Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder
For those of us still faithful to the tape-based MiniDV format Canon's ZR-900 provides quality and value. This standard definition camcorder features a 1/6" CCD image sensor for capturing accurate video and a 41x Advanced Zoom for excellent close-ups. However, the microphone input, virtually unheard of in today's consumer video market, just might be this camera's most impressive features of all.
Smooth Zoom Control provides three preset speeds for professional looking zoom shots while the Quick Start function ensures that you'll never miss another once-in-a-lifetime moment again. The convenient joystick allows you to control playback, focus, exposure and menu functions. This camcorder also features a 2.7" LCD, Widescreen HR recording, an Image Stabilizer, a DIGIC DV processor and a built-in lens cap. If you're looking for a MiniDV camcorder, at an affordable price, you just found it.
- MiniDV Recording
- Record your favorite moments right to MiniDV for the time-tested image quality that keeps the faithful coming back for more.
- 41x Advanced Zoom
- Canon's 41x Advanced Zoom extends the power of the 37x optical zoom for the longest Zoom available from the company. What's even better is that there is no loss of image quality, leaving you with accurate video.
- 1/6" CCD Image Sensor
- This 1/6" CCD image sensor provides stunning video every time you shoot.
- Smooth Zoom Control
- Smooth Zoom Control gives you three preset zoom speeds to choose from for smooth, steady shots.
- Quick Start
- Never miss the moment again because you're waiting for your camcorder to start up. Pressing the Quick Start button once keeps your camera in sleep mode. When you're ready to start recording just hit the button again and begin recording in under a second.
- 2.7" LCD Display & Widescreen HR Recording
- Widescreen HR recording captures your video in full 16:9. Using the 2.7" LCD monitor you can compose in the same widescreen format, leaving no doubt in your mind that what you saw on the screen is what was recorded.
- Image Stabilizer
- The Image Stabilizer on the ZR-900 gives you a steady shot even when you're panning and zooming or shooting telephoto.
- LCD Video Light
- Use the LCD video light for low-light situations that could use a little more punch. The extra light will produce better color and detail in typically hard to record conditions.
- Joystick
- The convenient joystick allows you to control playback, focus, exposure, and menu options.
- DIGIC DV Image Processor
- Canon's DIGIC DV image processor gives your video superb color and accuracy.
- Level Shot & Grid Markers
- The Level Shot Control button on the ZR-900 produces a horizontal mark, allowing you to line up level shots. The Grid marker also helps you to even out tough shots. Both markers can appear in color, making it even easier for you to compose.
- Built-in Lens Cover
- Never lose your lens cap again with Canon's built-in lens cover. When the camera turns on the cover opens and when it turns off it closes.
- Microphone Input
- Virtually unheard of in the consumer camcorder market the microphone input sets the ZR-900 apart.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/6" CCD (approximately 680,000 pixels) |
| Lens |
Focal Length=2.6-96.2mm f/stop: 2.0-5.2 |
| Zoom |
41x Advanced Zoom 37x Optical 2000x Digital |
| Filter Size | N/A |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Format | MiniDV |
| Audio | PCM digital sound 16 bit (48kHz/2 channels), 12 bit (32kHz) |
| Image Stabilization | Image Stabilizer |
| Lux |
Night mode: 1.6 lux Recommended: more than 100 lux |
| Line In Recording | No |
| A/V Dubbing | No |
| Tape Loading | Yes |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Display Size | 2.7" |
| Viewfinder | 0.35" widescreen |
| Camera Features | |
|---|---|
| Manual Controls | White Balance |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | No |
| Fade Resistance | No |
| Effects | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Yes - LCD video light No - flash |
| Digital Still Mode | |
|---|---|
| Still Recording Media | N/A |
| Resolution | N/A |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs |
Mic input DV in |
| Output |
A/V out DV out |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Environment and Equipment Specs |
Windows 98 and later Mac OS 9 and later |
| Power Requirements | 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.7 x 5.0 x 3.2" (68.5 92 x 119mm) |
| Weight | 13.4 oz (380g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable to operate (10)
- Simple controls (8)
- Great features (5)
- Great picture quality (5)
- Durable (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home movies (6)
- Travel (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Worth the price...
We were looking for another Canon MiniDV Camcorder...we had had our previous Canon camcorder for 7 years without a problem. We would definitely purchase this item again. It's compact and easy to ...Read complete review
We were looking for another Canon MiniDV Camcorder...we had had our previous Canon camcorder for 7 years without a problem. We would definitely purchase this item again. It's compact and easy to use (have yet to read the instructions in detail and have had no problems filming day-to-day family "events"). The joy stick is a nice feature. Also like that the lens cap is integral to the camcorder. The only downside is the viewing screen seems narrow from top to bottom. I can't always get a full view (head to feet) of my kids when they are being recorded. For the price, I think this is an excellent buy. Consumer Reports recently rated this highly as well.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
ZR-900 Mini DV - CANON-gets the job done
Originally, I bought the product to serve as a way to play/rewind/fast forward miniDV tapes for editing purposes. That purpose is great. General recording is o.k. for the price. Picture on...Read complete review
Originally, I bought the product to serve as a way to play/rewind/fast forward miniDV tapes for editing purposes. That purpose is great. General recording is o.k. for the price. Picture on the monitor is often better than what is downloaded. Basic camera... gets the job done. If you are looking for a GREAT picture ... you will need to spend more.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
Works pretty well in low light (indoors). Easy to use. I'm glad I purchased this camera. I just sent an email video to my motherinlaw of her grandson. It was very easy to produce with Windows Video.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
Easy to use.
Reasonable price
Can't take still picture
Pros
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
I'm still shooting tape with professional cameras. This little camera is easy to use and shoots great video. I can edit the tapes in my professional equipment.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Low-Quality Recordings
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- Editing
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
Originally, I bought the product to serve as a way to play/rewind/fast forward miniDV tapes for editing purposes. That purpose is great. General recording is o.k. for the price. Picture on the monitor is often better than what is downloaded. Basic camera... gets the job done. If you are looking for a GREAT picture ... you will need to spend more.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
Nice basic camcorder. Performs as represented.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
We were looking for another Canon MiniDV Camcorder...we had had our previous Canon camcorder for 7 years without a problem. We would definitely purchase this item again. It's compact and easy to use (have yet to read the instructions in detail and have had no problems filming day-to-day family "events"). The joy stick is a nice feature. Also like that the lens cap is integral to the camcorder. The only downside is the viewing screen seems narrow from top to bottom. I can't always get a full view (head to feet) of my kids when they are being recorded. For the price, I think this is an excellent buy. Consumer Reports recently rated this highly as well.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
easy to use and can't beat the price
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- DV connection jack awkwar
Best Uses
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
I bought the ZR-900 because I needed a reliable video camera that I could afford. I use it professionally and in conjunction with Final Cut Studio 2. Beware if you're also using it with FCP. You must use a UBS cable to connect the MAC to your external media drive. It performs exceedingly well for its class. Auto close-ups that are very tight can take a while to focus. The zoom works better on pulls than on pushes. Low light performance is excellent for its price range; Works ok in florescent lighting. Camera microphone sound is satisfactory.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Family
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
The ZR900 is good. One of the great features of this camera is the microphone input. However, what I really wanted was the ZR930, it has a remote control.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
It's so inexpensive and shoots well.
We use it as an editing deck most of the time, but the small size makes it a great go anywhere camera.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
Although the mic jack is a real plus, the instructions warn that you should not use a mic cable longer than three meters, and they aren't kidding. I tried a long mic cable and experienced ruinous noise.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon ZR-900 MiniDV Camcorder:
The videos transfer seamlessly to my Mac Powerbook G4 using Final Cut Express or iMovie. That's terrific!
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
Displaying reviews 1-12
- Brochure (PDF 1.3mb)
- Instruction Manual (PDF 3.2mb)
Media
Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $1.95
- GBP 1.24
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $48.99
- GBP 31.20
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $13.72
- GBP 8.74
External Microphones
Enhance the quality of your audio recording with an external microphone.
- Price: $63.42
- GBP 40.39
On-Camera Lights
Adjust the lighting for virtually any indoor and many outdoor applications.
- Price: $32.40
- GBP 20.64
Tripods & Support
Stabilize your video with the support you need.
- Price: $79.95
- GBP 50.92
Care & Cleaning
Ensure trouble-free performance through proper camcorder maintenance.
- Price: $11.45
- GBP 7.29
Cables & Adaptors
Connect the proper cable to enjoy the full quality of your footage.
- Price: $13.95
- GBP 8.89
Underwater Housings
Capture great-looking footage underwater.
- Price: $109.95
- GBP 70.03
What's in the Box
- BP-2L5 Battery Pack
- Compact Power Adapter CA-590
- Stereo Video Cable STV-250N
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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