The Canon HR10 is equipped with a 1/2.7-inch CMOS chip that translates into a pixel count of 2,960,000. This is the same image system that the acclaimed HV20 uses. In addition, the HR10 is capable of recording at 24P, just like the HV20. The camera is able to shoot in 1080i with shutters speeds of 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 and 1/2000. When switched into the1080P mode, the HR10 has shutters speeds of 1/6, 1/12, 1/24, 1/48, 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 and 1/2000.

The miracle of AVCHD is the ability to compress such a large amount of data on the 8cm DVD. During our tests, we noticed a lot of video artifacts in parts of the screen that were monochrome or had a lot of movement. These test were shot on the highest setting, XP+.

Another factor of using the DVD format is the record time. In this case, it was about 14 minutes on the highest setting. The next step down, XP, which is a standard-def setting, records about 20 minutes. When you drop down to the lowest-quality setting, LP, it records up to 33 minutes. The only way to increase record time would be to buy a dual-layer 8cm DVD, which gives almost double the record time for each setting. In addition, you have to decide before you start to shoot on a disc whether you want to record HD or SD. There is no switching back and forth on the same disc.

For editing and playback, the Canon HR10 comes with two discs: the Canon Digital Video Solution Disk (for both PC & Mac) and the Corel Application Disc 1.0 (PC only), which includes Corel GuideMenu, InterVideo WinDVD SE, Ulead DVD Movie Factory SE and DVD Movie Writer SE. Both applications are adequate for home movies or simple video jobs, which are really all you should be doing with this camera.

Instant playback in a home DVD player was one of the biggest attractions of the DVD camcorder; however, with AVCHD that is no longer the case for most. Most DVD players do not have the ability to read AVCHD, so getting a new Blu-ray Disc player could be one extra cost with this camera.

Canon is definitely firing big shots with video image quality, and the HR10 is no exception. Despite some video artifacts that appear, for the most part the HR10 produces an amazing image with vivid, natural-looking colors, rich with detail. Low light is handled fairly well and, with the Instant Auto Focus and OIS, the Canon HR10 will give you an image worth its price. Unfortunately, the technology surrounding the new AVCHD codec is still taking time to develop. The short record time, limited playback on DVD players and few editing options really leave you with a narrow field to work in, but we suspect it will only improve as time goes on.

Format: 8cm DVD and Flash memory card for still image capture
Image Sensor: 1/2.7-" CMOS sensor
Video Effective Pixels: 2,960,000; 16:9: 2,070,000; 4:3: 1,555,000
Lens f-Stop: 1.8-3.0
Optical Zoom: 10x
Focal Length: 6.1-61mm
Filter Diameter: 37mm
Focus: Auto (instant AF)/manual
Iris/Gain Control: Auto
Shutter Speed: Auto/AE mode selectable
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/2000
Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/6
Image Stabilization: Super range optical stabilization system
Internal ND Filter: No
Program Exposure Modes: 9
Manual White Balance: Yes
Zebra Stripes: No
Viewfinder: .27" color 123K pixels (16:9)
LCD Monitor: 2.7" 211K pixels (16:9)
Progressive Scan: Yes, 24P
HD Modes: ACHVD
Video Out: AV cord, HDMI, component, USB
Microphone In: No
VU Meter: No
Manual Audio Level Controls: No
Headphone Jack: No
Speaker: Yes
Wireless Remote: Yes
External Battery Charger Provided: No
Battery Type: Li-ion battery pack
Form Factor: Standard, horizontal
Disc-Loading Configuration: Side
Onboard Video Light: Yes
Accessory Shoe: No

• Easy menu navigation.
• Good color and image detail.

• Short record time.
• Playback is limited

The Canon HR10 is a slick-looking camera that can shoot impressive HD images. The limited record times may be too much of a setback for most.

Jay Alexander is a professional videographer and commercial producer.

Canon USA
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NJ 11042
www.usa.canon.com

$1,199