Hi8 technology has been ignored lately (February 2003) because of the digital revolution, but price-conscious buyers can still find great picture quality and feature-laden Hi8 camcorders, and the Canon ES8600 is such an example. Some of its many features include image stabilization, built-in video light, time-base corrector for a more accurate picture, and digital effects.
Lens
The ES8600's powerful 22x optical zoom lens transforms distant scenes into dramatic close-ups with absolutely no loss of image quality. The extra-long digital zoom magnifies to 800x, revealing details too distant to be seen by the naked eye.
Canon's exclusive FlexiZone AF-AE (autofocus-autoexposure) functions keep you concentrated on the action rather than on trying to find the ideal setting for each moment. Simply use the FlexiZone controller to align the FlexiZone in the viewfinder with your subject, and you'll get perfect focus and exposure anywhere within the frame.
More Features
Give variety and impact to your shots by adding a variety of digital effects, including art, black and white, fade, sepia, negative, mirror, mosaic, 16:9, cinema, strobe, ghost--and all at the touch of a button.
A high-quality image-stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly, giving you smooth, stable pictures. It enables you to record shake-free images, even on telephoto shots without a tripod.
Other features include:
- Photo mode lets you record still images with sound onto the tape for approximately 7 seconds
- The time-base corrector digitally processes the video signal for a more stable picture, ensuring better playback for viewing or copying
- The tape-analyzing system analyzes the characteristics of each tape you use and adjusts the recording signal to that most appropriate for each tape
Inputs and Outputs
The standard RCA input-output and cable are included so you can hook the camcorder to a TV for convenient viewing or a VCR for dubbing to regular VHS.
Contents and Power
This package contains the ES8600 camcorder, battery pack (model BP-911K), shoulder strap, power adapter (model CA-550), and AV cable. The ES8600 can record up to 14 hours continuously (using just the viewfinder) when using two BP-945 battery packs attached to an optional CH-910 dual battery charger-holder.
Product Description:
The View from the Top! Canon's new ES8600 Hi8 camcorder is the top of its class. The top quality Canon zoom lens, a large color LCD view screen, a top-notch feature set and your imagination are perfect partners for capturing stunning video wherever you go. The view from the top has always been the best, now the ES8600 makes it better. The ES8600's powerful 22x zoom lens transforms distant scenes into dramatic close ups with absolutely no loss of image quality. The Extra Long Digital Zoom magnifies up to 800x, revealing details too distant to be seen by the naked eye.
Canon ES8600 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5'' Color LCD and Image Stabilizer