Canon unveiled its latest gadget for HD movie lovers, Canon HR10 HD Camcorder. The camera includes a Genuine Canon 10x optical zoom lens, a Full HD 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensor and offers the AVCHD video format.

The AVCHD codec helps users to record 1080 HD video to conventional 3-inch (8cm) DVD discs. The AVCHD codec allows HD video to be captured in a variety of compression rates, using less storage space. The movies recorded can be played on many AVCHD compatible DVD players, including most Blu-ray disc players.

The 1/2.7-inch CMOS image sensor acquires image information at a resolution of 1920 x 1080, producing life-like High Definition movies and photos. Also Canon’s Full HD CMOS Sensor features on-chip noise reduction technology, to help ensure the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal “noise” or other image distortion even in dimly lit scenes.

The control center of the new camcorder is DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor that offers improved color reproduction and noise reduction.

The HR10 HD Camcorder also helps users obtain the sharpest High Definition video possible, with the assistance of Canon’s exclusive Instant AF focus system and Super Range Optical Image Stabilization to help provide “rock solid” images at any focal length.

“Research shows that consumers are looking for the convenience of DVD, as well as high-quality HD video when choosing a camcorder. With the introduction of the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder, we provide consumers with a better way to record and preserve their memories in High Definition,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder enhances our offerings to the home theater aficionado, who demands nothing but the best in image quality, expands our product portfolio and strengthens our market leadership.”

Adding to the professional look of the High Definition video captured by the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder is the Smooth Zoom Speed Control. Canon’s Smooth Zoom Speed Control provides users with a choice of three pre-set zoom speeds to help control the pace of the zoom no matter how hard the user may press the zoom lever. Furthermore, the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder provides an easy-to-read level marker or grid superimposed over the camcorder’s 2.7-inch widescreen LCD display.

The new HR10 features:

Ultra-compact High Definition (AVCHD) recording on standard 8cm DVDs

Canon Full HD CMOS sensor (2.96 Megapixels), with Bayer placement RGB filter

Instant AF for superbly accurate auto focusing at speed

Genuine Canon HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom and Super Range OIS

HD-optimised DIGIC DV II processor, with additional advanced digital photography functionality

New 2.7” Multiangle Vivid LCD, with Hard Coat AR (HCAR) surface processing, offering a wider viewing angle and broader, more realistic colour palette

25p Cinema Mode (25p progressive shooting and CINE image settings)

Quick Start, powering up the camcorder from Standby mode almost instantly

Easy playback: connect the HR10 to an HD-Ready TV with just one cable using the HDMI interface

Canon HR10 HD Camcorder will be available in August at an estimated selling price of $1199.