Canon Announces PC Software Pacakge for Camcorder Control
Today, with the announcement of their first high definition camcorder, the XL HD1 (Review, Specs, $499.99), Canon also announced a PC-based software package, the Canon Console, which will allow control over a variety of camera features and recording operations. The software package is designed for integration into professional production studios.
Canon Console will provide control over four primary functions: image control, camera operation, video recording, and playback. The extent of manual operation that the software allows appears to be quite extensive: Gamma, Master Pedestal, Color Phase, Custom Presets and AE Metering. The frame rate of the XL HD1, which shifts between 1080i, 60i, 30F and 24F, can also be controlled remotely, along with zoom, focus, shooting mode, and frame rate.
Trial versions of Canon Console are available at www.canondv.com and will expire after 14 days or 20 trials. The software retails for $599.