Canon ZR100 Camcorder Reviewby Nathaniel HansenPublished on Apr 7, 2005 12:00 PM 
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The Canon ZR100 is Canon’s 2005 entry level camcorder, and with the exception of a few cosmetic changes and one or two internal updates, it is very similar to last year’s ZR80 (Review, Specs, $284). The ZR100 was announced in January at the Consumer Electronics Show, with little pomp or ceremony. Last year’s dismal performance by the ZR80 has this publication and many users wondering if the ZR100 would be worth the money if it were to perform similarly. Let’s find out.
Video Performance (5.7)
Like two other models in the Canon ZR line up, the Canon ZR100 has a 1/6 inch 340K effective pixel imager, with 340K effective pixels for capturing video to tape. That’s one of the main differences between this camcorder and others in the line up: no still image capability. Not that the other camcorder in the ZR line had still features worth noting. The Canon ZR100 has the same hardware set up (CCD and glass) as last year’s ZR80. Like the ZR200 (Review, Specs, $120.99) and ZR300 (Review, Specs, $449), users can switch the ZR100 to “high resolution 16:9” mode to achieve 450K effective pixel recording for video. Provided the electronic image stabilization is off, this feature will prove quite useful for increasing overall resolution.
Video Resolution (10.2)
In order to calculate the real resolution of the Canon ZR100’s 4:3 mode and 16:9 mode images, stills were exported from captured footage and put through Imatest Imaging Software. In 4:3 mode the Canon ZR100 produced approximately 276.1 lines of resolution at its best, with 383 lines of horizontal resolution giving a real resolution of 101549.58. At its best, the camcorder’s 16:9 mode provided approximately 279 lines of vertical resolution, with 526 lines of horizontal resolution, producing a real resolution of 146754.
The Front (6.0)
The front of the ZR100 is identical to the front of the ZR200. The 20x optical zoom lens sits above the automatic adjustment sensor, with the dark sensor covering pointing down to the camcorders microphone. The microphone is positioned to be out of the way, and the entire front is pulled out from the rest of the camcorder body. As such, wandering fingers shouldn’t interfere with the recording process.
The Right Side (9.5)
The right side is home to several handling features as well as the bottom loading tape mechanism, the port cover, and the mode dial. At the front of the Canon ZR100 users can easily access the A/V and DV ports which are discreetly hidden under the gray plastic port cover. Running horizontally from the back to the front is the large adjustable strap. The strap is well secured and is easily adjusted. Above the strap fastening point at the rear of the right side, users can access the mode dial. Play, OFF, and Camera are the three settings. Above the mode dial is the neck strap fastening point, which has forced placement of the mode dial a little lower than last year. Not a big deal, but the dial is a little more difficult to reach if you have a long thumb.
The Left Side (9.0)
Home to some of the more important camcorder features, the left side of the ZR100 is, for the most part, intuitively laid out and designed. The playback buttons run horizontally above the LCD, equaling its width when closed. Fast forward and rewind double as record search, play and pause double as the Focus button, and stop doubles as night mode when the camera is in recording mode.
The LCD is the most prominent feature on the left side of the Canon ZR100, with the bottom right jutting out for easy access. When opened, the LCD screen measures 2.4 inches diagonally, which is slightly smaller than previous year’s models. Semi-hidden under the LCD are several buttons used during playback and recording modes: LCD Backlight, Widescreen/Data code, Digital Effects, AE Shift/End Search, and Record Pause. Some of these features belong in a menu, while others need more prominent placement on the LCD itself. The LCD backlight button would make a great addition to the LCD itself, as would the record pause button. Wide screen mode doesn’t really deserve its own button, and should be selected from within the menu. Data Code and Digital effects are the same way.
At the back of the left side near the top, users can switch between automatic and manual modes. Easy mode is Canon’s new name for automatic, and the same archaic “P in a box” is an index to the manual mode. The switch flips easily to either mode and locks nicely into place. On plane with the mode switch, at the very bottom, users can attempt to interact with the jog dial, which is used to scroll through the menu and make selections. It’s actually placed within easy reach of the left hand, and easy enough to use to navigate the menu.
The Back (7.0)
The back side of the Canon ZR100 has the battery port in the middle, the electronic viewfinder at the top, and the menu button at the very bottom. Additionally, users can plug into the DC port at the very bottom of the back side, and the white record button is located in the middle, on the right side of the back. The viewfinder at the top is pretty useless and cannot be rotated, but it can be extended back about an inch.
The Top (8.0)
Aside from some interesting design elements, the top has two simple features. At the front of the top, on the right side, users can place their middle or ring finger onto the small ledge provided. This grip ledge is a good addition, and it will help in handheld recording. At the very back of the top, also to the right, is the narrow zoom toggle. It’s easy to make zoom adjustments on the Canon ZR100, and as it’s the only toggle on the top of the body, it’s hard not to miss.
Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (5.0)
Automatic mode on the ZR100 has been dubbed EASY mode by Canon. The camcorder has a mode switch on the left side, and when in Easy mode, users can rest assured that the camcorder is in a fully functioning automatic mode; the camcorder makes automatic adjustments to shutter speed, white balance, focus, and exposure. These crucial picture elements are part and parcel of any automatic mode, and in plenty of light, they adjust beautifully.
As mentioned, white balance on the ZR100 is controlled automatically in Easy mode. White balance is important is to ensure that the colors in the rest of the scene are properly calibrated. The shift in color temperature is subtle and seamless. Only the highly-trained eye will even notice that a shift in color temperature has taken place. The feature works well on the ZR100, but for the best results, try setting the white balance manually.
Exposure on the ZR100 is also controlled automatically when set to Easy mode. The shift in exposure is easier to identify than other automatic features, but the Canon ZR100 transitions smoothly when adjusting for available light. In the most extreme lighting changes, the shift can be a little too quick, but it’s rare that a shift in available light would be so dramatic.
Shutter speed is also automatically controlled on the Canon ZR100, although it’s nigh impossible to identify when and where this change takes place in the scene. It’s best to just trust the manufacturer that has pioneered digital imaging over the last decade.
Focus is another one of the important automatic features on board the Canon ZR100. It makes no sense to try and control the focus manually on these small consumer camcorders. As such, users need to know that their recording will be in focus at a variety of lengths and at a variety of lighting scenarios. For the most part, the ZR100 handles focusing very well, up through most optical zoom settings. Once the higher zoom settings are reached, the focus (depending on available light) can stutter, especially when determining focal length. If users are in plenty of available light (indoors does not usually produce enough available light for the focus to function properly) there should be no problem.
Overall Manual Control (5.0)
Users can manually adjust exposure, white balance, shutter speed, zoom, and focus on the Canon ZR100. These standard controls are available when the camcorder is set to manual mode, and are then accessible through the menu.
Zoom Control (8.0)
Zoom control (‘control’ being the operative word) is key for many users, and relatively speaking, the Canon ZR100 won’t disappoint. With 20x optical zoom included, there is plenty of room for experimenting, and with some practice several variable zoom speeds are possible with the narrow zoom toggle. If I had to point out a major weakness for this (or almost any) camcorder’s zoom control, it would be the poor LCD zoom control representation. There is no way to determine visually how far along the z-axis you are when climbing towards 20x. At one point on all the ZR camcorders, the small triangle that indicates where you are on the wide angle to telephoto path stops moving, but the camcorder keeps zooming. I find this annoying, and it seems like it would be an easy fix for Canon. Hopefully next year we’ll see an improvement.
Focus (4.5)
If I were to highlight a useless feature on the Canon ZR100 it would be the manual focus feature. This is one of the most tedious methods for manipulating focus on an entry level model. Tandem use of the menu and jog dial is required for getting that perfectly focused shot. However, you’ll have to trust that your eyes and the LCD are telling the truth, because there is no accurate way to identify whether or not the camera is in focus. This wouldn’t be such a problem if the LCD weren’t so bad, but it is one of the worst LCD screens on the market. I’m not suggesting that the entry level ZR models adopt some numerical readout, as on higher end models, but a more intuitive way to control and judge focal adjustments would be appreciated.
Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
Exposure can be manually adjusted on the Canon ZR100 by toggling the jog dial between the -2.0 to +2.0 range. First be sure the camcorder is set to manual mode, and then press the AE Shift button hidden under the LCD. Users should note that there will be a discrepancy with what they see and the numerical exposure reading. This can be described as a slight delay, so be patient when attempting to adjust exposure.
Shutter Speed (3.0)
The Canon ZR100 defaults the shutter speed to Automatic, but users can select other speeds: 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, and 1/2000. There is a three step menu/jog dial process to get into the shutter speed menu, so don’t attempt any of this on the fly, and be sure you’ve practiced before the big event. Be sure the ZR100 is set to manual [P] mode, and select the menu button. Scroll down to camera setup, and then to the shutter speed option. Pressing the jog dial in will allow users to confirm a selection or move in and out of various menus.
White Balance (7.0)
White balance can be adjusted manually on the Canon ZR100 by setting the camcorder to manual mode, then surfing through the menu to the white balance option. Once the white balance option is selected, users can choose between indoor, outdoor, automatic, and set. Set is the real manual white balance setting. Before selecting set, be sure that the camera is facing a true white surface, well lit by the scene’s available light. Next, press the set button, and you will notice the icon flashing. Once the flashing ends, the white balance will have been calibrated and saved. Users can switch out of set mode and back to it again, and the previously set white balance will be restored (unless set again).
Gain (0.0)
There are no manual gain options on the Canon ZR100 camcorder.
Other Manual Control (0.0)
There are no other manual control features of note on the ZR100.
Ease of Use (5.0)
Ease of use is of paramount concern to most novice or first-time camcorder buyers. Having adopted an adjective like easy as the title for their automatic mode, Canon hopes to take some of the thunder from Sony’s popular consumer camcorder products. When set to Easy mode, the Canon ZR100 functions well in available light, as well as in lower light settings: an improvement over previous models. Users can rest assured that their camcorder will make relatively intelligent decisions for them.
The design of the Canon ZR100 is intelligent, and buttons and toggle placement are intuitive. Some of the buttons would be better off outside of the menu, and still others would serve the user better by being inside. The LCD plays into ease of use and will be covered in greater detail in that specific section. However, it is worth mentioning that the LCD solarizes at the slightest movement. I found myself constantly adjusting the LCD, with my hand seemingly affixed to the small screen.
The two important finger buttons, the zoom toggle and the jog dial, are well placed and the appropriate finger will fall into place. The menu button is awkwardly positioned, but a few hours of use and it will feel like second nature to reach down and engage the menu. Similarly, the mode dial feels a little low, but its new position (slightly lower than last year’s model) will quickly feel like home for any moderate user. Overall I feel the ZR100 handles well and is easy to use in automatic mode.
Still Features (0.0)
There are no still features on the ZR100, making it perhaps one of the few real “camcorders” on the market.
Still Resolution (1.0)
While “stills” can be captured to MiniDV tape, they are really equivalent to captured video. Please refer to the above video resolution and performance paragraphs for an assessment of this video. The video resolution of the ZR100 was measured at 0.10 MP.
Still Performance (0.0)
“Stills” are captured to tape and are therefore the equivalent of captured video. Please refer to the Video Performance paragraph above for an assessment of the quality of video captured by the ZR100.
Low Light Performance (3.75)
The ZR100 holds the ground level spot of this year’s ZR series, and shows the same improvements in low light seen with the ZR200 and ZR300. The ZR100 shows the same noise amounts as the ZR200 and ZR300, which is to say, substantial noise. However, it does show significantly less than last year’s ZRs, and this is what makes the new ZR line viable buys compared to other lower camcorders out there.
At 60 lux, about the equivalent to average indoor light levels, the ZR100 shows results remarkably similar to both the ZR300 and the ZR200, but perhaps a bit more akin to the ZR300. There are noticeable differences between the ZR200 and ZR100, albeit subtle ones. Both camcorders have equal noise, but difference in color preference. By color preference, I am referring to the ZR200’s red, blues, and violets which are more vibrant than the ZR100’s, and the greens and yellows of the ZR100 which are more vibrant than the ZR200’s.
At 15 lux, the above trends continue really highlighting, in comparison, the drastic difference between last year’s and this year’s ZR performance.
Zoom Power/Ratio (20.0)
With camcorder manufacturers competing for patrons, the newest fad is to increase the optical zoom. Every manufacturer this year at CES unveiled their entry level camcorders, and all had been given an extra dose of optical zoom. The Canon ZR100 has 20x optical zoom, and for such an inexpensive camcorder, this is quite the gift, and it breaks from the trend of giving cheaper camcorders less optical zoom power.
Ignore the 400x digital zoom, as this is simply pixel enlargement instead of true movement along an optical z-axis. It will be difficult, as it’s plastered all over their literature and monogrammed directly onto the side of the camcorder body.
Wide Angle (5.6)
In its standard 4:3 aspect, the Canon ZR100 captures with a field of view of 28 degrees, while in 16:9 mode the camcorder captures with a field of view of 36 degrees.
VCR Mode (9.0)
Canon has the long respected tradition of placing the VCR controls on the outside of the camcorder body. This helps transform the camcorder into a stand alone playback device. Additionally, the camcorder can be attached, via the A/V out, to any television or VCR with the appropriate receiving ports. Standard playback controls are located in a horizontal line above the LCD on the left side of the camcorder body.
LCD/Viewfinder (7.0)
Slightly smaller than last year’s LCD, and just as poorly constructed, the Canon ZR100 LCD has to be one of the worst on the market. At the slightest change in direction or movement, the LCD starts to solarize. Unless Canon will soon include some wireless device that can attach to your forehead and coordinate your movements with the LCD to prevent solarizing, this remains a useless LCD.
The Viewfinder is equally disappointing. The color electric viewfinder is perched on the top of the back, and can be extended approximately one inch towards the user. Unless you want to look like an imbecile with a camcorder growth on your eye, the small static viewfinder is better left untouched.
Audio (4.0)
Audio on any consumer camcorder is sketchy at best, and the Canon ZR100 is no different. However, as this type of camcorder is only meant for capturing memorable moving images and accompanying audio, it’s doubtful that many will care about the faint motor noise, or the equally faint handling noise that comes from the position of the on board microphone. The mic itself is located at the lower front of the camcorder and is a stereo electret microphone.
There is a wind cut feature that will reduce the popping and distortion often caused by the wind. Simply select this feature from the audio menu and the dB will be reduced.
Handling (8.0)
The Canon ZR100 handles well for the most part, except for the aforementioned LCD solarizing and button placement. The poor construction of the LCD makes handling a pain as users are required to constantly maneuver in relation to the LCD to prevent a solarized image. Additionally, there are some buttons whose placement will take some getting used to, namely the menu button and the mode dial. This is not to say that these buttons can’t be adapted to eventually, but during my limited time with the ZR100 they presented some difficulty.
When in Easy mode, the automatic sensor makes very intelligent adjustments to crucial elements, thus allowing the user the freedom to concentrate on framing the shot. Since the ease of use and handling sections play into each other, this helps explain the rating here.
Portability (8.5)
While not as small as some of the compact camcorders on the market, the Canon ZR100 is still relatively portable. Perhaps too large for a hand bag or purse, the ZR100 warrants a large pocket, back pack, or its own bag. The problem with the “own bag” routine is that it becomes cumbersome to carry around the ground of places like Disney World. I suggest buying an additional battery and leaving everything else in the car or hotel. Carry the camcorder around your neck, as dorky as that might look, or find a large pocket or carrying bag to stash it in when you’re sick of filming your family.
Battery (6.5)
With the included the battery fully charged, the ZR100 recorded for a little over an hour with its LCD open (1 hr., 5 min., 32 sec.).
Compression (8.0)
The Canon ZR100 uses DV compression storing video to MiniDV tape at 29.97 frames per second.
Media (8.0)
The Canon ZR100 accepts MiniDV tape media.
Editing (8.0)
The ZR100 has some in-camera editing functions. I recommend you steer clear of these, as all edits in this mode are permanent. (A note to all manufacturers: get rid of this ridiculous software feature and make room for something more useful.) The camcorder can be easily plugged into your personal computer via the DV port (sorry, no USB on the ZR100...check out the ZR200). It’s a hot port, so your computer should recognize the camcorder and identify the model. Start up your favorite editing software program and let the creative juices flow.
Widescreen/16:9 Mode (7.5)
Canon included the 16:9 high resolution mode on the ZR100, which was a surprise considering they reserved it for their much more expensive models last year. It’s a great feature that will increase resolution by nearly a third, provided the electronic image stabilizer is off. Under the LCD, users can engage the Widescreen button, which will letterbox the image but increase the scene’s recording capacity. The image will appear letterboxed on the LCD, but the image capture to tape will be a 16:9 image squeezed into a 4:3 aspect, to be stretched out later.
Standard 4:3 aspect ratio
16:9 image squeezed into a 4:3 aspect for editing
Scan Rates/24P (0.0)
There are no alternate frame rates on the Canon ZR100.
Ports (7.0)
At the front of the right side, users can access the A/V (out only, and no it’s not a headphone jack) and DV ports. They are discreetly hidden by a gray port cover. At the back and bottom of the ZR100, users can plug in to the DC port for recharging the battery. Good placement, overall.
Other Features (6.5)
LCD Backlight The Canon ZR100 has an LCD backlight feature that will boost the LCD’s brightness. Maybe next year they’ll put the button in a more useful place, perhaps on the LCD itself.
16:9 High Resolution Widescreen As mentioned before, this feature will increase resolution by almost a third, which will be useful for users playing back video on a properly formatted wide screen television.
Wind cut Users can engage the wind cut feature from within the audio section of the menu. This will reduce the dB level, effectively cutting out the popping distortion that occurs when wind strikes the microphone diaphragm.
Comparisons
Panasonic PV-GS19 (Review, Specs, $244.74)
The PV-GS19 has more accessible manual control than the Canon ZR100, and it includes 4x more optical zoom over the Canon ZR100 for a total of 24x. Unlike the Canon ZR100, the PV-GS19 has still options, recording photos to SD media. The PV-GS19 also has a wind cut feature, widescreen mode, and headphone jack included for the recommended price of $349.99 USD, overall a better value than the Canon ZR100. While we have not tested the PV-GS19 yet, if its performance is anything like the PV-GS35 (Review, Specs, $359.95) (Review, Specs, $283.25)’s, the ZR100 is likely to get a run for its money.
Sony DCR-HC21 (Review, Specs, $329)
Like the ZR100, the Sony DCR-HC21 includes a 1/6 inch, 340K effective pixel imager. It also has a 20x optical zoom like the ZR100, and it includes roughly the same manual control options. The Sony has a much better LCD, although it’s inferior overall because of the mandatory touch screen menu/navigation system. The ZR100 performed better than the HC21 pretty much all around. With the exception of the LCD, the Canon ZR200 may be a better option for users shopping in this price range. Instead of the ZR100, check out the ZR200, as this may be a better option with a few more features and is at a similar price point.
JVC GR-D250 (Review, Specs, ) (Review, Specs, $299)
With a street price of $340 USD, the JVC GR-D250 is a fair comparison to the Canon ZR100. The camcorder has a 1/6th-inch 680K CCD with 340K effective resolution for video, as does the Canon ZR100. The JVC has an impressive 25x optical zoom, 5x more than the ZR100. The Canon has a better zoom toggle, navigational system, and performs slightly better in low light and bright light.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (7.0)
The Canon ZR100 is a point-and-shoot camcorder for the budget consumer. It lacks many frills some consumers are looking for: still photo, USB port, print share functionality.
Budget Consumers (8.5)
A great buy for the budget consumer. Again, this camcorder lacks some of the frills of its siblings, hence the lower price.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
There are no still photo features on the ZR100, so it’s obviously not a good buy for the still photo/video camera hybrid enthusiast.
Gadget Freak (6.0)
Uh, probably not, unless you want to give it to your Gadget Freak friend as a gag gift.
Manual Control Freaks (8.5)
No—and if you are a Manual Control Freak, why are you reading this review, anyway?
Pros / Serious Hobbyists (7.0)
Check out the ZR200 or ZR300 for some better options; it’s more suitable for a serious hobbyist.
Conclusion
This camcorder, the ZR100, would not be a model that I recommend. There are too many features that have been left out that are on the next model up, the ZR200, for just a fraction of the cost more. Unfortunately, the lack of features is simply Canon’s way of distinguishing between camcorder models in the same line up. The same handling critique that I have given to all the ZR camcorders stands: poor LCD, occasional odd button placement, useless viewfinder, buttons hidden under the LCD. Additionally, the lack of any photo capacity, a missing USB port, and the inability to monitor audio via the headphones jack (without some serious finagling which may cause electric shock) is disappointing.
At least the ZR100 handles relatively well and feels natural in the hand. The odd button placement, or movement, is an annoyance that will fade with use and practice. The inclusion of the 16:9 mode and the increase in optical zoom are noteworthy, but perhaps not appreciated by the consumer that would be looking to buy this model.
Performance for the ZR camcorders in the past has been in question at lower light levels. This year, we were pleasantly surprised to see how well the camcorders did at 60 and 15 lux, even without the night mode feature. At daylight equivalent light levels the ZR100 performed well, as was expected. The automatic Easy mode makes seemingly intelligent adjustments to all critical picture quality elements, and users can rest assured that under these conditions, picture quality should please.
But bottom line, I wouldn’t buy a ZR100. If I were shopping for a camcorder and I had decided on the Canon ZR line, my money would be with the ZR200.