Digital Video Camera & Camcorder Review

Canon’s Elura 90 packs a broad array of features into an extremely compact shell. With good video quality, thanks to its megapixel CCD; a 20X optical zoom; loads of special effects; and usable-in-a-pinch still-photo capabilities, the Elura 90 is full featured for a MiniDV camera in its price range. If you’re on a budget, consider the step-down Elura 85 and Elura 80.

PC Mag has a review on the Canon Elura 90 Camcorder and says: “Compact and easy to hold, the Canon Elura 90 MiniDV camcorder is the top of Canon’s successful Elura line. At just under $800, this model is a very good buy, despite video resolution that could be a bit higher. Overall video quality is quite good, as are the 1.3-megapixel stills (aided by a built-in flash). The combination of value, ease of use, and image quality makes this a decent choice for a moderately priced camcorder.

The Elura 90 differs little from previous Eluras in form; the lens barrel is not positioned directly above the battery but diagonally and to the left, giving it a more compact feel. The viewfinder can pop up at a 45-degree angle and has an adjustable diopter, like the Elura 60.

One of the strengths of this camcorder is its 20X optical zoom lens, which is the highest zoom factor among the Elura models. The responsive zoom controls let us get in close to the action and pan back out quickly for a wide view of the scene. In panning, the camera adjusted quickly for abrupt changes in lighting. We were very impressed with its autofocus shifting from very close (nearly macro) range to infinity.”

CamcorderInfo has a review on the Canon Elura 90 Camcorder and writes - “LCD aside, the Canon Elura 90 is a great little camcorder. I love the size and shape, the top-loading tape mechanism, the accessory shoe with mic input, the headphone jack, the 20x optical zoom, the 1/4.5 inch CCD, the flash, the widescreen mode, the LED, the remote, the print share features, and the gloss that makes the whole body bling. The street price, at $550 USD, is fair for the features on board.

The camcorder scored well in adequately lit conditions, and decently with other camcorders for performance at lower light settings, though compared to last year’s Eluras it falters a bit. I liked the ease of use, and the intelligent adjustments to picture quality that are made apparently without effort.

The LCD and the placement of the menu button and jog dial are my only real complaints on this camcorder. Interested users should get to a store and try a variety of camcorders out before they buy. Even after all that’s highlighted in this review as either negative or positive, if it doesn’t feel right in your hand, it may not be the camcorder for you”

CNET has an editor’s review on the Canon Elura 90 Camcorder and writes - “The good: Very compact; vibrant color; big zoom range.

The bad: Average in low light; poor button layout; badly placed jog dial.

The bottom line: A winner when it comes to size, price, and quality, the Canon Elura 90 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a compact MiniDV camera and don’t mind occasionally fumbling with awkward controls.”

Further Canon specs here

Canon, Elura, 90, Elura-90, camcorders, camcorder, review, reviews