Canon ZR80 Camcorder Reviewby Mark BassettPublished on Apr 2, 2004 12:00 AM 
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The ZR80 (Review, Specs, $284) is on the low end of the relatively unchanged Canon point-and-shoot MiniDV camcorders. Like many low end cams, this unit comes without the benefit of an SD card for stills. Bump up your out-the-door-price and you can find that feature on both the ZR85 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $356.49) and the ZR90 (Review, Specs, $229). Where Canon separates itself from the pack of manufacturers is with their 65 years of acclaim in the optics industry. This means that the lens of the ZR80 is crafted with approximately sixteen layers of glass by technicians with more than a half of a century of experience.
Like its predecessors, the ZR80 has the solid appearance of a well-designed piece of machinery. The camcorder is comfortable to hold, due in part to a line size reduction of 18 percent from models featured in last year's ZRs. And like last year's models, many of the function buttons for manual control, digital effects, and VCR playback are organized on the housing; no need to learn the ins and outs of a digitized menu. Although, one drawback - one which transcends the industry, - is the depressible jog dial that controls these features. The dial is always small and the placement may trouble users.
Video Performance (4.5)
The ZR80 has the same 1/6 inch 680K pixel CCD with 340K effective pixels as last year's ZR line. When considering video performance, it's a reasonable conclusion to liken the ZR80's performance to last year's ZR65MC (Review, Specs, $259.99). In the camcorderinfo.com review, the ZR65MC excelled in sunny lighting or well-lit situations, but produced an under saturated or muted image in dimly lit settings. This seems to be a trend with the entire ZR line and as the video performance test revealed on the ZR85, that with this year's models, video performance has not changed. Tested at 3000 lx, the ZR80, like its elder siblings and predecessors, the image quality at 3000 lx was good, but the colors looked a little muted and dull. Of course, this test was conducted with the camcorders in automatic mode, and with some tinkering, one might argue that a better image can be produced. But this test was designed to analyze the camcorders performance under automatic, pick up and recording settings.
Processor response time on the ZR80 was fast in auto mode. It should be noted that as the brilliancy of the light source decreases, the response time can be compromised. The ZR80 is built with a DigicDV chip with VIC circuit connectivity. Canon describes the combination as a way to minimize the number or chips used in camcorder functionality, and thereby increasing the unit's electronic efficiency. The ZR80 stayed in focus while adapting to new levels of zoom and shifting focal lengths.
The Front (8.0)
The Canon 30.5mm lens sits prominently at the top front of the ZR80. This version of the Canon Video Lens has a powerful 18x optical zoom and a focal range of 2.8-50.4mm, with Fstop steps from 1:1.6. The quality of the lens is apparent and the addition of threading for lens attachments will be useful to those with a wide-angle or telephoto converter, or filter. Underneath the lens is a brushed-blue surface with a gray Canon logo superimposed across the face. Below the logo is a vertical and cylindrical infrared sensor. The sensor bisects a two-channel microphone that offers wind-screening capabilities and records in 12bit or 16bit sound. A gray hard plastic panel concealing a DV port for Firewire connectivity is at the base of the camcorder. The design is new, as last year's cover was blue and was rubber instead of plastic.
The Right Side (9.0)
Canon has long been a favorite when it comes to strap design. This year's ZR line improves on a good thing with a newly designed all-suede strap. They did away with the somewhat cheesy pleather border that appeared on last year's ZRs. At the front of the ZR80 is a sturdy gray hard rubber cover that conceals the AV In/Out port, which doubles as a headphone jack. The Canon covers should last for years, as they're not the flimsy style that appears in many low-end camcorders. The designers also improved upon the ergonomics of the cam by implementing a gradual cylindrical progression of plastic ovals that ends at the locking mode selector, adding to the comfort level. The bottom-loading MiniDV is housed beneath this side of the camcorder.
The Back (7.0)
Another of the newly designed features appears on the back of the ZR80. Canon, in an effort to enhance ease of use, put a toggle switch that limits access to manual and digital enhancement functions. With a flick of the switch, any newbie who's in too deep with regard to manual enhancement, and lack of manual reading, can reset to automatic defaults. Just above the ''safe'' button is a sturdy red record button surrounded by the silver and green locking menu selector. When your thumb is resting on the ovals that gradually grow from the right side, it's a short trip to the record button.
The lithium ion battery pack on the back of the ZR80 should allow for two full hours of shooting time. The 7.4 volt power cable input is located below the battery housing, meaning you can charge while shooting. The eject button trigger is at the top right of the back of the ZR80 and clicks off the battery.
The Left Side (9.0)
The left side of the ZR80, as in all the ZRs, has the unique distinction of appearing as a stand-alone viewer or a camcorder in action. This is due in large part to Canon's placement of four brushed steel dual-feature VCR control buttons. These buttons sit conveniently above the LCD, and give the cam a dual-purpose design. Of course when not viewing tape, rewind and fast forward can be used to search tape, and the play button engages manual focus. The stop button is the surrogate for a big CCD, otherwise know as Night Mode. Underneath, or behind the 2.5 inch LCD, are digital effects, manual or automatic exposure, record and pause buttons.
The control for nearly all of the features, as well as the menu navigation tool, is located at the back of the LCD, near the battery- it's the depressible jog dial. Many who've followed Caminfo's reviews know that this is a popular pet peeve. This one small mechanism will likely receive as much use as the record button. The depressible jog dial allows users to scroll up and down through menu options and choose settings by pushing the spring-loaded dial into the camcorder housing. It also replaces a focus ring and controls exposure steps. The depressible jog dial is to a camcorder what a mouse is to a personal computer. However, the dial appears to be designed for a mouse. It's way too small and placement is another area for improvement. If you've got your right hand in the new suede strap and you stretch the corner of your hand around the cam, the dial is placed below the first knuckle of your finger, making adjustment a challenge. With your left hand supporting the underside of the camcorder, the dial isn't close to the left thumb or forefinger. Trying to make adjustments while in shooting mode is awkward; while it isn't the end of the world, it would be nice to have the excellence of the other external button transferred to that feature.
The Top(9.0)
Innovation is also found at the top of the ZR80. While the accessory port doesn't support an external microphone, the new viewfinder housing extends a full 180 degrees from the locked position. ZR80 users can shoot with the viewfinder fully extended and their palm holding the bottom of the chassis - think toddlers or puppies. The accessory port at the top of the ZR80 is hot, meaning the spotlight accessory doesn't have an old-school small cord running into a power port. This also means you don't have to buy separate batteries. This is both a positive and a negative (if you're running from battery power and not current and you're powered up with an external spotlight, you'll need a second battery at the ready). It is always a disappointment when a camcorder company doesn't offer external microphone capabilities. Although the Canon microphone is on the top end of the cams tested, it's unlikely that anything shot outdoors, or in a noisy environment, will give sound replication befitting your memories. At the back right of the ZR80, there's a raised toggle switch to control the formidable 18x optical zoom. This toggle was the subject of speculation at CES, as Camcorderinfo.com felt it wasn't up to the Canon standard. Although, after spending some time with the toggle, I found it easy to control the zoom speeds and in perfect placement to the record button and electronic shutter. In fact, so tempting was the location that I had to stop myself from falling victim to zoom overuse! The electronic shutter that captures stills to tape is located an eighth of an inch behind the zoom toggle - and again, kudos to Canon for placement.
Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (5.0)
The ZR80 is designed to be used both in manual and automatic. The DigicDV processor has the power to control automation, specifically changes in focal points, zoom, and lighting environments in nearly seamless fashion under well-lit conditions. These processor defaults can also be adjusted manually to either enhance or modify pictures for creative purposes.
Overall Manual Control (5.0)
The Canon ZR80 has functionality adjustments in nearly all manual controls: focus, exposure, shutter speed and white balance. Missing from the list are gain and audio controls. The only drawback is the previously mentioned depressible jog dial, which is used to make nearly all adjustments.
Zoom (6.5)
The Canon ZR80 offers an impressive 18x optical zoom. The optical zoom has been a standout feature in the ZR line for several years. In fact, the logical leap is that Canon has pushed other manufacturers to increase the optical zoom power of their cams by consistently presenting users with the power of an 18x optical zoom. Canon's 65 years of lens excellence sets the ZR80 apart from camcorders designed by other manufacturers. The zoom is controlled with a raised and redesigned toggle switch that accurately takes cam operators through only two zoom speeds. This, for a low-end camcorder, is a good idea because a full palate of zoom speeds would likely go unused by the low-end user.
Focus (3.0)
The focus control on the ZR80 is a mixed bag. While placing the manual focus engagement button on the exterior of the cam is great, the ease of access to the actual focusing is somewhat of a hassle. The button is large and clearly identifiable, but the depressible jog dial is not as good as a small focus ring. The jog dial prevents quick focal adjustment. The processor moves from closeup to far away slowly.
Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
The ZR80 has manual exposure control, AE shift; the feature is activated and controlled in the same fashion as manual focus. The ZR80 goes from -2.0 to +2.5 in increments of .25. This is in numerical format in both the LCD and the viewfinder.
Shutter Speed (3.0)
Shutter speed is adjusted through the LCD menu on the ZR80. The steps of speed escalate incrementally: 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, to 1/2000th of a second. Many other camcorders in the low-end category have more shutter speed options.
White Balance (7.0)
As with most consumer point-and-shoot camcorders, the ZR80 has the standard white balance settings. Choosing between auto, manual, indoor or outdoor is achieved within the LCD menu.
Gain (0.0)
The Canon ZR80 offers no manual gain control.
Still Performance(5.5)
The ZR80 shoots stills to MiniDV at 640 x 480 resolution. This is the standard at this level of camcorder. When an image is captured on tape, time code pauses on the footage being recorded. The ZR80 pauses for six seconds. However, the ZR80 continues to record sound during the six seconds. This pause can certainly be edited out of the final video, and the sound can be used in the fade, wipe, iris or whatever transitions the user chooses. Also, if you're viewing unedited MiniDVs - for example, a two-year-old's birthday party with a still of the candles being extinguished with squeals of glee - you've got a neat shot. However, if it's a soccer game, the pause could cause the user to miss some important action.
VCR Mode (9.0)
The ZR80 and the rest of the ZR line are favorites when it comes to VCR usage. The stainless steel rewind, fast forward, play, and stop buttons stationed directly above the LCD create a portable viewer. The placement is top rate and the buttons themselves are large and function well. With the exception of a frame by frame shuttle, the Canon ZR80 VCR mode includes all the features you'll need.
Low Light Performance(2.0)
Low light, low light, low light. What does that mean anyway? An average room in a house with a one or two bulb fixture measures about 80 lx. We consider anything under 100 lx to be a low-lit scenario for a camcorder. With most one-chip camcorders, buyers should not expect award winning images at these light levels. Our test takes the lux level down to 60 lx and to 15 lx, which to the naked eye isn't that dark. As in previous reviews, the ZR line has struggled to perform even moderately well at 15 lx. There is a serious problem with graininess all across the image. The shift from 60 lx to 15 lx is where ZR80's ability to perform comes into question. In automatic, 15 lx has nearly the same overall "brightness" as the images at 60 lx, but the noise and grain increase is very dramatic. Anything at these levels is difficult to watch.
LCD/ Viewfinder (7.0)
The Canon ZR80 has a 2.5-inch color LCD screen with 112,000 pixels of resolution. The LCD shows a clear image that could be a little crisper. The fonts in the display don't clutter the space, which is welcome considering the overbearing LCDs of some manufacturers. The LCD can be manipulated to nearly every conceivable angle and recessed into the camcorder body to change the ZR80 into a portable playback unit. The color viewfinder is adjustable to a full 80 degrees - nearly perpendicular. So if you prefer shooting with the camcorder in your open palm, you can shoot tabletop style with ease. Without a nearly perpendicular viewfinder you would need to shoot with the LCD. A viewfinder that only lifts to 45 degrees is useless for this subject style. In addition, the focal length adjustment will help eyeglass users with minor prescriptions, although once you take your eye from the viewfinder you'll need to replace the glasses. So a large eye cup that will allow for use with glasses would be a great upgrade for the next generation. However, the existing Canon eye cup is better than most.
Audio (6.0)
As a rule, built-in camcorder microphones are not the greatest way to achieve accurate acoustics. Unfortunately, the ZR80 doesn't have any accessory microphone options; the cold-shoe is for a spotlight only. The windscreen is nearly standard industry wide now, as is the 12bit or 16bit sound rate. This allows for voiceover in post.
Handling (8.0)
Canon's ZR80 handles great, the camcorder is small and light, but still substantial. The hand strap on the ZR80 creates a snug feel in the user's hand. Stainless steel buttons and muted brushed colors add to the appearance and functionality, and will likely out last the technology itself. The ZR80 is very balanced, so it is easy to keep steady for long periods of time. The steady shot will keep the picture from jumping to a great degree even when the hand tires. The viewfinder rotation creates new shooting postures, which will be used by many users. A detractor is a bottom-loading tape mechanism with an eject switch on the underside of the cam. However, because of its placement, it might not infringe upon tripod shooting. A significant area for improvement is the depressible jog dial or central command of ZR80 functionality. Increasing the size and moving the dial either farther up the body or to the front of the camcorder for easy thumb access should be considered in next year's models. A personal favorite for such design is the Optura XI, a recently released consumer/prosumer camcorder from Canon. Port placement and the durability of their covers is another well conceived aspect of the ZR80 and Canon's attention to detail.
Ports(8.0)
The ZR80 has a Mini AV in/out jack, which is also the headphone jack and a Firewire port.
Other Features (3.5)
Skin Detail The ZR80 has a new digital feature called the Skin Detail Function, which softens skin tones. It is designed to diffuse focus on facial imperfections; eliminating potential embarrassing moments during group playback.
16:9 widescreen mode Digitally enhanced.
Analog to Digital Pass Through The ZR80 can transfer an analog signal from a VCR or television to DVD, and can directly duplicate that content if your PC has a DVD burner.
Comparisons
The ZR80 technically replaces the ZR65MC or the ZR60, but the replacement is more of an update than a redesign, with the exception of an increase in optical zoom power. This is most apparent in the CCD size and video and low-light performance. Looking across the field of manufacturers in the low-end range, Canon falls in the upper half of the group - closer to the upper than the middle.
Sony introduced the DCR-HC30 (Review, Specs, $399) with a MSRP of $600. The camcorder replaces last year's DCR-TRV22 (Specs, $999). The major changes are a CCD reduction (1/6 in. vs. 1/4 in.) to accommodate a 25 percent smaller physical size, the addition of the LCD record button and the built-in shutter, and the across the board introduction of new night shot technology called Super Night Shot Plus. Sony is always a popular choice and their DCR-HC30 doesn't disappoint as an entry level choice. Although with the total functionality controlled from within the LCD, better to use this one in automatic.
JVC targets low-end consumers with their GR-D33US, which is 20 percent smaller than last year's model. This camcorder is for use in full automation and is also without an SD card. The GR-D33US has a 1/6th-inch 680k and 16x zoom, but even the JVCs come with a built-in LED light. The light is bright, and the camcorder is very inexpensive; the GR-D33US has a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $449.99. This is significantly less than most of the competition.
The Sharp VL-Z300U is the least expensive camcorder. The VL-Z300U is also a basic point-and-shoot MiniDV camcorder without an SD card. Sharp has a unique split body design that allows for lens rotation 240 degrees. The majority of controls on the VL-Z300U are accessed in the LCD menu - similar to Sony. Although unlike most other manufacturers, Sharp has manual gain control and shutter speed. Another worthwhile distinction is the LCD, which is transmissive and reflective. Battery powered backlighting is adjusted by the processor, so in direct sunlight, the LCD is illuminated by the sun's natural light. With an MSRP of $500, the VL-Z300U is a strong competitor in the low-end.
Who's it For
Point and Shooters The ZR80 is a good choice for point and shooters, as that's what it's designed for. The ZR80 will suffice as long as users don't need SD still performance.
Budget Consumers The ZR80 offers a good value for a top notch lens, a well-built housing, a big ol' optical zoom, and a fast processor.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid The ZR80 shoots stills to tape at 640x480.
Gadget Freaks The ZR80 is a quality MiniDV point-and-shoot camcorder.
Manual Control Freaks The ZR80 has abundant manual control; the only drawback is the control mechanism.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists The ZR80 would work as a backup, or as a b-roll cam for the not-so-serious pro.
Conclusion
Point-and-shoot consumers on a budget should look to the ZR80; it is a good point-and-shoot camcorder with a low-end industry standard CCD size of 1/6 of an inch. Where the Canon stands out from the pack is its outstanding zoom and superior lens. In addition, the unit, like every cam in the Canon line, is well designed with strong construction that is apparent from a quick glance and lasting use. The detractors are marginal considering the price: no SD card, no external microphone capabilities, and poor low-light performance. If you have a few more dollars to spend, consider purchasing the next step up in the ZR line as they are more sophisticated models. Although if you're at the low-end price range, you'll be hard pressed to find a cam with an SD card and you may not even have use for it because of a lack of computer hardware.
If you don't want to spend a lot but you want craftsmanship, Canon is a lens leader. Only Sony can compare with its Carl Zeiss package. Canon has been contributing quality to the world of lenses for more than 65 years. These decades of development mean sixteen layers of glass and powerful optical zooms -the most powerful zooms in the marketplace.
The entire ZR line has undergone a size reduction, a trend seen across manufacturers. But at 18 percent smaller than its predecessors, the ZR80 has a durable appearance that isn't just looks. The camcorder is comfortable to hold and will last the test of time. Whether the technology and small CCD will last is another issue. Nicely designed buttons on the exterior of the cam make control easy. However, the depressible jog dial that controls the majority of features needs an update. Unfortunately the low light performance issues that plague the ZR line make it a difficult camcorder to whole heartedly recommend, which is a shame as there are many great features on the ZR camcorders. If low light is not an issue for you, then any of the ZR models would be a great asset. If low light performance is an issue, then camcorders with larger/ multiple CCDs is certainly the answer.