Affordable pocket-sized performance

Around the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception.

For budget-conscious consumers, the ZR family of cameras is a perfect balance between style, performance and affordability. ZR digital camcorders give you a variety of features, including Widescreen HR recording, pre-programmed auto exposure settings, a Firewire/DV Terminal and Canon's advanced image stabilization system.

Along with its stylish Blue Mist finish, the ZR500 boasts Canon's longest zoom ever. It also comes with features found on more expensive camcorders. An easy-to-read menu system makes it a breeze to operate. The joystick lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure and menu options with a single controller. And a big 2.7" LCD lets you lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording.

Widescreen HR Recording
You want your memories to last forever -- that's why you've taken the time to capture them. And you want to shoot in widescreen format to get everything you can out of your new widescreen TV or home theater system.

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.

Optical Performance You Can See
Thanks to the ZR500's powerful 25x optical zoom lens and 800x digital zoom, you get an incredible range of focal lengths. Whether you're at the back of the auditorium while your child's on stage, or you want a panoramic shot of the sun setting over the lake -- you always have the perfect lens.

Brilliant Video
The ZR500 delivers stunningly vivid video thanks to Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing circuit. A variety of other features help you shoot video that will impress all your friends and family.

– Smooth Zoom Control
Simply select from 3 pre-set zoom speeds and Smooth Zoom Control does the zooming for you -- giving you steady, professional-looking shots every time.

– Level Shot Control
Tired of shots that aren't level or subjects that aren't centered? Simply turn on the ZR500's Level Shot Control -- and horizontal and center markers will appear in your viewfinder. With these markers, it's easy to level the horizon for perfect video footage of a breathtaking landscape, or keep your child in the center of the frame while they're on the soccer field.

Perfect Exposures

– Auto Exposure Mode
With the ZR500's AE Mode, you select from a variety of exposure or scene modes for the best results under difficult lighting conditions, including: EASY, P, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks. For example, the Sports setting automatically selects a faster shutter speed, ensuring sharp images of your child's hockey game; and Sand and Snow settings compensate when shooting a subject against a bright background.

– Exposure Lock
With a push of the ZR500's omni-selector, you can lock your exposure settings, then recompose your shot.

– Auto Slow Shutter Function
Activate this function, and your ZR500 will shoot at a slower shutter speed for improved low light performance.

Share Your Video
Firewire/IEEE 1394 DV Terminal. Otherwise known as Firewire or iLink, the ZR500's IEEE 1394 DV Terminal is a high-speed digital interface that ensures virtually no loss of video or audio quality when transferring videos to a computer. Simply use a DV cable to connect the camcorder to your computer's DV Terminal and you can be sure that your favorite, recorded moments retain their pristine image and sound.