The Canon ZR850 Mini-DV camcorder is an entry-level camcorder offering the following features:

* 1-megapixel CCD image sensor; image stabilization
* Genuine Canon Optics with 35x optical zoom/1000x digital zoom
* DIGIC DV image processor; still image recording
* 2.7-inch widescreen LCD monitor; widescreen HR recording
* Smooth zoom control; level shot control

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Canon ZR850 Mini-DV Camcorder Press Release

Canon recognizes that whether they are shooting a 50th anniversary party, baby’s first steps, or a trip around the world, camcorder users are looking to capture the movement and visual images, resulting in memories that are inherent in every important life stage. To help anyone become an instant expert, Canon has introduced three new models in its entry-level ZR series camcorders: the ZR850, ZR830, and ZR800 Mini-DV Camcorders.

These camcorders provide powerful technology for capturing the most outstanding videos and photos with an array of smart new features that ensure the easiest, most enjoyable user experience. In fact, as Canon has long been regarded as an expert in optical lens design and production, all ZR series camcorders will feature 35x optical zoom – Canon’s longest zoom ever.

For those users looking for a no-nonsense camcorder, Canon has a camcorder that meets their needs,” says Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Not only do the Canon 2007 ZR series camcorders create incredible images, but they are also affordable and easy to use.”

Canon’s ZR camcorder line offers the ideal solution for consumers who may just be getting started with their first camcorder and are looking for the simplest, most accessible device that delivers great results. The new ZR models feature a joystick in the main panel display that makes it easier than ever to record, play back and navigate the menu options. The Easy Mode automatically optimizes most of the camcorder’s settings, while the preset scene modes make it easy to shoot common scenes, including sunsets, fireworks, or a day at the beach.

The 2.7 inch widescreen LCD (112,000 pixels) allows users to easily compose shots that can be shown on a widescreen TV. The new ZR series Mini-DV camcorders will offer a .35 inch color viewfinder which allows users to view and record live scenes in Widescreen HR (high resolution) with a 16:9 aspect ratio - the same aspect ratio of today’s popular widescreen television sets.

The new models are powered by Canon’s DIGIC DV image processor. The DIGIC DV technology processes video information separately from photo information in order to always reproduce accurate, clear colors for both mediums. It also dynamically widens the range of colors in video and photos.

Go the Distance — Smoothly
The 2007 ZR series camcorders offer genuine Canon 35x optical zoom lens (1000x digital zoom), which is Canon’s longest optical zoom on a camcorder to date. Sophisticated yet simple to use, Canon’s Smooth Zoom feature actually reduces the erratic, jerky zoom techniques that plague some users of long zooms, smoothing out the process by selecting from one of three pre-set zoom speeds. For even smoother video, Canon Image Stabilization helps provide a shake free image for the entire focal length.

Because the right features can help any user compose shots like a Hollywood director, Canon has incorporated a level marker and added a new grid marker to the easy mode feature mix. When engaged, the markers appear - in either white or gray - superimposed over the image on the camcorder’s display. The level marker appears as a horizon line to easily let the user know if the camera is being kept level, while the grid marker effectively divides the image into nine equal rectangular segments, making it easier for the user to compose a more appealing and effective shot.

Never Miss a Moment
This year, Canon introduces the Quick Start feature, which allows the camcorder to be ready at a moments notice. The Quick Start mode (available on the ZR850 and ZR830 Mini-DV camcorders) provides an alternative to the standard limited “on/off” option and lets users put the camcorder on “standby” between shots. Once on standby, users can resume shooting quickly - in less than one second - meaning no more missing the first moments of the school play while the camcorder warms up.

Quick Start’s “standby” capability also means that the camcorder does not waste battery power by repeatedly turning on and off. Canon ZR Mini-DV camcorders can remain in Quick Start mode for 30 minutes before automatically shutting off.

The Canon ZR800 Mini-DV Camcorder also offers a microphone terminal, allowing users the added flexibility of plugging in an external microphone.

The Canon ZR850 Mini-DV Camcorder provides a built-in Video Light to help ensure that users do not miss a thing, even when the natural lighting is less than ideal. It also offers a 1.07 megapixel CCD Image Sensor to be sure that all still and moving images captured are of a higher quality.

You Can Take It With You
The ZR850 and ZR830 Mini-DV Camcorders each record still images, and feature PictBridge technology, which make it a snap to distribute prints by allowing the ZR camcorder to connect directly to any PictBridge compatible printer. For portable storage versatility, the camcorders can accommodate either a Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card or a MultiMedia Card. The ZR850 and ZR830 Mini-DV Camcorders are High Capacity “HC” compatible, which allows them to use the newest high capacity cards that can store more than two gigabytes of data. They also feature wireless remote and a USB port.

Sleek Styling, Comfortable Cost
All structured with Canon’s sleek designs, the new ZR series camcorders are easy on the eyes and easy to hold in the hand. The ZR series camcorders come in three colors-the ZR850, Pearl Black; the ZR830, Dark Gray; the ZR800, Deep Blue. They also are lightweight and compact, making them easy to grab on the go. Even with the 35x optical zoom lens, each of the three ZR model camcorders weigh less than one pound. All models have built-in lens covers so that there is no intruding, dangling lens cap.

Canon’s three new ZR series Mini-DV camcorders will be available in late January. The estimated selling price for the ZR850, ZR830, and ZR800 Mini-DV Camcorders are $329, $299 and $279, respectively*.

Canon ZR850 Reviews

CNET has a review of the Canon ZR850 and writes, “Video was much better. With ample lighting, colors were very accurate and vibrant, and footage was sharp with responsive and quick focus. Once the lighting dims a bit, that starts to change. In normal mode, we saw a fair amount of noise when shooting indoors with low ambient light. Night mode didn’t help much. Even with a tripod, the ZR850 had a very difficult time achieving focus. However, it’s worth noting that, while very slow, the ZR850 was able to focus eventually in night mode, even in situations where the ZR830 and ZR800 refused to focus. … Despite our gripes, the ZR850 is a very capable camcorder for anyone looking for a tape-based, general purpose, or relaxed vacation camera.” Link.

CamcorderInfo has a review of the Canon ZR850 and writes, “The Canon ZR850 is shaping up to be one of the best budget buys of the year. The video quality in bright light was clearly better than the other ZRs, not just in resolution but in color performance as well. The big choice you’ll have to make is whether to opt for the entry-level ZR800 and it’s mic input, or the ZR850 and it’s better video. This is a tough call. If you’re a new or budget consumer, you might think that you can go without the mic input. We would urge you to reconsider. You’re likely not going to find a better deal on a camcorder with a mic input, which makes it highly compelling. An inexpensive mic will make a huge improvement in overall production quality, probably more so than a slight bump in color and resolution. That being the case, the ZR800 just barely edges out the ZR850 as the smart buy.” Link.

Macworld has a review of the Canon ZR850 and writes, “In our testing, the ZR850’s video quality received Good all-around ratings from our panel of experts. Under both bright-light and low-light conditions, noise was slightly visible, and motion was a little rough. Colors were dark, and the overall exposure wasn’t great. The ZR850’s audio wasn’t perfect either. We could hear faint buzzing throughout our sample video, and the microphone didn’t capture subtle noises very well. At a maximum resolution of 1152 by 864 pixels, the ZR850’s still images appeared slightly blurry, and colors were a little off.” Link.

PCWorld has a review of the Canon ZR850 and writes, “Our panel of experts awarded the ZR850 a video quality rating of Good overall. Noise was slightly visible under both bright-light and low-light conditions, and motion seemed a bit rough. Colors appeared dark, and the overall exposure wasn’t great. Nor was the camcorder’s audio quality outstanding. We could hear faint buzzes throughout our sample video, and the microphone failed to capture subtle noises clearly. At a maximum resolution of 640 by 480 pixels, the ZR850’s still images looked slightly blurry, and colors were a little off.” Link.

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