Canon ZR70MC MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 22x Optical Zoom, Digital Still Mode, MMC Slot, Image Stabilization and Wide Angle Attachment

Lens
The ZR70MC features a high-performance 1/6-inch 680,000-pixel CCD to capture high-quality video and digital photos. The zoom technology found in the ZR65MC lens is the same as Canon uses in its broadcast TV lenses. The ZR70MC is fitted with a high-performance 22x optical zoom lens, which can easily handle all your shooting needs--from wide-angle shots of all the family at the reunion to close-up sports action at full telephoto. The ZR70MC's 440x digital zoom significantly expands the telephoto magnification of the subject.

Image Stabilization
Canon's image-stabilization system corrects camera shake caused by, for example, an unsteady hand. This image-stabilization system makes for smoother and steadier video even with hand-held shots, at full telephoto, and with shots taken from a moving car.

Digital Stills and Motion JPEG
In addition to high-quality video, the ZR70MC also captures crisp XGA (1,024 x 768 pixels) digital still images. The ZR70MC stores these images via the built-in slot for Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMediaCard memory cards. You can also choose to store still images on the MiniDV tape. The camcorder records the photos for approximately 6 seconds, as well as recording the sound for your verbal notes or narration.

Designed to help you make Web videos, motion JPEG mode produces compressed AVI files that are smaller and easier to run and send by e-mail than conventional video files. They're also stored on the memory card and transferred via the USB connection. Record a 10-second clip at 320 x 240 or a 30-second clip at 160 x 120.

You can search through the recorded tape for your photos using the supplied remote control. This photo search feature allows you to search for images recorded in photo mode. Search forward or backward through the images one at a time, or jump 10 pictures backward or forward from the current position.

More Features

• With Super Night mode, the assist lamp lights up to illuminate your subject
• Print photos directly to Canon bubble jet printers
• 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and 0.33-inch color viewfinder
• The My Camera function is designed to let you customize a number of features, including start-up image and sound, shutter sound, start-stop sound, and the self-timer sound
• Shoot panoramic still photos, then edit them together on your PC with the PhotoStitch software
• The full-function wireless remote control works at distances up to 16 feet
• A wide selection of faders and special effects, including sepia, black and white, wave, mosaic, and more
• For low-light situations, the VCR playback controls can be illuminated in any one of six colors: turquoise, blue, green, yellow, violet, and orange

Inputs and Outputs
The ZR70MC comes with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also referred to as FireWire), which provides a lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines, as well as USB connectivity for transferring still photos. Additionally, the ZR70MC features two types of analog audio and video inputs and outputs: composite and S-video. The analog audio inputs of the ZR70MC let you dub or insert editing from CDs, cassettes, microphones, or the soundtracks of other videocassettes.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the new, preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, and it is highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 2 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Power, Size, and Contents
The ZR70MC comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, which has an approximate battery life of 2 hours 20 minutes when using the LCD screen. The camera itself measures 4.1 by 2.3 by 5.8 inches and weighs 18 ounces. This package includes the ZR70MC camcorder, battery pack BP-512, power adapter CA-570, wireless controller WL-D79, shoulder strap, stereo video cable, wide attachment, USB cable, 8 MB Secure Digital memory card, and the DV Network Solutions and Digital Video Solutions CD-ROMs.

Some of the reasons I decided on this make and model (after months of research and hands on with digital camcorders in stores) is due to the large size of the buttons (they are easy to locate and depress),the compact size of the camera, and it's very easy to operate. I can fit the camera in my coat pocket and the weight is barely detectable. Great for people who hike or hunt, etc. The camera's size doesn't detract from it's quality~ it's constructed of tough materials and feels like it's quality, not junky at all.

Another selling point for me is the 22X Optical Zoom. It's the highest level OPTICAL zoom that I found of any MiniDV camcorder. Canon has an excellent reputation for high quality lenses.

Some reviewers complained about the still pictures being poor quality, but that is not an issue for me. I didn't purchase it for still photos. I do find it appealing to have the option of taking a still photo with it once in a while. I have not tested the still photo option yet. I have a feeling it will be pretty good quality though :-)

THIS CAMERA DOES NOT COME WITH FIREWIRE CABLE, YOU NEED ONE TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO TO COMPUTER! Make sure you have one and that your computer has a FIREWIRE port. I had to install a firewire card to my computer.

I purchased several accessories for my camera:

1) Tele-Converter lens (TL-30.5)
2) Lens filter set (FS-30.5U)
3) Canon Directional Stereo Microphone (DM-50)
4) Canon Lens Cleaning Kit (Z-02-A ?)
5) Sony Mini DV Head Cleaner (Digital Video Cleaning Cassette)
6) Canon BP522 Lithium Battery and car charger
7) Firewire cable for video capture (Camera DOES NOT come with firewire cable! You NEED this to download the video to your computer!!!!)
8) SLIK 504QF-ll Video Tripod
9) Canon Deluxe Back Pack Bag (200 EG)
10) SIMA Video Light (fits on hotshoe) Model SL-9
(I am sure the CANON VL-3 Video Light or the VL-10li Battery Video light that fit on the hotshoe are better for this camera but I bought this on impulse at Circuit City)

I bought Adobe Premiere 6.5 for my digital video editing, and purchased two very useful books on digital video filming and editing:

1) How to Use Digital Video (SAMS Publishing) by Dave Johnson

Teaches editing in Adobe Premiere and MGI Video Wave III but the lessons are applicable to most video editing software. Full of good photos of editing software screens and easy to follow instructions. Very useful book.

2) Capture, Create, and Share Digital Movies (Survive and Thrive series, Gateway Press)

Teaches editing in Pinnacle Studio and Ulead Video Studio
but lessons are applicable to most video editing software. Has lots of good pictures of video editing software screens and easy to follow instructions. Very useful book.

I think that if most of those who left negative reviews had spent some time reading the manual and practicing with the manual and camera in hand, they would have been satisfied with the camera. Much of their negative comments deal with issues that are drawbacks to ALL digital camcorders, and are discussed in the instruction booklet. (night shooting, etc)

I'm 100% satisfied with this camera. I think it's awesome. At Circuit City you can test it for 30 days and if you aren't satisfied with it you get a full refund.


Great camera good price!   June 9, 2003
50 out of 51 found this review helpful

This is the first video camera I have purchased. Having used many Hi8 and SVHS video cameras I was unsure what camera to buy. After reading the reviews and asking associates and testing the camera. I purchased the ZR70MC at my local electronics shop and immediately liked the look and feel of the controls along with the excellent quality of the videos I was taking. Outside the camera's picture quality was excellent. I filmed my nephew walking, running and playing with his toys. No loss of quality. I thought I was watching digital cable! The wide angle attachment is perfect for group shots and large room areas. The picture quality from the photos wasn't great but acceptable for e-mail. We have a traditional camera for those needs. My wife liked the weight of the camera it is light and easy to carry. I wasn't able to hear the motor noise that everyone was talking about. The camera is small and some background noise can be heard. You can also hear the clicking of buttons and the movement of the zoom. You do need a firewire cable for direct connection to your MAC/PC, however the photos and 10 second movies can be downloaded with the USB. I'm waiting to receive the free video editing software by mail and will update you on the quality of the software with the camera.


Canon is the best for the cost   March 23, 2003
Vikas Tyagi (Los Angeles, CA USA)
24 out of 24 found this review helpful

If you looking for a high quality Mini DV camcorder at a reasonable price then look no further. Cannon is for you. I am not a person who can be easily impressed but ZR70 has got everything which you expect from your camcorder. Here are few things I would like to share:

1. The picture quality is excellent. On a sunny day you can expect broadcast level picture quality. Even if it is cloudy the picture quality is impressive. (That is what I care about most)

2. The nightmode as well as low light mode litrally brightens the picture on the camcorder screen but you loose the picture quality but it is still better then many other top camcorders. (I tried Sony for the same conditions)

3. The voice quality is superb. The microphone is very sensitive and picks sounds cleary but at the same time picks wind noise.

4. Its small, very handy and easy to carry around.

Things which I dont like:
1. Some button are hard to reach.
2. When using digital zoom, the image stabilization is not good.

Verdict:
Good value for money. You will never regret it.


I am impressed.   May 6, 2003
Egon Pax (TX United States)
26 out of 27 found this review helpful

I purchased this camera just a few days ago so I have yet to try out all the functions and get a real feel to it, but so far I really enjoy it.

I like Canon. I have one of the Canon digital still cameras, although just an entry-level point-and-shoot, I think it's great for the job.

First of all, those of who have yet to move from analog to digital, do it now! Prices for digital camcorders are incredibly low. Digital quality is superior to all analog.

This camcorder is very ergonomical. It fits nicely into my hand (I originally thought that it was going to by a lot bigger). I enjoy the light up buttons and the fact that the buttons and well placed and large enough for me to handle. Also, this camcorder does not feel "cheapo." It seems quite durable.

...If you want to transfer the video to a computer you need:
1. Firewire cable (4 pin to 6 pin)
2. Firewire card on computer (or built firewire)
3. Software to capture this. i.e. Adobe Premiere, Pinnacle Studio

The picture quality is awesome and the sound is great too. I have yet to hear the so called "motor whine" when using this camera. I mean I can, but only if the TV is turned WAY UP. But you should get an optional microphone.
1. Sony WCS-999 Wireless Mic System
2. Sony ECM-717 Table Top Single Point Mic
3. Canon DM-50
These are great microphones.

Most of the negatives things said about this camcorder is expected to be true of all digital camcorders. For example low light conditions is weak and the still photos is too.

All summed up: Great camcorder for the price. Get it!


Good video, not so good stills   March 3, 2003
Tim M. (Michigan)
28 out of 32 found this review helpful

My wife and I recently bought this camera. We're expecting a baby in a few months so we wanted to get a high quality camera for capturing those precious moments of the baby's life. We shopped around a bit and considered all the major brands and decided on the Canon. Overall, I'm pretty impressed with this camera. It has many nice features and it is fairly easy to use. It records very good video, but the still pictures aren't photo quality. Even at the highest resolution the still pictures were a little grainy. But good enough to email or post on a website. If you're in the market for a camcorder, consider this one.