Canon MVX4i

Features
The Canon MVX4i incorporates a 4.2-megapixel CCD; it uses 3.5 megapixels for video (which is then downsampled to DV resolution) and 4 megapixels for still photos. The lens offers 10x optical zoom for both still and moving images. You can shoot video in traditional 4:3 mode or a wide-screen 16:9 letterbox format.

In addition to automatic exposure, the camera supplies a cornucopia of 11 exposure programs, including a handy portrait mode that opens up the aperture to blur the background behind your subject. You can access five of these almost instantly using the mode dial on the right. In addition, you'll find a wide variety of digital effects, ranging from the practical (wipes, fades, and skin-tone softening) to the gimmicky (sepia, mapping video to a ball). Other features include a slow-shutter mode for night shooting and a small video light that's effective for illuminating close subjects.

You can manually set exposure, white balance, and focus. In addition, you can shoot both stills and video in shutter- or aperture-priority modes. You can also alter focus-point and light-metering settings.

Where most camcorders support the bare minimum for still-camera operation, the Canon MVX4i has most of the settings and the features you'd expect from a midrange digital camera. You can use most of the manual, priority, and exposure modes available in video mode; there's even a stitch mode for panorama shots. The camera provides a flash, complete with red-eye reduction, and it supports direct printing of stills to PictBridge-compatible printers. A self-timer function lets you get in the picture--or the footage, since it also works when shooting video.

The MVX4i has a built-in stereo microphone with a wind filter and a headphone jack. Though it lacks a hotshoe, you can purchase an external adapter bracket that will allow you to mount a better stereo microphone or video light.

You can transfer video to your computer using either FireWire or, software permitting, USB 2.0; still images are stored on an SD card. The Canon MVX4i supports video in and out, and you can use the inputs to convert analog tapes to digital format.

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