Canon ZR850 Camcorder Review

The winds of change are blowing, and they’ve swept away Camcorderinfo.com’s 2006 camcorder of the year, the Canon Elura 100 (Specs, $379.19). The company will not renew the Elura line for 2007. That leaves Canon with only three models holding the MiniDV torch: the ZR800, the ZR830 (Review, Specs, $240), and the ZR850. The ZR850 offers a few upgrades, including a better imager, but lacking the mic input of the ZR800, we’re torn on which is the better value. Ultimately, it comes down to the user’s priorities. Read on to find out if the increased resolution and color performance of the video and upgraded still performance (all taking advantage of our new tests) are enough to sway you.

The Front (4.75)
The ZR850 has been given a shiny, stylish makeover compared to last year’s ZR700 (Review, Specs, $277). In the 35mm equivalent, the 35x optical zoom lens has focal lengths of:

- 47.1mm to 1649mm in 16:9 with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) on
- 41.7mm to 1460mm in 16:9 with EIS off
- 44.6mm to 1561mm with 4:3 aspect (EIS on or off)
- 41.5mm to 1453mm for still images

The lens does not bear a lens thread, quashing any hope of shooting with a lens filter or lens adapter. This is a major deterrent for a more seasoned videographer, as shot options are limited. Right beneath the lens is a black circular remote sensor, followed by a smaller translucent clear video light. Using the video light is basically the same thing as strapping a small LCD penlight to the top of the camcorder. You get decent light in total darkness, but it looks exceedingly Blair Witch-like. Below the video light, at the base of the front, is the built-in stereo microphone for audio.

The Right Side (3.0)
The thin, lightweight hand strap can be adjusted to accommodate a spectrum of hand sizes. Here’s the problem: The hand strap is fastened to the right side of the tape hatch. Unlike the results of our rigorous experiments with the step-down ZR830 model, the ZR850’s tape hatch popped open by just a slight tug on the strap. It was absurd. In fact, it was almost easier to open the tape hatch this way than sliding the gray button on the bottom and pulling the hatch out. Would it be that much of a developmental strain for Canon to design a hand strap that attaches to a sturdier part of the body? While we’re grilling the hatch, it’s worth mentioning that the shooter must take the ZR850 off the tripod in order to change a tape, sacrificing time and continuity. Two thumbs down.

The round mode dial is located along the back edge of the camcorder and is easy to activate with a thumb. Directly above the round button is a small, circular button labeled “Quick Start.” The Quick Start feature allows the ZR850 to take a breather by slipping into a state of hibernation, thus conserving the battery. When the Quick Start button is pressed again, the camcorder snaps back into action and is ready to record in less than one second.

Two sets of ports are located directly above the edge of the tape hatch. One set holds an SD/SDHC/MMC card slot, and the other houses an AV composite in/out jack, USB terminal, and Firewire terminal. Both are covered by pliable bits of plastic that remain secure when closed, but the extremely thin plastic strips which attach them to the camcorder’s body could snap with the slightest amount of tension. The ZR850 is not equipped with a microphone jack, but for some reason, the entry-level ZR800 has one in place of the ZR850’s USB terminal. Go figure.

The Back (4.5)
The ZR850’s viewfinder is an uninviting, dome-shaped plastic frame with no soft rubberized coating to comfort the eye. Its ridiculously short length accentuates the bulky protrusion of the Li-ion battery just below. If this isn’t a dodgy design already, just wait until you upgrade to a bigger battery and attempt to bring your eye closer to the viewfinder. I understand Canon’s minimalist design intentions, but I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more viewfinder. The dioptric adjustment is located directly under this malnourished viewfinder, and the battery release button sits to its right. Finally, you’ll notice a nondescript, white oval button that serves as the record start/stop button. We wish this had been painted red, the universal symbol for “record.”

The Left Side (4.25)
The ZR850 has a 2.7” widescreen LCD screen that is accessible by a finger groove on the right side. The LCD screen doesn’t have a lock, like most other cameras in its price range, but its frail hinge easily pops open with a slight jostle. Once open, the LCD screen can be rotated vertically up to 270 degrees. The screen is a compact 2.7”, which is more or less a standard amongst camcorders under $1000, and produces a fairly decent image. At the base of the LCD panel are three controls that span from left to right: the four-way joystick for menu navigation, the Function menu button, and the digital effects/ P.set menu buttons. The miniscule joystick is sensitive, allowing for the occasional inadvertent menu choice to be made. Having the controls on the LCD panel gives the LCD-craving point-and-shooter a bit of an advantage over the seasoned intermediate who wishes to conserve battery power and make use of the viewfinder.

Inside the LCD cavity you’ll notice a functionless set of C-shaped grooves and the audio playback speaker. Unfortunately, sound can only be heard if the LCD screen is open. Above the LCD screen to the far right is the memory card/battery charge light. On the opposite end near the lens is the lens cover switch. This feature eliminates the need for an external lens cap, but it relies heavily on the videographer’s memory. Would you remember to flip an inconspicuously tiny switch at the end of an hour-long shoot?

The Top (3.5)
At the top of the ZR850, where the fingers meet the ridge, there is a row of controls that are comfortably placed and easy to access. Beginning from the back of the camcorder, the photo shutter button ergonomically accommodates an index finger. Next is the quick, accurate zoom that is toggled horizontally. The last two controls are oval switches, one for shifting between Easy mode and P-mode, and the other for switching between DV tape and memory card recording modes.