Canon MV500i

A fully featured entry-level MiniDV camera.

Canon has extended its entry-level range of MiniDV cameras with the MV500i, which provides a comprehensive set of features and improvements over previous Canon products.

The standard 1/4in CCD has been replaced with a smaller 1/6in sensor, which is twinned with a new f1.8 Canon video lens that provides a maximum optical zoom of 18X.

The device is a DV-In/Out model and provides an A/D converter for analogue signals, so you can record or archive digital and analogue video to MiniDV tape.

It also benefits from an Infrared Night Shot mode for filming in darkness, while manual control options include focus, shutter speed and white balance calibration.

Like the MV450 before it, the MV500i falls short in the CCD department, with only 340,000 effective pixels. This puts it at a disadvantage when compared to higher resolution DV cameras.

There's also no memory card, so stills are captured to tape.

Price: £649.99 (inc. VAT)

Contact: Canon 01737 220 000
www.canon.co.uk