Canon targets beginners market with four MV800 series DV camcorders for early 2005 release
True 16:9 widescreen, electronic image stabilisation, 22x optical zoom and 0.6x wideangle lens adaptor for top-of-range MV850i.
In a move designed to capitalise on the broad appeal of its previous MV700 series DV camcorders, Canon has unveiled the models that will succeed it during 2005. The MV800 range consists of four models that are, on the face of things, similarly styled. However, look more closely and it's clear that Canon has given these models a sleeker, slightly more sophisticated look. The line consists of the base MV800 model, MV830, MV830i and at the top of the range the MV850i. All models feature powerful optical zooms - 22x on the MV850i and 20x for the MV830i, MV830 and MV800. They also feature Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS), high-resolution true 16:9 wide screen mode with letterbox display and a double ND (neutral density) filter.
Features
In common with other recent models from Canon, a new ‘Easy’ button puts the camcorder into full auto mode and has been introduced for the benefit of users looking for immediate, uncomplicated results straight out of the box. In addition to the features mentioned above, the models all employ a single 1/6th inch CCD to produce 800,000 pixel images which benefit from Canon's proprietary DIGIC-DV image enhancement technology which is designed to improve the colour processing within the image in addition to giving them more realistic depth and clarity. The camcorders in this range all offer web cam functionality, Super Night mode (MV850i) and Night Mode for shooting in low-light or even no-light situations. The MV850i, MV830i and MV830 feature digital still capability plus PictBridge for direct printing to compatible photo printers without the computer.
"True" 16:9 widescreen
Unsurprisingly, Canon has followed other manufacturers like Sony by introducing what it describes as "true" widescreen shooting capabilities on these models, with all now featuring high-resolution 16:9 wide screen mode for cinema-like full screen viewing on wide-screen television – the first time high-resolution 16:9 has been incorporated in a digital video camera at this price point, according to Canon. Letter Box display is used for correct ratio display of 16:9 footage during recording and playback, thus avoiding an otherwise squashed image. It should be noted that this is effectively an anamorphically-treated image which squeezes 16:9 optical data into the 4:3-ratio CCD array and not the product of a true 16:9 CCD as is found on the company's more expensive upmarket model, the Canon XL2. To give footage and stills a panoramic feel, a 0.6x wide converter lens comes standard with the MV850i.
Despite their tiny size (only 51mm thick and weighing just 430g), the digital video cameras feature a large 2.4” colour LCD screen and are powered with the same DIGIC-DV processor used to drive Canon’s high end digital video cameras.
Precision optics
Canon has fitted the MV800-series models with a glass lens containing an aspheric element for high contrast, sharp footage, free from the spherical aberrations caused by low quality lenses. To prevent white clipping (loss of differentiation in the brightest whites) that can occur when shooting in bright conditions (such as on a beach or in snow), each model features a double neutral density (ND) filter. Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) in all models helps to limit image shake for calm, steady and pleasing footage (according to Canon), particularly important at high magnifications and making tripod use unnecessary in some shooting situations.
Digital stills capabilities
The MV850i, MV830i and MV830 models have been provided with the facility to capture quality digital still images whilst simultaneously shooting video footage. Still images are stored as JPEG files direct to either MMC or SD memory cards, which can also be used to hold Motion-JPEG files. Depending on memory card capacity, up to 60 minutes of Motion JPEG footage can be recorded straight to card. An 8MB SD card is supplied with the MV850i, MV830i and MV830. A mechanical shutter provides true digital still camera functionality, eliminating the blur that plagues conventional digital video cameras. For easy transfer of stills and clips stored on the card, these three digital video cameras feature a USB port. All models are PictBridge compliant, allowing them to print direct to any compatible photo printer without the need for a computer.
Full range of modes
Each camera in the series features a new external Night button for fast switching to night mode. The MV850i features Super Night mode, with LED for shooting in zero-light conditions, plus the flexibility and battery saving qualities of Night+ mode which enables the LED to be switched on and off whilst shooting. To help deliver great results in difficult lighting conditions, all digital video cameras in the range feature a comprehensive variety of modes including EASY, Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand and Snow, Low Light and Night modes. Creative digital effects include Art, Sepia, Monochrome, Mosaic, Mirror, Cube and Wave, with 9 fade modes to choose from. A skin detail mode softens skin tones for flattering warm results, putting an end to the harsh and unforgiving results of conventional digital video cameras.
"Emotional" colours
All models in the series benefit from Canon’s DIGIC DV processor, claimed by the company to optimise image quality. It also allows two separate processing paths for both digital stills and video, with no compromise on the quality of either, it is claimed. Rather than simply recording what the lens sees, DIGIC DV is used to recreate what Canon's engineers refer to as emotional colours, tones and details that are perceived as far more pleasing and realistic to the human eye. DIGIC DV combines all the key processing and memory requirements onto a single chip, making the digital video cameras more efficient than other brands and contributing to the MV800 series' five hours maximum continuous shooting time.
Software & connectivity
Two-way communication software DV Messenger 2.0 (available for free download at www.canon-europe.com/dvmessenger) combines elements of Microsoft Windows Messenger and Canon’s own network solution. It provides two-way (peer-to-peer) communication while also enabling the exchange of audio and video data – live or recorded – over the Internet, as well as camera and VCR modes. The digital video cameras have an IEEE1394 streaming interface for high-speed dubbing, plus non-linear editing and retouching.
Analogue/Digital converter
The MV850i and MV830i feature a Digital-In and Analogue/Digital converter. Analogue devices such as VHS players or analogue video cameras can be connected to convert analogue signals into digital, which can then be stored direct to the video camera or output to a digital storage device such as a PC.
Availability and reader enquiries
The MV800 range of camcorders will be available from late February 2005.
True 16:9 widescreen, electronic image stabilisation, 22x optical zoom and 0.6x wideangle lens adaptor for top-of-range MV850i.
In a move designed to capitalise on the broad appeal of its previous MV700 series DV camcorders, Canon has unveiled the models that will succeed it during 2005. The MV800 range consists of four models that are, on the face of things, similarly styled. However, look more closely and it's clear that Canon has given these models a sleeker, slightly more sophisticated look. The line consists of the base MV800 model, MV830, MV830i and at the top of the range the MV850i. All models feature powerful optical zooms - 22x on the MV850i and 20x for the MV830i, MV830 and MV800. They also feature Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS), high-resolution true 16:9 wide screen mode with letterbox display and a double ND (neutral density) filter.
Features
In common with other recent models from Canon, a new ‘Easy’ button puts the camcorder into full auto mode and has been introduced for the benefit of users looking for immediate, uncomplicated results straight out of the box. In addition to the features mentioned above, the models all employ a single 1/6th inch CCD to produce 800,000 pixel images which benefit from Canon's proprietary DIGIC-DV image enhancement technology which is designed to improve the colour processing within the image in addition to giving them more realistic depth and clarity. The camcorders in this range all offer web cam functionality, Super Night mode (MV850i) and Night Mode for shooting in low-light or even no-light situations. The MV850i, MV830i and MV830 feature digital still capability plus PictBridge for direct printing to compatible photo printers without the computer.
"True" 16:9 widescreen
Unsurprisingly, Canon has followed other manufacturers like Sony by introducing what it describes as "true" widescreen shooting capabilities on these models, with all now featuring high-resolution 16:9 wide screen mode for cinema-like full screen viewing on wide-screen television – the first time high-resolution 16:9 has been incorporated in a digital video camera at this price point, according to Canon. Letter Box display is used for correct ratio display of 16:9 footage during recording and playback, thus avoiding an otherwise squashed image. It should be noted that this is effectively an anamorphically-treated image which squeezes 16:9 optical data into the 4:3-ratio CCD array and not the product of a true 16:9 CCD as is found on the company's more expensive upmarket model, the Canon XL2. To give footage and stills a panoramic feel, a 0.6x wide converter lens comes standard with the MV850i.
Despite their tiny size (only 51mm thick and weighing just 430g), the digital video cameras feature a large 2.4” colour LCD screen and are powered with the same DIGIC-DV processor used to drive Canon’s high end digital video cameras.
Precision optics
Canon has fitted the MV800-series models with a glass lens containing an aspheric element for high contrast, sharp footage, free from the spherical aberrations caused by low quality lenses. To prevent white clipping (loss of differentiation in the brightest whites) that can occur when shooting in bright conditions (such as on a beach or in snow), each model features a double neutral density (ND) filter. Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) in all models helps to limit image shake for calm, steady and pleasing footage (according to Canon), particularly important at high magnifications and making tripod use unnecessary in some shooting situations.
Digital stills capabilities
The MV850i, MV830i and MV830 models have been provided with the facility to capture quality digital still images whilst simultaneously shooting video footage. Still images are stored as JPEG files direct to either MMC or SD memory cards, which can also be used to hold Motion-JPEG files. Depending on memory card capacity, up to 60 minutes of Motion JPEG footage can be recorded straight to card. An 8MB SD card is supplied with the MV850i, MV830i and MV830. A mechanical shutter provides true digital still camera functionality, eliminating the blur that plagues conventional digital video cameras. For easy transfer of stills and clips stored on the card, these three digital video cameras feature a USB port. All models are PictBridge compliant, allowing them to print direct to any compatible photo printer without the need for a computer.
Full range of modes
Each camera in the series features a new external Night button for fast switching to night mode. The MV850i features Super Night mode, with LED for shooting in zero-light conditions, plus the flexibility and battery saving qualities of Night+ mode which enables the LED to be switched on and off whilst shooting. To help deliver great results in difficult lighting conditions, all digital video cameras in the range feature a comprehensive variety of modes including EASY, Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand and Snow, Low Light and Night modes. Creative digital effects include Art, Sepia, Monochrome, Mosaic, Mirror, Cube and Wave, with 9 fade modes to choose from. A skin detail mode softens skin tones for flattering warm results, putting an end to the harsh and unforgiving results of conventional digital video cameras.
"Emotional" colours
All models in the series benefit from Canon’s DIGIC DV processor, claimed by the company to optimise image quality. It also allows two separate processing paths for both digital stills and video, with no compromise on the quality of either, it is claimed. Rather than simply recording what the lens sees, DIGIC DV is used to recreate what Canon's engineers refer to as emotional colours, tones and details that are perceived as far more pleasing and realistic to the human eye. DIGIC DV combines all the key processing and memory requirements onto a single chip, making the digital video cameras more efficient than other brands and contributing to the MV800 series' five hours maximum continuous shooting time.
Software & connectivity
Two-way communication software DV Messenger 2.0 (available for free download at www.canon-europe.com/dvmessenger) combines elements of Microsoft Windows Messenger and Canon’s own network solution. It provides two-way (peer-to-peer) communication while also enabling the exchange of audio and video data – live or recorded – over the Internet, as well as camera and VCR modes. The digital video cameras have an IEEE1394 streaming interface for high-speed dubbing, plus non-linear editing and retouching.
Analogue/Digital converter
The MV850i and MV830i feature a Digital-In and Analogue/Digital converter. Analogue devices such as VHS players or analogue video cameras can be connected to convert analogue signals into digital, which can then be stored direct to the video camera or output to a digital storage device such as a PC.
Availability and reader enquiries
The MV800 range of camcorders will be available from late February 2005.
