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September 5, 2003.
 Canon
Australia has announced two new dual-function digital video (DV) cameras -
the MVX3i and the MVX10i - to capture vibrant video and brilliant 2.0
megapixel memories which can then be directly printed on any PictBridge
enabled photo printer.
Picture MVX10i
"With their ability to capture high-quality digital video footage, as well
as 2.0 megapixel still images, the MVX3i and MVX10i reconfirm Canon's
leadership position in the development and design of high-quality,
user-friendly DV cameras," said Scott Jackson, Product Manager, Consumer
Imaging Products Group, Canon Australia.
"With the ability to capture 2.0 megapixel still images it's now possible to
truly use just the one device for capturing memories as high-quality video
or photographs," added Scott Jackson.
The MVX3i and MVX10i are the first DV cameras in the Australian marketplace
to incorporate PictBridge, the new worldwide standard for direct photo
printing that enables consumers to connect their digital camera or DV camera
directly to a PictBridge enabled printer, making it easy to print pictures
at home, the office or while travelling. While I am not sure how often this
feature would be used it could be handy sometimes and at last there is a
standard system.
Picture MVX3i
 Photography
enthusiasts no longer need to choose between their DV and digital still
camera. With the Canon MVX10i and MVX3i, the best features of both
technologies are at users' fingertips, including an extraordinary 10x
optical zoom and a 200x digital zoom. I have made my feelings on digital
zoom clear before, really digital zoom past a factor of 3x is just a joke as
the image degrades too much to be of any use. The combination of 10x optical
zoom and the 2 mega pixel still camera is very handy. It is great for
children's sporting events or nature photography. The trade off with these
long zoom lenses is they don't have a very wide angle mode. This means for
parties or other events where you are trying to fit many people in one
picture they will have to be far back from the camera. This is not just a
problem with Canon cameras, but all video cameras. The solution is to buy a
wide angle lens adapter.
The cameras feature a high-resolution 1/3.4 inch 2.0 megapixel CCD, which
combines with a crisp Canon zoom lens and Image Stabilizer to create and
capture outstanding quality digital video and digital photos.
Among the features unique to the Canon MVX3i are a large 3.5" LCD screen and
an Optical Image Stabilizer. The unit features eight recording modes
including Aperture Priority (AP) and Shutter Priority (TV); Zebra Pattern
for aiding accurate exposure control; a manual focus ring; manual audio
level control and an advanced accessory shoe for attaching an optional video
light or directional microphone without requiring an external power supply.
Canon's lens design for the MVX3i includes an Optical Image Stabilizer that
eliminates hand-held camera shake in low light or when using the lens at
high magnification. Importantly, the Optical Image Stabilizer is even
effective when shooting digital photos as it provides correction to the
image prior to being recorded on the CCD. I have found Canon image
stabilizers to be very good, but their low light performance does not match
the Sony cameras with the Super HAD CCDs. This difference can clearly be
seen in low light with noticeably more noise (snow) in the Canon picture.
Canon's MVX10i Packs Powerful Features into a Petite Package
The MVX10i features a 2.5" LCD view screen and an electronic Image
Stabilizer system that helps to correct camera shake and steady the frames
even when shooting hand-held or in telephoto mode. The MVX10i's features
focus on form as well as function and the trim vertical profile makes it a
perfect fit for the palm or the pocket.
Both the MVX3i and MVX10i offer an array of video features including the
popular Mini-DV format and a choice of either 4:3 aspect ratio or high
resolution 16:9 widescreen mode. The 16:9 mode takes advantage of the large
2.0 megapixel CCD for those who wish to emulate theatre screen proportions
in their own epic adventures without the reduction in image quality normally
associated with recording in this format with conventional consumer DV
cameras.
The cameras also incorporate an RGB Primary Colour Filter similar to those
found on professional models. The RGB filter actually separates the light
passing through the lens into its individual red, green and blue colour
components in order to provide more accurate colour reproduction. For
filming in low light situations, Canon's Colour Night Mode and Super Colour
Night Mode save the day and the scene. Both units feature 16 and 12 bit PCM
digital sound, a virtual tool box of digital effects, USB terminal for
high-speed transfer of images to a computer, analogue line-in for
transferring older analogue recording such as those on VHS tape to digital
and an IEEE 1394 port that enables connections to a computer for non-linear
editing or another Canon DV camera for lossless duplication.
The MVX3i and MVX10i also come bundled with DV Messenger 2.0 software for
internet video chat and videoconferencing sessions. DV Messenger 2.0 adds
USB streaming functionality making it easier for users to connect to
non-IEEE1394 equipped PCs. You will need the 1394 connector to do full
quality video editing.
With nothing more complicated than the turn of a dial, the MVX3i and MVX10i
allow users to switch from video mode to photo mode and back again easily,
while the integrated video and still technologies enhance the richness and
responsiveness in either video or photo mode.
Among the still photography features of the MVX3i and MVX10i are pop-up and
built-in flashes (respectively), with the MVX10i featuring Canon's Light
Guide flash technology providing very even lighting; auto exposure
bracketing and selectable focusing points, which allow users to choose from
one of three focusing points to automatically place the desired subject in
focus; continuous shooting mode which enables users to capture up to 30
images at three frames per second in VGA mode; and simultaneous shooting
mode, which allows users to capture e-mail ready photos while shooting
video.
Both models use two varieties of media, Mini-DV tape for recording video and
SD memory cards for storing still images and MPEG-4 movie clips. MPEG-4
movie clips can be recorded at 352 x 288 pixels or 176 x 144 pixels with the
only limit to recording duration being the capacity of the recording media.
Both DV cameras also benefit from Canon's proprietary DiG!C DV processor
technology that optimises results when shooting video or photos. DiG!C DV
technology provides dual image signal processing capabilities, which can
differentiate between the video and digital still formats and makes it
possible to achieve accurate colour for both video and digital photos. DiG!C
DV technology utilises two different colour-processing techniques to
optimise the image quality of video for playback on TV or computer monitor
and photos for TV viewing or printing.
The MVX3i and MVX10i are supplied with a comprehensive Canon DV software
bundle, including:
. Canon ZoomBrowser EX - allows images to be stored as thumbnails, archived
and retouched (PC);
. Canon PhotoRecord - Australian-developed software designed for creating
multi-image layouts and the resizing of images for different papers (PC);
. ImageBrowser - combines features of ZoomBrowser and PhotoRecord (Mac);
. Canon PhotoStitch - enables users to join together images to create a
panoramic view (PC/Mac);
. DV Messenger 2.0 - allows two people with PCs running Windows XP to
conduct video chat sessions over the Internet, using their Canon DV cameras
as web conferencing cameras (PC); and
. VideoPresenter 2.0 - Australian developed software that makes it fast and
simple for the amateur to produce home movies (PC). I did find this software
very limited and a bit disappointing. It lacked most of features that you
would expect in basic video editing software today. I found it was much
better to use the Microsoft Movie Maker 2 software that is part of MS
Windows XP. While it has its limitations I found it was much better
solution.
The MVX3i and MVX10i will be available from Canon resellers on 1 October at
a recommended retail price to be advised.
Customers requiring further information on the MVX3i and MVX10i, or other
Canon products should contact Canon Australia on 1800 021 167 |
