Canon has today announced the super-slim DC10 and DC20, the company's first straight-to-DVD camcorders which it is claiming are also the industry's smallest and lightest 1-Megapixel DVD digital video cameras. Both camcorders also support PictBridge functionality, allowing you to print still images directly from the devices independently from a computer.

The 1.33-Megapixel DC10 and 2.2-Megapixel DC20 are both encased in silver aluminium casings and measure just 47x86x122mm (400/410g). However, the neatest feature of the gadgets is that they allow you to capture digital stills a video straight to DVD, so you can just whip out the disc after shooting and play it back in a regular DVD player. There's also a 2.5in. LCD screen, backlight button and Anti Reflective coating.

Specific scenes are instantly selectable for playback or you can edit from visual index playlists, which are created in-camera. An RGB filter promises rich and true colour reproduction by eliminating signal conversion and by providing 'true' split path processing, Canon's DIGIC DV processor should ensure high quality video and stills.

Both digital video cameras feature a 9-point AiAF auto focus. In addition, a Print/Share button is included for PC-free printing of photos direct to any PictBridge compatible photo printer - the first time this technology has featured on a DVD camcorder.

Both feature high-resolution 16:9 widescreen mode for panoramic widescreen, a 10x optical zoom lens with built-in lens cap and Electronic Image Stabiliser (EIS) for steady footage. The DC20 further adds a Super Night Mode for shooting in zero light conditions.

Around 8000 still images can be stored on a DVD, depending on image settings selected, or a much reduced number to miniSD memory cards. It is possible to shoot first to miniSD card and then transfer to DVD.

Shortcomings include the lack of headphone or microphone jacks, no DV or FireWire ports (USB only), and no ACC shoe.

BIOS, Jul 28, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Camcorder