New Camcorders from Canon

Canon's latest line of Mini DV camcorders offer the performance and ease of use to help you capture life's special moments.

All the new ZR and Elura models include Canon's new Widescreen high- resolution feature that allows you to enjoy a full-screen image on your widescreen TV. Canon's Widescreen HR feature delivers not only a wider picture, but in contrast with other systems, it uses a wider area of CCD image sensor to strike more pixels and deliver higher resolution for superior widescreen image quality. Each model has a flip-out 2.7-inch widescreen display panel.

This series is designed for the beginner but with enough features to handle a variety of situations, and offers a great camcorder package at an affordable price. They sell for $299, $349, and $399 respectively. If you don't have a widescreen TV at home, video shot in Widescreen HR will be displayed in letterbox format on your TV.

Other features include:

Controlled Zooming Techniques
In addition to its widescreen capabilities, the new ZR camcorders feature 25x Optical Zooms, Canon's longest Optical Zoom ever. To prevent jerky shots, the ZR models also offer a feature called Smooth Zoom Control that lets the user pick one of three fixed zoom speeds for professional-style zooming just like on a Hollywood motion picture. Users can also avoid shooting crooked video with the Level Shot Control feature that overlays a horizontal marker and center indicator on the view screen. The marker, which acts as a guide for you, can be turned on or off at night with the touch of a button. Of course, all new models come with the Image Stabilization so you can shoot rock-steady video.

New Designs and Cool Colors
Canon's new ZR camcorders are smaller and lighter than their predecessors and boast sleek, contoured designs that fit comfortably in your hand. The new models are offered in three different colors: the ZR500, Blue mist; the ZR 600, Silver Frost; and the ZR700, Grey Smoke. All models have built-in lens covers so there is no dangling lens cap to lose.

The ZR700 and ZR600 camcorders both have PictBridge support to connect directly to compatible photo printers, along with USB and IEEE 1394 terminals. The ZR500 model is equipped with a microphone terminal, while the ZR700 and ZR600 models feature a remote control, Conon's Zoom Browser Software and Audio Dubbing. Additional benefits of the ZR700 model include a higher capacity battery, built-in video light, an Analog to Digital Converter and 1000x Digital Zoom.

The Canon ZR500, ZR600, and ZR700 camcorders are all Windows certified and Mac compatible. The estimated prices are as follows:

ZR500 - $299
ZR600 - $349
ZR700 - $399

Elura 100 Camcorder - the step up
Many of the new features on the latest ZR models are also incorporated into Canon's new Elura 100 camcorder. As with the ZR series, the Elura 100 includes Widescreen HR Recording, 2.7-inch Widescreen display panel, easy-to-use Joystick, Smooth Zoom Control, and Level Shot Control. Advanced Photo features include 9 point AiAF auto focus, Special Scene Modes, and Image Effects. The Elura 100 also allows you to display widescreen video on a standard TV and comes with a built-in lens cover.

When stepping up to Elura 100 camcorder you get more resolution for crisper video and photos, though still not as good as you could expect with a dedicated camera. Another step-up feature also available on the ZR700 model includes help in low-light situations. The Canon Elura 100 camcorder is compatible for both Windows and Mac and will be available March 16, 2006 for $399. www.usa.canon.com.