Canon ZR950

Description: The Canon ZR950 is a MiniDV-based, ultra-compact camcorder.Compared to other ultra-compact camcorders on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $215.

Pros: Has a 37x optical zoom, which is considerably more powerful than some similarly priced camcorders.Supports manual focus, which helps savvy users to shoot in hard-to-focus situations.Weighing a little over a pound without battery or media, this camcorder is reasonably portable.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: An ultra-compact camcorder, suited for on-the-fly shooting.This camera's built-in light will make it easier to film in dim environments.

Value: In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this camcorder has great features for the money.For example, ultra-compact camcorders with comparable effective resolution tend to cost closer to $300.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: Canon USA
• Part Number: ZR950

• General

• Product Type Camcorder
• Digital Zoom 2000 x
• Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
• Optical Sensor Type CCD
• Min Illumination 2 lux
• Analog Video Format NTSC
• Special Effects Art, Sepia, Vivid, Mosaic, Neutral, Skin Detail, Black & White
• Image Stabilizer Electronic
• Digital Scene Transition Wipe fader
• Min Shutter Speed 1/8 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
• Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
• Shooting Programs Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Spotlight, Night mode, Sports mode, Portrait mode
• White Balance Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Daylight, Tungsten light
• Exposure Modes Manual, Program, Automatic
• Camera Flash None
• Widescreen Video Capture Yes

• Main Features

• Camcorder Sensor Resolution 1.07 megapixels
• Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 0.8 megapixels
• Color Support Color
• Still Image Format JPEG
• Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
• TV Tuner None

• Memory / Storage

• Flash Memory None
• Floppy Drive None
• Image Storage JPEG 1152 x 864, JPEG 640 x 480
• Media Type Mini DV
• Recording Speed LP, SP

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 2.6 mm - 96.2 mm - F/2.0-5.2
• Focal Length 2.6 mm - 96.2 mm
• Lens Aperture F/2.0-5.2
• Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
• Optical Zoom 37 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 2.6 mm
• Max focal length 96.2 mm
• Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
• Features Built-in lens shield
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Min Focus Range 0.4 in
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• Self Timer Yes
• Self Timer Delay 10 sec
• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Digital Still Camera Function Yes
• Built-in Light Yes
• Additional Features PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility, Display brightness control, Takes photos while movie recording
• Time Code Yes
• Remote control Remote control - Infrared

• Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type LCD
• Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.35 in
• Viewfinder Resolution 114,000 pixels
• Image Aspect Ratio (camcorders) 16:9

• Display

• Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color

• Digital Player (Recorder)

• Type None

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in
• Microphone Features Wind noise reduction

• Connections

• Connector Type 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB
• Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
• Microphone Technology Electret condenser

• Miscellaneous

• Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
• Cables Included A/V cable, USB cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External

• Battery

• Supported Battery Canon BP-2L5
• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 530 mAh ( Included )

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating
• Display Format 112,000 pixels
• Viewfinder Color Support Color

• Environmental Parameters

• Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
• Max Operating Temperature 104 °F

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 2.7 in
• Depth 5 in
• Height 3.2 in
• Weight 13.4 oz

Canon USA

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://estore.usa.canon.com/
• Address: One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY. 11042
• Phone: 516-328-5000
• Email: mediacontact@cusa.canon.com