Canon U.S.A. Inc. has announced an addition to its lineup of digital camcorders in the form of the Elura 40MC. A feature-rich model with a target price of $999 when it ships late next month, the new Elura can direct-print to the Canon CP-10 Card Photo Printer, and the two will also be offered in a bundle for a planned price of $1198.

The Elura 40MC uses a 680,000 pixel CCD imager, and has a 10x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation. Video and still images can be recorded onto either MiniDV cassette tapes or Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard flash memory, and both IEEE 1394 (FireWire) and USB 2.0 high-speed interfaces are offered for downloading your work onto a computer. A 2-inch tilt/swivel LCD screen and color electronic viewfinder are offered for framing and playback, whilst sound can be recorded in either 12 or 16-bit modes.

The camcorder features program auto exposure with seven pre-programmed modes including a night-mode, as well as 9 faders, 9 special effects modes, and a multi-image capture function that can record 4, 9 or 16 pictures on-screen at three different preset speeds or manually. Manual controls include focus, exposure, white-balance and shutter speed.

Other interesting offerings include an XGA 1024 x 768 pixel high-resolution still mode (Canon's documents seem to suggest this uses a method that combines two subsequent images into one higher-resolution one, which would mean this would only be useful for still subjects - but the documents weren't quite clear and it is possible this could just be a standard interpolation). There's also Exif Print (Exif 2.2) compliance which should offer improved print quality when coupled with Exif Print-compliant printers and software, and a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack and charger that Canon says offers 35 to 75 minutes of recording time (typical / maximum) using the electronic viewfinder, or 30 to 55 minutes using the LCD display.

For more in-depth info on this new model, read on for feature highlights and a spec table courtesy of Canon's promotional documents:

The New Standard for Compact Digital Camcorders
Wrap your hand around the new Canon Elura 40MC. One of the smallest DV camcorders in the world, the Elura 40MC packs a surprising array of high-performance features and sophisticated imaging technology inside its sleek and compact exterior. This pint-size powerhouse features a 680,000-pixel CCD for producing stunning video and crisp XGA high-resolution photos, a variety of exciting special effects, plus a full assortment of interface ports. Save your still and moving images onto the included SD Memory Card, or transfer them all to your PC via USB or DV cable. Try out the Elura 40MC, and you’ll see for yourself how something so small can perform so big.

DV Format
Mini DV is the new preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, Mini DV delivers a 20% clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. All this, in a handy, super-compact cassette.

Image Stabilizer
The ideal companion for the Elura 40MC’s impressive zoom capability, the advanced image stabilization system instantly compensates for “camera shake” caused by unsteady hands, giving you smooth, stable pictures even for extreme close-ups, without a tripod.

10x Optical Zoom Lens (40-200x Digital Zoom)
What sets a Canon camcorder apart from all the others? It’s the only camcorder made by a company renowned for high-quality professional optics. Our vast expertise in designing and crafting precision lenses for 35mm and broadcast TV cameras also goes into every camcorder lens we make. The Elura 40MC’s 10x optical zoom lens delivers superb definition and contrast, taking full advantage of the DV format. The digital zoom extends the camcorder’s magnification from 40 to an incredible 200x, revealing details too small to see with the naked eye.

Analog Line-In
For instant editing, simply connect your TV, VCR or analog camcorder to the Elura 40MC, it will convert your analog video signal to digital, for direct transfer to your computer via IEEE1394 cable.* If you wish, you can first record the analog signal to DV tape, allowing you to create a high quality master of your original.
*The Analog to Digital Converter may not function depending on the software used.

AV Insert and Audio Dubbing
Use this function to insert new video scenes recorded in SP mode from a VCR or other another camcorder. If you’ve recorded your audio track in 12-bit audio mode, you can also add stereo sound from another audio source, or through the camcorder’s internal microphone or an external microphone.

Flexible LCD View Screen and Color Viewfinder
The Elura 40MC’s bright 2.0” LCD view screen that makes it easy to compose sensational shots without having to squint into the viewfinder. You can rotate the screen for high-or low-angle shots, or turn it around 180° to record yourself. When you’re done shooting, the screen is perfect for reviewing your scenes. When scooting conditions are too bright for the LCD, the screen tucks neatly away, and you can go on shooting using the full-color eyecup viewfinder.

Manual Controls
The fully-automatic Elura 40MC gives great results even in the hands of a novice, while experts will appreciate the manual focus, exposure, white balance and shutter speed controls.

Lithium Ion Power
The Elura 40MC’s Lithium Ion battery pack can be recharged at any time, so you will never be caught unexpectedly without power when the important shooting opportunities arise.

PCM Digital Sound
The Elura 40MC offers two digital audio modes, 12 and 16-bit. You can select 16-bit mode for high-quality, CD-equivalent stereo sound, or 12-bit to record only two of four channels, leaving the remaining two channels free for you to record additional sound later.

Exif Print
The Elura 40MC supports Exif Print (2.2), the world-wide standard for enhancing communication between camcorders and printers. After connecting to an Exif Print-compliant printer, Exif Print uses and optimizes the camcorder’s image data at the moment of shooting, resulting in high quality printed photos.

Direct Print with Card Photo Printer CP-10 (optional)
Compact and fun to use, the Card Photo Printer CP-10 produces high resolution 300 x 300 dpi dye-sublimated prints using only your Elura 40MC: no computer required! A single cable connects the printer to your Elura 40MC, and you can perform cropping and other functions right from the camera. Credit card-sized prints are perfect for storing, sharing and carrying with you. Select bordered or borderless prints, full-size labels, or even a sheet of eight mini-labels.

AE Shift
This function lets you control how dark or light the camcorder sets the Auto Exposure level.

Program Auto Exposure
While the Elura 40MC’s Easy Recording mode is fine for most shooting situations, the camcorder also includes seven additional pre-programmed auto exposure modes (Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, Low Light and Night) each carefully designed to give you the best possible image results under special shooting conditions.

Night Mode
Even when the light has faded, you can keep on shooting with the Elura 40MC’s Night Mode. The camcorder selects the optimal shutter speed based on the brightness of the subject, allowing improved brightness and color. Now you can capture the action without turning the lights on.

Stitch Assist
With the included Stitch Assist software application you can use the Elura 40MC to create magnificent 360° panoramas. Just shoot your panoramic landscape from all angles (eight shots is usually sufficient for a full 360° view), and transfer them to your computer. Then simply select and arrange your images in the correct order, and Stitch Assist does the rest, aligning, overlapping and cropping the separate images to form one continuous loop.

Digital Effects
The Elura 40MC features an impressive array of special digital image effects to add to your video recordings, for variety and impact at the touch of a button.

Faders
Add a variety of transitions to your movies with a fade to or from black. Choose from Fade Trigger, Wipe, Corner, Jump, Flip, Puzzle, Zigzag, Beam and Tide.

Special Effects
Add interest and variety to your images during recording and playback with Art, Black & White, Sepia, Mosaic, Ball, Cube, Wave, Color Mask or Mirror.
* In Card mode: Only black and white is available.

Multi-image Screen
Divide your screen into four, nine or sixteen pictures with the Image Capture function. You can choose the speed at which the images are captured: Manual, Slow, Moderate or Fast.

• Microphone Terminal
• Built-in Speaker
• Photo Search/Date Search
• Time Code/Date Code
• 16:9 Wide Screen Mode
• Composite and S-Video Input/Output
• Self-Timer
• Confirming/Warning Beeps
• Zero Set Memory
• Record Search & Review
• LANC Terminal*
  *Connect only equipment bearing the LANC symbol.

XGA High Resolution Photos
Using advanced dual image processing the Elura 40MC captures beautiful, high-definition photos. Just press the photo button to capture up to 40 stunning XGA (1024 x 768 pixel) images onto the included 8MB SD Memory card.

Digital Photo Mode
Not only is the Elura 40MC an outstanding video camcorder, with digital photo mode it becomes a digital still camera as well. Capture more than 700 crisp VGA (640 x 480 pixel) still images on a single videocassette (in SP mode). Combine video and still pictures together with the added benefit of audio. The Elura 40MC can also capture approximately 90 VGA (640 x 480 pixel) pictures onto an 8MB SD Card.

SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard*
The Elura 40MC expands video possibilities with a built-in slot for an SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard, in addition to a Mini DV cassette. These ultra-small and ultra-light digital memory cards can record, store and manage still images and small video clips. Easily transfer still images and movie clips to your PC directly from the camcorder. Copy still images from videocassette to memory card, and vice versa. Produce effects not possible with just a cassette using one of three types of Card Mix Effects. Choose one of the sample images provided on the supplied SD Memory Card (such as picture frame or crashing waves) then combine it with the live video recording.
*An 8MB SD Memory Card is supplied with the camcorder.

IEEE 1394 DV Terminal
An IEEE 1394-compliant DV terminal lets you connect the Elura 40MC to a DV-compatible computer or another Canon DV camcorder. Transfer your digital movies to your computer’s hard disk, edit your scenes, then use them to create high-impact Web sites, video email, interactive CDs and DVDs, or a personal video album.

USB Terminal
Allows high-speed transfer of photos and movie clips from your SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard to your computer. By using the USB cable and software provided, you can process and organize your images and video on your PC.
*System requirements: Interface: USB: only preinstalled Windows 98/Windows Me/Windows 2000/Windows XP systems with built-in USB ports, or only systems equipped with genuine Apple-brand built-in USB interfaces.

Included Software
The Elura 40MC kit includes the Digital Video Solution Disk, with a suite of helpful software for image management and editing, including: ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Macintosh) let you easily download, browse, archive and retouch your still images. Automatically resize images and attach them to e-mail, arrange them for printing, and add text anywhere on the page. Arcsoft PhotoImpression lets you easily convert still images to sepia color, apply other special effects, edit them or use them to create attractive greeting cards and calendars. Arcsoft VideoImpression gives you an array of easy-to use tools for editing and applying special effects to movies, or attaching them to your e-mail.

Motion JPEG
The Elura 40MC lets your record short movie clips in Motion JPEG format onto the inserted memory card, for clear images and smooth playback. You may choose to record up to 10 seconds at 320 X 240 pixels or up to 30 seconds at 160 X 120 pixels.

Canon Elura 40MC
Specifications
Power supply (rated)	7.4 V DC
Power consumption (while recording with the AF turned on)	3.4W (Using viewfinder); 4.4W (Using LCD screen)
Television system	EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal
Video recording system	2 rotary heads, helical scanning DV system (Consumer digital VCR SD system) Digital component recording Operating System CPU RAM
Audio recording system	PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 ch); 12 bit (32 kHz/4 ch)
Image sensor	1/6 inch CCD (charge coupled device), approx 680,000 pixels
	(card: 630,000 effective pixels, tape: 340,000 effective pixels)
Tape format	Videocassettes bearing the MiniDV mark.
Tape speed	SP: 3/4 ips (18.81 mm/s), LP: 1/2 ips (12.56 mm/s)
Maximum recording time (with an 80 min. cassette)	SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.
Fast forward/rewind time	Approx. 2 min. 20 sec. (with a 60 min. cassette)
Lens	F/1.8-2.3, 10x power zoom, f=2.5-25 mm
	(7x power zoom, 3.5-25 mm in CARD CAMERA mode)
Focusing system	TTL autofocus, manual focusing possible
Minimum focusing distance	3 ft 3 3/8 inch (1 m), (3/8 inch (1 cm) on maximum wide angle)
Maximum shutter speed	1/2,000 sec. (1/250 sec. when using a memory card)
Minimum illumination	2.4 lx (using the Night program in TAPE CAMERA mode)
Recommended illumination	More than 100 lx
Filter diameter	28 mm
Viewfinder	0.5 inch, TFT color LCD, approx. 113,000 pixels
LCD screen	2 inch, TFT color, approx. 130,000 pixels
Microphone	Stereo electret condenser Microphone
Recording media	SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCard
Number of recording pixels	Still image: 1024 x 768 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels Movie: 320 x 240 pixels (approx. 10 sec.)*, 160 x 120 pixels (approx/. 30 sec.)* *The figures in brackets represent the maximum length of one movie clip.
Image format	Design rule for Camera File system (DCF), Exif 2.2 compliant, Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant (only images marked for printing)
File format	Still image: JPEG (compression mode: Superfine/Fine/ Standard); Movie: Motion JPEG
Estimated SD Memory Card SDC-8M capacities*	1024 x 768: Superfine 14 images/Fine 20 images/Standard 39 images, 640 x 480: Superfine 35 images/Fine 52 images/ Standard 86 images *The actual number varies depending on the images. Sample images recorded on the supplied SD Memory Card are to be included in the total number.
USB terminal (USB 2.0 compliant)	mini-B
DV terminal input/output	Special 4-pin connector (conforms to IEEE 1394)
A/V terminal input/output	3.5 mm minijack Audio input: -10 dBV/at least 40 kohms, unbalanced output: -10 dBV (47 kohm load)/ less than 3 kohms, unbalanced Video: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced
S-video terminal input/output	1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal)
Operating temperature range	32-104º F (O-40º C)
Dimensions	2 x 4 3/8 x 3 1/2 inch (55 x 111 x 89 mm)
Weight	13 3/8 oz (380 g)
System Requirements
Operating System CPU RAM Windows 98 150MHz or better 32MB or more Me / 2000 64MB or more XP 300MHz or better 128MB or more Macintosh Mac OS 8.6 - 9.2 PowerPC 20MB or more Mac OS X (10.1) 128MB or more Operating System Free hard disk space Windows ZoomBrowserEX 120MB or more PhotoStitch 40MB or more USB TWAIN Driver 25MB or more USB WIA Driver Arcsoft Photo Impression 125MB or more Arcsoft Video Impression 30MB or more Macintosh ImageBrowser 120MB or more PhotoStitch 40MB or more Arcsoft PhotoImpression 120MB or more Arcsoft VideoImpression 30MB or more
Kit Contents
Elura 40 MC NB-2L Battery Pack CB-2LT Battery Charger CA-PS700 Compact Power Adapter Wireless Controller WL-D77 S-150 S-video Cable STV-250N Stereo Video Cable SDC-8M SD Memory Card Software/USB Cable
Optional Accessories
Battery Pack Max. Recording Time Typical Recording Time* Using the Viewfinder Using the LCD Screen Using the Viewfinder Using the LCD Screen NB-2L 1hr. 15 min. 55 min. 35 min. 30 min. BP-2L12 2hr. 40 min. 2hr. 80 min. 1hr. 5min. *Typical Recording Time: Approximate times for recording with repeated operations such as start/stop, zooming and power on/off. Actual time may vary.
Car Battery Charger CBC-NB2	Use this handy charger to charge NB-2L/BP-2L12 batteries from your car’s cigarette lighter socket.
Wide-converter WD-28	Gives wide-angle coverage at 0.7x
Tele-converter TL-28	Increases focal length 1.7x
Filter Set FS-28U	Includes neutral density (ND 8) filter and MC protector.
Battery Video Light VL-10Li	Powerful 10W illumination. A BP-900 series battery attaches directly, for cable-free operation. Optional BP-900 Series battery and charger required)
Zoom Remote Controller ZR-1000	Plug into the Elura 40MC’s LANC terminal for control of record start and stop, zoom, focus and other functions while the camcorder is mounted on a tripod, without having to touch the camcorder itself.
Adapter Bracket SA-1	This handy bracket lets you attach an external microphone or VL-10Li video light.
Carrying Accessories	Soft Carrying Case SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case SC-A50
Canon Digital Video Cassettes	Digital Video Cassette DVM-E60/DVM-E80 Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette DVM-CL
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