Product ReviewsDigital cameras
Despite the current trend towards camcorders with an upright design style, as exemplified by models like the Sony DCR-PC120 or Canon's own MV6i MC, horizontally configured cameras are still preferred by more serious users. The Canon MVX150i is a sturdily-built and feature-packed new model, and is launched alongside its lesser-featured sister, the MVX100i. It will surely find favour among those looking for a camcorder that offers a wide range of manual, as well as automatic, controls and which delivers picture and sound quality to match equivalent products made by Sony. What's immediately noticeable about the MVX150i is that it's fairly chunky and heavy, suggesting that it's not only robust but is also packed with the kind of features expected by users who want a bit more than a lightweight, easy-to-use, point-and-shoot model. With a body design like the Sony TRV60, the MVX150i uses a 1/4in CCD whose total 1.33 megapixels translates to an effective 1.22 megapixels and produces impressive images in video and stills mode. Shooting the underside of oak tree leaves against a very bright sky, we saw none of the high-contrast roll-off or ringing that sometimes appears on single-CCD cameras, and picture definition and colour rendition were good. Good handling What's especially impressive about the MVX150i is that its controls are all in exactly the right places. The stylish, sleek body is adorned with all manner of buttons, yet doesn't look cluttered. The main menu button and separate thumbwheel is near the front left of the body, and is easily accessible during shooting. The 16x optical (320x digital) zoom toggle is switchable between tape and card modes, and provides smooth yet controllable fast and
Optical image stabilisation (OIS) is featured on both the MVX150i and the MVX100i, and appeared adequate - though no substitute to careful hand-held camerawork. Image detail appeared to be slightly blurred when the OIS was switched on, suggesting that such a facility is a bit of a gimmick. Where the MVX150i differs from its sibling is in the size of the LCD screen. On this camera, the 3.5in screen displays a 112,000 pixel picture, whereas the MVX100i sports only a 2.5in screen. But the 0.33in colour viewfinder is standard on both models. The MVX150i also supports Super Night mode, producing images at 0 Lux (2.5 Lux in standard Night mode on the 100i), with nine Program AE modes being offered by the former, and eight on the latter. There are a total of 18 digital effects available on both of the models. In control Background compensation can be adjusted manually, with White Balance offering TTL, Auto and manual Set/Preset modes. In Auto mode, the MVX150i provided fast adjustment between interior and daylight exterior exposure; even in low light the camcorder measured up well against equivalent single CCD models by producing pictures that were less grainy than the MV600 series models, though still not a match for Sony's TRV60. The electronic shutter ranges from 1/8000 of a second to half a second. Still image resolution is an impressive 1280 x 960 pixels (SVGA) using the progressive shutter option. This provides 10 images at 2 frames per second (SVGA), and 30 images at 3fps (VGA). Images and Motion JPEG files can be transferred via USB using the bundled DV Network Solutions software CD. Photo Stitch software is also included for 360-degree imaging fun. The impressive range of connection sockets on this model provides everything you need for digital and analogue output and input, together with headphone and external microphone jacks. It's also possible to print images from the SD card directly to a compatible USB-connected printer. Canon cameras have come in for criticism for poor low-light performance and noisy transport mechanics. The MVX150i doesn't suffer from either. It has every feature you need to shoot great digital video and stills. By Colin Barrett
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