Picture Perfect

Canon is the only high-quality professional optics company that makes camcorders, which means you can rest assured the images you get will provide superb definition and contrast. The ZR85 features a 20x optical zoom lens, getting you in close to the action, even when you're standing far away. The 400x digital zoom extends the ZR85's magnification, revealing details too small to see with the naked eye. A high quality image stabilization system corrects camcorder shake instantly, so your videos always look smooth, steady and natural even when shooting hand-held at full telephoto. There's even a digital photo mode that lets you take up to 700 digital still images on a MiniDV single tape (in SP mode). The camcorder records the photos for approximately 6 seconds, as well as recording the sound for your verbal notes or narration. Utilizing high-precision optics, a premium image stabilization system, and the latest processing technology, the ZR85 delivers outstanding imaging in all situations.

Holding The Cards

The ZR85 can expand your video possibilities with its built-in slot for an SD (Secure Digital) or MultiMediaCard, in addition to a MiniDV cassette. The ZR85 can capture beautiful high definition photos. Just press the photo button to capture stunning XGA (1024 x 768 pixel) images onto the included 8 MB SD Memory Card. Easily transfer images to your PC directly from the camcorder using USB and IEEE1394. Produce effects not possible with just a casette using the Card Mix Effects. Choose one of the sample images provided on the supplied SD Memory Card (such as picture frames, backgrounds and animations) and combine it with the live video recording. The Memory Card capability also allows you to record movie clips in Motion JPEG format. You may choose to record in 320 x 240 pixels or 160 x 120 pixels. Best of all, you can record for the full length of the SD Memory Card. If you like, you can even copy video from the Mini DV tape to the card, making it easy to attach a mini-movie to an email.

Get It All On Paper

The ZR85 offers flexible connectivity with a variety of printers. Connect your camcorder to a PictBridge compliant Canon Card Photo Printer or Canon Bubble Jet Printer. A single cable connects the printer to the ZR85 and all printing options can be controlled from the camcorder's menu. Choose from a range of different paper sizes with options for borderless or bordered prints. The ZR85 can connect to any PictBridge compliant printer. The ZR85 also supports Exif Print (2.2), a worldwide standard that enhances communication between digital cameras and printers. At the time of shooting, vital camcorder settings and scene data are recorded with the image, resulting in realistic and reliable color reproduction. Poor lighting or mistakes can also be corrected, allowing photos to be even better than the originals.

High Tech Tools

The ZR85 is loaded with technology that delivers outstanding quality. DIGIC DV is a system for achieving superior video and photographic images. Canon's expertise in imaging and electronics is flawlessly blended together, resulting in outstanding performance. This system offers substantial benefits in color reproduction, making it possible to achieve accurate color. Embracing the industry's latest and most sophisticated technology, the ZR85 features an exclusive connection circuit, called VIC. VIC is a virtual powerhouse. Traditionally, multiple chips were needed to perform the camcorder's input and output functions. However, VIC manages it all with one single chip. The result is seamless connectivity whether you're connecting to a computer, TV or VCR.

A Few Bright Ideas

The ZR85's bright 2.5" LCD view screen makes it easy to compose sensational shots without having to squint into the viewfinder. You can rotate the screen for high- or low-angle shots, or turn it around 180-degrees to record yourself. When you're done shooting, the screen is perfect for reviewing your scenes. You can use the End Search function to locate the end of the last recorded scene. The ZR85 fast-forwards the tape, plays back the last few seconds of the recording and stops the tape. Selectable Display Language lets you choose from the following languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese and Japanese. The date format can also be selected. You can also take advantage of the My Camera Function, which lets you personalize your camcorder by customizing the start-up image and camcorder operation sounds.

Connections and Conversions

An IEEE1394-compliant DV terminal lets you connect the ZR85 to a DV-compatible computer or another Canon DV camcorder. Transfer your digital movies to your computer's hard disk, edit your scenes, then use them to create high-impact Web sites, video e-mail, interactive CDs and DVDs, or a personal video album. The ZR85 is supplied with DV Messenger2 software, allowing you to use your Canon camcorder for Internet Video Chat with Microsoft Windows Messenger through IEEE1394. With the Analog Line-In/Converter, you can send an analog video signal from a TV, VCR, or a camcorder into the ZR85 and record it onto a DV tape, or convert the analog signal into digital signal, for direct transfer to digital video devices or computers equipped with an IEEE1394 terminal. A USB terminal allows high-speed transfer of images from your SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard to your computer. By using the USB cable and software provided, you can process and organize your images on your PC.

Some Side Effects of a Great Camcorder

The ZR85 can help expose your creativity by providing special effects and digital faders. A wide selection of effects will add visual appeal and greater imaging variety. You can add a variety of transitions to your movies with a fade to or from black. Choose from Fade Trigger, Wipe, Corner, Jump, Flip, Puzzle, Zigzag, Beam and Tide. For a more creative look, you can switch on the following digital effects during recording or playback: Art, Black & White, Sepia, Mosaic, Ball, Cube, Wave, Color Mask or Mirror. You can also divide your screen into four, nine, or sixteen pictures with the Image Capture function. You can choose the speed at which the images are captured: Manual, Slow, Moderate or Fast. For still images, the ZR85 features StitchAssist, helping you create magnificent panoramas. Shoot your landscape, and transfer the images to your computer. Then simply select and arrange your images in the correct order, and the supplied PhotoStitch software does the rest, aligning, overlapping and cropping the separate images to form one ultra-wide panoramic still image.

Included With Purchase

BP-508 battery pack, compact power adapter, wireless controller, shoulder strap, stereo video cable, USB cable, SDC-8M SD Memory Card, Digital Video Solution disk for Windows, Digital Video Solution disk for Mac.

Comparison Specifications

• 20x Optical, 400x Digital Zoom
• Mini DV Capture System, SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard Compatible
• 2.5" LCD View Screen
• i.LINK (IEEE1394) Terminal (In/Out), USB Terminal, Analog Input with A/D Converter
• Electronic Image Stabilization
• Easy Recording, Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, Low Light and Night Modes
• Night Mode, Auto Slow Shutter Speed (1/30)
• Selectable Manual Controls: Focus, Exposure Level, White Balance, Shutter Speed
• XGA High Resolution Photos (1024 x 768), Simultaneous Photo Recording
• Wireless Controller

Additional Specifications

• StitchAssist
• Selectable Focusing Points
• Digital Effects (Faders, Special Effects, Multi-Image Screen)
• Motion JPEG Capture
• DIGIC DV
• AV Insert and Audio Dubbing, DV Messenger2
• Selectable Display Languages
• SP/LP Recording Speed
• Digital PCM Audio (16-Bit/12-Bit)
• White Balance: Auto, White Balance Preset, or Custom White Balance

Manufacturer Specifications

• 1/2000 Maximum Shutter Speed (1/250 in Card Camera Mode)
• Auto Date/Time
• Record Search/Review
• Lithium Ion Battery, Low Power Consumption (Longer Battery Life)
• Built-In Speaker
• 16:9 Wide Screen Mode
• PictBridge Compliant, Exif Print
• Self-Timer, Time Code/Data Code
• My Camera Function
• End Search

Dimensional Specifications

• Approx. 1.1 lb.
• Approx. 2.1" x 3.7" x 5.5"

Canon ZR85 Warranty Details

1 Year Parts and Labor