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
   


Video Performance
One can attempt to assess the ZR700 (Review, Specs, $277)’s vide performance based on its imaging system and the performance of its parent models. Under bright light conditions, past ZR models performed fairly well. The ZR400 (Review, Specs, $419.99) had 1/4.5” CCD with 1.33 MP (gross) and produced bright images with good color representation. With a smaller imager of 1/6” CCD with 680K gross pixels, The ZR700 will most likely have less stellar images. Expect low light to take a hit, but a smaller CCD does not necessarily correlate to a worse picture overall. Remember, this is only our best estimate; it is impossible to thoroughly test camcorders at CES. Stay tuned for a more in-depth analysis in the coming months.

Low Light Performance
Until more rigorous tests are administered to the ZR700, one can only speculate on its potential lowlight performance. This model has a smaller, 1/6” imager than last year’s model, which produced grainy images with well-saturated colors. It is fair to assume that the reduction in imager specs will have a negative affect on its low light performance. The built-in video light will be of some assistance, but ultimately the performance quality of the performance comes from the hardware.







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