Exceptional quality for the price

I finally decided it was finally time to get with the 21st century and replace my antiquated Zenith VHS-C camcorder from the 1980's when I realized that I was using my digiam's secondary video function more instead of lugging that monstrosity with its bullet proof suitcase around.

I decided the first place to start with camcorders is deciding on the format. In the day of my S-VHS machine, it was pretty simple for consumers: You'd pick VHS or VHS-C, simply because either would work in your VCR (the latter requiring an adapter). VHS-C is still alive and kicking, but there's also Hi-8, Digital 8, Mini DV, DVD, and some even come with hard drives! It didn't take me long to narrow down my choice. My fear of the heads crashing into the platter of an expensive hard drive in a device that's going to get bumped and knocked around eliminated that choice. Hi-8 and S-VHS are analog, and I'm wanting digital quality, so I eliminated those two. Digital8 seems to be only supported by Sony, and after the Beta vs. VHS fiasco, I learned my lesson about going with a format with limited support. DVD's are compressed and therefore entail some loss in data. I also have my doubts about how well an on-the-fly DVD recorder will stand up being bumped and knocked around in less than ideal conditions. Memory sticks are expensive and have limited capacity That pretty much leaves Mini DV, which uses the tried-and-tested, very reliable, decades-old tape mechanism; not a whole lot different from what corporations and governments have used for decades to back up and archive important computer data. It's also the preferred format in high end professional video gear.

It turns out there's a wide variety of camcorders to choose from using the MiniDV format, so to help narrow it down, I set some criteria. I set my budget at between $400 and $800 CAD. I enjoy travel a lot, and prefer to travel light so I wanted something very small, but did not sacrifice image quality. In the end, I chose the Canon ZR-400 for the following reasons:

Price: Costco online had this camera for $599; well within my budget. Plus, shipping was free, so I could avoid the hassles of fighting the holiday crowds.

Look and feel: The camera fits in the palm of my hand and feels very durable. For reference, I wear a large sized glove. I could hold it for extended periods of time without fatigue. The camera feels as though it will take bumps and knocks and will last for years. The only "Flaw" in the design is the bottom-loading tape; however, it's evident to me that this contributes to the camera's diminutive size.

Lens and sensor: The two most important parts of any camcorder. The lens is made by Canon, which has been making razor-sharp professional grade and consumer grade lenses for decades, and continue to do so in the ZR-400. The sensor is a 1.3 megapixel sensor. A caveat with camcorders like this is that they only utilize the entire sensor when in still camera mode. When in videocam mode, they only use just over half of the sensor at any given time. The other half is used for features such as electronic image stabilization, low light mode, and widescreen mode. Still, with 690,000 pixels in 4:3 format mode and up to 750,000 pixels in widescreen mode, the resulting captured video is razor-sharp with lots of detail. Compare this to the more expensive Sony Handycam, which uses 340,000 pixels out of 680,000 available. Compared to other similar cameras in and above its price range, the Canon comes out ahead and is the better value.

Low light mode: Camcorders in this class generally have a tough time in low light situations. This is due to the size of the lens. If you check out cameras that are made for night vision use, you'll see that they have massive lenses in comparison; not really suitable for travelling light. Fortunately, Canon realized this and addressed this problem in three different ways: By increasing the number of pixels used to capture the available amount of light, by allowing the shutter to slow down to a very slow 1/30th of a second, and by incorporating a surprisingly bright LED light below the lens. For exceptional performance in low light, it pays to read the manual.

Photo mode: One reason some people buy a camcorder like this is to use it as a digital camera. At 1.3 megapixels, it'll produce fine 4x6 prints, but that's all. It's not a suitable replacement for a digicam, with even low end models sporting 4 megapixels. What it is good for is using with the camera's Chroma Key feature. What this means is you can photograph something, then use it as the background when shooting a subject in front of a blue screen. Features like this truly make this camcorder a television studio that fits in the palm of your hand.

Other features: Some of the more notable features (besides the "Blue Screen" special effects) are: Audio dubbing capability, skin detail softener, nine different fades, and multi-image screens (to name just a few). It also sports five unique AE modes: Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, and Low Light.

Manual controls: This camera allows the user to manually adjust the focus, shutter speed (up to 1/2000), Auto Exposure, and white balance.

Accessories: One notable accessory is the wide angle attachment, which really helps a lot when shooting in close quarters (such as inside a vehicle) or when taking in landscape shots. Also included was a camera bag, strap, lens cap, a 16MB memory card, software, USB cable, stereo video cable, compact power adapter, battery pack, remote control, and a couple of Lithium batteries. What should be included is a MiniDV tape to get started with.

Summary: This camera is an exceptional product. Solidly built, a beginner can start using it right away in easy mode, while still remaining quite sophisticated for a budding videographer. The images in both widescreen and 4:3 are razor sharp with excellent colour reproduction. Widescreen is true widescreen and not just a gimmick. Low light problems common with small camcorders are addressed (tip: use a tripod). A consumer-end product that delivers professional results.

UPDATE DECEMBER 9, 2005

At first, it may seem that this camera comes pretty well-equipped; indeed, for the casual user, it may very well be more than they'll ever need. However, there are some people who take videography more seriously. People who prefer their videos to look exceptional rather than just good. This camera is a great platform for such a serious amateur on a budget, and there are some inexpensive accessories that will help in making those family vacation videos something people might actually enjoy watching. Thus, I have listed, in order of importance, the accessories you will want to get for this camera.

1. 28mm UV filter. This filter screws on the end of the lens and filters out UV light. More importantly, it will protect the lens. By blocking out UV light, it will sharpen things when it's hazy, but the results aren't that dramatic. What's important is it's protecting the most important part of the camera. You can leave this type of filter on the camera pretty much all the time for an extra layer of protection. Let the UV filter take all the abuse and scratches; it's a lot cheaper to replace than the lens!

2. Tripod. Paticularly in low light situations, you will get the most out of this camera when it's mounted on a tripod. I suggest getting one with a fluid head and a quick release; the fluid head makes your pans and tilts smooth, and the quick release will facilitate quick tape changes, as the tape loads from the bottom. I found the Velbon CX 440 to be a good choice and value at around $50 Cdn.

3. Long life battery. The battery that comes with this camera is adequate for casual use; however, the more serious videographer will find it limited. Camcorder batteries are measured in Milliamp hours (mAh). The one included is rated at 720 mAh. According to the manual, that's good for about an hour. When you're on that once-in-a-lifetime trip, one hour isn't going to cut it. I'd get one that is rated at double that, giving you a couple of hours. Combined with the battery that comes with the camera, you'll have about 3 hours before you have to plug in, which should just suffice.

4. Polarizing filter. This also acts as a neutral density filter. Light refracts and bounces in all different directions when the sun is out and shining bright, creating glare everywhere. A polarizing filter will only let the light coming straight at you to enter the lens, thus eliminating glare. It also makes the sky bluer than blue and makes everything stand out; you'll even be able to see right into a body of water. Try on a pair of polarizing sunglasses in mid-day when the sun is high and shining bright, and you'll see for yourself what a dramatic difference it makes.

5. Battery charger. The camera can charge a battery, but this is inconvenient when you have two batteries. Plus, when you're on that Great Canadian (or American) road trip, you need to plug in to an AC outlet to recharge your batteries. You'll want to get a battery charger that can plug into a car's cigarette lighter plug or in an AC outlet so you can recharge your batteries wherever you are. This also lets you go out and use one battery while the other is charging.

Canon does sell the charger, filters, and battery, but you may discover that what you'll pay in these accessories may add up to what you paid for the camera in the first place! I found that Optex batteries and chargers work very well and have the best price. I found a Cokin polarizing filter for $22 Cdn., and a Cokin UV filter for $10 Cdn. at Future Shop, and they work just as well.