Canon Introduces New Trio of DV Camcorders Combining Performance, Image Quality and Value.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers NOTE TO MEDIA: Multimedia assets available A photo is available at URL URL in full Uniform Resource Locator Address of a resource on the Internet. The resource can be any type of file stored on a server, such as a Web page, a text file, a graphics file, or an application program. : http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.010803/bb2 LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2003 Genuine Canon Optical Zoom Changing the focal length of a camera by adjusting the physical zoom lens. All zoom lenses in film cameras and digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are optical zoom. Digital point-and-shoot cameras as well as consumer and prosumer video camcorders have optical zoom, but they also Lens, Advanced Dual Image Signal Processing, Image Stabilizer stabilizer: see airplane. and Super Color Night Mode Highlight Advanced Features Canon DV Messenger Software Allows Internet Video Video material obtained from the Internet. It may refer to streaming video from real time broadcasts, streaming archival material or downloading video files for watching later, all of which are viewed on the computer. Chats Using DV Camcorder and PC Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :CAJ CAJ Canadian Association of Journalists CAJ Christliche Arbeiterjugend (German Young Christian Workers) CAJ China Academic Journals CAJ Christian Academy in Japan CAJ Canaima, Venezuela (Airport Code) ), announced plans to market three new DV (digital video) camcorders aimed at advancing the digital recording of home videos and amateur movie making. The new camcorders called ZR70 MC, ZR65 MC and ZR60 provide stunning picture clarity and detail, enhanced operation, a genuine Canon zoom lens and advanced performance features that are the effect of more than 68 years of designing and manufacturing cameras. At suggested retail prices of $799, $699 and $599 respectively, the new ZR70 MC, ZR65 MC and ZR60 offer camcorder buyers a choice in optical zoom lenses. These models deliver some of the highest optical zoom magnifications in compact, lightweight designs, a desirable feature for the individual who appreciates the delicate balance between high-magnification and camcorder size. The ZR70 MC includes a 22x zoom lens, the ZR65 MC includes a 20x zoom lens and the ZR60 includes an 18x zoom lens. To complement the high magnification Magnification A measure of the effectiveness of an optical system in enlarging or reducing an image. For an optical system that forms a real image, such a measure is the lateral magnification m zoom lens, each model in the ZR series includes Canon's Image Stabilization Image stabilization (IS) is a family of techniques to increase the stability of an image. It is used in image-stabilized binoculars, photography, videography, and astronomical telescopes. technology that contributes to the making of smooth, steady recordings that are more enjoyable to watch during playback. Beyond these features, each model incorporates Advanced Dual Image Signal Processing See DSP. that helps to maximize image quality for both video and still image recording. "Canon is committed to designing quality camcorders that make it easy, fun and affordable for people who desire to capture the special people, occasions and experiences in their life," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Making digital home videos can inspire people to greater forms of visual expression such as personal movie scripts and even documentaries. Our new ZR series camcorders are the tools that may drive that inspiration." All three camcorders are bundled with Canon's DV Messenger software program, which allows two people with virtually any DV camcorder with FireWire and a PC computer with Windows XP The previous client version of Windows. XP was a major upgrade to the client version of Windows 2000 with numerous changes to the user interface. XP improved support for gaming, digital photography, instant messaging, wireless networking and sharing connections to the Internet. to conduct video chat sessions over the Internet. Additional features standard in all three models include a 680k pixel CCD CCD in full charge-coupled device Semiconductor device in which the individual semiconductor components are connected so that the electrical charge at the output of one device provides the input to the next device. image sensor An image sensor is a device that converts a visual image to an electric signal. It is used chiefly in digital cameras and other imaging devices. It is usually an array of charge-coupled devices (CCD) or CMOS sensors such as active-pixel sensors. , Programmed Auto Exposure modes for nearly every shooting condition and subject including Sports, Sand and Snow, Low-light, Portrait and Spotlight and Night Mode; a 2.5-inch color LCD Viewscreen; Digital Effects Synthetic sounds and animations created in the digital domain. Reverberation, morphing and transitions between video frames are examples. See digital video effects. including vertical and horizontal wipes and mosaic fades, black-and-white and sepia SEPIA - Standard ECRC Prolog Integrating Applications. Prolog with many extensions including attributed variables ("metaterms") and declarative coroutining. "SEPIA", Micha Meier <micha@ecrc.de> et al, TR-LP-36 ECRC, March 1988. Version 3.1 available for Suns and VAX. ; Digital Stereo Sound (16/12 bit); IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York, www.ieee.org) A membership organization that includes engineers, scientists and students in electronics and allied fields. 1394 / FireWire DV Terminal; Manual Controls; A/V (1) (Audio/Video) Refers to equipment and applications that deal with sound and sight. The A/V world includes microphones, tape recorders, audio mixers, still and video cameras, film projectors, slide projectors, VCRs, CD and DVD players/recorders, amplifiers and Insert and Audio Dubbing dubbing removal of most of the comb of day-old chickens. See also decombing. ; and External Microphone Terminal. ZR60 Features The zoom range on the Canon ZR60 DV camcorder is extensive, providing an 18x, f/1.6 optical zoom lens with a 360x digital zoom Simulating a longer focal length in a digital camera via software. The digital zoom is accomplished via image enhancement software within the camera itself rather than the inherent mechanics of the physical zoom lens. For more details, see optical zoom. , allowing users to bring even distant objects dramatically close. When combined with the camcorder's long digital zoom capabilities, objects normally too distant for the human eye come into sight. Image Stabilization The new DV camcorders use Canon's Image Stabilizer technology to correct for camera shake Camera shake is a common problem in photography when telephoto lenses or long shutter speeds are used with a non-stabilized camera. The resulting images will appear blurry and smeared. , providing smooth, stable pictures even on long telephoto shots. Advanced Dual Image Signal Processing Advanced Dual Image Signal Processing uses two different processing techniques to maximize the quality of video on a TV, as well as displaying or printing digital photos. Since video and still images have different color and tonal requirements, the camcorder satisfies the specific demands of each. Photo Mode The Photo Mode allows users to quickly and easily capture photos onto the MiniDV videotape. Each photo is recorded for approximately 6 seconds with stereo sound and can be used to separate scenes in a video or as a montage montage (mŏntäzh`, Fr. môNtäzh`), the art and technique of motion-picture editing in which contrasting shots or sequences are used to effect emotional or intellectual responses. with narration. Color Night Mode The Night Mode function allows users to see, and shoot video in virtual darkness and functions much like "night vision" in certain binoculars and other optical devices with the exception of the "green tint 1. TINT - Interpreted version of JOVIAL. [Sammet 1969, p. 528]. 2. tint - hue " overlay experienced with other devices. Instead, objects are presented in color, providing even the dimmest shooting conditions with realistic color rendition for easy recording. Analog-To-Digital Converter Now it's easier than ever to transfer analog video The original video recording method that stores continuous waves of red, green and blue intensities. In analog video, the number of rows is fixed. There are no real columns, and the maximum detail is determined by the frequency response of the analog system. footage to a DV-ready computer. Using the ZR-series camcorders as a signal converter A device that changes the electrical or light characteristics of a signal. between an analog camcorder and the computer, VHS (Video Home System) A half-inch, analog videocassette recorder (VCR) format introduced by JVC in 1976 to compete with Sony's Betamax, introduced a year earlier. and Hi8 videos can easily be digitized and transferred to a computer for editing, sharing via the Internet and even burned onto a CD or DVD DVD: see digital versatile disc. DVD in full digital video disc or digital versatile disc Type of optical disc. The DVD represents the second generation of compact-disc (CD) technology. for outstanding video and audio quality. This benefit occurs without the need to initially record the analog video to digital tape. DV Messenger Software Canon is now bundling its DV Messenger software with every newly introduced DV camcorder. When combined with a Canon DV camcorder and a computer with Windows XP, DV Messenger allows two people to see each other and chat over the Internet, using the camcorder as the camera device. Furthermore, users can share video clips, transfer digital photos and even control the other person's camcorder. Although the software is now bundled with the ZR camcorders, consumers may download the DV Messenger software for free, directly from Canon's Web site. ZR65 MC Step-Up Features In addition to all the features and functions offered in the ZR60 model, the ZR65 MC offers a 20x optical zoom lens with a 400x digital zoom for even wider zoom options, especially with distant objects. Beyond the MiniDV videotape, the ZR65 MC accepts the widely used MultiMedia Card and SD Memory Card for recording digital photos separately. The ZR65 MC is able to record XGA (EXtended Graphics Array) A screen resolution of 1,024x768 pixels. The term stems from IBM's XGA display standard introduced in 1990, which extended VGA to 132-column text and interlaced 1,024x768x256 resolution. XGA-2 later added non-interlaced 1,024x768x64K. high-resolution photos (1024 x 768 pixels). High-quality photos can also be produced by attaching the camcorder directly to select Canon bubble jet Canon's trade name for its thermal drop on demand inkjet printer technology. The ink is heated, which produces a bubble that expands and ejects the ink out of the nozzle. As the bubble cools, the vacuum created draws fresh ink back into the nozzle. direct photo printers, such as the S830D, for printing 4x6-inch borderless color prints. In addition to audio/video and FireWire DV terminals, the ZR65 MC includes a USB USB in full Universal Serial Bus Type of serial bus that allows peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, digitizers, data gloves, etc.) to be easily connected to a computer. terminal. ZR70 MC Exclusive Features Including the features of the ZR60 and the ZR65 MC, the ZR70 MC provides users with a precision-engineered, 22x optical zoom lens with a 440x digital zoom for even greater shooting flexibility. In addition, the ZR70 MC provides a motion JPEG See MPEG and JPEG 2000. Motion JPEG - Moving JPEG feature which allows users to capture short Internet-ready, video clips for quick and easy sharing via e-mail. The ZR70 MC's Super Night Mode produces high-quality video recording in virtual darkness. When activated, a white LED assist lamp provides additional illumination. The camcorder's Advanced Accessory Shoe allows for an optional video light or directional microphone Noun 1. directional microphone - a microphone that is designed to receive sound from a particular direction cardioid microphone - a directional microphone with a cardioid pattern of sensitivity to be used, without wires or additional power. Camera control buttons, conveniently positioned above the LCD viewscreen, can be illuminated to add unique style to the camcorder and make them visible in low light environments. Users can customize the feature by selecting one of six (6) neon colors: blue, green, orange, yellow, turquoise or purple. Additional exclusive features of the ZR70 MC include a supplied WA-30.5 (0.6x) Wide Conversion Attachment that expands the camcorder's field of view when shooting video from 54mm to a wide 32mm. In photo mode the wide attachment increases the field of view from 48mm to 29mm. It is especially handy when shooting in cramped spaces or very close to a subject. Even more, the ZR70 MC kit includes a higher capacity battery, the BP-512, for longer continuous recording between charges. Optional Accessories Several optional accessories are available with the new ZR-series DV camcorders including a BP-522 / BP-535 Battery Pack; Filter Set FS-30.5U; Wide-Converter WD-30.5; Tele-Converter TL-30.5; Directional Stereo Microphone DM-50 (ZR70 MC only); and Video Light VL-3 (ZR70 MC only). The new ZR-series DV camcorders will be available at authorized Canon dealers with suggested retail prices accordingly:
ZR70 MC $799 February 2003
ZR65 MC $699 February 2003
ZR60 $599 February 2003
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. In 2001, the Company was listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and was ranked #41 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2001, with global revenues of $22 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs approximately 11,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com. Note to Editors: All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners. All pricing subject to change without notice.
Canon
ZR70 MC, ZR65 MC, ZR60 DV Camcorder Comparison Chart
Model ZR70 MC ZR65 MC ZR60
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Format Mini DV Mini DV Mini DV
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CCD 1/6" 1/6" 1/6"
680,000 680,000 680,000
Pixel Pixel Pixel
CCD CCD CCD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Optical Zoom Ratio 22X 20X 18X
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital Zoom Ratio 440X 400X 360X
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Dual Imaging Processing
- for capturing sharp, clear photos & video Yes Yes Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Image Stabilizer Yes Yes Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Program AE Modes Yes Yes Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
LCD Screen 2.5" 2.5" 2.5"
LCD/112K LCD/112K LCD/112K
Pixels Pixels Pixels
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Viewfinder 0.44" 0.44" 0.44"
Color Color Color
EVF EVF EVF
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Analog Input with A/D Converter Yes Yes Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
USB Terminal Yes Yes No
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Firewire/IEEE1394/DV Terminal Yes Yes Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
My Camera Function
- Customize the start-up image Yes Yes Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MultiMediaCard/SD Memory Card
Yes Yes No
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XGA High Resolution Still Images
(1024 x 768) Yes Yes No
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital Photo Mode
(640 x 480)
- take up to 700 images on a MiniDV
single tape Yes Yes Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Motion JPEG Yes No No
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Life Battery BP-508 No Yes Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Extended-Life Battery BP-512 Yes No No
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Color Night Mode Yes Yes Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Night Mode Yes No No
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Accessory Shoe Yes No No
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Color Light-up Buttons Yes No No
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wide Conversion Attachment Yes No No
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: A photo is available at URL: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.010803/bb2 |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion