Canon Introduces 7 New Camcorders
Canon must be working overtime these days with 7 new camcorder models introduced just before the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Starting with its entry-level MiniDV ZR series, Canon has added the ZR800, ZR830, and ZR850.
According to the Canon press release, “Canon’s ZR camcorder line offers the ideal solution for consumers who may just be getting started with their first camcorder and are looking for the simplest, most accessible device that delivers great results. The new ZR models feature a joystick in the main panel display that makes it easier than ever to record, play back and navigate the menu options. The Easy Mode automatically optimizes most of the camcorder’s settings, while the preset scene modes make it easy to shoot common scenes, including sunsets, fireworks, or a day at the beach”.
Here’s a quick comparison of the specs for the three new ZR models:
- ZR800: 1/6″ 680K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; SD card capability
- ZR830: 1/6″ 680K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; still photo capture (1024 x 768 resolution), SD/SDHC card capability
- ZR850: 1/6″ 1007K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; still photo capture (1152 x 864 resolution), SD/SDHC card capability
The DVD-recording DC lineup also gets three new models — the DC210, DC220, and DC230.
Canon sums them up saying, “All three of these new DVD camcorders combine the convenience, versatility, and broad compatibility of DVD recording and playback with the dramatic reach of genuine Canon 35x optical zoom lens (1000x digital zoom), which is Canon’s longest optical zoom on a camcorder to date. Sophisticated yet simple to use, Canon’s Smooth Zoom feature actually reduces the erratic, jerky zoom techniques that plague some users of long zooms, smoothing out the process by selecting from one of three pre-set zoom speeds. For even smoother video, Canon Image Stabilization helps provide a shake free image for the entire focal length“.
Here’s a quick comparison of the specs for the three new DVD models:
- DC210: 1/6″ 680K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; EIS image stabilization; 1024 x 768 still resolution
- DC220: 1/6″ 680K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; EIS image stabilization; 1024 x 768 still resolution; MiniSD memory card capable
- DC230: 1/6″ 1007K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; EIS image stabilization; 1152 x 768 still resolution; MiniSD memory card capable
Lastly, for semi-pro home video buffs, Canon announced the DC50 DVD camcorder.
According to Canon, “The DC50 DVD Camcorder incorporates a robust 5.39 Megapixel CCD Image Sensor with an RGB Primary Color Filter that provides vibrantly colored video and brilliant five megapixel photos. Combined with the range of optical advantages and technological advances beginning with its high quality, genuine Canon 10x optical / 200x digital zoom lens, the DC50 DVD Camcorder delivers the stellar image quality resulting from Canon’s experience and heritage as an optics company. The zoom lens on the DC50 DVD Camcorder goes beyond simply drawing the far off subject close in and bringing the distant vista near. With Canon’s smooth zoom control, the user can select one of three steady zoom speeds that maintain their constancy regardless of how hard the user presses on the zoom button“.
The DC50 also incorporates a DIGIC DV II processor and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This camcorder ships with Roxio MyDVD editing software.
Reference links:
Canon Camcorders at Amazon.com
All New Camcorders at Amazon.com
