Canon ZR300 MiniDV Camcorder w/22x Optical Zoom (High Metal): Camera & Photo - Review and Specifications

Canon ZR300 MiniDV Camcorder w/22x Optical Zoom (High Metal): Camera & Photo

Price From	$499.00
Manufacturer:	Canon
Computer Interface:	USB
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Canon, a trusted brand name synonymous with professional image quality in photography and broadcast television, combines advanced technology and ease of use to ensure that videos and photos are preserved with spectacular color, clarity, and detail. From wedding bells to baby steps, college days to golden years, you can trust Canon to capture life's irreplaceable moments.

Shoot Brilliant Videos And Photos Simultaneously
Now you don't have to miss out on capturing the perfect photo while shooting the perfect video. That's because the ZR300 has the ability to take high-resolution XGA quality (1024 x 768 pixel) digital photos onto a memory card while recording 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 ZR300 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.

Zoom in on Vivid Details with Genuine Canon Optics
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 lenses of the ZR-series digital camcorders. The ZR300 extends your reach with a 22x optical zoom and powerful 440x digital zoom. Snap on the 0.6x Wide Angle Attachment and you're now ready to get the most out of indoor shots, as well as panoramic views of scenery, landscapes, and sporting matches.

Record True Widescreen Moments
Now you can give your footage a touch of Hollywood style! New to the ZR-series camcorders is a 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.

An Easy-To-Use Camcorder That's Easy on the Eyes
By eliminating the gap between the lens and viewfinder, the ZR300 camcorder takes on a seamless, fluid appearance. For added appeal, ZR300 truly sparkles in its pearl silver finish. Smaller in depth and lighter by 2 ounces than previous ZR models, the new ZR300 is easier to carry wherever life takes you.

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--ree 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.

Convert Your Analog Memories to Digital
Once you own a ZR-series digital camcorder, an entire world of movie- 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.

Keep Shooting Long After the Sun Goes Down
No need to pack up the camcorder just because the day is over. The ZR300 camcorder has a Night Mode that automatically boosts the sensitivity of the CCD and lowers the shutter speed in low light conditions to help brighten the subject.

SuperNight and Night+ Modes
For an added low-light boost, the ZR300 features two additional modes: SuperNight and Night+. In SuperNight mode, the camcorder's white LED assist lamp lights up automatically in low-light conditions to provide extra illumination. By switching to Night+ mode, you decide when more light is needed by manually turning the assist light on and off.

Do More with Your Digital Footage
The ZR-series camcorders make it easy 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. All three models feature a USB terminal and DV terminal (IEEE 1394 or Firewire) for transfer of your memories without any loss in quality.

SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard
For convenient storage and portability of your still images, the ZR300 features an additional built-in slot for SD (Secure Digital) Memory Cards or MultiMediaCards. As an added bonus, the ZR300 kit includes an 8M SD Memory Card, so you can start shooting and sharing straight from the box.

Normal and Motion JPEG Extended Movies
Record movie clips in Normal and Motion JPEG Extended movie formats directly onto ...