The ZR830 is the midrange model in Canon's 2007 ZR series of MiniDV camcorders and an update of last year's ZR600. The new model features the same redesigned shell as the top-of-the-line ZR850, along with improved optics and an easier-to-use menu system. However, since the ZR830 retails for $30 less than the premium model, there are some notable but inevitable omissions from the feature set.

Despite the identical dimensions of the ZR camcorders, you can tell the three models apart thanks to subtle variations in color. The ZR830 has dark gray trim, while the ZR850 has black trim and the budget ZR800 has blue trim. All three models have intuitive controls that are conveniently located.

One of the most appreciated updates over the previous model is the ZR830's revised menu system. The new joystick control makes the menu effortless to navigate, and it reduces the number of extra buttons dotted around the camcorder. Playback, exposure and focusing are all operated via the joystick. Canon's Easy Mode takes the guesswork out of correctly exposing your shots, and the ZR830 also offers a choice of eight auto-exposure presets and four white-balance settings. The menu also includes a selection of shutter and zoom speeds, as well as the option to switch between standard and widescreen recording modes. The color LCD monitor is sized at 2-7/10 inches to accommodate the latter.

Like the ZR850, Canon has equipped the ZR830 with an improved 35X optical zoom lens. However, this model's 680,000-pixel CCD can't match the more expensive unit's 1-megapixel sensor. Not surprisingly, video images captured by the ZR830 in favorable lighting conditions aren't as sharp as those obtained by the higher-end model. Still, the ZR830 is a competent performer for a $300 MiniDV camcorder (suggested retail price).

The rest of the ZR830's feature set is on par with the ZR850, which is a mixed blessing. The built-in lens cover and video light are welcome inclusions, but we mourn the absence of an accessory shoe and external microphone input. However, for casual users looking to quickly record family events and vacations, the ZR830 has much to recommend it. For example, Canon's quick-start feature enables you to keep the ZR830 in standby mode between shots rather than turning it on and off. You can resume recording in less than 1 second, so you'll never miss important moments while waiting for the camcorder to warm up. Digital stills and JPEG motion clips can be captured to SD/MMC memory card or MiniDV tape, although the quality is sufficient for posting on the internet but not much else.

If you've narrowed your choices down to the Canon ZR series, you'd be best served by springing for the top-of-the-line ZR850 and its improved CCD. However, if you are stuck between the two lower-end models, the extra features of the ZR830 make it a better value.


Pros:  Respectable video performance in good lighting conditions, easy-to-use menu system, widescreen LCD viewer, built-in lens cover, budget price
Cons:  Poor low-light performance, inconvenient bottom-loading tape mechanism, no accessory shoe or external microphone input

Warranty
1 year parts and labor