Source:www.dcviews.com

This is something I want, and I think many of you other fans of digital photography, will, as well.

As far as I can tell the Canon DC50 is the first affordable camcorder with the ability to deliver true high quality amateur level digital pictures.

I have a two-year-old JVC mini-DV camcorder with a 1.2 mega pixel sensor that does a great job on video, especially when viewed or transferred t a PC via the "DV" connector, which is another name for "Firewire" or "I-Link" or "IEEE 1384", they're all the same thing with different names.

The now meager 1.2 mega pixel sensor even delivers a pretty good still picture when the file is saved to the removable memory card, but I wouldn't want to make pictures much bigger than 4X6.

This new Canon, however, with its 5.39 mega pixel sensor, 10X optical zoom lens, and Image Stabilization, should produce outstanding digital pictures.

The camcorder also boasts a histogram, bracketing options, red-eye reduction flash, and a wide range of useful shooting modes which is nothing short of phenomenal.

I should mention that the videos ought to be of extremely high quality also especially since the DC50 records in true HD 16:9 ration widescreen format.

This camcorder uses the removable mini-DVD system for file storage that allows for 60 minutes of video or 108 minutes on dual layer discs. These mini-DVD's can play in most home DVD and PC players and come in "Record once" or "Rewritable" versions.

For someone who wants a high quality camcorder and digital still camera in one compact, light weight package this looks like the answer.

Here's the link to a review of the Canon DC50, and, here's the product page on the Canon website.

This camera is due to be released next month at a MSRP of $799.00. Of course these days no one pays list price for electronic equipment.

I don't endorse this or any other product. I'm simply reporting on what should be a nifty piece of gear, if it delivers as advertised, and has a quality build.

My advice, for those of us who don't have money to burn, is to wait a while, and see what the first reviews have to say. If they're favorable and you decide you can't live without it, shop around, especially online, and you'll see the price drop considerably after a few months.

Also, expect to see similar offerings quite soon from other camcorder manufacturers