Canon DC22 DVD Camcorder
Canon DC22 Press Release
Canon’s new mid-level DC22 DVD camcorder provides consumers with an affordable, high-quality solution for recording special memories whether on an exotic vacation or running through the sprinklers in the backyard. With its Genuine Canon 10x optical zoom lens, 2.2 Megapixel CCD Image Sensor with RGB Primary Color Filter, Widescreen HR (high resolution) recording and large 2.7-inch Widescreen LCD, the DC22 model expands ease-of-use and enhances the affordability of video for consumers.
“Canon’s new DC22 DVD Camcorder offers consumers the convenience of DVD video recording with sophisticated features for capturing memories of friends and family,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As one of the world’s smallest and lightest DVD camcorders, the DC22 model easily transfers technology from the palm of your hands to the comfort of your living room.”
Record and Share Memories Directly on DVD
The DC22 DVD camcorder accepts three-inch DVD-R/-RW discs, which can store up to 60 minutes of video and are compatible with many home DVD players, both old and new.
Verbatim, a data storage manufacturer worked with Canon to create higher-capacity, higher-performance dual layer (DL) recordable media. Verbatim’s new media combines with Canon’s new DC22 DVD Camcorder to enable consumers to capture more special moments on DVD that can be played immediately from the comfort of their living room. The media has an additional layer that allows the camcorder to almost double the recording time without replacing or flipping the DVD. The three-inch DL discs offer extended recording times of 36 minutes in XP mode; 54 minutes in SP mode and 108 minutes in LP mode.
“Canon is well-known for the quality and innovative features of its camcorders,” said Ronan Ryan, Verbatim’s director of product marketing. “We’re very pleased that through our work together, consumers now have the longer recording times they’ve been wanting and the ability to immediately enjoy their videos on their computer or TV screen. To ensure that they will be able to enjoy their videos for many years to come, Verbatim’s innovative VideoGardâ„¢ protection was added. This is a protective coating on the disc that makes irreplaceable home videos and photos 40 times more resistant to damage.”
Canon chose the DVD-R/-RW format to ensure high compatibility with a range of DVD players and drives. With DVD products, consumers can easily locate scenes without having to rewind or fast forward, create playlists of favorite scenes and are even able to do some quick editing - right in the camcorder.
True Widescreen Video
The DC22 model includes high resolution widescreen 16:9 recording, which allow users to enjoy a full-screen image on their widescreen TV with vivid detail and clarity. High resolution widescreen recording not only delivers a wider picture, the method, in contrast to some other systems, uses a wider area of the CCD image sensor to strike more pixels and deliver higher resolution for superior widescreen image quality.
The camcorder includes a 2.7-inch widescreen display panel making it easy to compose shots in cinema-style. As widescreen television sets begin to replace standard TVs, consumers can appreciate the ability to frame and record in high-resolution widescreen and then enjoy full-screen playback on their widescreen TV for a theatre-like experience at home.
Brilliant Color Video and Photos
For rich, accurate, colors, the DC22 DVD camcorder uses a RGB Primary Color Filter that separates light into red, green and blue color components resulting in vibrant image with natural looking tones. With the introduction of the DC22 DVD Camcorder, consumers can now take beautiful 2.0 megapixel still images as well as video. In addition, a variety of advanced photo features, including Image Effects, Auto Exposure Bracketing, Continuous Shooting Modes, Special Scene Modes, Built-in Flash and Red-Eye Reduction are commonly found in PowerShot cameras can be used to enhance photo taking fun.
Easy Video Recording
Now consumers can shoot rock-steady video without a tripod - even at maximum telephoto with Canon’s IS system. The camcorder includes a Smooth Zoom Control feature, which provides a choice of three fixed zoom speeds. It also includes Level Shot Control, which are indicator markers that allow users to center and level their picture. The camcorder also includes a built-in electronic lens cover that automatically opens in record mode and closes when switched to playback or turned off. All buttons on this ergonomically designed camcorder have been perfectly positioned to make one-hand operation easy.
The Canon DC22 DVD camcorder will be available at the end of August 2006 for an estimated selling price of $6991. Mini DVD-R DL discs in blister and jewel case three-packs will be available in the U.S. through leading retailers, Internet resellers and distributors in September.
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Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
1 Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
Canon DC22 Reviews
CamcorderInfo has a review up of the Canon DC22 camcorder and concludes, “It easily topped the comparatively priced DVD camcorders from other manufacturers in bright light video testing. Low light proved to be a problem area – an important flaw to consider for any consumer. But the small form factor of the DC22 and relative simplicity of the DVD medium will be a big draw for some people. Our big complaints are as follows. DVD camcorders still fail to record as long as MiniDV tapes in highest quality. … Secondly, the DC22 has no mic input, and the built-in mic will not cut it for high-quality home movies. Third, the viewfinder is so small and uncomfortable; it’s hard to understand why they included it. The LCD is widescreen, but a 123K resolution is pretty low. … The upsides: good bright light performance, a decent manual control array, good still photo quality, and a high degree of portability. We wouldn’t be surprised if this became a very popular model for Canon this holiday season.” Link.
Good Gear Guide has a review of the Canon DC22 and writes, “While many DVD camcorders at this price point aren’t known for their image quality, Canon has bucked this trend, and come up with a comfortable, easy to use video camera that produces excellent quality video. Our main cause for surprise stemmed from the DC22’s above average image quality. Colour reproduction was vivid and accurate, with good variation in contrast. There were few signs of compression artefacts, though the DC22 still suffers from the typical problems of MPEG compression, specifically a ghosting effect on rapidly moving objects. … Overall Canon has produced an excellent DVD camcorder with the DC22. It has good quality video, is easy to use and well designed. For the relatively low price tag, it’s a bargain.” Link.
