Canon ZR960 MiniDV Camcorder with 41x Optical Zoom
November 24, 2009 | Posted by admin 
- Capture high-quality video to MiniDV tape
- Genuine Canon 41x Advanced Zoom; image stabilizer
- Canon DIGIC DV image processor for stunning video color and clarity
- 2.7-inch Widescreen LCD; widescreen HR recording
- Compatible with Canon lens converters and filters
Product Description
Some events happen only once in a lifetime. A
special birthday, a babys first steps, the winning goal.
These special moments deserve a camcorder that
captures it all perfectly. Introducing the new Canon
ZR960 MiniDV camcorder. Loaded with all the latest
technologies to shoot these moments easily, the
Canon ZR960 delivers awe-inspiring video that is
perfectly simple. Theres Canons 41x Advanced Zoom
to get you in closer or wider. The 2.7-inch widescreen
LCD displays exactly what youre shooting. When the
action ramps up, the Image Stabilizer steadies the
action right in the viewfinder. For lifelike color and
razor-sharp detail, Canons DIGIC DV Image
Processor has you covered. Theres even a Soft LCD
Video Light to help brighten up dark scenes.
Outstanding performance, and easy-to-use, all at a
surprising price. The Canon ZR960, as exceptional as
the memories it captures. Canon USA 1-year limited
warranty included.
Canon ZR960 MiniDV Camcorder with 41x Optical Zoom
Categories: Canon MiniDV | 
Tags: Camcorder, Canon, MiniDV, Optical, Zoom, ZR960 | 
5 Comments »
While this is sold as a “digital” camcorder, I struggle understanding how this is at all digital. The only way it connects to a computer is through a FireWire cable, and you still need video capturing software on the computer and have to manually play it back to record it on a computer. I can do the same thing a lot easier with a DVR and the RCA cables.
This was given to me as a gift so I didn’t pick it out myself, but I’m a pretty experienced techie and don’t think I’m going to use it at all. There’s simply no native way to transfer videos to my computers without doing the stupid “play” and “record” transfer analogous to the old VCR days.
Can’t speak to the actual quality of the camera because it doesn’t matter to me if it’s unusable.
Rating: 3 / 5
I bought a video camcorder so I could download recordings onto my computer, edit the video and create short video clips which could be sent to clients. I bought this specific unit because of its high Consumer Reports rating and the manufacturer’s claim that it could do specifically what I wanted. I got it home and learned that it is not compatible with ALL computers, and there is no way to tell if it is compatible with yours until you try it! I had chosen to pay the additional cost and go through the additional hassle of using cassettes to get a better quality product, but had I known then what I know now, I would NEVER have wasted my time and money! My computer is now at the repair shop to see if they can make the two compatible, even though I did have all the specifics on my computer, -firewire port, etc., and I had purchased the proper cable – (at additional cost). In the meantime, I’m back to shopping for a video camera that will do what I need done.
Rating: 1 / 5
The Canon ZR-960 so far has not disappointed me. My JVC model took a dive after minimal use so I decided to go with a different brand on this purchase. Only time will tell how long this will last. Here’s my review:
The camcorder has a rather “cheap” feel to it but that is because it is mostly made of plastic. This downside is made up with the fact that it is extremely light, noticeably lighter than my old JVC GR-D250U. The viewfinder doesn’t move: you have to press a button to activate viewing through the viewfinder. The viewfinder itself is in color. Everything that displays on the LCD is displayed in the viewfinder, there’s just less real-estate so stuff is a bit cluttered. It shares some features that my Canon Rebel Xsi features such as a “program” mode for advanced use and an “easy” mode for point and record. White balance, shutter speed, and modes (sports, fireworks, etc.) can be accessed through the program mode. One can also display a grid or single line to help make sure things are level and such. I use an older Macbook Pro and movies are imported over a DV to Firewire 800 cable with no problems. The Macbook also lets you use it as an iChat camera and record movies straight to your hard drive using the older iMovie HD with no problem.
Things I like about it over the old JVC:
No mounting the lens cover. It’s a switch that opens and closes the lens. No more dangling lens covers that always pop off.
Top loading cassete. You can keep it on your tri-pod while swapping DV tapes. Serious advantage over bottom loading camcorders.
The “joystick” for accessing menu items. This is a MAJOR advantage over touch screen (no smudges) and buttons (how annoying). It gets a bit to get used to but it is superior. Only 2 other buttons are used.
User selectable zoom speeds (1,2,3,variable)
Things I don’t like:
LCD panel most be open to access the DV, mic and AV ports. Most other camcorders have them elsewhere where you don’t have to open the LCD panel to access.
No “blank” search feature. This is where you can fast forward or rewind to see where blank spots appear on the cassette to record where you left off. This camera doesn’t have it. No real concern.
Plastic tripod mount. No real concern, just seems odd.
I recommend this to those who like better in-camera editing than HD, flash card and DVD camcorders. I prefer mini DV because you can view what you recorded, rewind or fast forward as desired, then start a new spot to start recording again. With DVD, Flash and HD recording, I don’t believe you can do this, but I may be wrong.
Rating: 4 / 5
Big VALUE Inc. has doubled the suggested retail price of this hard to find item. Fry’s has them for $249.99!
Rating: 4 / 5
I have made videos for 25 years, I teach it at a university, I have trained many many people on a wide variety of gear. We bought this camera to replace our aging public access cameras and was very unhappy that we bought cheap cameras. However, I took one home I am stunned by the quality and ease of use. MiniDV is almost history, but we are using it and so are many others. This camera in decent light looks comparable to cameras costing so much more. In average light or low light it does fine too. The sounds is great and the easy button is.. well EASY. It also have programmable/manual features for those of us who like more control. My only negative comment is it doesn’t have a USB2 output, so you are limited to 4 pin 1394 or mini fire-wire to get your video off this camera. Fire wire is almost gone the way of the analogue RCA type connector. Soon there will be no computers made with this connector to hook this camera to. But for this point in time, MiniDV is not dead and this is a really fine little camera. Yikes, the quality is very good for this price point!
Rating: 5 / 5