The Canon FV1 meets the demands of a wide user base, combining easy operation and a compact, lightweight design, with the advantages and versatility of digital imaging. The model captures both movie and still images, offers manual function control as well as automatic exposure and focusing modes, includes a variety of digital effects, and has an auto-editing feature.

The Canon FV1’s lens shift image-stabilizing system was adapted from technology originally developed by Canon for use in autofocus lenses for the company’s EOS line of single-lens-reflex cameras. The system utilizes a vibration-detection gyro sensor which, when camera shake occurs, emits electronic signals that shift the image- stabilizing lens group to deliver consistently smooth, steady video images. The newly developed lens unit incorporates a compact, high- performance aspherical lens element and contributes to the FV1’s compact, lightweight body. Furthermore, unlike electronic image- stabilizing methods commonly used by other manufacturers, the lens shift system optically corrects camera shake, resulting in absolutely no degradation of image resolution.