CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
OK
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 06/30/2005
- Released on: 03/15/2005
If you're wondering whether it makes sense to spend an extra $100 on the next model up, it's largely a feature-based decision. The ZR200 offers the same number of pixels, the same-size sensor, and the same optics, adding only photo capture (at a paltry 0.7 megapixel), a wireless remote, and Webcam capabilities.
Physically identical to other models in Canon's ZR line, the ZR100 weighs slightly more than a pound and fits comfortably in the hand. Its controls consist of the usual right-hand accoutrements (zoom rocker, mode dial, and so on) and a smattering of buttons on the left side. Most of these perform double duty depending on whether you're in record or playback mode, but they're clearly labeled and largely intuitive. Only one or two buttons--AE Shift/End Search, for example--necessitate opening the instruction manual.
To make moviemaking as expedient as possible, the ZR100's controls include dedicated Focus, Night mode, and Wide-screen buttons. Pressing Focus instantly enables manual focus control, a nice feature to find in a camcorder at this price; you make adjustments with the camera's jog dial. That dial also navigates you through the ZR100's simple onscreen menu system. A nearby switch toggles between Easy and Program modes; the former automatically manages all image settings, while the latter enables access to the camcorder's meager manual settings, such as selectable shutter speeds (1/60 to 1/2,000 second) and white-balance presets.
Unsurprisingly, Canon's lithium-ion battery clips onto the rear of the camcorder, while tapes load from the bottom--always an annoyance for tripod users. On the plus side, the viewfinder--color!--can extend backward in case you clip on one of Canon's bulky, extended-life batteries. And speaking of options, the ZR100 supports Canon's add-on lenses and filters, another nice perk.
Indeed, save for its 340,000-pixel (effective) image sensor, the ZR100's feature set reads like that of a pricier camcorder. For starters, it's capable of true 16:9 recording, meaning it uses the full width of the sensor--no skewing or interpolating. It also features a 20X optical zoom, an analog-to-digital converter, a handful of autoexposure modes, and the usual hodgepodge of digital effects.
The only real letdown is Night mode, which effectively illuminates dim environments but requires both a tripod and a nonmoving subject to be useful. Otherwise, you get jerky, unwatchable video. And even with a tripod, low-light video exhibits excessive noise. To put it simply, leave the lights on--and add more if possible. We wish the ZR100 had an accessory shoe for adding a portable light source.
Like the more-expensive ZR200 and ZR300, the ZR100 leverages its optics with Canon's Digic DV processing to capture crisp, colorful video--under optimal lighting. We found the zoom controls quick and responsive, though the autofocus wasn't particularly quick to lock on a subject in changing scenes. Even so, it's the rare home moviemaker who will find fault with the ZR100's video quality, especially if most shooting happens outdoors.
Canon promises slightly less than an hour of "typical" recording time from the included battery, though you can shoot continuously, using the viewfinder only, for an impressive 135 minutes. Those are decent numbers for a camcorder in this category, though obviously, spare batteries are essential for the vacation-bound.
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