Canon ZR300 Camcorder Review

by Nathaniel Hansen
Published on Mar 29, 2005 12:00 PM



Canon’s newest ZR model is the Canon ZR 300. Introduced at CES in January 2005, the ZR300 is the top model in a three cam lineup in the entry level consumer camcorder market. Below it in price and options are the Canon ZR200 (Review, Specs, $120.99) and the Canon ZR100 (Review, Specs, $219.95). The ZR300 has a few extra trinkets on board to justify the price; an LED “assist lamp,” the inclusion of an 8MB SD card, an extra 2x in optical zoom power, and a .6x wide angle attachment. However, the biggest improvement with the ZR300 is a big jump in low light performance - an incredibly pleasant surprise. Consumers can pick up the Canon ZR300 with a reputable street price of $429.00 USD.

Video Performance (5.75)
The Canon ZR300 has a 1/6 inch 340K effective pixel imager, with 340K effective pixels for still imaging. The Canon ZR300 has the same CCD and glass as last year’s ZR90 (Review, Specs, $229), so its performance will be similar. When the ZR300 is switched to 16:9 mode, with the image stabilization switched off, the CCD has 450K effective pixels available for video. Canon has been calling this “high resolution 16:9” mode. Sounds like sneaky strategic marketing to confuse consumers even more in the area of high definition and high resolution. This 16:9 mode can be found on last year’s Optura 400 (Specs, $999) and 500, Canon’s premiere matchbox-style camcorders.

Last year’s ZR camcorders, which share image specs with this year’s, performed well in bright light conditions, and the same is true with this year’s ZR300. In fact, I would say the ZR300 performs better than last year’s models, though the imaging specs haven’t changed. The camcorder’s results showed better colors, less noise, and a more brilliant gray scale to last year’s models. Indeed, the colors and noise levels on the ZR300 were very impressive compared to this year’s lineup as well.

Video Resolution (14.1)
Using Imatest Digital Imaging Software to more accurately determine what the real resolution of the ZR300 is, we received the following results. In 4:3 mode, the ZR300 gave us approximately 282.1 lines of vertical resolution at its best, with approximately 501 lines of horizontal resolution, yielding a real resolution of 141,332.1. The ZR300’s widescreen mode gave us approximately 498.5 lines of horizontal resolution at its best, with approximately 267.4 lines of vertical resolution at its best, yielding a real resolution of 133,298.9.

The Front (7.0)
The front of the Canon ZR300 is simple and streamlined, with the 22x optical zoom lens perched at the top. Directly below the lens is the remote sensor, and below that is the one bulb LED (light emitting diode) “assist lamp.” Users should be cautious not to interfere with the dual condenser microphones at the bottom of the ZR300. At the bottom left of the camcorder’s body, the strap is affixed to a hard plastic loop that juts forward away from the camera.

The Right (9.5)
The right side of the Canon ZR300 is plain, the majority of the space allocated to the bottom-loading tape mechanism and the adjoining horizontally placed strap. At the front of the right side, a port cover discreetly hides AV, DV, and FireWire ports. Running horizontally from back to front is the velour strap. Above the strap connector at the back of the ZR300, users can easily access the mode dial, with settings of Play, Off, Camera, and Power. I think the mode dial sits lower than on last year's ZR models, and it was a bit of a challenge for my thumb. Either they moved it, or my thumb grew. Above the mode dial, users can use the additional strap loop, for carrying the camcorder around the neck--but really, who does this?

The Left (9.0)
The all-important left side is home to the controls on any camcorder, and the ZR300 is no exception. Running horizontally along the top of the ZR300 are the four playback and in-camera buttons. Starting at the front are the record search/card/rewind/fast forward, focus/play/pause, night mode/stop buttons. Directly below the row of playback buttons, the LCD screen is recessed into the camcorder’s body. When opened, a host of small rubber buttons are revealed. Frontwards is the LCD Backlight (which should be on the LCD itself), followed by Widescreen/Data Code. Canon has moved the buttons which were previously located above the LCD screen into the LCD screen area. The second row of buttons, starting at the top, are Digital Effects on/off, AE Shift/End Search, and Card Mix/record pause/slide show.

The LCD is easily opened, as there is a convenient groove/ridge at the bottom right (when closed). When open, the SD card slot can be accessed by flipping out the plastic port cover, labeled “card.” Above the card slot, at the very back of the camcorder’s left side, users can switch between easy mode and manual mode via a small switch. Manual mode is signified by a box with a “P” (for Program) inside, while Easy mode is spelled out. Beneath the SD card slot, users can scroll through the menu and make selections when in manual mode.

The left side of the Canon ZR300 is, for the most part, intelligently laid out. My only complaint is the positioning of numerous buttons under the LCD, making access while using the viewfinder impossible. Many of these buttons could have been placed within the menu, or included in the row of buttons above the LCD. I hope next year’s ZR models will be quite different; the design is due for an upgrade.

The Back (7.0)
Atop the back of the Canon ZR300 is the static viewfinder. The viewfinder can be pulled towards the user about an inch, but cannot be rotated. Next to the viewfinder is the battery release button, and under the viewfinder is the battery receptacle. At the very bottom of the back, users can access the menu by pressing the inconveniently placed and small menu button. Next to the menu button, users can recharge the battery, or run off of DC power via the DC port. On the right side of the back in the middle is the back of the mode dial, and the white record button. This is the first time I have ever seen a white record button, and before picking up the camcorder, I wondered what it was. Of course because of its position I had a good idea--but white?

 

The Top (8.0)
The top of the ZR300 is home to a few important features, namely a grip/ledge at the front right; level with this but at the back are the zoom toggle, photo button, and the memory/tape switch. The entire camcorder looks as though it’s been dipped in glaze, and it has a shiny reflective plastic look, although it’s weighty enough to remind users that it’s worth a few hundred bucks. The new bling-bling gloss may attract attention as well; perhaps that’s why they included a slot for connecting the camera to a neck strap.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (5.0)
Automatic control on the ZR300, and indeed all of this year’s ZR models, is easy. Of course, it’s a direct reflection of Sony’s success with their Easy mode, but there really isn’t another way to say what it does. It restricts access to the manual control menu options and effectively puts the camcorder on auto pilot, leaving it to handle adjustments to white balance, focus, exposure, and shutter speed. All of these it does quite well, with each adjustment happening seamlessly, with the exception of exposure which adjusts very quickly and draws attention to the shift. Not too big a deal, but it is the quickest setting automatically adjusted.

White balance adjusts well, and the transition is too slow for human eyes to pick up. The color balance appears to adjust naturally and accurately which is a plus, since the white balance can make or break a transition from indoors to outdoors.

Shutter speed seemed to make the appropriate adjustments, although it’s difficult to tell when this is happening as shutter speed and exposure usually work in concert. In fact, it’s probably better to choose an AE setting which sets the shutter at an appropriate level depending on what’s being filmed.

Focus on the Canon ZR300 was quick, and the adjustments between varying depths of field were impressive. But note this: the less light available, the more difficult it will be for the camcorder’s automatic remote sensor to make adjustments to image quality.

 

Overall Manual Control (5.0)
Overall manual control on the Canon ZR300 is determined within the menu. Once inside, users can manually adjust aperture, white balance, shutter speed, zoom, focus, and wind cut for audio. This is the industry standard collection of manual control features, and for the most part, they function well. But getting to a given feature, or making on the spot adjustments, is another story. It should be pointed out that the ZR300 does not offer F-stop reading for aperture and does not give you manual gain control.

Zoom Control (5.0)
The Canon ZR300 has an impressive 22x optical zoom, which slows dramatically the closer to 22x you get. There is no numerical readout to indicate where along that zoom path you are, which is quite annoying especially since the little square/triangle icon the moves from W to T in the LCD stops before the camcorder runs out of zoom. The slowing down towards the higher zoom points is standard, and the Canon ZR300 does it better than other models. The camera has to be able to make automatic adjustments all along the z axis, and as optical zoom increases, the more difficult it is for the processor to manage and make sense of the light striking the CCD.

The zoom toggle itself is straightforward enough; it’s well placed and has enough spring to provide several variable zoom speeds.

Focus (4.5)
It is possible to control the focus manually on the Canon ZR300, but why would you want to put yourself through the pain? There are no numerical readouts to assist you in your creative endeavors to rack focus, or to set up a nice shot with depth of field.

To begin your headache, be sure that the camcorder is in manual [P] mode. Then, conveniently, when users feel the urge to manual focus, they can press the focus button which doubles as the play/pause button. Next, if you’re like me anyway, you’ll try and adjust the focus using the + and – buttons next to the focus button. Well, you’re wrong, but don’t worry, it took me a few minutes to figure it out too. I have one of those personalities that refuses to consult the manual, so this became a great test of my patience. Finally I thought, “Would they really put the focus control within the jog dial?” I toggled the small jog dial at the bottom of the left side, and sure enough and not entirely to my surprise, it slowly shifted the focus. Who are the wizards that came up with that one? Again, there is no numerical readout or any indication as to the amount of focus, so you’ll have to rely on your eyes and the rotten LCD.

Manual focus is possible on the ZR300, but it may be more trouble than it’s worth. If you’re really die hard about manually controlling the focus, may I suggest that at this price point you have no right to complain. If real manual focus is what you want, then be prepared to spend twice as much.

 

Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
Exposure can be manually controlled on the ZR300 by utilizing the AE Shift button. It appears that Canon has combined the exposure with AE shift (which usually represents preset “shutter” and “exposure” modes). Inconveniently located under the LCD, users can press the circular AE Shift/End Search button, which, when in manual mode, will bring up an AE icon in the upper left corner of the LCD screen.

The exposure is adjusted by pressing the jog dial up and down, and adjustments can be made from -2.0 to +2.0. The changes don’t take place in sync with the numerical readout, so be patient. A few seconds after you lower or raise the exposure setting, the difference will be noticeable.

 

Shutter Speed (3.0)
Shutter speed is controlled in manual mode via the menu. Pressing the menu button will engage the manual control options available, and by scrolling to the second option from the top, Camera Setup, users can get to the guts of manual control. Depressing the jog dial acts as an enter key, so after scrolling down, users will have to press the jog dial in to confirm their selection. Doing so will engage the second menu with shutter as the first option. The camera defaults to Auto, but there are other manual options available: 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, and 1/2000. There is no quick way to set the shutter speed, so users should be prepared to fumble through the menu to make any adjustments.

White Balance (7.0)
White balance is an essential manual control option on any camcorder, and thankfully it’s included on the Canon ZR300. Users can reach the white balance feature by selecting it from the Camera Setup menu. Options of Auto, Set, Indoor, and Outdoor are available. To set the white balance manually, find a white surface (preferably a white piece of paper) and be sure it’s well lit by the available light. Get the ZR300 in to manual mode, and select set from the white balance menu. Once you press set, the icon will start flashing and you’ll notice the color temperature is shifting. Once it’s done flashing, the white balance is set and stored. Easy to both configure and set up.

Gain (0.0)
There are no manual gain options on the Canon ZR300 camcorder.

 

Other Manual Control (0.0)
The ZR300 offers no other manual control.

Ease of Use (5.0)
The Canon ZR300 has adopted Canon’s new Easy mode, which restricts access to the manual control options within the menu and effectively places the camcorder in fully automatic. I like the easy mode on these entry level camcorders, as they leave nothing to be discovered or fussed with. It takes the stress out of filming an event or party and puts the fun back in home movies. Of course, these movies are always filled with zooming and focus ad nauseam, so they might not necessarily be “fun” to watch. Unless your idea of fun is being on a dingy in the ocean with 30 foot swells.

When the Canon ZR300 is in easy mode, every feature functions in concert to make a pretty seamless recording. These entry level camcorders, and historically the Canon ZR line, perform terribly in lower light conditions and this has the biggest impact in Easy or automatic mode. The camera’s processor is unable to make intelligent decisions with a lack of light; therefore the image quality may be compromised. However, with the ZR300, as low light performance is better than last year, the processor's ability is strengthened a bit.

 

Still Features (7.0)
Entry level camcorders rarely have still features to write home about, and the Canon ZR300 is no exception. The Canon ZR300 includes a still photo mode, and it provides a convenient SD card slot on the back left side of the camcorder body. Switching the media switch to the floppy disc icon ensures that photos are captured to the SD card. Canon throws in a useless 8MB SD card for users to fill up quickly with a photo or two; it’s one of those price hike justifiers. The Canon ZR300 has several image sizes available in both still and movie mode: 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 pixels in Still mode, and 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 pixels in 15 frames/sec. in Movie mode, when capturing MPEG footage to the card.

This camcorder isn’t exactly a photo/video hybrid, more of a camcorder that has a few limited still options. It does have a dedicated photo button, and a print/share feature incorporated into all of Canon’s products. This is handy for getting those three photos off your complimentary 8MB card. Hook up to your computer and quickly download those great pictures. The photo button has some accompanying photo realistic shutter sounds, and a visual representation of the shutter closing as well.

Still Resolution (1.89)
We tested the still resolution of the ZR300 in the same manner in which we tested its video resolution using Imatest Imaging Software. The ZR300 captures still images to SD card at 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480. At their best, test stills at 640 x 480 gave us 186,008 pixels of resolution (0.018 MP), while stills at 1024 x 768 gave us 189,078 pixels of resolution (approximately 0.019 MP).

Still Performance (3.5)
The stills captured on the ZR300 feature some of the weirdest color we’ve seen so far from a camcorder still. The image seems covered a spring-time verdure. One needs to look only to the yellow square to see its effects. Less noticeable effects of this green can be witnessed by the blue’s lightening and the softening of the violet square. Compared to other camcorders, the ZR300 lacks the weird noise seen in some comparable JVC still images. It features similar noise to that seen on Sony stills, and lacks the crispness and richness of color seen with comparable Panasonic camcorders.

Low Light Performance (3.75)
Low light performance on the ZR300 was a surprise, and a good one at that. Considering last year’s ZRs' horrible performance, and the fact that the ZRs of this year preserved the specifications of last year’s models, we were expecting the same abysmal performance on the ZR300. We were pleasantly surprised that the ZR300 not only showed better colors and less noise than last year’s models at 3000 lux, but also did so at lower light levels. This is a major improvement over last year's models, and really pushes the new low-end Canon camcorders into the running again, boosting the score of the ZR300 to a 3.75 from an average score of 2 from last year's ZRs. This is quite a jump.

At 60 lux, equivalent to a slightly dimmed indoor room, the ZR300 showed some noise, and with a 1 chip camcorder we expect this. The noise was a lot finer than that of last year’s ZRs, a crisp, meaty noise. While color information at 60 lux is the same between the two ZRs, the ZR300 provides a much lighter image, and an overall more favorable picture.

At 15 lux, the ZR300 really rises above last year’s ZRs' performances. Its noise remains finer and harder to distinguish than the last year’s heavy, blanket noise, and more importantly, more color information is retained with the ZR300, making the entire image gain a coherency which last year’s camcorder could not produce. The main difference in this year's ZRs is the improvement of color over last year's models. Both sets still suffer from noise, which although different, is still present and bothersome. But overall: Good job, Canon!

Zoom Power/Ratio (22.0)
All camcorders in the new lineup of Canon ZR camcorders have increased zoom capability. The 22x optical zoom power on the Canon ZR300 is a great feature, and Canon knows it: it’s all over the box and literature. Consumers are eager to get more bang for their depreciating buck, and every manufacturer this year answered the call by increasing the optical zoom capacity on their entry level models. Maybe Wal-Mart's ruthless prices put them in a full Nelson, and they tapped out under the pressure. Anyway, with 22x optical zoom there isn’t much you won’t be able to capture. But at those high zoom ratios, beware of the shakes. If you are already caffeinated, best to hand off the camera to a member of the family with a little more control over their caffeine intake. And forget about digital zoom. Despite crafty marketing that took digital zooms nearly to 1000x, don’t count on being able to watch anything shot with digital zoom realm. Just leave it off.

Wide Angle (10.8)
Fortunately, Canon’s ZR300 ships with a .6 lens converter to make the field of view a little wider. This attachment screws on the front of the camcorder and is basically an extra piece of glass in front of the lens. With this attachment in 4:3 mode, the ZR300 had a 54 degree angle of vision, with a 72 degree angle of vision in 16:9 mode (with the attachment). This is one of the widest degrees that we've seen on a consumer camcorder - though of course this is to be expected with the wide angle lens.

VCR Mode (9.0)
Canon perhaps does VCR mode better than any manufacturer out there. Others are catching on though, like JVC who moved their VCR controls on the JVC GR line to the camcorder body, just above the LCD screen. This is not only genius, but it’s about time. Having the controls here makes showing and reviewing the footage a snap, and saves time as you no longer have to fumble through a menu. The ZR lineup has always had the VCR controls on the camcorder body, just above the LCD, with rewind and fast forward at the front, followed by play/pause, then stop. If you wanted, you could invert the LCD into a small monitor.

LCD/Viewfinder (7.0)
The LCD on the Canon ZR300 measures 2.4 inches diagonally, .1 inches smaller than last year’s models. The LCD has 112K pixels which provide adequate resolution. This year, Canon added an LCD backlight feature that slightly brightens the screen. The backlight button can be accessed under the LCD. Unfortunately, the LCD solarizes very badly when you don’t look at it directly. Your scene might take on the appearance of a film negative, or even that digital effect “solarize” which some camcorders used to include. Sony is the only manufacturer that has managed to make an LCD that doesn’t do this. Why can’t they share this one bit of technology? Canon shares/sells its lens technology, so why not swap? The solarizing is so bad, that it makes using the LCD a nuisance. No, it’s not your eyes, or a camcorder default: it’s simply shoddy craftsmanship.

The small viewfinder is located at the top, on the back of the Canon ZR300. The electric viewfinder can be extended, but not rotated, rendering it pretty useless.

Audio (4.0)
The audio capacity on any entry level camcorder is minimal. Be prepared to hear a lot of in-camera noise, as well as handling noise. The dual mono electret condenser microphones are situated at the front of the camcorder body, just out of reach of fingers if users utilize the strap. Users can use the A/V jack as a headphones jack, but be prepared to finagle with the male end of the headphone jack. Oh, and if you have sensitive ears, be prepared to suffer through the screeching you will hear when inserting your headphones. If you push the jack in all the way, you will hear a lot of noise, mostly electronic noise. Pull back on the jack just a little, so there is about 1/8th of an inch of the jack showing, and you should be able to hear audio through the microphones on board the Canon ZR300. I don’t think they were designed for this, but it will give you an idea of what the camera can “hear.” If you ever wondered what the zoom “sounded” like, just plug in and have a listen.

Handling (8.0)
The Canon ZR300 feels slightly smaller and a little lighter than last year’s models. The Krispy Kreme glaze makes the body a little slippery, so be sure to utilize the strap. It’s well placed, but should be kept nice and tight. The zoom and photo buttons are intelligently placed, although the mode dial feels like it’s lower than on last year’s model, and I had to stretch out my thumb to move it into position. It could be my imagination, but I think the “bling-bling” strap holder took its place. There is a nice grip on the front right side of the camcorder's body. The index finger falls right onto it, securing the grip for one hand recording.

The VCR buttons (and their doubles) are well placed, and I can only recommend that Canon think about putting more buttons on the camera body (and removing others). The jog dial and menu buttons are oddly placed and difficult to reach, but better at the rear of the left side than at the front like the Elura camcorders. The menu button is awkward as it’s under the battery, so it’s a bit of a stretch to hit it. After several hundred hours of recording, you should get the hang of where it’s at.

Overall, I liked the way the ZR300 handled, but there are a few things that were annoying: LCD screen maneuvering to avoid solarization, menu button placement, mode dial placement, and a bottom-loading tape mechanism. These are all elements that take away from the handling ability. Elements I liked that added to handling ability: VCR/Feature button placement, zoom and photo button placement, grip on the right side, and manual/easy switch placement.

Portability (8.5)
The Canon ZR300 is a very portable camera, although not so small as to slip in to your tight pants pocket. It’s small enough not to break your neck when carrying it around, but big enough to be a bit of a pain on long outings. Find a small case for it and it would fit nicely into a coat pocket or into a back pack. The small battery balances the camcorder, and is small enough for the user to carry a replacement.

Battery (6.3)
With the included the battery fully charged, the ZR300 recorded for a little over an hour with its LCD open (1 hr., 3 min., 45 sec.).

Compression (8.0)
The Canon ZR300 uses DV compression and stores video to Mini DV tape at 29.97 frames per second. Thankfully, it’s not storing it as the much-overrated MPEG2

Media (8.0)
The Canon ZR300 accepts SD and MiniDV tape media.

Editing (8.0)
Sadly, manufacturers are still including ridiculous in-camera editing features with pathetic low-budget news wipes and cable access dissolves. Research must have shown that most $500 camcorder buying consumers don’t have the knowhow or wherewithal to hook up their DV device to that $500 Dell/Apple computer they own. This makes in-camera editing software a necessity, as it’s so much easier to just edit the footage in camera (please note the dripping sarcasm) where every edit is permanent. Don’t bother with the in-camera editing shtick. But do know that your new Canon ZR300 can be easily attached to any computer via the USB or DV/FireWire port, making a DV transfer simple.

Widescreen/16:9 Mode (7.5)
There is a wide screen mode which Canon touts as “high Resolution 16:9” which is Canon-speak for “buy our product because it will make your poorly shot home movies look award-winning on your HD ready TV.” It’s a great feature to have, if you have compatible technology on which to display that footage. For users interested in utilizing the wide screen mode, simply press the wide screen button under the LCD on the left side of the camcorder body. You will notice a difference, as more of the scene appears on the left and right, despite the letterboxing.



Canon ZR300 16:9 mode (squeezed into 4:3 ratio on Editing software)

Canon ZR300 4:3 Standard Mode

Scan Rates/24P (0.0)
There are no alternate frame rates on the Canon ZR300.

Ports (7.0)
The ports on the Canon ZR300 are conveniently hidden on the front right side of the camcorder body. A/V, DV, and USB are available. The DC and Battery port are on the back of the Canon ZR300. The ports are well placed and easily accessible.

Other Features (7.5)
There are some features that could be considered as “other” worth mentioning, namely the 3 point feature focus and 16:9 mode. The biggest marketing point on these camcorders is the inclusion of the high resolution 16:9 mode featured on all of their Optura 400s and 500s last year. Canon also throws in a .6 lens converter, making the view slightly wider.

Comparisons
JVC GR-D295 (Specs, ) and GR-DF430 (Specs, )
JVC offers two camcorders within the same price range as Canon’s ZR300. For a recommended price of $499, these two JVCs house similar 1/6 inch 680K CCDs. While we haven’t tested either one of these camcorders yet, the GR-D295 should perform comparable with the GR-D270 (Review, Specs, $379.99) which performs similar to the ZR300 but a bit worse in low light. Both JVCs offer manual controls similar to the ZR300. The GR-DF430 offers a cold accessory shoe, a microphone input, and JVC’s special 3D noise reduction technology, all of which the ZR300 lacks. It does not have still capabilities however. The GR-D295 has similar still capabilities to the ZR300. The JVCs have 25x and 15x optical zooms respectively. The Canon has a superior zoom toggle and navigational system.

Sony DCR-HC32 (Review, Specs, $490.7) (Review, Specs, $490.7)
Sony’s DCR-HC32 is available for a recommended $500. Like the ZR300, it includes a 1/6 inch 680K imager. It has a nice 20x optical zoom and sports Sony’s sleek looking package. Both camcorders have great zoom toggles. The Sony loses a lot for having a touch screen menu system and offering crappy manual controls. Also, the Sony lacks a widescreen mode besides a letterboxing of the image. As far as performance goes, the ZR300 is slightly better in both low and bright light levels.

Panasonic PV-GS35 (Review, Specs, $359.95) (Review, Specs, $283.25)
The PV-GS35 features the same imager as all of the above camcorders including the ZR300. It has more manual control than the Canon, and a whopping 30x optical zoom, though the PV-GS35’s zoom toggle is hard to control. It also has an S-Video port and takes decent still photos. It also performs slightly better than the Canon in low light.

Who It's For
Point-and-Shooters (7.5)
Definitely a camcorder for the point-and-shoot crowd, the ZR300 has an easy mode that effectively makes automatic adjustments to otherwise manual elements.

Budget Consumers (4.0)
At nearly $500 USD, I’m not so sure I’d bill this one to the consumer on a budget. Check out the ZR200 or ZR100 if you want to spend a hundred dollars less and get basically the same package.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (4.0)
Nope. Not even close, which is a disappointment considering Canon is such a leader in digital imaging. Perhaps a real photo/video hybrid is on the books for next year.

Gadget Freak (4.0)
Na, not really. Maybe for a gadget freak newbie, but a bona fide gadgetophile will not be easily turned on by the ZR300. Perhaps the glaze and the bling-bling neck strap adapter, but other than that... keep looking.

Manual Control Freaks (3.0)
Sure, if you’re up for testing your patience. What’s a manual control freak doing looking at entry level consumer camcorders anyway?

Pros / Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
Maybe for a holiday. Canon optics has a reputation behind it, which is what most pros/hobbyists are looking for.

Conclusion
The Canon ZR300 is good little camera for the right person. It's such a relief for us to be able to say this once again about a low-end Canon camcorder. For so long we've been forced to not recommend them because of poor low light performance. Fortunately something happened this year, and while they aren't as strong as some competitors, they are no longer unusable.

Handling is great, with a smaller body, great zoom toggle, and an impressive 22x optical zoom. While no one can seem to hold a candle to the manual controls of Panasonic's low-end camcorders this year, Canon does a good job offering a fair amount of manual control. The biggest upside to this year's ZRs, however, was their improvement of low light performance over last year's ZRs. While low light is always a problem for 1 chip camcorders like this one, the ZR300 showed much better colors in low light environments than all of last year's ZRs. Both last year and this year's models show substantial noise however. Video performance under optimal light conditions was quite solid, which should be expected from Canon optics, and is consistent with last year's ZRs. We really cannot stress enough the improvement that Canon has made with this year's ZR models. Like the half-decayed Lazarus, the Canon ZR has made a miraculous comeback. Nice miracle work, Canon--what do you have in store for next year?