Canon ZR500 MiniDV camcorder
Date Published: 4/22/08
The lowest-priced current entry in Canon's budget ZR series of compact MiniDV camcorders is the excellent value ZR500, an updated version of the ZR100. The ZR500 is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, and it includes a revised feature set along with some noticeable upgrades.
The optical setup of this DV camcorder remains the same as the ZR100, with a 1/6-inch CCD that delivers 340,000 effective pixels in standard 4:3 mode. The resolution is boosted in 16:9 mode, in which the ZR500 provides 450,000 effective pixels for video (400,000 when the digital image stabilization is engaged). For such an inexpensive DV camcorder, the ZR500 captures impressive video in normal to favorable lighting conditions. Images are sharp and bright with well-saturated colors. Since most DV camcorders perform disappointingly as digital stills cameras, Canon chose not to make stills a major feature on the ZR500. There is no SD card slot, but you can capture stills to MiniDV tape.
There are some additional functions that you would not expect to see on such a low-price DV camcorder. For example, the ZR500 includes a microphone input, so you can add an external microphone. The ZR500 also offers an improved 25X optical zoom function along with an 800X digital zoom. Despite a reduction in the dimensions of the ZR500, the foldout color LCD screen is fractionally larger at 2-7/10 inches.
A more unusual design feature is Canon's decision to locate the ZR500's controls below the LCD monitor. While the menu system is easier to use than that on older ZR models, it does negate the camera's separate viewfinder, which automatically turns off as soon as the LCD is opened. While this DV camcorder is aimed primarily at point-and-shoot users who will enjoy the ZR500's Easy mode, it also offers a surprising amount of manual control, with adjustments for exposure, shutter speed, white balance, and focus. There are also a number of preset auto exposure modes to select from. With an MSRP of $300, the Canon ZR500 DV camcorder proves to be an excellent value for the money.Warranty
1 year parts and labor
