Canon HG10 Camcorder

Ultra compact AVCHD HDD High Definition camcorder
The HG10 is one of the world’s smallest AVCHD HDD camcorders. This design breakthrough was only possible because Canon’s engineers developed a unique heat dispersion system, effectively solving problems of overheating normally associated with small HDD devices. The HG10’s stylish and compact design puts huge storage capacity at users’ disposal – with space for up to 15 hours of HD footage, the camcorder satisfies even the most adventurous moviemakers.
Unique for an HD camcorder of its size, the HG10 incorporates shooting features more commonly associated with much larger camcorders. An advanced accessory shoe accepts a wide range of peripherals, extending shooting possibilities.  External inputs, including microphone and headphone jacks, allow sound to be captured more faithfully and audio levels to be closely monitored.

The HG10 is supplied with a high capacity battery that provides over an hour of continuous recording on a single charge: combined with the amazing recording capacity of an HDD, the HG10 lets users capture more footage at Full HD quality for longer. A new Canon Battery Pack (BP-2L24H) is also available, doubling shooting time to more than two hours on a single charge. With optional tele-convertor and wide lenses also available, the HG10 offers ambitious moviemakers a complete shooting package.

Canon HDD
With a Canon HDD camcorder there is no longer any need to carry around spare media, such as MiniDV tapes or DVDs, on long shooting trips or holidays . Ensuring that memories are kept safe in case of accidents, Canon’s HDD incorporates a two-stage shock protection system to counteract the effects of severe vibrations and sudden impact.
The first stage of protection employs an intelligent drop detection sensor that automatically retracts the HDD’s swing arm if the camcorder is dropped from heights as low as 40cm. This helps to prevent damage from occurring by ensuring that the HDD’s magnetic head – which reads and writes data – does not come into contact with the magnetic disc. In addition, a damper mechanism is designed to help prevent damage if the camcorder is dropped from heights below 40cm.

The advantage: the Canon HD Camera System
Canon is the world’s only camcorder company to have full control over the design, testing and manufacture of all key components used in its consumer HD camcorder range: only Canon makes genuine HD video lenses, CMOS sensors and high performance imaging processors in-house. These components are designed to integrate seamlessly, giving Canon camcorders a significant performance advantage and ensuring the highest possible image quality.

Genuine Canon HD Video Lens
At the 2006 football World Cup, the majority of broadcasters used Canon video lenses. Every Canon HD camcorder inherits the imaging expertise of the world’s foremost broadcast lens manufacturer. The HG10’s 10x optical zoom lens is specially engineered for the resolution of HD imaging. Two aspherical lens elements ensure that all light rays converge at the same focal point, eliminating chromatic aberrations; special coating reduces ghosting and flare. In addition, Canon’s Super Range OIS technology compensates for the unwanted effects of camera shake. Using two types of shake detection sensors, visible effects of vibrations across the frequency range are greatly reduced. As a result, HD movies look steadier than ever before. The same system is also effective when shooting still images.

Canon Full HD CMOS
The Canon Full HD CMOS video sensor captures HD 1080i footage at full 1920x1080 resolution, delivering outstanding picture quality. Developed from technology pioneered for Canon EOS – the world’s most popular D-SLR camera system – Canon’s Full HD CMOS sensor incorporates advanced noise reduction technology and an RGB Primary Colour Filter, capturing vivid, lifelike colours.

DIGIC DV II
Designed to handle the increased data rate of HD imaging, Canon’s DIGIC DV II processor employs noise reduction technology to deliver optimally sharp, crisp HD video pictures. Colours are rendered with the same vibrancy as they appear in real life. DIGIC DV II also drives the HG10’s still photography functionality: this camcorder is also a fully featured digital camera. With a range of advanced photo features available – such as a built-in flash and a one-push histogram display to monitor brightness levels – users can shoot 3.1 Megapixel photographs. Thanks to DIGIC DV II, photos can even be taken while an HD video is being shot – users never have to choose between movie and still shooting again.

Instant AF
First developed for Canon’s professional XH series HD camcorders, Instant AF is an advanced auto focusing system. Specially designed for the increased requirements of HD, Instant AF achieves super fast, highly accurate auto focus, leaving users free to concentrate on the important business of framing their shots.

Quick Start
Most camcorders take several seconds before they are ready to record after being switched on. With Canon’s Quick Start function, the camcorder is ready to record in approximately a second from Standby mode. Thanks to Quick Start, once-in-a-lifetime moments – such as a child’s first steps – need never be missed again.

Easy HD moviemaking for everyone
The HG10 is the first Canon camcorder to feature a new Navigation Control Dial, incorporated on the frame of its 2.7” LCD screen. Similar to controls found on other stylish digital devices – from MP3 players to mobile phones – all key functions can be operated from the Dial, making it easier to concentrate on filming. The Navigation Control Dial also offers new ways to search through recorded footage: users can quickly browse through thumbnail images to find the clip they want. Selected footage can then be previewed on the camcorder’s 2.7” Multiangle Vivid LCD. It is just as easy to play movies on an HDTV using the HDMI connection, which requires only a single cable. The Multiangle Vivid LCD screen has a new Hard Coat AR (HCAR) surface treatment, giving a wide 135 viewing angle – in both vertical and horizontal directions – and providing more faithful colour reproduction with minimal darkening. The LCD also supports a wider colour range than most other camcorders’ screens.
The HG10 is capable of genuine progressive shooting at 25 fps: shooting with Canon’s unique 25p Cinema Mode combines 25p shooting with special CINE image settings to add an authentic filmic feel to movies.

Once movies have been captured, getting footage onto a PC for editing is easy via the camcorder’s USB connection. A supplied Corel Application Disc provides all necessary software for managing and editing AVCHD footage, as well as burning DVDs.