Canon ZR700 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Nick Hyacinthe
Published on Jan 12, 2006 2:00 PM

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


Handling
The ZR700 (Review, Specs, $277) is 16% smaller and 12% lighter than its parent model, the ZR400 (Review, Specs, $419.99). This thin frame is very portable and can be palmed relatively comfortably. The camcorder’s glossy “Gray Smoke” finish might prove to be a bit slippery, so I wouldn’t advise operating the ZR700 without using the included strap.


The control panel, located under the LCD screen

While the ZR700’s structural improvements have made the camcorder more convenient, it has created a new set of operating problems. The biggest change in Canon’s remodeling has been moving the function control buttons from the LCD cavity to the LCD panel. The new Joystick provides users with a better means of navigation than the jog dial of lat year. But the problem with this feature is its location. Moving the joystick or pushing the buttons will shake the camcorder. This problem is most noticeable when making manual control adjustments--manual exposure and manual focus. The Elura 100 (Specs, $379.19) has wisely positioned the new joystick towards the back, allowing the user to make manual control adjustments virtually with one hand. The other hand can serve as a support anchor by holding the camcorder steady. Also by removing the awkwardly situated external buttons, the ZR700 is now left with a sizable menu. The user needs some time to figure out exactly where the desired features are.

The rear of the ZR700 can prove to be cumbersome to users too. The back of the camcorder is 1.9” wide, which leaves little room for maneuverability. The battery is advertised as being bigger and longer lasting than that of the other ZRs (ZR600 (Specs, ), ZR500 (Review, Specs, $224.8)). At CES the camcorders were plugged into the DC adapter, so my criticism is a calculated assumption, but I’m nearly certain that the user will have trouble getting a thumb around the battery in order to press the record button; the record button clings to the edge of the camcorder’s rear to the right of the battery slot. Another issue with the battery is that the viewfinder that sits on top of it does not extend towards the user. If one chooses to use the viewfinder, a face must be pressed against a battery that might get pretty warm during extended use.

LCD/Viewfinder
By placing the navigation controls on the LCD, Canon has essentially rendered the color viewfinder null. The 2.7” Widescreen LCD also houses a several feature buttons: the Function menu, the LCD Back Light, the Widescreen / Data Code, and the Digital effect. Unless the user is in Easy mode the camcorder cannot be operated effectively unless the LCD is open. In stark contrast, the 0.3” color viewfinder is not in the least versatile. The viewfinder does not extend outward or tilt upward, meaning the user has to press a face against the battery.

The comparably priced PV-GS39 (Review, Specs, $212.8) also offers a 2.7” Widescreen LCD. The Sony DCR-HC26 (Review, Specs, $299.99) and DCR-HC36 (Review, Specs, $309) will only have a 2.5” non-widescreen LCD. It is important to note, however, that Sonys are known for the quality of their LCDs, mostly their ability to be viewed at wide angles without solarizing.





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