Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder

★★★★☆
4.2

based on 49 reviews  

from

 

Ratings Distribution

5 star
 
22
4 star
 
21
3 star
 
3
2 star
 
1
1 star
 
2

Category Average

★★★★☆
4.1

 

More Images 

Pros

  • Comfortable to operate (19)
  • Great picture quality (15)
  • Simple controls (15)
  • Great features (13)
  • Versatile (12)
  • Great sound quality (10)
  • Durable (9)
  • Lightweight (2)
  • Adequate sound recording (1)
  • Compact (1)
See less See more

Cons

  • Short battery life (2)
  • Cd dosen't include video (1)
  • Complicated to operate (1)
  • Flimsy (1)
  • No auto off (1)
  • No mic input (1)
  • Poor in low light (1)
  • Poor sound quality (1)
  • Tape mechanism noise (1)

Best Uses

  • Travel (13)
  • Family (9)
  • Home movies (9)
  • Movies/short films (5)
  • Editing (3)
  • Special events (3)
  • Sports (3)
  • Documentaries (1)
  • Family gatherings (1)
  • Weddings (1)
 
 
 

Provided by OneCall

The ZR950 is the top of the line of ZR camcorders. This latest addition to the ZR family also includes an array of features that turn your camcorder into a digital still camera, including 9 Point AiAF (Auto Focus), Progressive Photo, Simultaneous Photo Recording, Special Scene Modes, and Image Effects. It is also compatible with SD HC (High Capacity) memory cards for storing even more of your images.

All this comes together to deliver brilliant video and digital photos that you can easily share with family and friends. Easy to use, great looking and terrific value- it's the perfect choice for capturing all of life's precious memories.

Canon Exclusive- Canon Genuine 48x Advanced Zoom
The Genuine Canon 48x Advanced Zoom on the ZR950 is just the kind of exclusive Canon feature you've come to expect from the leader in imaging and optics. Advanced Zoom extends the power of your zoom and is the longest zoom Canon has ever offered. In both wide angle and telephoto positions, there is virtually no loss in image quality throughout the range. How is this accomplished? With a Genuine Canon lens which remains in constant motion through the entire extended zoom range aided by our proprietary DIGIC DV image processor.

The ZR950 offers you more flexibility to get just the shot you need by giving you the choice of Advanced Zoom in default mode or you can select 37x Optical Zoom or 2000x Digital Zoom. You will always be able to get the shot you need, no matter how close or far away and always with the quality you expect from Canon.

Optical Performance You Can See
The name Canon is synonymous with optical excellence the world over. Brilliant optical quality is part of every Canon broadcast TV lens, 35mm film camera, digital camera and camcorder -- and the ZR950 is no exception. It gives you clear, vibrant and brilliant video and digital photographs

Image Stabilization
The ZR950's image stabilizer allows you to shoot rock-steady video - even at maximum telephoto without a tripod - for more professional-looking video.

Brilliant Video
The new ZR950 features Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV image processor, which processes video and photos differently, resulting in exceptional color and clarity for both.

Widescreen HR Recording
So, why is the way you record widescreen images so important? Because you want an image made for widescreen, not adapted for widescreen. Because every HD television is widescreen -- widescreen is the future.

The story of how we do it may be a bit technical, but the result is clear to see. Canon camcorders use the entire width of the image sensor to capture video in true 16:9 format. What difference does this make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Some competitors' camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor -- giving you a less true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality.

In addition, the large 2.7-inch LCD screen and .35 color viewfinder on your ZR950 displays your widescreen image in a letterbox view and makes it easier to see all that you're shooting. From side to side and top to bottom, what you see is what you get. Either way, there isn't the guessing or extra work in looking at an image that's distorted like a fun house mirror.

Smooth Zoom Control
With Canon's smooth zoom control, you'll have three, pre-set zoom speeds that ensure professional, steady zoom shots.

Level and Grid Markers
Capturing level, well-composed shots is simple with the ZR950. Line up the horizon or other horizontal lines with the Level Marker in the viewfinder for level landscapes. Or, use the Grid Marker to help compose the perfect shot. Both markers can be set to white or grey for enhanced visibility, no matter what the background.

Soft LCD Video Light
The ZR950 even comes with a video light built-in to the LCD screen to help give a soft, even light to a nearby subject when you're shooting in dark conditions.

Megapixel Performance
With the ZR950 you get a 1.07 Megapixel CCD image sensor. Your video will be sharper, clearer and more true to life, as will your photos. Every sunset on the beach will be more dramatic with every color in the sky faithfully captured. The joy on the face of a child scoring her first goal on the soccer field is recorded just as you saw it.

Easy Operation
The new ZR950 comes with a variety of features that make it an easy-to-operate camcorder.

The Joystick makes using the camcorder easier than ever. Extra buttons have been eliminated, allowing you to access many functions from one convenient place. The Joystick lets you control Play, Stop, Fast Forward, and Rewind functions during playback. It also controls exposure lock and exposure compensation during recording.

With Quick Start, you'll never miss a shot again. Simply push the Quick Start button, in between shots, to put your camcorder in stand-by mode. Push the Quick Start button again, and your camcorder powers up and begins to record in less than a second. When using Quick Start, you are considerably extending the life of your battery compared to that of regular recording mode.

Also, an easy-to-read menu system makes the ZR950 a breeze to operate.

For the ultimate in stress-free shooting, there's the Easy Mode. In this setting, your ZR950 will automatically choose the focus, exposure and any additional available parameters to ensure that whatever you're recording comes out looking great. You don't have to worry about a thing - just point and shoot!

The ZR950's Multi-Angle wireless remote control means it's easier than ever to use this convenient option. A wider ranging sensor allows the camcorder to receive instructions from the remote control unit without having to hold it close to the camcorder body, meaning you can take less time to use it when it most counts.

Stunning Digital Photography
When you've got your ZR950 with you, you can leave your digital still camera at home. That's because with Canon's technology, you don't just get video and photography - you get the best of both.

At the heart of the ZR950's performance as a digital still camera is Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing circuit. Because video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV processes the two differently. So, along with stunning video images, you also get digital photos from your ZR950 that are maximized for viewing on computer monitors and as prints.

The ZR950 also comes with an array of features that add to its performance as a digital still camera.

Share Your Videos
Transfer your video to your computer and you can easily share your captured memories with friends and family. With the ZR950, it's simple. Just connect your computer to your camcorder's IEEE1394 DV terminal with a DV cable. Also known as Firewire or iLink, this high-speed interface lets you download your precious video footage with virtually no loss of video or audio quality. Your favorite recorded moments retain their pristine image and sound for everyone to enjoy.

Share Your Photos
The ZR950 give you a variety of ways to share your photos with friends and family. It's easy to share digital photos via email because you can easily transfer images directly to your PC using the USB terminal and the supplied USB 2.0 Full Speed cable. You can also print directly from your camcorder to any PictBridge-compatible printer, or store your digital photos on a Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard. Plus, this new ZR is SDHC compatible, which allows you to use cards with a capacity of 2GB or larger. That means you can store even more digital photos than before.

Specification Description
Model 2485B001, CANZR950, ZR950
UPC 013803090062
16:9 Record Mode Yes
AC Adapter CA-590
Analog Audio / Video (1) Rear Output
Aperture f/2.0-5.2
Built-in Light Yes
Camcorder Type Digital Camcorder
Card Slot SDHC
Card Slot Secure Digital
color null
Compatible Battery BP-2L14
Compatible Battery BP-2L5
Compatible Battery NB-2LH
Definition Standard Definition
Depth (Inches) 4.7
Digital Effects Modes Yes
Digital Still/Memory Mode Yes
Digital Zoom 2000
Digital Zoom 2000x
Effective Megapixel Count .8
Exposure Modes Program AE
Eyepiece Viewfinder Color
Focus Control Automatic
Height (Inches) 3.6
IEEE 1394 (Firewire) (1) Rear Output
Image Format JPEG
Image Stabilization Electronic Image Stabilizer
LCD Display Size (Inches) 2.7
Light Built-in
Low Light Enhancement Mode Canon Night Mode
Microphone Built-in
Minimum Illumination (lux) 2
Optical Zoom 37
Optical Zoom 37x
Recordable Media Type MiniDV
Recording Format MiniDV
Recording Media MiniDV
Remote Control Included
Resolution 1.07 Megapixels
Resolution Standard Definition
Scene Modes Beach/Snow
Scene Modes Fireworks
Scene Modes Night Scene
Scene Modes Portrait
Scene Modes Sports
Scene Modes SpotLight
Scene Modes Sunset
Screen Size 2.7"
Select Format DV (Mini DV)
size null
sku 73435
skuprice 229.9600
Still Image Capability Yes
Still Image Resolution (Max.) 1152 x 864
style CANZR950
taxable Y
USB Port (1) USB 2.0 High Speed
Video Compatibility NTSC
Weight (Pounds) .83
Width (Inches) 2.2

Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder Questions

Have a question about this product? Get answers from the eCoustics community.

Questions and Answers

Where to Buy

Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder

Amazon   at Amazon.com
ebay
eBay listings for: ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder
See all eBay results
  at eBay.com
 

Product Reviews

Last update: Sep 1, 2009

Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder Reviews

 
 
 

Most helpful positive review

[31 of 31 customers found this review helpful]

Most helpful negative review

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
★★★★★
5.0
Great Camera

"Pros Great Camera at a good price. Lightweight and easy to use in Easy Mode or utilize enhanced features . The Quick Start feature saves battery life between shoots. The memory card enables you to save many pictures. Cons Must purchase a firewire cable to download videos to your computer.( Camera can't download video to usb port on computer therefore your computer must have firewire port). The highlights sectio..." Read Full Review »

Jun 15, 2008 by HAPPYDAVE

See more positive Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder reviews

★★☆☆☆
2.0
dissatisfied

"I purchased this product to replace our previous camcorder. I have only had the camera for a few days, but based upon my usage so far I am dissappointed. Setting up the camcorder for use, i.e. setting the time, etc. is challenging. The directions are vague, and one has to use a "joy stick" to navagate the various icons and settings. I am a woman with small fingers and I had great difficulty navigating with the j..." Read Full Review »

May 21, 2008 by TylerTX

See more negative Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder reviews

 
 

Displaying 1 - 5 of 49 Reviews

Show

Sort by 

[31 of 31 customers found this review helpful]

Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder Review

Great Camera

★★★★★
5.0

"Pros

Great Camera at a good price. Lightweight and easy to use in Easy Mode or utilize enhanced features . The Quick Start feature saves battery life between shoots. The memory card enables you to save many pictures.



Cons

Must purchase a firewire cable to download videos to your computer.( Camera c …"  Read Full Review »

Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (31)  (0)  0 comments
Jun 15 2008
HAPPYDAVE
Maine
Reviewed at:
 

[6 of 6 customers found this review helpful]

Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder Review

Excellent Buy!

★★★★★
5.0

"Pros

I was amazed at the picture quality of the digital pictures I took on this video camcorder. I didn't expect the pictures to be better than my digital camera! So now I only take this with me and leave the digital camera at home. It's very lightweight, the battery life is great, I LOVE being able …"  Read Full Review »

Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (6)  (0)  0 comments
Jun 9 2008
Staz1998
Tuscola, IL
Reviewed at:
 

[13 of 13 customers found this review helpful]

Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder Review

Nice Camera for the money

★★★★☆
4.0

"Pros

I love the fact that it has a SD card option. I bought the 2Gig card whic is perfect for my needs. the camera has alot of easy to use features, is light weight, and a fun first camcorder/camera combination.



Cons

The picture quality is a bit grainy on the LCD screen, "

Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (13)  (0)  0 comments
May 5 2008
kerrjtob
Minnesota
Reviewed at:
 

[6 of 6 customers found this review helpful]

Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder Review

Great Camcorder...

★★★★☆
4.0

"Pros

This is my first camcorder so I dont' have anything to compare it to. But I love it. You can do video as well as use it as a camera. Works great outside and lots of extras. I love the wide screen mode. The quick start and joystick controls are easy to use. Great product.



Cons

It doesn't record …"  Read Full Review »

Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (6)  (0)  0 comments
Apr 23 2008
Sharon07
Royersford, PA
Reviewed at:
 

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder Review

A wonderful camera for the price

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Great Sound
  • Simple Controls
  • More »

    Cons

  • None

    Best Uses

  • Home Movies
  • Travel
 

"We just had our first child, and bought this camera as a way to record bits of her life. I've found it to be very user-friendly and capable of doing what I wanted it for. It takes beautiful video and still images, and the sound is good for my purposes. One minor problem I didn't anticipate... I c …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (2)  (0)  0 comments
Jan 28 2009
Mike
Nescopeck, PA
I am:
  • Casual User
Reviewed at:
 
Displaying 1 - 5 of 49 Reviews
pages: 1 2 3 4 5 Next »

Please let us know what kind of issue this is:







Email Address: (required)

We will never publish your email — see our privacy policy

Comments:

or Cancel

Where to Buy

Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder

Amazon   at Amazon.com
ebay
eBay listings for: ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder
See all eBay results
  at eBay.com
 

Selling products online?

Get the customer reviews solution that powers Buzzillions.

Engage, Connect, and Sell.

www.powerreviews.com
 

Prices, inventory, and product information are provided by the merchants and may include any promotional discounts that are not available to all customers. We assume no responsibility for accuracy of price information provided by merchants, but please to any pricing discrepancies so we can notify the merchant. Additionally, sales taxes and shipping costs are not included in listed prices, so please check with the merchant for total costs.

Product specifications and information are obtained from third parties, and while we make every effort to assure the accuracy of product information, we do not assume any liability for inaccuracies. Product reviews are written and submitted by online shoppers to assist you as you shop. They do not reflect our opinions. We take no responsibility for the content of ratings and reviews submitted by users.

 
Close Login Module
You have to Login or Join to do that!
Join

Join Buzzillions to continue... it only takes a moment!