Canon U.S.A.’s New HR10 HD Camcorder Combines Full 1080 High Definition Image Quality with the Convenience of Recording to DVD

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Creating High Definition (HD) home movies is now super-simple with the introduction of the HR10 High Definition Camcorder from Canon U.S.A., Inc. This Canon HD camcorder calls on the Company’s optical heritage, proprietary CMOS image sensor and HD expertise to help users effortlessly create and share High Definition movies on convenient DVD discs.

Consumers who are looking for the ideal camcorder to interface with the ever-expanding home entertainment environment and provide more High Definition content, need to look no further. The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder offers the benefits of top-notch broadcast quality lenses and photographic heritage by providing users with a Genuine Canon 10x optical zoom lens, a Full HD 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensor and the AVCHD video format. The HR10 HD Camcorder also helps users obtain the sharpest High Definition video possible, with the assistance of Canon’s exclusive Instant AF focus system and Super Range Optical Image Stabilization to help provide “rock solid” images at any focal length.

The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder features the ability to capture three megapixel still images, the new Multi-Angle Vivid LCD and the look and feel of film with the 24p Cine Mode. The smooth curves of the Camcorder fit snugly into the user’s grasp, allowing for easy, smooth, one-handed operation of nearly every function of the camcorder.

“Research shows that consumers are looking for the convenience of DVD, as well as high-quality HD video when choosing a camcorder. With the introduction of the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder, we provide consumers with a better way to record and preserve their memories in High Definition,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder enhances our offerings to the home theater aficionado, who demands nothing but the best in image quality, expands our product portfolio and strengthens our market leadership.”

The Easiest Way to HD…

Consumers should not be fooled by the small stature of the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder. Even though the HR10 Camcorder may be dwarfed by a wide-screen HDTV, the handheld camcorder holds its own among high-end home theatre hardware, including towering surround-sound speakers, Blu-ray players and game consoles. Through the use of the ultra-efficient Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD), the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder records 1080 HD video to conventional 3-inch (8cm) DVD discs. The AVCHD codec allows HD video to be captured in a variety of compression rates, using less storage space, and recorded to DVD discs, including high-capacity dual-layer discs for longer recording time. This allows consumers to play back their footage on many AVCHD compatible DVD players, including most Blu-ray disc players².

Through a single cable, the HR10 HD Camcorder can connect directly to the latest High Definition televisions through the all-digital HDMI interface for convenient playback of High Definition video on HDTVs.

While it is true that the image quality from the HR10 HD Camcorder can be described as stunning, the camcorder includes many advanced features to help users make their videos even more impressive. The Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder’s 24p Cine Mode enables aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional “film-look” by changing the camcorder’s frame rate to 24p, which provides the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, the Canon HR10 Camcorder’s Cine setting changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a theatrical film. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently. Users will also be able to shoot with confidence knowing that they have the support of Canon’s Instant AF System and Super Range Optical Image stabilization.

Canon HD Optical Technology

Focus is a critical component when shooting in High Definition, which Canon addresses with the potent one-two punch of a powerful 10x optical zoom lens with aspherical elements and coatings that reduce flare and ghosting, as well as the revolutionary Instant AF focusing system for sharp focus of moving subjects. The Instant AF system uses an external sensor, to help users achieve crisp focus, even in extreme bright or low light conditions.

Canon’s Super Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps correct camera shake during hand-held filming or when the camera is in motion. Canon’s OIS is even more beneficial while zoomed in on a subject when even subtle camera movement can rattle an image. In addition, the OIS system is operational when shooting still images, which helps to produce sharp and blur-free pictures when photographing as well.

Canon’s Full HD CMOS Image Sensor (1920 x 1080) and DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor

Designed, developed and manufactured by Canon, the 1/2.7-inch CMOS image sensor, similar to the EOS line of digital SLR cameras, acquires image information at a resolution of 1920 x 1080, producing life-like High Definition movies and photos. Additionally, Canon’s Full HD CMOS Sensor features on-chip noise reduction technology, to help ensure the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal “noise” or other image distortion even in dimly lit scenes. What’s more, the CMOS sensor incorporates an RGB Primary Color Filter with a Bayer placement to help deliver sharp, High Definition images in true vibrant, accurate color.

Canon’s proprietary DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor, is the brains behind the HR10 High Definition Camcorder recognizing the different color requirements of video and photos for optimal image quality. The DIGIC DV II processor’s improved color reproduction and noise reduction is what powers the HR10 High Definition Camcorder’s ability to capture stunning imagery in low light, bright light and difficult-to-shoot situations.

Get the Big Picture with the New Multi-Angle Vivid LCD

The enhanced 2.7-inch widescreen LCD screen of the HR10 High Definition Camcorder makes it easier than ever before for users to compose their videos and pictures, thanks to a variety of enhancements. The crisp LCD screen is viewable from up to 135 degrees at any angle and offers the widest color gamut on any Canon consumer camcorder to date. The screen is also treated with a new glare-resistant coating that helps display colors faithfully with minimal darkening or distortion for easy viewing in various light conditions. This is especially useful when shooting a scene such as a wedding reception, where users can view every detail of an ornate wedding dress and the subtle contrast on a black tuxedo directly on the camcorder’s LCD during shooting.

Life does not wait for the camcorder to power up, which is why the HR10 HD Camcorder utilizes Canon’s “Quick Start” feature. Quick Start allows the camera to go from standby mode to shooting in a fraction of a second, helping to ensure that those special moments are not missed.

Adding to the professional look of the High Definition video captured by the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder is the Smooth Zoom Speed Control. Canon’s Smooth Zoom Speed Control provides users with a choice of three pre-set zoom speeds to help control the pace of the zoom no matter how hard the user may press the zoom lever. Furthermore, the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder provides an easy-to-read level marker or grid superimposed over the camcorder’s 2.7-inch widescreen LCD display.

Advanced Photo Features for Still Pictures

As a digital still camera, the HR10 HD Camcorder excels with all of Canon's best digital camera features. Users can accurately focus their shots with nine-point autofocus and then take vibrant 3.1 megapixel images to a miniSD card. While shooting video, users can capture two-megapixel photos to the card, or extract two-megapixel images later from the video itself, providing users with a second chance to snap that once in a lifetime image.

Available in August, the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder will have an estimated selling price of $1199.*

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is rated #35 on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006**, with global revenues of $31.8 billion. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting the press release section of www.usa.canon.com.

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Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.

¹ World’s smallest AVCHD DVD camcorder claim as of February 2007

² Canon HR10 can capture both standard definition and high definition footage. High definition footage in the AVCHD format can be finalized in camera or copied onto DVD media with included software. However, DVD media containing AVCHD footage should only be used in AVCHD compatible players otherwise the DVD player may fail to eject the media and may erase its contents without warning.

*Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

**IFI Patent Intelligence Press Release, January 11, 2007