Canon ZR700 First Impressions Camcorder Review

The front of the ZR700 showcases the only noticeable difference in appearance between the new ZR camcorders. This model sports a video light, located in the center of the camcorder’s front. A stereo microphone and 25x optical zoom lens is situated above the video light.

The Right
The biggest and most significant aspect of the ZR700’s right side is the MiniDV loading mechanism, which ejects outward from the body for the tape to slide straight down. The mode dial sits at the rear. Above the loading mechanism is the SD card slot, covered by a gray port cover. An adjacent cover conceals to the right: DV, A/V, and USB. Above these is a mode switch. A adjustable, gray hand strap lies at the bottom of the right side of this model.

The Left
The left side of the ZR series is home to their LCDs. Most control features cannot be operated without opening the 2.7” Widescreen LCD. Unlike last year, when most control buttons were in the LCD cavity, these models have the function buttons on the LCD panel itself, below the screen. This is the bigest change in the ZR line this year. Unfortunately, also like last year, placing the navigation controls inside means opening up the LCD for adjustments, which costs battery life. A rear control panel might have been preferable.

The joystick is followed by the function button, Digital effects button, Widescreen mode, and the light button. This new arrangement is better, because the user doesn’t have to dig into the cavity to make adjustments.

The Back
 The back of this camcorder measures 1.9”. Such a thin frame probably explains why the navigation is located on the LCD panel. The battery occupies much of the rear. A silver record button clings to the right edge. The 0.3” color viewfinder (non-extending and non-pivoting) lives above the battery. This camcorder ships with a bigger battery than models from previous years, which is a blessing, but can potentially be an issue. If the battery is bulky it might get in the way of the user’s thumb as he or she tries to press the start and stop button. I can’t say for certain because the ZR700 that I had access to at CES was plugged into a DC adapter; this port is also located on the back.

The Top
Because of its thin frame the top of this camcorder does not have too many features: a zoom toggle and photo button hang along the top-right edge. In front of these buttons are two toggle switches for alternating between P (manual) and Easy mode, and video and tape modes, respectively.