May 14, 2009 10:46 AM
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Were you to set the Canon DC230 right next to its little brother, the DC220, you would be hard-pressed to tell them apart. as well slightly darker accents, the DC230 looks identical to its little brother. Both DVD camcorders sport the same size, shape, and design, measuring 2.1 inches thick and weigh a comparatively svelte 15.9 ounces with battery and DVD. However, the similarities run deeper than the skin. Apart from its higher-resolution 1.07-megapixel sensor and bundled distant control, the DC230 shares nearly the exact same individuality as the DC220.
Unfortunately, that means that this camcorder shares all the same irritating design flaws as its precursor. A flimsy-feeling joystick and three clumsily placed menu buttons dominate the DC230's control scheme. While the joystick doesn't feel quite as bad after some practice, the three menu/function buttons remain almost not possible to access without obstruct the LCD screen.
Besides the higher-resolution sensor, the DC230 sports one slight upgrade over the DC220: a remote control. It's not the most astonishing or radical upgrade, but it helps to justify the camcorder's$50 premium over the DC220 a little bit more than if it only featured a new sensor. bearing in mind the camcorder's slightly awkward controls, the remote control offers a greeting alternative for playback and menu direction-finding.
While the Canon DC230 doesn't have a lot of frills, it still stands out as a solid, reasonably priced DVD camcorder. The slight bump in decree over its little brother gives it much-needed better video quality, and its modest characteristic set should satisfy most casual videographers and home movie buffs.
