy, this is still a fantastic system. It’s bright day and outdoor color is perfect and life-like. We’re using TDK mini DVDs purchased here at Amazon and they work well.

The only kink in the system with the DC310 Camcorder is the requirement to connect the AC wall charger to the camcorder unit before “burning” the disc inside the player (after making your recording). This is a little strange. Imagine being somewhere remote where you wanted to record on 2 or 3 mini DVD discs and were without an AC outlet.

The result would be an inability to burn your DVDs, so you would be stuck with only one disc worth. Perhaps this isn’t a big deal, but if you plan on burning your DVDs somewhere in the boon docks, you better have an AC outlet and your charger in the case.

On the positive side, the unit is very capable and in keeping with the high quality you expect from Canon. The “still” camera function works great with a standard size SD card (not a Micro as advertised) and it’s easy to install and remove.

Video capture is easy and fairly intuitive, and the stabilization works nicely. The display to the left is very clear, and my only complaint is the very illogical process that is required to go from recording complete to burning your discs. However, once you’ve memorized the steps and button-functions (as well as an odd joystick on the display panel), you’ll be set and happy with the unit. I recommend shooting a disc or two prior to using this camera for anything important. This way, you won’t be disappointed.

Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase. Amazon treats its customers like kings, and they stand by their products.

I highly recommend purchase of this camcorder due to its high quailty, small but solid size, and very reliable service.

4 Stars Just what I expected
I purchased this camcorder to video tape ballroom dance practice in my house. It has worked great for this purpose! I set it up in the corner, turn on the video, we dance and then we hook the camera to the TV to watch and review our dancing. I haven’t had any trouble, and it only took me about an hour to figure out how to use it. It is the first time I have operated a video camera.

4 Stars Good so far!
We bought this camera b/c we wanted to be able to take video and immediately view it on our DVD player. Do your research on your computer and DVD players to be sure they are compatible with this (or any) video camera. I’ve been pleased with it so far. I’m no expert- I just needed it for home videos of the kiddos and it seems to be perfect for that.

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