OVERVIEW

This is a very good entry-level MiniDV camcorder with a great list of features: Compact, Easy to use, and the price continues to drop as of this writing. Keep in mind that you're not going to get "broadcast quality" from something like this, but you can expect video will be comparable to a well-dubbed videotape. More important than this, the ZR-40's small footprint and ease-of-use will mean you'll be more likely to take it with you to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

VIDEO QUALITY

Noise
Another reviewer reported that digital noise is absent on the ZR-40, which I find overly optimistic. Just try and use it indoors in a dim environment and you'll see plenty of noise, especially if you zoom in a bit. Canon's "Night mode" slows the frame refresh rate to improve the grain, but the motion gets choppy, so there's no free lunch. Get enough light on the subject, and you'll get good video. If you don't it will be grainy with no shadow detail.

Unfortunately, there is no built-in video light, but you can pick up a Sima 20W light for $20-30.

Color
I found the color and image quality were not nearly as nice as some of the comparable JVC models, like even the JVC-DVL300u, which is obsolete, but has a larger CCD and more accurate color. I bought this model over the DVL300 because the Canon has analog inputs.

NOTE: Don't buy a camcorder without a mic input!

SOUND QUALITY

A remote mic could be important because the internal one picks up a fair amount of motor whine. The camera is set up nicely with an analog input and an earphone monitoring jack.

ERGONOMICS

Despite its small size, the control layout is very good. Some of the submenus are accessed using the volume control, which is rotated to choose an option and pushed to select. It's a little fiddly at first, but you get used to it. I don't get a feeling of durability from that particular control though.

The cassette eject requires you to remove the camcorder from a tripod in order to change tapes, which could be a hassle.

The little motor that loads and rewinds the tape sounds overworked because it changes pitch with a laboring tone. It's probably a good idea to get a separate rewinder for your cassettes, anyway.

Connectors and plugs
The various I/O Jacks are located under hatches on different parts of the camcorder body. This makes the layout look more clean, and less scary, but you might find yourself searching a bit for the right port.

There's a "dummy mode" switch just inside the LCD cover. Flip it on, and the camcorder will make all the decisions for you, so you can relax and have fun.

A three language manual is included, but you're only going to need it if you want to figure out how to use the included remote control. Then, I wish you good luck.

NO USB on the ZR40

Contrary to another report, The ZR40 has no USB support, but it's no big loss, why would you want it with FireWire?

BATTERY CHARGER

I don't like the in-camera battery charger, which requires that you plug the charger into the camera and monopolize it while you're charging batteries. I found a $50 Qwik Charge Universal AC/DC Video Battery Charger CH-3000 by Digital Concepts that seems to do the job fine from AC or car's cigarette lighter at a substantial savings over the Canon option. That leaves my camera free for recording.

BATTERY LIFE
You can expect the battery to last about the length of a 60-minute DV tape if you use the Display full time. Carrying a second battery is practically a requirement, unless you upgrade to one of the 2000mAH batteries.

You can use the color eyepiece finder to save some battery power. The image through the viewer is a little blue, though.

INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL (Included):

The included IR remote lets you zoom in and out and cue the record function, which is great if you're recording yourself. Unfortunately, I was unable to use the IR remote to review previously recorded scenes while the unit is in CAMERA mode. You have to either walk back to the unit and press the side buttons or manually switch the mode control to VCR/PLAYBACK mode and then you can rewind, but you can't use the camera to record. The remote has too many buttons, and half of them don't do anything in any particular mode. I would suggest leaving it in a drawer until you've mastered using the camera by itself, which is comparatively easy.

ZR-1000 Wired Remote Accessory (Not included)
A wired remote is available with a simplified control layout. I have to wonder why the Canon Marketing Wonks decided to offer a $200-250 wired remote accessory for a $475 camera. The guy at the camera store pulled one of these out and plugged it in. We found it did everything I needed, and was quite simple to use, but the retail $250 price tag was ridiculous. The salesman saw the price and just put it away without even asking if I wanted it. Even $200 is outrageous for a remote for a camcorder that costs about $475 retail as of this writing.

NOTES:

Soft Case
Targus's DPBC02 black case is a perfect fit for the ZR-XX series camcorders. A front pouch also stores a couple DV tapes, or your Infrared remote, too. I would recommend getting one of these to keep the dust out.

FireWire Cable
Not included. You're better off getting the generic accessory from a computer supply than paying Canon or Sony prices for a cable.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 475 retail