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 [that burn to 8cm DVD-R and DVD-RW media. BC].

The 1.33 Megapixel DC10 and 2.2 Megapixel DC20 are Canon’s 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.

*The DC10 weighs 400g and the DC20 410g; each model measures 47(w)x86(h)x122(d)mm. BC

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 colour reproduction by eliminating signal conversion. By providing true split path processing, Canon’s 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 2.5in 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 nine-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 stabiliser (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 unfinalised 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 nine-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 five frames per second.

Online sharing
Camcorder purchase entitles new owners to CANON iMAGE GATEWAY membership - 100MByte 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
The DC10 and DC20 will be available from October 2005.

Reader enquiries
UK – 08705 143723 / http://www.canon.co.uk
Eire – (01) 2052400 / http://www.canon.ie

Full specs
Specs (as supplied by Canon. BC) are available here in PDF format.

About Canon (UK) Limited
Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for the home and office environments.

Canon has a global philosophy of Kyosei - living and working together for the common good, which clearly demonstrates commitment to customers, staff and the environment shared by all.

Canon (UK) Ltd is the UK marketing and sales operation for the US$33 billion global company based in Tokyo, Japan. In the UK Canon employs over 2,000 people in various locations including Ireland and has achieved sales of £522m in 2004.

The main business focus for Canon (UK) Ltd, covers two clearly defined market segments - Business Solutions and Consumer Imaging.

Business Solutions covers the office and professional printing environments , including multifunctional printers, IT consultation and peripherals - photocopiers, printers, fax machines, document management hardware & software, multimedia LCD projectors.

Consumer Imaging covers input solutions (film and digital cameras, camcorders, binoculars and scanners) and output solutions - Ink Jet printers, fax machines, desktop multifunctionals and multimedia LCD projectors.

Slightly tweaked for easier reading. Oh, and camcorder makers are not allowed to quote recommended or suggested prices so, after a good bit of digging around, it's my view that the street prices are likely to be around £670 inc VAT for the DC10, and £770 for the DC20 - but this may change before October. BC.