Canon ZR200 Camcorder Review
Canon ZR200: Leave Your Options Open by Shooting Video and Photos Simplify your life by having the best of digital video and digital photo worlds in one streamlined device. The Canon ZR200 gives you the ability to take high-resolution XGA quality (1024 x 768 pixel) digital photos onto a memory card while recording stunning video. The secret behind Canon's renowned video and photo image quality is the DIGIC DV system. DIGIC DV utilizes two different color techniques to maximize video quality for viewing on TVs and still image quality for print or computer display. Since the ZR200 also features 16-bit Digital PCM audio and audio-dubbing capabilities, you can be confident that your memories will not only look great, but sound great as well. For added flexibility, you can take up to 700 still images on a single MiniDV tape (in SP Mode). The camcorder records the photos for approximately six seconds, as well as recording the sound for your verbal notes or narration. There is even a Photo Review button for quick appraisal of your captured images. Canon ZR200: Let Genuine Canon Optics Worry About the Details Canon is known the world over for its vast expertise in designing and crafting precision lenses for 35mm and broadcast TV cameras. That same expertise goes into the ZR200's 20x optical zoom/360x dDigital zoom lens, giving you the power to capture vibrant videos and photos. Now you can enjoy that summer outing, first-year birthday party or family reunion, with the confidence that your Canon digital camcorder won't miss a single detail. Canon ZR200: Shoot Widescreen Videos for Your Home Theatre System Get more of the action into every shot thanks to the Canon Canon ZR200's high-resolution 16:9 widescreen recording mode. Typically reserved for more expensive camcorder models, the 16:9 widescreen feature allows you to record true widescreen videos and photos for playback on home theatre systems. For enhanced accessibility, a Widescreen Button makes it easy to switch from the standard 4:3 mode to 16:9 Widescreen Mode. You'll also see exactly what you are shooting thanks to the 2.4-inch LCD screen's letterbox-style display. The 16:9 widescreen feature is available in both Program Mode and Easy Recording Mode, and can be used in conjunction with the camcorder's advanced image stabilization. Treat Yourself to the Ultimate in Style and Functionality Sporting a high metal finish, the Canon ZR200 combines sleek design with sophisticated usability. Smaller in depth and lighter by 2 ounces than previous ZR models, the Canon ZR200 takes on a seamless, fluid appearance with a reduced gap between lens and viewfinder. Canon ZR200: Enhanced design features include: * New Program Selector: Located beside the LCD display, the Program Selector makes it easy to quickly switch modes. * Finger Rest: Located on the upper side of the grip, the finger rest improves stability while shooting. * Easy Operation Buttons: PLAY and STOP buttons are now independent, while the FF and RW buttons are located together, improving usability by preventing accidental pressing of the wrong button. * Oval Grip: An oval-shaped grip located on the top of the lens improves shooting comfort while adding a touch of style. * Flat Zoom Lever: The brand new flat zoom lever not only makes for stress-free zooming, but also helps reduce the physical size of the camcorder. * Slim Operation Switch: For increased miniaturization, the ZR camcorders feature an innovative Slim Operation Switch. Keep Your Eye on the Ball Even in Bright Light No more squinting into the LCD display of a camcorder during the little league championships. That's because the ZR200 camcorder features an innovative backlight feature that boosts the display's brightness by 250%. Simply press the LCD Backlight button for improved visibility even during the peak of a sunny summer's day.
Once you own a ZR-series digital camcorder, an entire world of move- and still image-making possibilities opens up as a result of its MiniDV format (a worldwide industry standard). But what about those older analog videotape memories? Canon makes updating them to digital a breeze with its advanced Analog/Digital Converter technology. Simply connect your TV or VCR to the ZR camcorder's Analog Line-in/Converter and record every priceless moment directly to DV tape. You can even convert the analog signal into a digital signal for direct transfer to digital video devices or computers equipped with an IEEE1394 terminal. (The Analog to Digital Converter may not function depending on the software used.) It's all thanks to Canon's exclusive connection circuit, called VIC. VIC is a virtual powerhouse. Traditionally, multiple chips were needed to perform the camcorder's input and output functions. However VIC manages it all with one single chip. The result is seamless connectivity whether you are connecting to a computer, TV, or VCR. Don't Miss out on Capturing Low-Light Moments Shooting indoors with minimal light? No problem. The ZR200 features a Night Mode specifically designed to capture those important low-light memories. Once selected, the Night Mode automatically boosts the sensitivity of the CCD and lowers the shutter speed to help brighten the subject. Canon ZR-200: Take Advantage of True Digital Connectivity It couldn't be easier to transfer your digital movies to your computer's hard disk, edit your scenes, and then use them to create high impact Web sites, video e-mail, interactive CDs and DVDs, or a personal video album. That's because the ZR200 features a USB terminal and DV terminal (IEEE 1394 or Firewire) for effortless transfer of your memories without any loss in quality. SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard For convenient storage and portability of your still images, the ZR200 also features an additional built-in slot for SD (Secure Digital) Memory Cards or a MultiMediaCards. Normal and Motion JPEG Extended Movies Record movie clips in Normal and Motion JPEG Extended movie formats directly onto the memory card, for clear images and smooth playback. Alternately, you can take the 320 x 240 pixel or 160 x 120 pixel mini-movie and attach it to an e-mail or post it on the web. Best of all, you can record for the full length of the SD Memory Card. (Maximum 60 minutes [512MB SD Memory Card]. When using MultiMediaCards, movie clips are limited to 10 seconds in 320 x 240 and 30 seconds in 160 x 120.) Canon ZR200: Picture Transfer Protocol The ZR200 goes even further to make life simple by supporting Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP). PTP enables data communication with a computer without the need to install dedicated driver software. In other words, PTP creates a direct link with the computer to access the camcorder as though it was an external card reader. (This feature is available only with computers running Windows XP or Mac OS X [version 10.1 or later] operating system.) Keep Your Shots Steady Even at Full Telephoto Capture all the action without the shake thanks to the ZR200's high-quality image stabilization system. The result of Canon's superior electronic expertise, the image stabilizer is able to correct camcorder shake instantly, even when shooting hand-held at full telephoto. Make the Most of Your Digital Photos The Canon ZR200 is a true collaborator. When you're ready to print your digital images, a single cable is all that's required to connect your ZR200 to a PictBridge-compliant printer. You can then control a variety of printing options from the camcorder's menu. Choose from a range of different paper sizes with options for borderless or bordered prints. Exif Print (2.2) The ZR200 supports Exif Print (2.2), a worldwide standard that enhances communication between digital cameras and printers. At the time of shooting, vital camcorder settings and scene data are recorded with the image, resulting in realistic and reliable color reproduction. Poor lighting or mistakes can also be corrected, allowing photos to be even better than the originals. XGA High Resolution Photos Set your digital photos apart from the pack with the ZR200. With just a press of the Photo Button and you'll capture high-resolution XGA (1024 x 768 pixel) images that are then automatically stored on a removable SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard. For added flexibility, you can select the compression size (Superfine/Fine/ Normal) to tailor how many photos you can fit on the memory card. You can even select how long you wish to review a still image after recording. You Decide Where the Focus Should Be As professional photographers know, often the perfect shot is one in which the subject is off-center. That's why the Canon ZR200 digital camcorder offers three focusing points, giving you the choice on which subject should be sharpest. Skin Detail Function For close-ups that your family and friends will love, select the innovative Skin Detail Function to automatically soften details. The result is a more complimentary appearance (and a more complimentary response from your subject!). Shoot Like a Pro with Automatic Exposure Settings Want to capture a quick photo but don't have time to manual adjust the settings? With the ZR200 you can select from a variety of pre-programmed auto exposure modes (Easy Recording, Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, Low Light and Night mode). There is even an Auto Slow Shutter mode to give your videos a dream-like quality. Each mode is carefully designed to give you the best possible image results under special shooting conditions. For the more hands-on users, the Canon ZR200 allows for manual control of the focus, exposure level, white balance, and shutter-speed controls. You'll also be able to take advantage of the auto-wind, date search and end search capabilities, and two recording speed modes: LP and SP. Give Your Movies Added Style with In-Camera Effects For the digital video artist in you, the ZR200 offers a wide selection of faders that can add visual appeal and greater imaging variety. Choose from Fade Trigger, Wipe, Corner, Jump, Flip, Puzzle, Zigzag, Beam, and Tide. Digital Effects For a more creative look, you can switch on the following digital effects during recording or playback: Art, Black & White, Sepia, Mosaic, Ball, Cube, Wave, Color Mask or Mirror. (In Card mode, only black and white is available.) Multi-Image Screen Divide your screen into four, nine, or sixteen pictures with the Image Capture function. You can also select the speed the images are captured: Manual, Slow, Moderate, or Fast. Transform Your Canon ZR200 into a Powerful Webcam Have friends in far-off places? Turn your ZR200 into a Webcam for Internet Video Chat with Microsoft Windows Messenger through IEEE1394. It's all possible thanks to the DV Messenger2 software, available as a free download for ZR200 owners. DV Messenger2 allows you to control the zoom and focus of your ZR200 or the camcorder of the person you are chatting with. Preview thumbnails and transfer photos. You can even watch and control the video playback of either camcorder right from your computer. Canon ZR200: Make Your Camcorder Truly Your Own There will be no mistaking your Canon ZR200 once you've customized its start-up image and camcorder operation sounds. With the My Camera Function you can also select your preferred operating language, be it English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, or Japanese, in addition to the date format.
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