Canon ZR85 Camcorder Review

by Mark Bassett
Published on Mar 26, 2004 12:00 AM



The Canon ZR85 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $356.49) is the middle of the road version in the line of new ZR camcorders which were introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show, Canon released the model to the U.S. marketplace at a suggested manufactures retail price of $500. The ZR85 has a few upgrades over the less expensive ZR80 (Review, Specs, $284), but not quite as many as the ZR90 (Review, Specs, $229) with the most relevant addition being the SD card for stills. Bump up your out the door price and you can find that feature on both the ZR85 and the ZR90. Canon's 65 years of optics acclaim mean that the lens of the ZR85 is crafted with approximately sixteen layers of glass, however, that glass doesn't help the low light performance, where the ZR camcorders have hurt for many years.

The ZR85 has the solid feel of a well designed piece of machinery. The camcorder is comfortable to hold for long periods of time because of a size reduction of 18% over last years models. However, like last years models, manual control and functionality are operated from buttons on the exterior of the ZR85, not the LCD menu. Manual control, digital effects, and VCR playback are organized well on the housing. The depressible jog dial that controls these features is small and its placement may trouble users.

Video Performance (4.5)
The Canon ZR85 is fitted with the same 1/6 inch 680K pixel CCD with 340K effective as last year's ZR line. It is a reasonable logical leap to liken the camcorder's performance to last year's ZR65MC (Review, Specs, $259.99), in fact the two camcorders are nearly identical. In the Camcorderinfo.com review of the ZR65MC, the video performance was described as excelling in sunny lighting or well lit situations, and producing an under saturated or muted image in less then optimal lighting. Quite simply put, the same can be said for the ZR85. We tested the ZR85 under several varying luminance settings, the camcorder in full automatic: 3000 lux, 60 lux, and 15 lux. At 3000 lux, the ZR85 reproduced slightly drab, under saturated colors on the chart. There was moderate definition between the various colors and grayscales and the whites seemed dull. Nonetheless, at 3000 lux, it's a pretty good image. The video performance has not changed.

In regards to response time, the ZR85 is built with a DigicDV chip with VIC circuit connectivity. The combination is described by Canon as minimizing the number or chips used in camcorder functionality, and thus increasing the unit's electronic efficiency. The ZR85 was lighting fast when shift from principals at a variety of focal lengths, and staying in focus while adapting to new levels of zoom.

The Front (8.0)
65 years in design, the Canon 30.5mm lens, sits prominently at the top front of the ZR85. This version of the Canon Video Lens has a powerful 20x optical zoom, and a focal range of 2.8-56mm, with Fstop steps from 1.6-3.2. Underneath the lens is a brushed-grey surface with a gray Canon logo superimposed across the face. Below the logo is an infrared sensor. The sensor rests above a two channel microphone that offers wind-screening capabilities, and records in 12bit or 16bit sound. A gray rubber panel concealing a DV port for Firewire connectivity is at the base of the camcorder. The color design is new, as last year's cover was blue.

The Right Side (8.5)
Canon is the only manufacturer (Sony comes close) that has removed all cheese factors from the straps of their camcorders. Canon has long been a favorite when it comes to strap design, and this year's ZR line improves on a good thing with a newly designed all-suede strap. Most manufactures send a production assistant down to the marketplace to find the lamest piece of material around, and slap that on as a strap. Aesthetics aside, a quality strap mean a secure and comfortable grip on the camcorder when shooting. As an aside, my solution would be to send all of the designers to Fashion Week in Manhattan, or better yet Milan, and after a few of Vivian Tam's show they'll understand the cosmetics of function.

Canon must have sent some of their team to MOMA for inspiration for the latest in ergonomics. The implementation of a gradual cylindrical progression of plastic ovals that ends at the locking mode selector is a marriage of form and function. At the front of the ZR85 is a grey plastic cover that conceals the AV In/Out port, and USB. The cover is quality, not the flimsy style that appears in many consumer camcorders. The bottom loading MiniDV is housed beneath this side of the camcorder.

The Back (7.0)
Another of user friendly designs so pervasive in the marketplace is the ZR85's toggle switch that limits access to manual and digital enhancement functions. The switch is located just below the record button, and any newbie who's overwhelmed by effects of manual adjustment can reset to automatic defaults. The record button is sturdy steel, surrounded by the silver and green locking menu selector.

The lithium ion battery pack has a trigger the eject button at top right of the back, and should allow for two full hours of shoot time. Below the battery is the 7.4 volt power cable input.

The Left Side (9.0)
The left side, like the right side of the ZR85, is a design feat. The ZR's have the unique distinction of not only resembling a cool looking camcorder, but when the LCD is recessed (screen side out) they also look like a stand alone viewer. A key component, and a welcome addition, is the external brushed steel dual-feature VCR control buttons. The buttons are positioned above the LCD, and give the cam a dual-purpose design. In operational mode, the 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 shot. A slew of digital effects, manual or automatic exposure and the SD card slide show button are located underneath the 2.5 inch LCD. Next to the LCD is a plastic panel that conceals the spring loaded SD card reader/recorder.

The depressible jog dial control and menu navigation tool is located at the back of the LCD. The one small mechanism is more useful than the high-quality steel record button. Design team concentration on the dial in future models would be a welcome addition to the ZR line.

The Top (9.0)
On top the ZR85 does have an accessory shoe but not for an external microphone. Additionally, the new viewfinder extends a full 80 degrees from the locked position. In regards to audio, it's always disappointing when there are no external microphone capabilities. Although the Canon internal microphone is one of the better internals on the market, it just won't capture accurate audio outdoors or in a noisy environment. It'll cut the wind but it won't get anywhere near professional quality. On the plus side the ZR85's raise toggle controls a super 20x optical zoom. After using the switch for some time, I found it easy to manage the two zoom speeds and it's also well with in reach of the user's forefinger. The electronic shutter that captures stills to tape or SD card and is located a fraction of an inch away from the zoom toggle.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (5.0)
With a few exceptions, the ZR85 is a performer in manual and automatic control. The lack of gain control on the manual end is counter balanced by the DigicDV processor, which controls automation in well lit environments in near seamless fashion.

Overall Manual Control (5.0)
There is significant manual control over picture in the Canon ZR series, and the fact that the majority of these controls are not LCD based is a blessing. The ZR85's manual repertoire includes control over focus, exposure, shutter speed and white balance. The negative is a depressible jog dial that's unwieldy. The dial is too small and awkwardly placed to make the most of the manual control.

Zoom (7.5)
At the top of the heap, well, actually one step down from the ZR90, the Canon ZR85 has a powerful 20x optical zoom. Combined with 65 years of lens excellence, the optical zoom is the standout feature in the ZR line. Zoom is controlled with a redesigned toggle switch that accurately designates the desired speed of the zoom, but sadly there are only two zoom speeds.

Focus (3.0)
The ease of access to engage manual focus is outstanding, but the focus control on the ZR85 leaves something to be desired. A button on the left side of the ZR85 puts the camcorder in manual focus mode, but adjustments are done with the depressible jog dial. Focus rings for everyone next year?

Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
The ZR85s manual exposure control, or AE shift, is operated in the same fashion as manual focus. Kudos for the external engagement button, but low marks for the jog dial.

Shutter Speed (3.0)
The LCD controlled shutter speed on ZR85 has steps of speed that escalate incrementally - 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, to 1/2000th of a second.

White Balance (7.0)
Also part of the LCD menu controls are the standard white balance settings. The ZR85 offers auto, manual, indoor or outdoor.

Gain (0.0)
The Canon ZR85 offers no manual gain control.

Still Performance(5.5)
The ZR85 shoots stills to MiniDV at 640 x 480 or to an SD card at 640x480 or 1,028x768. This is on the lower end of the still resolution options currently on the market, but it is the standard for HD televisions, and most consumer monitors. You'll also be happy that the optical pixels are being used for video and not stills, that is unless you bought your camcorder to be used as a digital camcorder.

VCR Mode (9.0)
Located directly above the LCD on the ZR85 are stainless steel rewind, fast forward, play, and stop buttons. The placement is perfect and it creates a self contained playback device when the LCD is recessed screen side out. The buttons themselves are large steel ovals that function well. With the exception of a frame by frame shuttle, the VCR mode on the Canon ZR85 includes all the features you'll need.

Low Light Performance (2.0)
The ZR85 features the same 1/6th inch 680k CCD as in previous year's models, and even with the quality camcorder lens, the small size of the CCD translated into poor low light performance in the past. Previous observations included excessive picture grain in low or moderate light. The ZR85 is rated for shooting at 2 LUX (night-mode) and has a suggested minimum LUX requirement of more than 100.

At 60 lux, image quality is compromised on just about any camera and in the case of the ZR85, image quality at these lower levels is an issue. The color integrity, in comparison to the 3000 lux test, remains true, but the noise/grain is noticeable and there is a good deal of image distortion which inhibits the camcorder's ability to make automatic adjustments. The overall image at 60 lux is drab, slightly noisy, and differentiation between colors is fading.

At 15 lux, the ZR85 manages to maintain almost the same "brightness" as at 60 lux, but the noise/grain at this level is a serious problem. There are several places where differentiation between colors is gone, and the whites are now a shade of gray. There is a lot of graininess in the image which creates thousands of lighter/darker spots within each of the color bars, making it difficult for a true color representation to be achieved.

As suggested in the ZR user forum on CamcorderInfo.com, we tested the ZR85 in given manual settings. By doing so, we noticed that the images were (at the low level settings of 60 and 15 lux) significantly darker but had less noise/grain in the overall image. However, testing "video performance" using suggested settings is very problematic and it becomes extremely difficult to maintain consistency when testing multiple brands at multiple price ranges. At camcorderinfo.com, we're still coming up with a way to incorporate manual settings more seriously and more accurately-we'll keep you posted.

LCD/ Viewfinder (7.0)
The Canon ZR85 has a 2.5 in color LCD screen with 112,000 pixels of resolution. The LCD shows a detailed image, and the font placement doesn't clutter the space. The color viewfinder adjusts a full 80 degrees-nearly perpendicular for shooting with your hand supporting the bottom with an open palm. A drawback of the viewfinder is the thin rubber eye cup, which is frustrating for those who wear glasses. While you can adjust the magnification to fit your optic deficiencies, you'll stretch out your glasses by resting them on the top of your head.

Audio (6.0)
A general rule when it comes to accurate sound is that built in camcorder microphones are not the greatest. Unfortunately, the ZR85 doesn't have external microphone options. Integrating a mic into next years model would be a trend that consumers would receive well.

Handling (8.0)
The stainless steel buttons and muted brushed colors create the appearance and functionality, and the Canon ZR85 has the functionality to backup it's appearance. The newly designed ergonomic thumb rest that abuts the record button adds to the intuitive feel of the camcorder. The newly designed suede strap feels substantial, and holds the cam very balanced, and easy to steady for long periods of time. The addition of extra viewfinder angulations creates new shooting postures, and the reduction of size translates to less weight. Detractors are the depressible jog dial and the missing microphone port. Increasing the size and moving the dial to the front of the camcorder, like the Optura XI, a recently released consumer/prosumer camcorder, would enhance the camcorder. Port placement is top-notch, this includes the sturdy plastic covers that conceal these ports.

Ports(8.0)
The ZR85 has a two ports, a Mini AV in / out jack, which is also the headphone jack, a Firewire port, and a USB.

Other Features
(4.5)
The ZR85 has very few other features, however, one digital feature worth mentioning is the Skin Detail Function which softens skin tones. This feature is designed to minimize the sharp focus on facial imperfections; eliminating potential embarrassing moments during group playback.
16:9 widescreen mode
Digitally enhanced.
Webcam USB port, but no software.

MPEG Barely, a few seconds on a 8mb card at smaller than postage stamp size.

Analog to Digital Pass Through The ZR85 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
Comparing the ZR85 to the field of manufacturers, shows the ZR85 a little on the pricey side for it functionality. However, Canon quality is not debatable.

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% 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, it's better to use the DCR-HC30 in automatic.

JVC targets low-end consumers with their GR-D72US. The GR-D72US is 20% smaller than last years Compact Series. The camcorder is designed for full automation and use with moderate resolution stills. The GR-D72US has a 10x optical zoom on the 1/6th inch 680k CCD, which translates still resolutions of up to 1,024x768. The GR-D72US has a built in LED, and a 2.5 inch LCD. This is an equitable camcorder to the Canon, with the exception of zoom of a much smaller zoom, and a built in LED. With regard to durability, it's a close match.

The middle model in Sharp's 2004 Viewcams is the VL-Z500U. Sharp's VL-500U is a small sized, fully-automated consumer Viewcam that provides a comfortable feel and easy of use. The VL-Z500U's redesigned ergonomic hand strap does a great job of keeping the light-weight camcorder balanced when shooting. The 10x optical zoom on the 680K 1/6th inch CCD, gain control for shooting in low light, and a 2.5 inch LCD made of silicon that has transmissive and reflective capabilities are highlighted specs. The Sharp has the dual body design, and lists at a lower price point than the Canon.


Who's it For
Point and Shooter's The ZR85 is a point and shoot camcorder, but it's not totally stripped down, nor does it have all the bells and whistles. So it's a toss up in this category.

Budget Consumers The ZR85 offers a good value for a top notch lens, a well built housing, SD card, and a fast processor.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid The ZR85 shoots stills SD 1024x768, or at 640x480.

Gadget Freaks The ZR85 is low on the gadget end. Look to the ZR90 for built in LED and other enhancements.

Manual Control Freaks The ZR85 has abundant manual control, the only drawback is the control mechanism.

Pro's/ Serious Hobbyists The low light performance would be an issue in pro shooting situation.

Conclusion
Let's forget about the poor low light performance for a moment. If you disregard the low light performance, point and shoot consumers on a budget can look to the ZR85, it has 1/6 inch CCD. The thing about the ZR85, is it's in the middle, it doesn't quite go econo like the ZR80, but it doesn't have all the bells and whistles like the ZR90. So what to do? If you want a stand alone cam, meaning LED built in, super night shot, and SVideo go to the ZR90. If you want econo, no SD card, no LED, go the ZR80. If you've got a spotlight and don't care about SVideo or Super Night Shot, the ZR85 isn't a bad choice. When you look to Canon, what stands out is outstanding lens and zoom. 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. If you want craftsmanship, Canon is a lens leader, contributing quality to the world of lenses for over 65 years.

The entire ZR line has undergone a size reduction, a trend seen across manufactures, but like 18% smaller version of its predecessors, the ZR85 is durable. However, while Canon has shrunk the camcorder, they have once again neglected to address the major issue with the ZRs, their terrible low light performance, which has been a problem for over three yars. The camcorder is comfortable to hold, and will last the test of time. Whether the technology and small CCD will be able to withstand more shrinking is another issue. The light tests we conducted proved that the ZR's are still underperformers in low light scenarios, the performance frankly is terrible when compared to similarly priced Sony camcorders. The manual control is good, it handles well, but if you plan to shoot in any situation besides bright light, you're video is sadly going to have problems. Sadly, once again, it's hard to recomend the Canon ZR85 because of it's terrible low light performance.