Canon has unveiled its standard-definition, MiniDV camcorder lineup for the year as the ZR900, ZR930, and ZR950 models. The entry-level ZR900 features the usual 680k, 1/6″ CCD sensor. Optical zoom is up to 37x, but with Canon’s new Advanced Zoom capability, zoom on the ZR900 can be extended to 41x. Advanced Zoom combines the image processor and sensor to scale the picture separately from the usual digital zoom. Also featured on the ZR900 is a microphone jack, a feature that Canon has included on its entry-level MiniDV camcorders for years now.
The Canon ZR930 upgrades the sensor to a sharper 1.07 megapixel imager, which also extends the Advanced Zoom to 48x. It also features a Multi-Angle Remote Control. The infrared sensor for the remote is built into the LCD screen so that the remote can be used from whichever angle to which the screen is rotated.
Finally, the Canon ZR950 does not have a microphone jack, but instead adds a SDHC slot for stills and a USB 2.0 port for connecting to PictBridge printers. All three camcorders will arrive soon for $249, $269, and $279, respectively.
We just bought the Canon Zr 900 today at Best Buy $ 250. So far I am very impressed with this digital video camera. Easy set up, very good quality video. I used to have a Canon Hi-8 and waited as long as possible to move to digital because I didn’t think the quality was there. Well for the price of $250 I am very impressed. I’ll hook up the Firewire and download the footage to my Macbook and do some editing over the long weekend and come back to post some more to this review - stay tuned. Maybe I’ll write a review and post the footage to my blog. http://www.Offgrid-Living.com