Canon

Canon ZR400 MiniDV Camcorder

14x optical/280x digital zoom;1.33 Megapixel CCD;SD card;Image stabilization;2.4 inch LCD;High-resolution 16:9 widescreen recording;Night Mode;Direct print!

Canon ZR400 Key Features

DV Photo Plus*

Canon's DV Photo Plus combines Canon's core imaging essentials, creating video, still pictures and prints of superior clarity, color and brilliance. DV Photo Plus is the integration of Canon's world-renowned optics and the company's exclusive DIGIC DV image processor, a 1.33 megapixel CCD image sensor and the Print-And-Share feature that speeds image transfer from Canon camcorders to computer or printer.

1.33 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.

Megapixel Still Photos*

Photos are captured to a memory card at a resolution of 1152 x 864 pixels.

* Items marked with asterisks above indicate key step-up features from the ZR300.

Canon ZR400 Digital Camcorder Supplied Accessories:

• NB-2LH Battery Pack
• CA-570 Compact Power Adapter
• WA-28 0.6x Wide Attachment
• WL-D85 Wireless Controller
• MMC-16M 16MB MultiMediaCard
• STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
• IFC-300PCU USB Cable
• Shoulder Strap
• Digital Video Solution Disk 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.

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.

A Genuine Canon 14X Zoom Lens with 280X 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 35mm and broadcast TV cameras also goes into every camcorder lens they make. The ZR400's 14x optical zoom lens delivers superb definition and contrast, taking full advantage of the DV format. The digital zoom extends the camcorder's magnification to 280x, revealing details too small to see with the naked eye.

VIC

Embracing the industry's latest and most sophisticated technology, Canon camcorders feature an exclusive connection circuit, called VIC. VIC is a virtual powerhouse. Traditionally, multiple chips were needed to perform the camcorder's input and output functions. However VIC manages it all with one single chip. The result is seamless connectivity whether you are connecting to a computer, TV, or VCR.

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 ZR400 camcorder can record high-resolution 16:9 video. Unlike camcorders which only record a vertically stretched picture, Canon's ZR400 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.

Flexible 2.4" LCD Screen and Viewfinder

The bright 2.4" LCD view screen makes it easy to compose sensational shots without having to squint into the viewfinder. You can rotate the screen for high-or low-angle shots, or turn it around 180? to record yourself. When you're done shooting, the screen is perfect for reviewing your scenes.

Super Night Mode and Night Plus Mode

With Canon ZR-series camcorders, you can capture images and video even in low-lighting thanks to its enhanced Night mode. At the touch of a button, the camcorder selects the ideal shutter speed and sensitivity combination to brighten up the scene, without sacrificing color. The ZR400, however, also gives you the power to assign the Super Night or Night Plus mode to the NIGHT MODE button.

Super Night Mode actually adds light to a dark scene as needed with an unobtrusive white LED light positioned on the front of the camera. When the Super Night Mode setting is engaged the LED light automatically turns on and off as needed. Similar to Super Night Mode, Night Plus Mode allows the user to turn on the white LED light and keep it on as long he/she chooses.

LCD Backlight

For shooting on bright, sunny days, the LCD Backlight button improves the visibility of the 2.4" LCD viewscreen, making it easy to compose sensational shots.

SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard

The ZR400 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 ZR400, 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. Produce effects not possible with just a cassette using the Card Mix Effects. Choose one of the sample images provided on the supplied SD Memory Card (such as picture frames, backgrounds and animations) and combine it with the live video recording.

A 16MB MultiMediaCard is supplied with the camcorder.

0.6x Wide Attachment Supplied

With the ZR400, you can attach the supplied WA-28 Wide Attachment (0.6x), giving you a wide perspective for indoor shots, sporting matches or panoramic views.

Simultaneous Photo Recording

How many times have you wanted to capture video and photos at the same time? In the past, this meant choosing one over the other -- but not anymore. With the ZR400's Simultaneous Photo Record feature, you can record high quality video to a Mini DV tape and e-mail ready (640 x 480) digital photos to a memory card at the same time! It's perfect for birthday parties, soccer games, or any time when you don't want to miss a moment.

Direct Print with Canon Bubble Jet Printers, PictBridge, Exif Print

Print directly from your camcorder to select Canon Bubble Jet Printers. A single USB cable connects the printer to the ZR400 and all printing options can be controlled from the camcorder's menu. Options include: selecting the print quantity and whether you would like bordered or borderless prints. The ZR400 can also connect to any PictBridge compliant printer.

The ZR400 supports Exif Print (2.2), a worldwide standard that enhances communication between digital cameras and printers. At the time of shooting, vital camcorder settings and scene data are recorded with the image, resulting in realistic and reliable color reproduction. Poor lighting or mistakes can also be corrected, allowing photos to be even better than the originals.

Program Auto Exposure

While the Easy Recording mode is fine for most shooting situations, the camcorder also includes additional preprogrammed auto exposure modes (Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, Low Light and Night mode), each carefully designed to give you the best possible image results under special shooting conditions. In situations normally too dark for recording, the camcorder uses the Night mode to select the ideal shutter speed and sensitivity combination to brighten up the scene, without sacrificing color. There is even an Auto Slow Shutter mode to give your movies a dream-like quality. Each mode is carefully designed to give you the best possible image results under special shooting conditions.

Manual Controls

The fully-automatic ZR400 gives great results even in the hands of a novice, while experts will appreciate the manual focus, exposure, white balance and shutter speed controls.

Analog Line-In/Converter

You can send an analog video signal from a TV, VCR or a camcorder into the ZR400 and record it onto a DV tape, or convert the analog signal into digital signal, for direct transfer to digital video devices or computers equipped with a IEEE1394 terminal*.

* The Analog-Digital Converter may not function depending on the software used.

Motion JPEG

With the ZR400's Motion JPEG feature, you can record short movie clips in 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 for the full length of the SD Memory Card*. For example, a 512MB SD card will record approximately one-hour of Motion JPEG video. Afterwards, quickly transfer your mini movie to a computer and attach it to an e-mail or post it on the web.

* When using MultiMediaCards, movie clips are limited to 10 seconds in 320 x 240 and 30 seconds in 160 x 120.

Selectable Focusing Points

Sometimes, the subject we want to photograph is not in the center of the frame. With the ZR400 camcorder, you can choose from one of three focusing points to automatically put the subject you want into sharp focus.

Skin Detail Function

Automatically recognizes and softens skin tones when shooting close-ups of people, to reduce skin imperfections and create a more flattering appearance.

USB Terminal

Allows high-speed transfer of images from your SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard to your computer. By using the USB cable and software provided, you can process and organize your images on your PC.

The ZR400 Kit includes software for image management and editing: ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Macintosh) which let you easily download, browse, archive, and retouch your photos. Automatically resize images and attach them to e-mail, arrange them for printing, and add text.

Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP)

The ZR400 makes life even simpler by supporting Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP). PTP enables data communication with a computer without the need to install dedicated driver software. In other words, PTP creates a direct link with the computer to access the camcorder as though it was an external card reader. This feature is available only with computers running Windows XP or Mac OS X (version 10.1 or later) operating system.

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.

Remote Control Included

A supplied wireless remote control operates the camcorder during recording and playback.

Photo Review Button

After a photo is captured, you can review it by holding down the PHOTO button. The display time can be set from 2 to 10 seconds.

IEEE1394 (DV Terminal)

An IEEE1394-compliant DV terminal lets you connect the ZR400 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.

Free DV Messenger2 Software Available

Available as a free download for the ZR400 is the versatile DV Messenger2 software. With DV Messenger2, you can use your Canon camcorder for Internet Video Chat with Microsoft Windows Messenger through IEEE1394. Control the zoom and focus of your camcorder or the person you are chatting with. Preview thumbnails and transfer photos. Watch and control the video playback of either camcorder -- all from your computer.

Selectable Display Languages

You can customize the operating language of your ZR400, be it English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese or Japanese. The date format can also be selected.

My Camera Function

Personalize your camcorder by customizing the start-up image and camcorder operation sounds. With the ZR400, you can choose a start-up image from the included software CD or use your own digital recordings.

PCM Digital Stereo Sound

The ZR400 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.

Digital Effects

Show your creativity by using the special effects and digital faders available with the ZR400. A wide selection of faders and special effects will add visual appeal and greater imaging variety.

Faders: Add a variety of transitions to your movies with a fade to or from black. Choose from Fade Trigger, Wipe, Corner, Jump, Flip, Puzzle, Zigzag, Beam and Tide.

Effects: For a more creative look, you can switch on the following digital effects during recording or playback*: Art, Black & White, Sepia, Mosaic, Ball, Cube, Wave, Color Mask or Mirror.

* In Card mode only black and white is available.

Multi-image Screen: Divide your screen into four, nine or sixteen pictures with the Image Capture function. You can choose the speed at which the images are captured: Manual, Slow, Moderate or Fast.

A/V Insert and Audio Dubbing

Use this feature to insert new scenes of video from your VCR or other camcorder on to a tape recorded in the SP mode. Using a recording made in the 12 bit audio mode you can also add stereo sound from another audio source or through the internal microphone or an external microphone.

New Program Selector

Located beside the LCD display, the Program Selector makes it easy to quickly switch modes.

Finger Rest

Located on the upper side of the grip, the finger rest improves stability while shooting.

Easy Operation Buttons

PLAY and STOP buttons are now independent, while the FF and RW buttons are located together, improving usability by preventing accidental pressing of the wrong button.

Oval Grip

An oval-shaped grip located on the top of the lens improves shooting comfort while adding a touch of style.

Flat Zoom Lever

The brand new flat zoom lever not only makes for stress-free zooming, but also helps reduce the physical size of the camcorder.

Slim Operation Switch

For increased miniaturization, the ZR camcorders feature an innovative Slim Operation Switch.

Canon ZR400 Specifications

Power supply (rated):

7.4 V DC

Power consumption:

2.6 W (using viewfinder), 3.5 W (using LCD screen in normal brightness)

Television system:

EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal

Video recording system:

2 rotary heads, helical scanning system DV system (Consumer digital VCR SD system), Digital component recording

Audio recording system:

PCM digital sound: 16-bit (48 kHz/2 ch.), 12-bit (32 kHz/4 ch.)

Image sensor:

1/4.5-inch CCD, approx. 1,330,000 pixels; Effective pixels: tape approx. 690,000 pixels, card approx. 1,000,000 pixels; 16:9 (image stabilizer on) 650,000 pixels

Tape format:

Videocassettes bearing the MiniDV mark

Tape speed:

SP: 0.74 ips (18.81 mm/s), LP: 0.49 ips (12.56 mm/s)

Maximum recording time (with an 80-min. cassette)

SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.

Fast forward/rewind time:

2 min. 20 sec. (with a 60-min. cassette)

Lens:

f=3.7-51.8 mm, f/1.8-3.2, 14x power zoom

35mm equivalent:

Tape 4:3 recording: 53.4-748mm
Tape 16:9 (image stabilizer on): 52.1-729mm
Tape 16:9 (image stabilizer off): 48.5-679mm
Card: 44.5-623 mm

Minimum focusing distance:

3.3 ft. (1 m); 0.39 in. (1 cm) on maximum wide angle

Minimum illumination:

1.8 lx (using the Night mode)

Recommended illumination:

More than 100 lx

Filter diameter:

28 mm

Viewfinder:

0.33-inch TFT color, approx. 113,000 pixels

LCD screen:

2.4-inch TFT color, approx. 112,000 pixels

Microphone:

Stereo electret condenser microphone

DV terminal:

Special 4-pin connector (based on IEEE 1394)

USB Terminal

mini-B

Video terminal:

1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced

Audio terminal:

3.5mm minijack
Audio output: -10 dBV (47 kohm load)/3 kohms or less
Audio input: -10 dBV/40 kohms or more

Memory Card Recording media:

MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card

Memory Card File format:

Design rule for Camera File System (DCF), Exif 2.2* compliant, DPOF compliant

Memory Card Image format:

Still image: JPEG (compression: Super Fine, Fine, Normal)
Movie: Video data: Motion JPEG, audio data: WAVE (monaural)

Number of Recording Pixels

Still image: 1152 x 864, 640 x 480 pixels
Movie: 320 x 240, 160 x 120 pixels, 15 frames/sec.

Operating temperature range:

32 - 104? F (0 - 40? C)

Dimensions:

2.0 x 3.7 x 5.1 in. (51 x 93 x 130 mm) excluding protrusions

Weight (not including lens and battery pack):

approx. 15.2 oz. (430 g)

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