DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Canon's first straight to DVD camcorders - the super-slim DC10 and DC20

Canon launches the world's smallest and lightest 1 Megapixel DVD digital video cameras. PictBridge functionality also makes the DC10 and DC20 the first digital video cameras to support photo printing direct from camera to printer.

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the release of two super-stylish DVD digital video cameras. The 1.33 Megapixel DC10 and 2.2 Megapixel DC20 are Canons first straight to DVD models. With sophisticated aluminium casings, clean lines and petite profiles, the exquisitely slender digital video cameras measure just 47mm thick and allow video and digital stills to be shot straight to DVD, for easy playback on home cinema systems.

Spontaneous, instant, fun
With no tape to rewind, footage records immediately to the next available space on the DVD  making accidental overwriting a thing of the past. Specific scenes are instantly selectable for playback or edit from easy-access visual index playlists, which are created in-camera. When the shooting is over, DVDs can be finalised in camera and then fed straight into the home entertainment system's DVD player for instant playback - no tape, no transfers, no cables and no fuss.

Easy quality
An RGB filter ensures rich and true color reproduction by eliminating signal conversion. By providing true split path processing, Canons renowned DIGIC DV processor ensures high quality video and stills. Intuitive, easy-access external controls avoid the headache of complex menu navigation and a large 2.5 super bright LCD screen makes shooting and playback a pleasure - even sunny summer holiday conditions pose no problem with the backlight button and Anti Reflective coating.

Advanced features
Both digital video cameras feature advanced digital still functionality that rival many digital still cameras, including special scene modes and 9-point AiAF auto focus. In addition, a Print/Share button is included for PC-free printing of photos direct to any PictBridge compatible photo printer  the first time this technology has featured on a DVD camcorder. Both feature High Resolution 16:9 widescreen mode for panoramic widescreen, a powerful 10x optical zoom with built in lens cap and Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS) for steady footage, minimising the need for a tripod. The DC20 also features Super Night Mode  incorporating a Mini Video light for shooting even in zero light conditions  and a light guide flash for extending digital photo options.
For those who want to get creative with post production, DVD editing and authoring software comes standard in the box, while a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface gets movies and stills uploaded fast.

Easy Editing
For easy access, when in PLAY mode each scene appears as a visual index. A PLAY LIST option allows the creation of collections of favourite video footage and still images, which can be ordered at will. Individual footage can also be divided, shortened and deleted with in-camera editing.
For those who can't wait to watch their handiwork on the big screen, DVD finalising is quick and easy. A dedicated finalising button does away with any complex menu navigation. Representing two more firsts from Canon, the included "Roxio MyDVD for Canon" software allows unfinalized footage to be edited on a PC, so captured footage can be accessed quickly and easily. In addition, the final edited movie can be written back on to a disc in the camcorder, allowing multiple copies to be shared with friends and family without the need of a dedicated DVD writer.

Digital stills
With DIGIC DV providing true split path processing for both video and stills, the DC10 and DC20 are both fully functional digital still cameras. Most traditional digital video cameras act as "still" cameras simply by capturing video frames. This results in unnatural looking photos - especially when printed. By comparison, DIGIC DV uses a special digital still processing path to create proper JPEG images that rival many single function digital cameras for image quality.

Still images can be stored to DVD - around 8,000 images depending on image settings selected - or to miniSD memory card. For fast access, it is possible to shoot first to miniSD card and then transfer to DVD.
Special Scene Modes help get great results in tricky lighting conditions, and include Portrait, Sport, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Foliage and Fireworks. Auto exposure modes include aperture priority, shutter priority, Program and Auto. Manually selectable 9-point AiAF helps get even off-centre subjects sharply in focus. Special effects such as Vivid, Low Sharpening and Soft Skin can be applied, and a wide selection of White Balance and metering modes is easily accessible.
To help catch the right moment - or a full action sequence - the digital video cameras deliver fast continuous shooting of up to 5 frames per second.

Online sharing
Camcorder purchase entitles new owners to CANON iMAGE GATEWAY membership: 100MB of online space for sharing digital stills and MPEG clips. Rather than sending large video clips or images as email attachments, users can upload their favourite material to their own secure galleries on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY and use a site facility to send gallery links to family and friends.

Availability and reader enquiries
The DC10 and DC20 will be available from October 2005.

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