Most powerful, versatile camcorder in the Canon ZR series
Canon ZR90
Manufacturer's Description
The Canon ZR90 is the most powerful and versatile camcorder in the ZR series, with powerful DIGIC DV and VIC imaging technologies, enhanced low-light image capture and exceptional digital connectivity. Capture life's precious moments the way you want them to be remembered, thanks to the Canon ZR90 camcorder.
Take incredible video AND photos simultaneously
Canon's expertise in imaging and electronics is flawlessly blended together in the ZR-series camcorders, thanks to the advanced DIGIC DV system. Since video and photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV utilizes two different color techniques to maximize video quality on a TV and still image quality for print or computer display.
Simultaneous Photo Recording
With the ZR90 you can even simultaneously capture VGA quality (640 x 480 pixels) digital photos onto a memory card while recording video. And for added flexibility, you can take up to 700 still images on a MiniDV single tape (in SP Mode). The camcorder records the photos for approximately 6 seconds, as well as recording the sound for your verbal notes or narration.
Seamlessly connect to your computer, TV or VCR
Embracing the industry's latest and most sophisticated technology, Canon camcorders feature an exclusive connection circuit, called VIC. VIC is a virtual powerhouse. Traditionally, multiple chips were needed to perform the camcorder's input and output functions. However VIC manages it all with one single chip. The result is seamless connectivity whether you are connecting to a computer, TV, or VCR.
Analog Line-In/Converter
Thanks to the Analog Line-In/Converter, you can also send an analog video signal from a TV, VCR or a camcorder into the ZR90 and record it onto a DV tape. You can even convert the analog signal into a digital signal, for direct transfer to digital video devices or computers equipped with an IEEE1394 terminal*.
*The Analog to Digital Converter may not function depending on the software used.
22x Optical Zoom / 440x Digital Zoom - Witness the power of a 22x Optical Zoom Lens
The Canon ZR-series camcorders are so advanced, they correct camcorder shake instantly. It's all thanks to a high quality Image Stabilization system that ensures your videos always look smooth, steady and natural even when shooting hand-held at full telephoto.
What's more, the ZR90 offers an incredible 22x Optical Zoom Lens with the outstanding quality of Genuine Canon Optics, in addition to a supplied WA-30.5 Wide Attachment (0.6x), giving you a wide perspective for indoor shots or panoramic views.
Shoot close-ups they'll love
When shooting close-ups of people, the ZR-series camcorders utilize a Skin Detail Function to automatically soften details. The result is a more complimentary appearance that will keep your family and friends coming back for another 15 minutes of fame.
Illuminate those super-low light moments
With the ZR-series camcorders, you can capture images and video even in low-lighting thanks to its enhanced Night mode. At the touch of a button, the camcorder selects the ideal shutter speed and sensitivity combination to brighten up the scene, without sacrificing color.
The ZR90, however, also gives you the power to assign the Super Night or Night Plus mode to the NIGHT MODE button. In the Super Night mode, the assist lamp lights up automatically responding to the brightness of the subject. In the Night Plus mode, the assist lamp stays on at all times.
Transfer images effortlessly
The ZR90 expands video possibilities with a built-in slot for an SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard, in addition to the MiniDV cassette. That means you can easily transfer digital photos to your PC straight from the camcorder using the supplied USB cable or IEEE1394.
DV Terminal
The IEEE1394-compliant DV terminal also lets you connect the ZR90 to a DV-compatible computer or another Canon DV camcorder. That means you can easily transfer your digital movies to your computer's hard disk, edit your scenes, and then use them to create high impact Web sites, video e-mail, interactive CDs and DVDs, or a personal video album.
Picture Transfer Protocol
The ZR90 makes life even simpler by supporting Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP). PTP enables data communication with a computer without the need to install dedicated driver software. In other words, PTP creates a direct link with the computer to access the camcorder as though it was an external card reader. This feature is available only with computers running Windows XP or Mac OS X (version 10.1 or later) operating system.
Get creative with supplied software
The ZR90 Kit includes software for image management and editing: ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Macintosh) which let you easily download, browse, archive, and retouch your photos. It will even automatically resize images and allow you to attach them to e-mail, arrange them for printing, and add text.
In addition, the ZR90 is supplied with DV Messenger2 software, which allows you to use your Canon camcorder for Internet Video Chat with Microsoft Windows Messenger through IEEE1394. Control the zoom and focus of your camcorder or the person you are chatting with. Preview thumbnails and transfer photos. Watch and control the video playback of either camcorder -- all from your computer.
Enjoy portable movie-making power
The ZR90 allows you to record movie clips in Motion JPEG format onto the memory card, for clear images and smooth playback. It also means you can easily take the 320 x 240 pixel or 160 x 120 pixel mini-movie and attach it to an e-mail or post it on the web. Best of all, you can record for the full length of the SD Memory Card*.
* Max. 60 minutes (512MB SD Memory Card). When using MultiMediaCards, movie clips are limited to 10 seconds in 320 x 240 and 30 seconds in 160 x 120.
Card Mix Effects
You can also produce effects not possible with just a cassette using the Card Mix Effects, or choose one of the sample images provided on the supplied SD Memory Card (such as picture frames, backgrounds and animations) and combine it with the live video recording.
Create magnificent panoramas
By using the StitchAssist Mode, you can create magnificent panoramas. Shoot your landscape, and transfer them to your computer. Then simply select and arrange your images in the correct order, and the supplied PhotoStitch software does the rest, aligning, overlapping and cropping the separate images to form one ultra-wide panoramic still image.
Keep the focus where you want it
Sometimes, the subject we want to photograph is not in the center of the frame. With the ZR90 camcorder, you can choose from one of three focusing points to automatically put the subject you want into sharp focus.
Take control of your creativity
The ZR90 gives great results in the hands of beginner, thanks to the preprogrammed auto exposure modes (Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow and Low Light mode); each carefully designed to give you the best possible image results under special shooting conditions. Meanwhile, the more experienced users will appreciate the manual focus, exposure level, white balance, and shutter speed controls.
Faders and Special Effects
The ZR90 also comes complete with a wide selection of faders and special effects that can add visual appeal and greater imaging variety. Choose from Fade Trigger, Wipe, Corner, Jump, Flip, Puzzle, Zigzag, Beam and Tide.
For a more creative look, you can switch on the following digital effects