Canon Debuts the ZR10 DV Camcorder

 

 

 

 

Advanced Digital Video Technology And Sophisticated Features Provide A Carefree And Enjoyable Shooting Experience

LAKE SUCCESS, NY -- Canon introduced the Canon ZR10 digital video camcorder, a DV camera that is both full-featured and ultra-compact.

Weighing only 1.5 pounds, measuring just 2 x 3 x 5 inches and featuring hot, eye-grabbing translucent accents and detailing, the ZR10 rests comfortably in any hand, and can be carried in a waist pack, slipped into a coat pocket, or fit into a beach bag or briefcase with room to spare.

"Consumers are eager to create digital videos on their home PCs and share them with friends and family via the Internet," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A. "Canon has placed consumers in the thick of the digital video age with the sophisticated video technology and stylish design of the ZR10."

The ZR10 is available at authorized Canon dealers beginning late April 2000. It includes all the basic features consumers expect and many additional features without sacrificing its compact and contemporary design. The manufactured suggested retail price is $999 (with options priced separately).

10x Optical Zoon Lens and 200x Digital Zoom
The Canon zoom lens transforms distant subjects into dramatic close-ups without loss in image quality. The focal length of the optical zoom is 4.2-42mm f/1.9, which is the 35mm photo lens equivalent of 40.3mm to 403mm. It extends the magnification to 200x, revealing details too distant to be seen with the eye. It provides an exceptional scope from wide panorama to super telephoto.

Image Stabilizer
A high quality image stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly, providing smooth, stable pictures. Shake-free images can be recorded even on long telephoto shots without a tripod. Unlike competitive models, the image stabilizer functions in both video and photo shooting modes.

Flexible LCD Viewscreen and Color Viewfinder
The 2.5-inch viewscreen permits easy composition of sensational shots from any angle. The screen swivels and flips for maximum handling comfort and flexibility, tucking neatly away when bright conditions make the eyecup viewfinder the preferred way to shoot. The translucent cool blue accent frame surrounds the viewscreen as Canon breaks away from conventional cold monochrome camcorder styling.

Digital Photo Mode
It is two cameras in one, functioning also as a digital still camera. Pressing the photo button allows the capture of more than 700 still pictures on a single digital videocassette, or it can combine video and still pictures. Each still photo is recorded for approximately six seconds, along with narration or surrounding sounds.

Long Time Recording
Enhanced power, attributed to the batteries and reduction of energy consumption, allows for longer usage. Up to five hours and 10 minutes (when using the viewfinder) can be recorded continuously with the optional BP-522 battery pack. When charged with the optional CR-560 charger kit, the BP-522 provides 70 minutes of recording when using the viewfinder after only 15 minutes of charging.

Programmed Auto Exposure
Outstanding video results are possible even during challenging conditions. By selecting the program that matches the scene, the ZR10 adjusts internal controls to create perfect video each time. Mode choices are Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand and Snow, and Low Light. For point-and-shoot simplicity, the ZR10 includes Canon's fully automatic Easy Green Mode suitable for most indoor/outdoor situations.

Digital Effects
A choice of digital effects provides a more appealing look and greater imaging variety for stills and video. A variety of four fade effects (Fade Trigger, Vertical Wipe, Horizontal Wipe and Mosaic fades) can begin and end scenes with a fade to and from black. Additional choices include adding Art, Black and White, Sepia and Mosaic effects.

Digital Stereo Sound
Two digital audio modes are the16 bit mode that produces higher, CD-equivalent, two-channel sound quality and the 12 bit mode that leaves two channels free to dub extra sound at a later time.

IEEE 1394/Firewire DV Terminal
Equipped with a DV IN/OUT terminal that conforms to IEEE 1394/Firewire, the ZR10 takes just a single digital cable to copy video to another Canon DV camcorder, or transfer to a DV-ready computer for editing or use on the Internet.

Manual Controls
While fully automatic, the ZR10 offers manual control over Focus, Exposure, White Balance and Shutter Speed.

A/V Insert and Audio Dubbing
Insert new video scenes from a VCR or other camcorder into an original recording. When using a recording made in the 12 bit audio mode, stereo sound can be added from another audio source, or the internal or external microphone.

Analog Line-in
Now it is possible to send an analog video signal from a television, VCR, or camcorder into the ZR10 and record digitally onto a Mini DV cassette. Appropriate for making copies or preserving precious originals.

A host of other features include:

  • Built-in speaker
  • LP mode to extend taping time
  • Built-in charge function
  • A world clock
  • 16:9 wide screen TV effect
  • Time code
  • Photo search
  • Date search
  • Self-timer
  • LANC terminal

Contents of the ZR10 kit include:

  • ZR10 - BP-511 (approximate 2.5 hour Battery Pack)
  • CA-560 Compact Power Adapter
  • SS-600 Shoulder Strap
  • WL-D74 Wireless Remote Control
  • S-150 S-Video Cable
  • STV-250 Stereo Video Cable

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions and, through its parent company, Canon Inc., is a top patent-holder of imaging technologies. Canon U.S.A. Web site: http://www.canondv.com