New Canon MVX100i and MVX150i digital camcorders: Enhanced performance and extended features

These stylish new multi-functional digital camcorders incorporate an enhanced 1/4" 1.33 Megapixel CCD, high performance 16x optical zoom lenses, a Multi Architecture Camera System (MACS) and large-size landscape LCD monitor. Ideal for users who require a high quality, high specification camcorder with easy-navigation and simple operation, these models are packed with additional features, which include:
• 16 x optical zoom lens
• 3.5 inch large LCD view screen (MVX150i only)
• Colour view finder
• Direct Print compatibility to Canon Card Photo printers or Canon Bubble Jet Direct printers
• Super Night Mode enhancement features (MVX150i only)
• Webcam with DV Messenger

In addition to generating outstanding movie quality, the MVX100i and MVX150i double as excellent digital still cameras. This multi-functionality is made possible by the use of separate LSI signal processing for movie and still images.

"By taking advantage of Canon's strength in digital video as well as digital still Camera technology, we are able to introduce two new camcorders with strong features and high performance," said Michel Sabbagh, Marketing Manager at Canon Middle East. "We are confident that the needs of our Middle East customers who demand high quality will be well met with these products."

Quality
The MVX100i and the MVX150i boast a high-refractive-index two-sided aspherical lens with 12 elements in nine groups. The optical zoom lens in these new models uses a 1/4inch, 1.33 Megapixel CCD and a compact, high-magnification zoom lens with electronic image stabiliser for motion video shooting.

The 16 x optical zoom lens (46.4mm-742.4mm equivalent) is used when recording on tape, whilst a 15 x optical zoom (41.3mm-619.5mm equivalent) is used with a memory card for still pictures. The image stabiliser and Manual Focus Ring help keep compositions pin-sharp.

Digital Still Camera Functions
Digital still photos taken using the MVX100i or MVX150i are stored on the camcorder's memory card. Canon's Progressive Photo enables the camera iris to work as a mechanical shutter for sharp, clear pictures suitable for printing in 4"x6" format. It is even possible to record a still image on the memory card while shooting video to the mini DV tape. A continuous shooting function allows both models to take up to 30 continuous frame still shots at a speed of up to three shots per second (VGA size) and up to 10 shots at speeds of two per second in SXGA size.

Canon's Direct Printing Functions
The MVX100i and MVX150i both feature Canon's Direct Print functionality, allowing them to print directly to the Canon CP-10 or CP-100 Card Photo printers and Bubble Jet Direct Printers without the need to connect to a PC. These direct connections are made ultra-reliable by the use of the Exif Print photo file tag standard.

Design and Ergonomics
Both new camcorders have a similar look, boasting a slim horizontal design, which fits easily into the palm for greater ease of use and functionality. The main difference between their looks is their individual front colours.

The MVX100i has an attractive ultra-slim design with a metallic blue front finish, it features a 2.5 inch (6.35 cm) high-resolution colour LCD and viewfinder, and Night Mode that optimises shutter speed in dark conditions, based on the relative brightness of the subject.

The MVX150i shares the same ultra-slim design, with a metallic green front finish. It comes equipped with a clear, high-resolution 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) colour LCD and viewfinder. It also features Super Night Mode, which illuminates the subject with a tiny white LED to enable shooting even when brightness falls to nearly zero lux.

Software and Accessories
Software included with each model includes ZoomBrowser EX and PhotoRecord (for Windows) and ImageBrowser (for Mac), PhotoStitch and DV Messenger.

DV Terminal (IEEE1394) and USB offer two fast, simple modes of transferring movies (M-JPEG files) and stills (JPEG files) to a computer. Cables included allow old images recorded in analogue to be transferred onto DV tapes (analogue line-in) or converted in real time for output from a DV terminal (analogue-digital converter).

New accessories include a wide-converter, tele-converter, filter set and video flashlight that also functions as a flash for recording on memory cards.