Canon ZR500 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by James Murray
Published on Jan 20, 2006 4:00 PM

Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion


Conclusion
 The ZR500 (MSRP $299) features several controls which help to separate itself from the older ZR100. The largest immediate change is in the physical design of the camcorder itself. This model features a slimmer, more slender silhouette which permits greater portability and handling. There is also a slight increase in LCD size to 2.7 inches, and an increase in optical zoom to 25x. Although this model doesn’t have the USB port and SD card slot found on the ZR600 and ZR700, it does have a mic-in jack, a great feature that doesn’t appear on either. This inclusion may make this camcorder an edge over other ZR cams, depending on your priorities. What else do you miss out on by not stepping up? The ZR600 ($349) offers an improved 9-Point AiAF auto focus, a remote control, and some software. The ZR700 ($399) has an increased 1000x digital zoom (a red herring of a feature), a vide light, and analog to digital pass through. This last feature is perhaps the only worthwhile one, and it will cost you $100 extra dollars. It will be interesting to test this new camcorder against the results garnered with the ZR100 and ZR200 reviewed during 2005. With the visual emphasis on a sleeker, more slender style-conscious design, it will be interesting to see if Canon too has submitted to the trend of offering style over substance. Only full testing will tell, so check back for our in-depth review.


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