Lake Success, N.Y. — Canon will ship its first high-definition camcorder based on the AVCHD format to dealers this August.
The HR10 records 1080i video to standard DVD discs. It features a 10x optical zoom lens with image stabilization, the company’s Instant AF system, HDMI output, and a new 2.7-inch LCD screen with a 135-degree viewing angle. According to Canon, the new LCD screen offers the widest color gamut on any of its consumer camcorder to date, with a glare-resistant coating for viewing in difficult lighting conditions.
The camcorder can also snap 3-megapixel still images, which are saved to a miniSD card. While shooting video, the HR10 can simultaneously grab 2-megapixel stills. Still images can also be extracted from the video itself.
The unit features the company’s 24p Cine mode for shooting video at 24 fps, similar to a motion picture frame rate. In Cine mode, the camcorder will also alter the color and tonal characteristics of the video to more closely resemble the look of a theatrical film, Canon said.
Additional features of the HR10 include Canon’s DIGIC DV II HD processor and a quick start feature. There is also a smooth zoom speed control that offers a choice of three preset zoom speeds, which kick in no matter how hard the zoom control is pressed.
The HR10 will retail for an estimated $1,199.
