Canon ZR950 Digital Camcorder Get Canon ZR950 Price / Buy Online

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The Canon ZR950 Mini-DV camcorder offers a 1.07-megapixel CCD to deliver high quality video and still photos. The ZR950 features a new Canon technology known as Advanced Zoom which enhances the zoom capability to a powerful 48x, while maintaining stunning image quality. Canon's exclusive Advanced Zoom system combines Genuine Canon Optics with Canon's proprietary DIGIC DV Image Processor to achieve expanded wide angle and telephoto zoom, while retaining superb optical quality throughout the entire zoom range. 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.

The 2.7 inch widescreen LCD (112,000 pixels) allows users to easily compose shots that can be shown on a widescreen TV. A .35 inch color viewfinder also 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 ZR950 is 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.

Canon ZR950 Key Features

Canon ZR950 Supplied Accessories:

• BP-2L5 Battery Pack
• CA-590 Compact Power Adapter
• WL-D85 Wireless Controller
• STV-250N Stereo/Video Cable
• IFC-300 USB Interface Cable
• Digital Video Solution Disc for Windows and Macintosh

DV Format

MiniDV is the new preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20% clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. All this, in a handy, super-compact cassette.

1.07 Megapixel CCD

True color and the finest detail are found in every shot processed by Canon's Megapixel CCD. The CCD works like film -- when light hits it, it registers an image; advanced processing then converts the pixels into digital data creating your video or stills. So whether you are right next to your subject or 500 feet away, you get crisp images with life-like detail that you can view on your computer or TV, or even make a print for your whole family.

DIGIC DV

DIGIC DV is a system for achieving superior video and photographic images. Canon's expertise in imaging and electronics is flawlessly blended together, resulting in outstanding performance. It offers substantial benefits in color reproduction. DIGIC DV makes it possible to achieve accurate color for both video and digital photos. Since video and photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV utilizes two different color techniques to maximize video quality on a TV and still image quality for print or computer display.

Genuine Canon Lens With 48X Advanced Zoom, 37X Optical Zoom, 2000X Digital Zoom

What sets a Canon camcorder apart from all the others? It's the only camcorder made by a company renowned for high-quality professional optics. Canon's vast expertise in designing and crafting precision lenses for photography and broadcast TV lenses goes into every camcorder lens Canon makes. The Canon 48x Advanced Zoom on the ZR950 is just the kind of exclusive Canon feature you've come to expect from the leader in imaging and optics. Advanced Zoom extends the power of your zoom and is the longest zoom Canon has ever offered. In both wide angle and telephoto positions, there is virtually no loss in image quality throughout the range. How is this accomplished? With a Genuine Canon lens which remains in constant motion through the entire extended zoom range aided by Canon's proprietary DIGIC DV II image processor.

The ZR950 offers you more flexibility to get just the shot you need by giving you the choice of Canon 48x Advanced Zoom in default mode or you can select 37x Optical Zoom or 2000x Digital Zoom . You will always be able to get the shot you need, no matter how close or far away, and always with the quality you expect from Canon. And with our unique super spectra coating, which reduces flare and ghosting, the image you capture will be cleaner than ever.

Image Stabilizer

A high quality image stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly, giving you smooth stable pictures. It enables you to record shake-free images, even when shooting hand-held at full telephoto.

High Resolution 16:9 Widescreen Video

To match today's popular widescreen TVs, the Canon ZR950 camcorder can record high-resolution 16:9 video. Unlike camcorders which only record a vertically stretched picture, Canon's ZR950 uses the full width of the CCD, filling the entire screen with crisp, high-quality images. For added convenience, the LCD screen shows the image in letterbox style, so you know exactly how your image will appear on TV.

Widescreen 2.7-inch LCD Screen and Color Viewfinder

The big view screen makes it easier to compose sensational shots from any angle. It swivels and flips for maximum handling comfort and flexibility. It also tucks neatly away when shooting conditions make the eyecup viewfinder the preferred way to shoot. The viewfinder of your Canon DVD Camcorder displays the image in a 'letterbox' view -- from side to side and top to bottom, what you see will be what you get. No guessing and extra work when looking at an image that's distorted like a fun house mirror. Not only that, but the camcorder's big, 2.7-inch LCD screen and .35-inch widescreen viewfinder let you see exactly what you're recording.

Smooth Zoom Control

Now you can shoot rock-steady video without a tripod -- even at maximum telephoto. The ZR9500 Camcorder includes a Smooth Zoom Control feature, which provides a choice of three fixed zoom speeds to make sure zooming is set to a constant speed, which prevents unintentionally rapid and dizzying zooms.

Level and Grid Markers

Level, well-composed shots are simple with the Level and Grid Marker features. Line up the horizon or other horizontal lines with the Level Marker in the viewfinder for level landscapes. Or, use the Grid Marker to help compose the perfect shot. Both markers can be set to white or grey for enhanced visibility, no matter what the background.

SD/SDHC Memory Card and MultiMediaCard

The ZR950 expands video possibilities with a built-in slot for an SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard, in addition to a MiniDV cassette. With the ZR950, you can also capture movie clips to the memory card in Motion JPEG format. Easily transfer images to your PC directly from the camcorder using USB and IEEE1394. The ZR950 is SD HC compatible, which allows you to use cards with a capacity of 2GB or larger. That means you can store even more digital photos than before.

Joystick Control

The Joystick makes using the camcorder easier than ever. Extra buttons have been eliminated, allowing you to access many functions from one convenient place. The Joystick lets you control Play, Stop, Fast Forward, and Rewind functions during playback. It also controls exposure lock and exposure compensation during recording.

Quick Start

With Quick Start, you'll never miss a shot again as you rush to turn your camcorder on and start recording. With Quick Start, you simply push the Quick Start button to put your camcorder in stand-by mode. Then, with your camcorder in stand-by mode, you can simply push it again and your camcorder begins to record in less than a second. With Quick Start, it's easy to capture the spontaneous and surprising moments that happen in your life. It also saves battery power so you get more recording between charges.

Easy Mode

For the ultimate in stress-free shooting, there's the Easy Mode. In this setting, your ZR950 will automatically choose the focus, exposure and any additional available parameters to ensure that whatever you're recording comes out looking great. You don't have to worry about a thing -- just point and shoot!

Program Auto Exposure With Special Scene Modes

While the Easy Recording mode is fine for most shooting situations, a wide selection of automatic exposure modes makes it easy to capture great photos -- and video -- under any conditions. Portrait mode ensures shallow depth of field for a pleasing background to your shots of friends and family. Sports mode stops the action with faster shutter speeds. Night mode is designed to give you great shots after the sun goes down. Snow and Beach modes compensate for bright surroundings and give you the proper exposure on your subject. Sunset mode results in vibrant, well-exposed colors for one of the toughest subjects to capture. Use Spotlight mode when your child is on stage and in the spotlight -- literally -- and you want to make sure the exposure is right for them. And, Fireworks mode records brilliant images of another tough subject: the holiday fireworks display.

Exposure Lock

With a push of its convenient omni-selector joystick, the ZR950 lets you lock your exposure settings, and then recompose your shot. For example, you can lock your exposure while zoomed in on your subject's face. Then, even if you zoom out to include a very bright or dark background, your ZR950 will still give your subject the right exposure. Also, by shifting the omni-selector left or right, you can adjust your exposure by up to +/-11 stops (+/-2.75 EV).

Auto Slow Shutter

The Auto Slow Shutter function ensures perfect exposures in low light by lowering your shutter speed.

9 Point AiAF (Auto Intelligent Autofocus)

Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, Canon Mini DV camcorders' AiAF will bring it into sharp focus

Progressive Photo

In this mode, used when capturing digital photos, the camcorder uses a mechanical shutter to produce sharper digital photos with greater detail (especially of subjects in motion). Digital Photos are compressed and stored in the JPEG format.

Multi-Angle Wireless Remote Control Included

The ZR950's Multi-Angle wireless remote control means it's easier than ever to use this convenient option. A wider ranging sensor allows the camcorder to receive instructions from the remote control unit without having to hold it close to the camcorder body, meaning you can take less time to use it when it most counts.

Image Effects

The ZR950 lets you choose from the following effects to add creative flare to your photos: Vivid, Neutral, Low-Sharpening and Soft Skin Detail. Soft Skin Detail automatically recognizes and softens skin tones when shooting close-ups of people, to reduce skin imperfections and create a more flattering appearance.

IEEE1394 (DV Terminal)

An IEEE1394-compliant DV terminal lets you connect the ZR950 to a DV-compatible computer or another Canon DV camcorder. Transfer your digital movies to your computer's hard disk, edit your scenes, then use them to create high-impact Web sites, video e-mail, interactive CDs and DVDs, or a personal video album.

PictBridge Direct Print Compatible

When you're ready to print your digital images, a single cable is all that's required to connect your camcorder to any 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.

USB 2.0 High Speed

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed provides a direct connection to computers for fast transfer of video and still images. You can even use the camcorder as an external DVD burner for making duplicates of home movies.

Lithium Ion Power

Lithium ion battery packs can be recharged at any time, so you will always be prepared for peak shooting performance, and never caught without power unexpectedly.

PCM Digital Stereo Sound

The ZR950 offers two digital audio modes, 12 and 16-bit. You can select 16-bit mode for high-quality, CD-equivalent stereo sound, or 12-bit to record only two of four channels, leaving two channels free for you to record additional sound later.

Built-in Manual Lens Cover

The built-in lens cover means you never have to go looking for your lens cover again. Plus, you don't have the bother of your lens cap dangling from your camcorder.

Soft LCD Video Light

The ZR950 comes with a video light built-in to the LCD screen. Simply flip over the screen to face your subject and activate the video light function to create a soft, even light to a nearby subject when you're shooting in dark conditions.

Canon ZR950 Specifications

Tape Format:

MiniDV

Maximum Recording Time (with an 80-min. cassette):

SP: 80 min.; LP: 120 min.

Lens:

Zoom Ratio: 48x Advanced Zoom
37x Optical/2000x Digital
Focal Length: f=2.6-96.2mm
Max. F/Stop: f/2.0-5.2mm

Zoom Speed:

Variable/3 Fixed Zoom Speeds

Filter diameter:

N/A

Image Stabilization:

Electronic Image Stabilizer

Viewfinder:

0.35-inch TFT color, approx. 114,000 pixels, wide-screen

LCD Screen:

2.7-inch widescreen TFT color, approx. 112,000 pixels

Image sensor:

1/6-inch CCD, approx. 1,070,000 total pixels

Number of Effective Pixels:

Tape: 16:9 - approx. 550,000 pixels (Advanced Zoom off)
16:9 - approx. 710,000 pixels (Advanced Zoom on, wide)
16:9 - approx. 410,000 pixels (Advanced Zoom on, tele)
Card: approx. 800,000 pixels

Minimum illumination:

2 lux (using Night mode)

Recommended Illumination:

More than 100 lux

Dimensions (W x H x D):

2.2 x 3.6 x 4.7 in. (57 x 92 x 119mm) (not including grip belt)

Weight:

approx. 13.4 oz. (380g) not including battery pack

Canon Digital Camcorders Feature Comparison Chart