Canon ZR80 Mini-Div Camcorder

There is no doubt about Canon's expertise in imaging and electronics. These two components of the comany are found blended together in the ZR-series camcorders. Thanks to to the advanced DIGIC DV system and the R&D and the group of engineers, Canon has become a great competitor to the well-known brands of Sony offered on Sonystyle.com. As video and photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV uses two different color techniques to maximize video quality on a TV and still image quality for print or computer display. There are no flaws when it comes to the quality of your images.

Are you ready to give this camera a try?
Features, VIC, Image Stabilization, and Specifics

All you need to do is to go ahead and connect to your computer, TV or VCR Feel free to embrace the industry's latest and most sophisticated technology. Canon camcorders feature an exclusive connection circuit, called VIC. VIC is a virtual powerhouse. In the past, many chips were needed to perform the camcorder's input and output functions. However VIC manages it all with one single chip. The result is fantastic connectivity whether you are connecting to a computer, TV, or VCR. There's nothing that can beat this type of streamlining.

If you happen to forget your tripod at home, you can rest assured that the ZR80 will give you the power of Genuine Canon Optics in optical zoom, taking full advantage of the DV format. The digital zoom extends the camcorder's magnification revealing details too small to see with the naked eye. In addition, the Canon ZR-series camcorders are so advanced, they correct camcorder shake instantly. It's all thanks to a high quality image stabilization system that makes sure your videos always look smooth, steady and natural even when shooting hand-held at full telephoto.

If you feel like shooting close-ups of your buddies, you can do so without any problems. What happens when shooting close-ups of people, the ZR-series camcorders utilize a Skin Detail Function to automatically soften details. The result is a more complimentary appearance that will keep your family and friends coming back for another 15 minutes of fame.

Great Light Moments With the 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. How about transferring images?

Transfer your images without a beat: The ZR80 gives you the ability to easily transfer images to your PC directly from the camcorder using IEEE1394. The IEEE1394-compliant DV terminal also lets you connect the ZR80 to a DV-compatible computer or another Canon DV camcorder. All this means is that you can easily transfer your digital movies to your computer's hard disk, edit your scenes, and then use them to create high impact Web sites, video e-mail, interactive CDs and DVDs, or a personal video album.

Now Get out there and get creative with optional software: As an optional download, you can extend the power of your ZR80 camcorder with DV Messenger2 software. DV Messenger2 allows you to use your Canon camcorder for Internet Video Chat with Microsoft Windows Messenger through IEEE1394. When my best friend bought her Canon ZR85, she could not figure out how to control the zoom and focus of her camcorder. In just a few moments, I managed to work on it for her. Go ahead and preview thumbnails and transfer photos. Watch and control the video playback of either camcorder -- all from your computer.

What to do if this happens to you?

Keep the focus where you want it. As it may have happened to you. Sometimes, the subject we want to photograph is not in the center of the frame. With the ZR85 camcorder, you can choose from one of three focusing points to automatically put the subject you want into sharp focus.

Ah, the pictures and things you can do with this camea!

Never lose track of your subject With the ZR80's flexible 2.5" LCD View Screen and Color Viewfinder, you can easily compose sensational shots without having to squint into the viewfinder.