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Featured News: Page (1) of 1 - 01/10/08

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Canon shows range of camcorders at CES 2008

New models capture to internal Flash memory, SDHC memory cards

By John Virata

Consumers are ingesting video more than any other form of media. The major consumer electronics manufacturers have answered with new camcorders that capture to a variety of formats. Tape based camcorders are slowly giving way to tapeless camcorders due to reliability and convenience. Let's face it, there is really no reason to fumble with switching out a video tape when you can easily continue to capture using one of the tapeless-based camcorders. Most all video camera manufacturers have embraced hard disk-based recording, while others also offering up DVD and even Blu Ray DVD recording. Canon has introduced 12 new camcorders that capture to miniDV, DVD, internal Flash memory and SDHC memory cards.

The VIXIA HD Family
The VIXIA line of Canon HD camcorders capture in high definition AVCHD and HDV video file formats. The cameras include the Canon VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory camcorder, the VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory camcorder and VIXIA HV30 HD camcorder. The HF10 captures features a 16GB internal Flash memory drive as well as the capability to capture to SDHC memory cards.

The VIXIA HF10 captures to SD memory cards or 16GB internal memory. This means less moving parts in the capture process.

The VIXIA HF100 captures to SDHC memory cards. Both models feature Canon?s 30p Progressive Mode, (in addition to 24p) a Canon 12x HD Video Lens, a Canon 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, and capture and playback at 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution. The also feature a Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe for attacing optional mics and video lights.

The Canon VIXIA HV 30 captures HD resolution video to miniDV tapes. It features a Canon 10X HD Video Lens, Canon 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, DIGIC DV II Image Processor, a 30p Progressive Mode (and 24p Cinema Mode), and a 2.7-inch Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD.

Canon's HD line is black in color for a more professional look.

All of the High Definition camcorders come in black, while the standard definition models are available in silver. The VIXIA HF10 is priced at $1099, while the VIXIA HF100 is priced at $899. The HV 30 is priced at $999.

Standard Definition still popular
Canon introduced nine standard definition camcorders and an entire family of high definition camcorders, which the company has called the Vixia line. The standard definition camcorders include models that capture to Flash Memory as well as DVD. The line includes the FS10 and FS11, dual flash memory camcorders that capture both to an internal Flash drive and removable SDHC memory cards; and the FS100, which captures strictly to the SDHC memory cards. The company also introduced MiniDV based units as well in the ZR950 MiniDV camcorder ($279), ZR930 MiniDV camcorder ($269), and ZR900 MiniDV camcorder (($249). For those who want the convenience of capturing to DVD, the company showcased three DVD camcorders, the DC310 ($349), DC320 ($369), and DC330 ($379) line of DVD camcorders. All of these models sport a new Canon technology called Advanced Zoom, which the company says will enhance the capability of the cameras zooms to 48X without image degradation. Advanced Zoom is achieved via Canon's DIGIC DV Image Processor combined with the camera's Canon Optics.

Canon also was showing the DW-100 DVD Burner, which enables you to attach one of the new Canon Flash Memory or hard disk drive based camcorders and burn the video captured with those cameras direct to DVD, obviating the need for a computer. The DW-100 can burn standard definition DVDs as well as AVCHD DVDs for playback on Blu Ray disc players.