CES 2008

Canon's FS11 flash-based camcorder has 16GB of built-in flash memory.

(Credit: Canon)

Though late to the flash-based camcorder party, Canon is showing that it sure knows how to boogie down with three new standard-definition models, two of which can record to built-in flash memory in addition to SDHC cards. Similar to Sony's Hybrid Plus feature, Canon is calling its version Dual Flash Memory, for obvious reasons.

All these new models, which make up the FS series, also include Canon's new Advanced Zoom system, which sounds suspiciously like digital zoom, but according to Canon doesn't produce any noticeable degradation of the captured video. They make a decent argument for this, since they say that while Advanced Zoom does decrease the number of pixels used to capture video, it always stays above the pixel-resolution of NTSC video. While this makes sense, we'll be eager to see if there are any adverse effects, though Advanced Zoom only engages at the widest and most-telephoto ends of the zoom range. In this way, it becomes like a digital version of wide-angle and telephoto lens converters, but I worry that this might adversely effect the camcorders' electronic image stabilization. However, in case the notion of non-optical zoom turns your stomach, Canon had the sense to let the feature be disabled through the camcorders' menus.

The only difference between the three models is the amount of flash memory Canon has built into them. The $600 FS11 has 16GB of onboard memory, while the $500 FS10 sports 8GB under the hood, while the $400 FS100 has none. All the cameras include 37X optical zoom lenses that extend to 48X with Advanced Zoom turned on, though the cameras are all emblazoned with 48X instead of 37X. They include single 1.07MP CCD sensors, Digic DV II image processors, 2.7-inch widescreen LCDs, Intelligent Lithium-ion batteries that provide up to three hours of life and let the camera tell you how many minutes of recording time remain, and microphone jacks. None of them have viewfinders. Canon expects the FS series camcorders to be available in April.

(Credit: Canon)

High-def camcorders might be gaining in popularity, but you still have plenty of choices if you're not quite ready to make the jump. Canon just announced three new budget-priced, standard-definition miniDV camcorders scheduled to hit stores later this month.

The Canon ZR900, ZR930, and ZR950 are the least expensive models in Canon's upcoming camcorder lineup. The ZR900 features a 680,000-pixel CCD, a 41x zoom lens, and the most modest price tag of the three. The ZR930 upgrades to a full megapixel CCD and a 48x zoom lens, and includes a remote control and microphone terminal. Finally, the ZR950 takes the ZR930's feature set and adds an SDHC card slot and a USB jack, for taking still pictures.

They might not be very complicated, but their simple designs and scant prices help appeal to budget-minded users who just want a quick way to shoot videos. The ZR900, ZR930, and ZR950 have suggested retail prices of $250, $270, and $280.

(Credit: Canon)

Canon just announced at CES three new standard-definition DVD camcorders, the latest in the company's DC-series of camcorders.

The Canon DC310 uses a 680,000-pixel CCD, a 41x optical zoom lens, and a 2.7-inch wide-screen LCD. The DC320 bumps up its sensor to a full megapixel and the lens to 48. Finally, the DC330 adds a USB 2.0 jack and a remote control. Canon built the DC330's remote sensor into the pivoting screen instead of the body, so you can use the remote in front, behind, or next to the camcorder, depending on the screen's position. All three camcorders include LCD video lights and SDHC card slots for recording still photos.

The DC310, DC320, and DC330 ship in March, with respective suggested price tags of $350, $370, and $380.

Canon's new DW-100 DVD burner

(Credit: Canon)

Back when all video was recorded to tape, archiving was somewhat simple. If you used a decent grade tape, you could store it for a while and then dub it if you worried about the ravages of time. Now that more video is being recorded to hard-drives and flash memory, computer-phobic videographers find themselves in a slight pickle. To accompany the company's latest HDD and flash camcorders, Canon has introduced the DW-100 DVD Burner. The DW-100 will be able to burn both standard definition DVDs and AVCHD DVDs. The latter can be played back on those Blu-Ray players that support the AVCHD codec. Controls are kept simple, with only a few buttons on top of the burner. When used with Canon's Vixia HF10, HF100, or HG10 camcorders, the DW-100 can also connect to a TV through the camcorder and act as a player. Canon expects to sell the DW-100 for about $270 when it hits stores this April.

Canon Vixia HF10

(Credit: Canon USA)

Late to market with its first SD-based camcorders--Panasonic and Sony both announced third-generation models this week--Canon nevertheless makes up for lost time with a couple of attractively specced models for 2008. They join the modestly revved HV30 HDV model and the currently shipping HG10 and HR10 under the Vixia brand umbrella for HD camcorders.

At the top of the product line, the HF10 incorporates 16GB built-in flash memory--the largest capacity we've heard about thus far--and a slot for SDHC removable flash. According to Canon, it records AVCHD video at a maximum bit rate of 17 megabits per second, and can hold up to 6 hours of video, thought that's probably at the lowest bit rate. The new models capture at 1,920x1,080 compared with 1,440x1,080 for older AVCHD camcorders, and support 30p progressive capture.

Canon Vixia HF100

(Credit: Canon USA)

The HF100, its less expensive sibling, lacks the internal memory: SDHC recording only. Otherwise, the two are identical, using the same 1/3.2-inch 3.3-megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch LCD, a new 12x zoom lens, a redesigned mini accessory shoe and Canon's SuperRange optical image stabilization.

Canon Vixia HV30

(Credit: Canon USA)

Changes to the HV30, the replacement for the HV20, are more subtle. It has a sleeker-looking black body, for one, and now supports 30p progressive mode and the high-capacity BP-2L24H lithium ion battery. If you can find the HV20 for less than the HV30's $999 price, it's not really worth waiting until the end of February when it's expected to ship.

The HF10 will cost $1,099 and the HF100, $899, when they ship at the end of April.