Canon introduces a new ultra compact multi-media camcorder - the MV6iMC

3 November 2003 1:57 GMT / By PRESS RELEASE

comment: Canon looks set to merge the digital still and digtal movie cameras together with its latest digital camcorder than has improved still capability

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the new MV6iMC, an ultra compact digital camcorder that combines ease of use and stylish design with high image quality for both movies and still images.

The MV6iMC owes its ultra-compact styling to advanced components which combine a new 10X optical /400x Digital zoom lens with 1/6-inch type 800,000-pixel CCD capability. The MV6iMC provides excellent mobility while its advanced digital technology delivers high quality output for digital editing.

Size, style and design - The MV6iMC is one of the smallest Canon digital camcorders. The new design includes a lowered shoulder to allow room for the camcorder's LCD, and a compact battery, which contribute to its lightweight and compact styling.

The camcorder's improved design means that SD Memory Card/MultiMedia Card slot and all terminals (DV, AV, LANC, USB, MIC, DC and S video) are available on the body of the MV6iMC, despite its small size.

Signal processing LSI - Canon has made use of extensive research into digital camera technology to improve still image reproduction in the MV6iMC. Colour signal processing Multi Architecture Camera System (MACS) has been improved on the understanding that images recorded on tape will be viewed on a TV monitor, and that images recorded on memory card will be printed out or viewed on a PC. By making separate signal processing possible for both movies and still images, the parameters for image quality adjustments have been substantially increased.

XGA-size still image with Direct Print and Motion JPEG The MV6iMC can capture Motion-JPEG video clips, enabling short movies to be recorded to memory card, and easily downloaded to a PC and sent by email. The MV6iMC is also compatible with the Exif 2.2 standard, which strengthens the relationship between digital camera and printer.

Data recorded on the MV6iMC can be optimised to produce improved prints by connecting to a printer with Exif Print capability. The new model also enables XGA still images taken with progressive photo to be printed on a Canon Bubble Jet Direct printer or Canon portable CP-10, using Canon's Direct Print. This feature, coupled with Canon's image stabiliser and optical 10x zoom lens, ensures that the MV6iMC camcorder is ideal for high levels of image and colour resolution.

Super Night Mode, Night mode and Low Light Mode The MV6iMC has Super Night Mode, Night mode and Low Light Mode, which makes it possible to create high quality movie and still images no matter what the lighting conditions are. The Night Mode for movie images and the Low Light Mode for still images is achieved by linear control of the shutter speed in accordance with the brightness of the surroundings, resulting in high image quality. The Super Night Mode is Night Mode with additional white LED light. The Super Night Mode makes it possible to create colour movies even in completely dark conditions.

Effects and features - The MV6iMC gives users more opportunity to exercise creative minds with a variety of digital effects, in addition to those conventionally found in digital camcorders. It includes nine digital effects (i.e. flip, tide, puzzle), a range of colour tones - including sepia and black and white, and a multi image screen.

Another exciting feature in the MV6iMC is the Audio-dubbing feature, which allows users to add new sounds, or replace the original recorded soundtrack entirely.

Network functions and connectivity - The MV6iMC has improved network abilities, using IEEE 1394 for DV Messenger and file transfer function. DV Messenger works on Microsoft Windows Messenger and enables the camcorder to communicate with another Canon camcorder through cameracontrol, VTR control and IEEE 1394 file transfer between Windows XP PC's. DV Messenger allows for tape playback streaming as well as camera live streaming. The MV6iMC includes not only DV Messenger Software, but also software for still images, such as ZoomBrowser EX, PhotoRecord (for Windows), ImageBrowser (for Mac) and PhotoStitch. The MV6iMC's integral USB port enables easy transmitting of image/motion JPEG files to a PC from SD or MMC card. An Analogue Digital Converter is also included on this camcorder.

Accessories - A Wide-converter WD-28, a Tele-converter TL-28 and new Filter set FS-28U are available for the MV6iMC. These accessories enhance the superb quality and high image resolution of the MV6iMC's movie and still picture shooting performance.