Canon ZR60 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 18x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization

by Canon

Product Details

Product Manual [3.93mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 2.3 x 4.1 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000088USR
• Item model number: 8429A001
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,100 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 14, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Looking for an easy way to break into the world of digital video? Look no further than the Canon ZR60, which makes capturing valuable family memories as simple as pressing a button. Connect your camcorder to a computer running Windows or Mac operating systems, and experience the digital world like it was meant to be: quick, seamless, and fun.

Lens
The ZR60 features a high-performance 1/6-inch 680,000-pixel CCD to capture high-quality video and digital photos. The zoom technology found in the ZR60 lens is the same as Canon uses in its broadcast TV lenses. The ZR60 is fitted with a high-performance 18x optical zoom lens, which can easily handle all your shooting needs--from wide-angle shots of all the family at the reunion to close-up sports action at full telephoto. The ZR60's 360x digital zoom significantly expands the telephoto magnification of the subject.

Image Stabilization
Canon's image-stabilization system corrects camera shake caused by, for example, an unsteady hand. This image-stabilization system makes for smoother and steadier video even with hand-held shots, at full telephoto, and with shots taken from a moving car.

Digital Stills
For added flexibility, you can take up to 700 still images on a MiniDV single tape. The camcorder records the photos for approximately 6 seconds, as well as recording the sound for your verbal notes or narration. You can search through the recorded tape for your photos using the supplied remote control.

This photo-search feature allows you to search for images recorded in photo mode. Search forward or backward through the images one at a time, or plus or minus 10 images from the current position.

More Features

• 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and 0.33-inch color viewfinder
• The My Camera function is designed to let you customize a number of features, including start-up image and sound, shutter sound, start-stop sound, and the self-timer sound
• The full-function wireless remote control works at distances up to 16 feet

Inputs and Outputs
The ZR60 comes with the standard IEEE 1394 port (also referred to as FireWire), which provides a lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. Additionally, the ZR60 features two types of analog audio and video inputs and outputs: composite and S-video. The analog audio inputs of the ZR60 let you perform dub or insert editing from CDs, cassettes, microphones, or the soundtracks of other videocassettes.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the new preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Power, Size, and Contents
The ZR60 comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, which has an approximate battery life of 75 minutes when using the LCD screen. The camera itself measures 4.1 by 2.3 by 5.8 inches and weighs 18 ounces. This package includes the ZR60 camcorder, battery pack BP-508, power adapter CA-570, wireless controller WL-D80, shoulder strap, stereo video cable, and the DV Network Solutions CD-ROM.

From the Manufacturer

Need an easy way to break into the digital world? Look no further than the ZR60. Capturing valuable family memories is simple as pressing a button. Canon technology guarantees exceptional results every time.

18X Optical Zoom, 360X Digital Zoom

The ZR60 is fitted with an 18X optical zoom lens, a high performance lens from Canon. The 18X zoom range will more than take care of all your picture-taking needs, whether they are wide-angle shots of all the family at the reunion, or close-up sports action at full telephoto. Add in the high-resolution capability of DV, and you have high quality video at your fingertips.The ZR60's 360X digital zoom significantly expands the telephoto magnification of the subject, bringing it even closer than you might have thought possible.

680,000 Pixel CCD

The ZR60 features a high-performance 1/6" 680,000-pixel CCD to capture high quality video and digital photos. There is no need to carry both video and photo cameras with the ZR60.

Image Stabilizer

Canon's image stabilization system corrects camera shake -- caused by an unsteady hand, for example. This image stabilization system makes for smoother and steadier video even with hand-held shots, at full telephoto, and with shots taken from a moving car.

Color Viewfinder and 2.5" LCD Screen

The ZR60 offers both a 0.33"color viewfinder and a 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen. For those who prefer the larger screen for composing their videos, the fold-out screen makes it easy. It twists and can be flipped so you can shoot your video from any angle without having to look in the viewfinder. The screen also is great for playback and review of your video immediately after you've captured a scene.

Programmed Auto Exposure

The ZR60 offers the versatility to meet every exposure challenge, as well as ease of use when you're happy to let the camera make all the choices. Amazingly sophisticated circuitry delivers proper exposure automatically under almost any lighting condition. But you also can easily adjust the exposure in any one of several creative ways to meet your specific need. Selecting a different exposure mode lets you control how you want the video to look.

Digital Effects, Faders and Special Effects

For that creative touch, a more appealing look, or greater imaging variety, you can switch on one of several digital effects: negative picture, art, black & white picture, sepia, mosaic.

IEEE 1394 Input and Output Terminal

The ZR60 is designed for the transfer of digital video and audio to and from either a PC or another IEEE 1394 terminal-equipped camcorder or professional DV VCR. The DV terminal allows high-quality transfer with virtually no deterioration in quality of images. You can edit and process images by connecting the camera to a PC with the IEEE 1394 terminal.

Video and Audio Inputs and Outputs

In addition to providing digital video input and output, the ZR60 features two types of analog audio and video inputs and outputs: Composite and S-video.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

248 of 250 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent camcorder, excellent value, October 5, 2003

By 

Jesse Farmer (NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon ZR60 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 18x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization (Electronics)

I was somewhat skeptical of the reviews this camcorder got on here. However, after having it for 3 weeks I have found that this is a great product. For it's price it does have a few drawbacks but it is loaded with options. One of my friends, an amateur filmer, thought I paid $800 when I showed him all the specs. Here's a lowdown of the advantages and disadvantages:

Pluses:
1) 18x optical zoom. Let's face it, you DO NOT want to use digital zoom. Digital zoom just "pixelates" your picture(i.e. makes it unclear and messy). If you are looking for good zoom, totally disregard digital zoom and get as much optical zoom as you can. I haven't seen any miniDV Sony camcorder with more than 10x.
2) All the options included. S-video to connect to your tv, 4-pin firewire to connect to your computer..... etc. etc. This sucker is loaded.
3) Low light performance. Ok, there is a lot of controversy on this, but I was filming surfing from a pier an hour after sunset and I still got workable footage. This wasn't even with the night mode on. The worst thing about filming in low light is you have to have a really steady hand because the camera doesn't focus as much. Also, make sure to stay on your object because refocusing can take up to 10 seconds.
4) No motor noise. I don't know what everyone else is talking about but on the playback there isn't any motor noise. I'll leave it at that.
5) Color viewfinder. Don't need to waste batteries by using the LCD.
6) It's made by Canon. Almost every electronic product I have is Canon. They have been excellent to me. When my digital camera broke after having it for a year they fixed it under warranty no questions asked.

Minus
1) The image stabilizer. Compared to a Hi-8 this is a tiny camcorder. You will have to learn to make your hand ultra-steady if you want to get good footage. Still, I don't find this a drawback because you learn quickly how to keep your hand from shaking. Otherwise, buy a tripod.

Accessories you should buy
I struggled with this area because what's included with the camcorder is hard to find. I bought:
1) A Tiffen 30.5 mm UV filter. You can shoot up-sun and the footage still comes out clear.
2) A BP-512 battery. You NEED one of these or a higher version. The camcorder comes with a battery but it barely lasts for an hour. The BP-512 lasts for around 2 hours if you don't use the LCD.
3) A Firewire 4 pin to 6 pin cable. I have an eMac and the firewire port is 6 pin, while on the camcorder it is 4 pin. With one of these you can edit your footage on your computer.
4) If you plan on hooking it up to the tv, buy an s-video cable. The camcorder only comes with an s-video to analog connector(the 3 colored things, red yellow and white)
5) Also, get a camcorder bag. You don't need a huge one because this thing is tiny. Any camcorder bag will work, you'll probably want one that has some form of water resistance just in case.
6) You might want a battery charger. The camcorder comes with one but I bought a TurboCharger anyway.
7) MiniDV tapes. No miniDV tapes come with the camcorder so unless you buy some you'll have nothing to record from.

Summary
Overall, if you are looking for digital quality and don't have a whole bunch of money to spend, go buy this camcorder. Keep in mind that you'll need an extra $150 for accessories and you'll be set.

134 of 134 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good MiniDV camcorder, very good value, average "low light", May 17, 2003

By 

David Ho (Florence, KY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon ZR60 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 18x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization (Electronics)

When my first MiniDV, Panasonic PV-DV600 that I had for 4 years, got damaged in rain, I was desperate to find a replacement to continue my home video making hobby. I was looking for a MiniDV camcorder that could do similar things that my old Panasonic could do. It made me skeptical when I read all those online reviews about this ZR60 camcorder from Canon, but I went ahead due to its price and the accessories that I already have (more on this later). After having it for 1 week, I have been happy with it ALMOST as much as when I had my Panasonic.

Pros: very light weight, very small, very good pictures, very good color rendition, full features, when compared to my PV-DV600 (a $...camcorder at its time), very affordable...Cons: No "Back Light", No "Infra Red (IR) shooting", No "Hot Shoe"

The picture color from the PV-DV600 really was washed out after seeing what the ZR60 can put out. Just looking at the new movies, we are so surprised to see that there is finally color on our TV! The ZR60 also has some motor noise, too! But it truly is not as loud as my old Panasonic, if the Panasonic was loud at all.

Knowing what I was looking for helped the decision on my ZR60. Since I already own a digital camera, incidentally a 4 MP G2 from Canon, I really didn't need the camcorder to take digital photos at all. So this weed out a lot of so-called "high-end" options - sub-par digital photographing. The BP-512 battery and charger that my G2 uses fit perfectly in my ZR60. This saves me well over $...in cost on optional batteries and chargers.

As a home movies maker using my kids a lot, in-door picture quality is actually better than the old PV-DV600. My family room is about 20x20 feet with two 75W floor lamps on each corner. This is the typical in-door, worst-case condition I have. The ZR60 lives up to its promise. My neighbor (Sony TRV22) and I had a shoot-out tonight and the result compelled me to write this review extensively. I sometimes wonder if people who write those reviews about the "grainy" and "poor" in-door pictures are actually from Canon's competitors or what, but I find them very much biased toward the Sony TRV19/22. I don't know the reason why they say that, but I don't see much differences if you are doing straight color shooting. Every critic I read on the internet points to "low light" shooting, but never bother to define what their "low light" condition is. Strange! I am not talking about the IR mode here people! Just straight out apple to apple. They are about the same. Yes the Canon has no IR mode; so stay away if you need IR. I had my Panasonic for 4 years and I only had done IR once - for experimentation purpose just to see how well it works. Also, the night mode is, just that, night mode. Slowing down the shutter so you'll get brighter COLOR pictures. This produces a sort of "slow motion" effect. This is typical for all MiniDV. No brainer. But some people make a big deal out of it. Strange.

If you don't have enough light, use a video light (or color enhanced light in Panasonic's term). You are bound to take grainy picture if you don't have enough light. Even in my 4 mega pixel G2, to produce a brighter picture with the same level of "low light", you have to either slow down the shutter, or use a higher ISO setting. Using high ISO setting is bound to yield grainy pictures, if you want to maintain faster shutter speed. Slowing down the shutter will produce a "slow motion" like video. This is the law of physics.

I feel that either A) people expect too much out of a digital camcorder B) don't know what digital photography is C) too lazy to read their manual or D) comparing apple to orange (IR Vs non-IR). This is why I want to stand up for the fact, and not for the brand.

To tell the truth, a simple 3W video light goes a long way if you shoot in-door up to 10 feet. Use higher power; say 20W, for a larger crowd and wider coverage. When using video lights, don't stand too close to your subject for they'll over exposed.

I have done my homework and (yes) I know what I am looking for after using a MiniDV to make homemade DVD for over 4 years. The Canon ZR60 covers everything I need except for no "back light" (brings some inconvenience), no "IR mode" (not needed), and no "Hot shoe" (kind of making me angry). Other than these issues, the Canon ZR60 is what a typical family needs without paying a whole lot.

138 of 142 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Buy for the $$$$ - But Get an External MIC!!!, March 11, 2003

By 

Mark L. Miller (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon ZR60 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 18x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization (Electronics)

First off, MANY people complain about the motor noise on this model as well as the other ZR series dv camcorders. Don't worry about it and do yourself a favor and buy an external mic! You'll get MUCH better sound - internal mics on camcorders usually aren't great. Here is the solution, after researching this for awhile. Get the following products:

1. Sony WCS-999 Wireless Mic System
2. Sony ECM-717 Table Top Single Point Mic

The WCS-999 comes with a transmitter and receiver and one lavalier mic (clip on type). In addition, the transmitter has a stereo mini port input for the mic and so does the receiver. The ECM-717 is great if you just want to set it up and forget it. It's dual powered, so it can run on batteries and plugged directly into the mic port on the ZR60 and then clipped to your shirt or whatnot. This approach places the mic far enough away from the camcorder to eliminate all motor noise. Secondly, you can plug the ECM-717 into the transmitter of the WCS-999 - then plug the WCS-999 receiver into the ZR60. Next, you just put the WCS-999 transmitter (with the ECM-717 attached) on a table and then shoot your video. For dual mixed sound, plug the lavalier mic that comes with the WCS-999 into the receiver and clip it to your shirt. Then you are picking up sound from the ECM-717, wherever you locate it, AND the mic clipped on to your shirt.

Bottom line, this provides you with enough options to get excellent sound and TOTALLY eliminates the motor whine that people "whine" about! For $, you can't expect the world but considering the ZR series has excellent picture quality (and the ZR60 is better than the 40 in that department), spend the extra money and get the mic hookups! The WCS-999 system can be had for around $ online. You can get by with just this. The ECM-717 unit is approx. $. So, you spend an extra $ and you get quality sound, quality pictures, etc.

I won't go on about the camera - many have here - just look at the reviews of the ZR40 series to get a feel for it. Most people who complain complain about the motor noise and the battery life. Again, do yourself another favor and get the BP-522 battery - it gives you about 5 hours of recording time with the LCD on.

You get what you pay for. Don't skimp and you will have a very nice system and if you decide to upgrade later once prices come down on the more sophisticated cameras, you can always use the mic systems with that new camera - they will not be throw away.

For I/O with your computer, get a simple IEEE 1394 firewire card. I actually got a 1394 firewire card that also has USB 2.0 ports. Then, SIIG, Inc. makes a "hub" that mounts in the front of your PC. You then connect the internal PCI card to the hub and that places all the ports right there on the front of your PC - very convenient. The card I got is a Belkin 1394/USB 2.0 card.

Digital video is great - if you add a DVD burner you can make your own DVDs and preserve your memories forever....