Canon Adds to Camcorder Line
January 09, 2004
Las Vegas, NV - Canon announced the release of three new digital camcorders in its ZR line of mini DV camcorders for entry-level users.
An array of new features have been added, the manufacturer describes, including:
* Skin Detail Mode that automatically recognizes and softens skin tones when shooting close-ups of people, to reduce skin imperfections and create a more flattering appearance;
* Extended battery life thanks to lower power consumption (up to 12 hours continuous recording using the optional BP-535 battery pack);
* End Search feature that locates the end of the last recorded scene with one touch of the button, removing the danger of accidentally recording over previously shot footage;
* To record Motion JPEG - short movie clips saved to the SD Memory card for easy email attachment - users can record for the full capacity of the memory card (ZR90 and ZR85 models only);
* To Transfer Video Footage stored on the Mini-DV tape onto an SD card inside the camcorder, which will convert and encode Mini-DV video into Motion JPEG so that consumers can e-mail or stream their video on the web (available on the ZR90 and ZR85 only);
* Still Image Capture to an SD card (on the ZR90 and ZR85 only), creating XGA resolution digital still photos that can be emailed or directly printed on any PictBridge* compatible printer;
* Simultaneous Photo Recording that permits e-mail-ready image capture (VGA) on a separate memory card while recording high quality video to the digital videotape;
* Selectable Focusing Points feature permit users to opt for automatic sharp focus in one of three areas of the frame - left, right and center;
* Selectable Display Languages that offer information in the LCD or Viewfinder in a choice of English, French, Spanish, German Italian, Russian, Chinese and Japanese.
The trio has one of the longest optical zoom range in its class: 18x on the ZR80, 20x on the ZR85 and 22x on the ZR90 models. Factor in the equally extraordinary 360x digital zoom on ZR80 model, the 400x digital zoom on the ZR85 unit and the phenomenal 440x digital zoom on the line leading ZR90 model and it is clear that the image capture capabilities of these camcorders far surpass the entry level class.
Matching the quality, clarity and precision of Canon's lenses (born of decades of creating and crafting precision "glass" for 35mm and broadcast cameras) these three Canon digital camcorders also feature such impressive optical innovations such as:
* A high quality image stabilization system that instantly helps to correct camcorder shake even when shooting hand held at full telephoto;
* An automatic slow shutter speed - ranging from 1/30 to 1/500 - for low light shooting; and
* A night mode setting that automatically selects a slow shutter speed and increases the sensitivity of the camcorders' CCD, permitting extreme low-light shooting and a brighter image without sacrificing colour.
With a 22x Canon optical/440x digital zoom lens, the ZR90 Mini DV Camcorder features Super Night Mode and Night + Mode (selected from the camera's menu). This set of additional low-light shooting options enhances the camera's image sensitivity and capture capability.
Augmenting the Night Mode setting found on the ZR80 and ZR85 models, Super Night Mode actually adds light to a dark scene as needed with an unobtrusive white LED light positioned on the front of the camera. When the Super Night Mode setting is engaged the LED light automatically turns on and off as needed. Similar to Super Night Mode, Night+ Mode allows the user to turn on the white LED light and keep it on as long he/she chooses.
The ZR90 Mini DV camcorder also features S-Video In/Out capability and a supplied WA-30.5 Wide Conversion Attachment. Particularly useful when shooting in tight spaces or when very close to a subject, the Wide Conversion Attachment expands the camcorder's field of view from 54mm to a wide 32mm. In the photo mode, the wide attachment expands the field of view from 48mm to 29mm.
The ZR85 and ZR90 models come bundled with Canon's DV Messenger2 software (Windows only) that allows the camcorder to be used for Internet Video Chat through IEEE1394 and using Windows XP's Windows Messenger program. DV Messenger2 also facilitates sharing of video clips, transfer of digital photos and even control of the other person's camcorder (only with their permission, of course).
The ZR series Mini DV camcorders feature a 2.5" LCD Screen, a Colour Viewfinder, an IEEE 1394 terminal, an assortment of digital effects and fades, and a seven setting Program AE function that offers a choice of Easy Recording, Auto, Sports, Portraits, Sand & Snow, Low-Light and Night shooting modes. All three models ship with a battery pack (BP508) a compact power adapter (CA-570) and a shoulder strap (SS-900).
Optional accessories offered for this new trio of ZR series DV camcorders are a choice of four extended life battery packs (BP-512, BP-514, BP-522, BP-535); a dual battery charger (CG-570); a "nightlight-style" battery charger that plugs into a wall outlet without need of a cable (CG-580) and a car battery cable (CB-570). Other options include a wide converter (WD-30.5/WD-H30.5); a Tele converter (TL-30.5/TL-H30.5); a choice of three soft carrying cases (SC-2000, SC-1000 and SC-A50); a wrist strap (WS-20), and the S-150 S-Video cable (for the ZR90 camcorder model only).
Canon's ZR80, ZR85 and ZR90 will be in stores beginning in March at estimated selling prices of $399, $499 and $599, respectively.
For more information, visit
www.canon.com
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