Canon has unveiled a high-definition camcorder that it says is the world's smallest and lightest such device - offering HDV at the size of a handheld consumer DV camcorder for the first time.
The HV10 is based on the HDV tape format that uses conventional MiniDV tape for storage of high-definition video. Unlike previous HDV camcorders from competitors, the HV10 looks much more like a traditional compact consumer camcorder.
It records the 1080i version of HDV, managing full 1,920 pixels by 1,080 pixels resolution. It has a 10x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilization.
The HV10 will ship in UK in late September. Prices haven't been announced, but it will cost around ¥150,000 (£700) in Japan.