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Canon's first entry into the AVCHD camcorder market captures high-definition video to 3-inch DVD discs.

Canon has announced it plans to enter the AVCHD camcorder market with its new HR10 HD Camcorder. The HR10 can capture full HD (1,920 by 1,080 pixel) video using a 1/2.7-inch CMOS image sensor and stores the video to 3-inch DVD discs rather than an integrated hard drive, solid-state drive, or other media.

"Research shows that consumers are looking for the convenience of DVD, as well as high-quality HD video when choosing a camcorder," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior VP and general manager of Canon USA's Consumer Imaging Group, in a release. "The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder enhances our offerings to the home theater aficionado, who demands nothing but the best in image quality, expands our product portfolio and strengthens our market leadership."

The HR10 incorporates Canon's exclusive autofocus system and Sper Range Optical Image Stabilization to ensure sharp, steady video. In addition, the camcorder offers a 2.7-inch swing-out LCD viewfinder (with a 135° viewing angle), 10× optical zoom, HDMI outputs for hooking the camcorder directly to high-definition television, and the camera can shoot 3.1 megapixel still images which can be stored separately to a miniSD card. (The HR10 can also save 2 megapixel images to the card while shooting video.) The HR10 is based on Canon's DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor, offering improved color reproduction and noise reduction, even in low-light and very bright environments.

The HR10 HD Camcorder should be on sale this August, with an estimated selling price of $1,199. Interestingly, Canon doesn't appear to be bundling any video editing software with the unit, so if you plan to mash up your raw footage later, you may need to supply your own tools (but check the software bundled with your computer first: you might be surprised what you can find in there!).