Canon ZR950

Includes:

• ZR950 Camcorder
• Battery Pack BP-2L5
• Compact Power Adapter CA-590
• Wireless Controller WL-D85
• Stereo Video Cable STV-250N
• USB Cable IFC-300
• Digital Video Solutions Disc for Windows/Mac

Around the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception.

Canon's entry-level digital camcorders are designed to deliver the latest in style, features and advanced technology at a most affordable price. Starting with our exclusive Genuine Canon 48x Advanced Zoom, which combines the legendary Canon lens optics with our market-leading DIGIC DV image processor to deliver a full range of image quality and more flexibility when you're shooting. The ZR950 is specifically designed to make it easier to capture great video, including a 1.07 Megapixel CCD image sensor, 2.7" Widescreen LCD with a Soft LCD video light, Multi-Angle Remote, Quick Start, Joystick control, Level and Grid Markers and more.

The ZR950 is the top of the line of ZR camcorders. This latest addition to the ZR family also includes an array of features that turn your camcorder into a digital still camera, including 9 Point AiAF (Auto Focus), Progressive Photo, Simultaneous Photo Recording, Special Scene Modes, and Image Effects. It is also compatible with SD HC (High Capacity) memory cards for storing even more of your images.

All this comes together to deliver brilliant video and digital photos that you can easily share with family and friends. Easy to use, great looking and terrific value- it's the perfect choice for capturing all of life's precious memories.

Canon Exclusive- Canon Genuine 48x Advanced Zoom
The Genuine 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 our proprietary DIGIC DV image processor.

The ZR950 offers you more flexibility to get just the shot you need by giving you the choice of 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.

Optical Performance You Can See
The name Canon is synonymous with optical excellence the world over. Brilliant optical quality is part of every Canon broadcast TV lens, 35mm film camera, digital camera and camcorder -- and the ZR950 is no exception. It gives you clear, vibrant and brilliant video and digital photographs.

Image Stabilization
The ZR950's image stabilizer allows you to shoot rock-steady video - even at maximum telephoto without a tripod - for more professional-looking video.

Brilliant Video
The new ZR950 features Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV image processor, which processes video and photos differently, resulting in exceptional color and clarity for both.

• Widescreen HR Recording
  So, why is the way you record widescreen images so important? Because you want an image made for widescreen, not adapted for widescreen. Because every HD television is widescreen -- widescreen is the future.
  The story of how we do it may be a bit technical, but the result is clear to see. Canon camcorders use the entire width of the image sensor to capture video in true 16:9 format. What difference does this make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Some competitors' camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor -- giving you a less true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality.
  In addition, the large 2.7" LCD screen and .35" color viewfinder on your ZR950 displays your widescreen image in a letterbox view and makes it easier to see all that you're shooting. From side to side and top to bottom, what you see is what you get. Either way, there isn't the guessing or extra work in looking at an image that's distorted like a fun house mirror.
• Smooth Zoom Control
  With Canon's smooth zoom control, you'll have three, pre-set zoom speeds that ensure professional, steady zoom shots.
• Level and Grid Markers
  Capturing level, well-composed shots is simple with the ZR950. 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.
• Soft LCD Video Light
  The ZR950 even comes with a video light built-in to the LCD screen to help give a soft, even light to a nearby subject when you're shooting in dark conditions.

Megapixel Performance
With the ZR950 you get a 1.07 Megapixel CCD image sensor. Your video will be sharper, clearer and more true to life, as will your photos. Every sunset on the beach will be more dramatic with every color in the sky faithfully captured. The joy on the face of a child scoring her first goal on the soccer field is recorded just as you saw it.

Easy Operation
The new ZR950 comes with a variety of features that make it an easy-to-operate camcorder.

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.

With Quick Start, you'll never miss a shot again. Simply push the Quick Start button, in between shots, to put your camcorder in stand-by mode. Push the Quick Start button again, and your camcorder powers up and begins to record in less than a second. When using Quick Start, you are considerably extending the life of your battery compared to that of regular recording mode.

Also, an easy-to-read menu system makes the ZR950 a breeze to operate.

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!

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.

In addition, this versatile camcorder is designed for lower battery consumption. So there's less chance of missing the shots you want.

Perfect Exposures
The new ZR950 gives you exposure controls found on expensive digital still cameras.

• 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 Function
  The Auto Slow Shutter function ensures perfect exposures in low light by lowering your shutter speed.
• Program AE Mode
  The ZR950 comes with Program AE Mode settings that give you perfect exposures in a variety of conditions: Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks, Portrait, Sports and Night.

Stunning Digital Photography
When you've got your ZR950 with you, you can leave your digital still camera at home. That's because with Canon's technology, you don't just get video and photography - you get the best of both.

At the heart of the ZR950's performance as a digital still camera is Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing circuit. Because video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV processes the two differently. So, along with stunning video images, you also get digital photos from your ZR950 that are maximized for viewing on computer monitors and as prints.

The ZR950 also comes with an array of features that add to its performance as a digital still camera.

• 9 Point AiAF
  A feature found on more expensive camcorders, Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the ZR950's 9 Point AiAF will bring it into sharp focus.
• Progressive Photo
  Canon's Progressive Photo gives you sharper detail in your digital photography.
• Scene Modes
  Special Scene Modes ensure accurate exposures under a wide variety of difficult lighting conditions. Modes include: Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, or Fireworks. For example, choose Spotlight and your camcorder exposes for the subject in the center of your frame. This is perfect for recording your child's moment in the spotlight on stage. Or, pick Night to capture the magic of a cityscape after the sun goes down.
• Image Effects
  Four different image settings are available depending on your subject: Vivid, Neutral, Low-Sharpening, and Skin Detail.

Share Your Videos
The ZR950 comes with an array of features that make it easy to share your videos.

• Firewire/IEEE 1394 DV Terminal
  Transfer your video to your computer and you can easily share your captured memories with friends and family. With the ZR950, it's simple. Just connect your computer to your camcorder's IEEE1394 DV terminal with a DV cable. Also known as Firewire or iLink, this high-speed interface lets you download your precious video footage with virtually no loss of video or audio quality. Your favorite recorded moments retain their pristine image and sound for everyone to enjoy.

Share Your Photos
The ZR950 give you a variety of ways to share your photos with friends and family. It's easy to share digital photos via email because you can easily transfer images directly to your PC using the USB terminal and the supplied USB 2.0 Full Speed cable. You can also print directly from your camcorder to any PictBridge-compatible printer, or store your digital photos on a Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard. Plus, this new ZR is SDHC 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.

Additional Features

• Built-in Manual 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.
• 1-Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers' warranties expire.

Specifications

• Image Sensor: 1/6" CCD
• Total Pixels: Approx. 1,070,000 pixels
• Effective Pixels:
  tape: 16:9 - approx. 550,000 pixels (ADV.Z off)
  16:9 - approx. 710,000 pixels (ADV.Z on, wide)
  16:9 - approx. 410,000 pixels (ADV.Z on tele)
  card: approx. 800,000 pixels
• 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
  Zoom Speed: Variable / 3 Fixed Zoom Speeds
  Max F/Stop: f/2.0 - 5.2
• Minimum Illumination: 2 lx (Night mode)
• Recommended Illumination: More than 100 lx
• Viewfinder: 0.35", widescreen EVF (approx. 114,000 pixels)
• LCD Screen: 2.7", widescreen LCD (approx. 112,000 pixels)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 2.2" x 3.6" x 4.7" (not including grip belt)
• Weight (not including lens and battery pack): 13.4 oz