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CANON LAUNCHES WORLD’S
SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST
1080 HDV CAMCORDER
MISSISSAUGA, ON, August 3, 2006
– Until now, the concept of putting
true 1080 HD (high definition) video recording
capability in your pocket was purely science
fiction. Get ready for the future, as Canon’s
newest HV10 HDV camcorder delivers high
definition video in a sleek and stylish
package, that’s loaded with imaginative
new features and affordable at a manufacturer’s
suggest list price of CDN $2,000.
A veritable “Best of” compilation
of Canon breakthrough technologies, the
HV10 HDV camcorder combines Canon’s
world-class HD optics, with Super Range
Optical Image Stabilization, DIGIC DV II
image processor, and a Canon designed and
manufactured Full HD resolution (1920x1080
video) CMOS sensor, similar to those found
in Canon’s full line of Digital SLR
cameras. Additionally, new “Instant
AF” auto-focus technology, and the
ability to take 3.1 megapixel photos, makes
this one powerful device that fits comfortably
in the palm of the hand.
“The Canon HV10 HDV camcorder gives
consumers some of the same technologies
that are used by demanding professionals
in our EOS line of Digital SLR cameras and
our best selling broadcast television lenses,”
said Ian Macfarlane, Vice President and
General Manager of the Consumer Imaging
Group at Canon Canada Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Consumers
who enjoy the premium picture quality of
their High Definition television sets can
now capture their memories and play them
back at that same high quality.”
The Canon CMOS Sensor
As the leading CMOS manufacturer, professional
photographers have come to depend upon Canon
for high resolution, great dynamic range,
and low noise. For the first time, Canon
has incorporated CMOS into its newest HDV
camcorder to capture the high resolution
needed for HD video with a single sensor.
These sensors provide advantages over traditional
CCD sensors in speed, versatility, and lower
power consumption for longer battery life.
Because of its proprietary noise reduction
technology, Canon’s CMOS sensors capture
higher resolution HD video, and even in
dimly lit scenes each pixel delivers the
purest possible image. The 1 /2.7”
sensor incorporates an RGB primary colour
filter with Bayer placement to deliver a
sharp HD image with vibrant and accurate
color reproduction. This sensor supplies
1080 HD video to an HDV video tape, while
3.1 megapixel still images can be recorded
to a Mini-SD card. Because Canon manufactures
its own CMOS sensor, DIGIC DV II image processor
and lenses, the company can maintain the
utmost control of the image quality.
The Genuine Canon 10X HD Video Lens
with Super Range Optical Image Stabilization
Canon’s high quality HD lens, the keystone
to acquiring crisp HD video, stems from
the company’s expertise as a professional
grade photographic and broadcast lenses
manufacturer. Behind the built-in automatic
lens cover lies a 10X optical / 200X digital
HD Canon zoom lens.
The HV10 HDV camcorder is the first consumer-level
camcorder that features Canon’s Super-Range
Optical Image Stabilization to help deliver
smooth, steady video, even at longer focal
lengths. The system uses two detection methods
(gyro and vector) to sense the widest range
of vibrations from hand-held shake, to vibration
from a moving vehicle. By using optical
stabilization, it can compensate for a greater
degree of camera shake and avoid any loss
in image quality, unlike electronic image
stabilizers.
Instant AF (Auto Focus) – The Next
Generation Focusing System
The HV10 HDV camcorder also incorporates
a new autofocus system that is the first
of its kind on a consumer level camcorder.
Since it is critical to achieve very sharp
focus when shooting in High Definition,
the camcorder features Canon’s revolutionary
new Instant AF focusing system. It offers
a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed
and accuracy (compared to traditional autofocus
systems). The Instant AF feature uses an
external sensor, in combination with Canon’s
autofocus system, to help significantly
decrease the time it takes to find focus,
even in low light conditions. This new system
achieves focus almost instantaneously, reducing
focus “hunting.” Users can especially
see the benefits of Instant AF in high brightness,
and night shooting situations. Camera operators
can capture fast, accurate focusing, even
when following a moving subject.
The New Canon DIGIC DV II Processor
Also found in the professional grade XL
H1 HD camcorder, the Canon HV10 HDV camcorder
features Canon’s DIGIC DV II image
processor, which is designed to handle the
vast amount of information required for
HD recording. DIGIC DV II helps to ensure
low noise, a wide dynamic range, and accurate
colour reproduction for both video and photos.
The HV10 is also the world’s smallest
and lightest true HDV camcorder*, weighing
in at a mere 0.44 kilograms. Approximately
2” wide by 4” tall, the HV10 is
a pocket-sized masterpiece that is designed
for easy one-handed operation, with all
of the controls at the user’s fingertips.
Complimenting its small size, the two-toned
Granite Black and metallic body is designed
to be comfortable in the user’s hand
and exude a sophisticated appearance.
With the intent of giving the user the
best-looking video possible to preserve
his or her memories, the HV10 HDV camcorder
has a wealth of features, including Smooth
Zoom Control to help eliminate jerky zooms,
Level Shot Control to help keep the framing
straight, and a built-in video light to
illuminate low-light situations. The HV10
HDV camcorder will also letterbox the 16:9
footage, for standard definition (SD) television
viewers, to play on almost any TV or computer
monitor.
Let Creativity Flow with Advanced Photo
Features
As a digital still camera, the HV10 excels
with all of Canon’s best digital camera
features. Users can frame their shots with
nine-point autofocus on a 2.7” widescreen
LCD, and then take 3.1 megapixel images
to the Mini SD card, or two megapixel photos
to the video tape, all while simultaneously
recording HD video. To adapt to different
shooting situations, the HV10 HDV camcorder
has 11 shooting modes, including Continuous
Shooting which allows users to shoot five
(3.1 Megapixel) still images per second,
as well as a built-in flash for low light
situations. In addition, users can also
connect a PictBridge compatible device to
the camera for seamless still image transfer
or printing. A histogram function is also
included on the camcorder, to check exposure
levels while shooting.
Pricing and Availability
Scheduled to land in stores at the end
of September 2006, the Canon
HV10 HDV camcorder will carry a manufacturer’s
suggested list price of CDN
$2,000.
About Canon Canada, Inc.
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the
company employs 1,500 people at its offices
nation-wide, servicing the Canadian market
from coast to coast. Innovation and cutting-edge
technology have been essential ingredients
in Canon's success. Canon's leadership in
imaging, optical and document management
technology and solutions is based in large
part on the thousands of patents the company
has secured throughout its history. Canon
Inc. is among the top three US patent recipients
over the past 14 years.
The company’s comprehensive product
line includes networked multifunction devices;
digital copiers (colour and black and white);
printers, scanners, image filing systems
and facsimile machines; calculators, digital
camcorders, digital and analogue cameras
and lenses; semiconductor, broadcast and
other specialized industrial products.
Canon supports programs that help preserve
and protect the environment. The company
instituted the Clean Earth Campaign in 1990,
which assists various environmental and
recycling initiatives. The Campaign has
also supported leading environmental organizations,
such as The Nature Conservancy of Canada,
World Wildlife Fund- Canada and the Canon
Envirothon.
For more information, visit www.canon.ca
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