The IXY DV, measuring 10.6 (h) x 4.8 (w) x 8.6 (d) cm and weighing 390 grams (body only), incorporates an array of miniaturization innovations, including a compact camera-signal-processing LSI, mechanical chassis, and lens, which combine to distinguish the model as the world’s smallest and lightest DV camcorder at the time.

A 680,000-pixel (360,000 effective pixels) Progressive Scan CCD equipped with an RGB primary color filter, which separates light passing through the lens into individual red, green and blue color components, delivers a level of natural color reproduction and clarity that approaches that of more advanced 3-CCD camcorders. Each and every light-gathering pixel on the CCD is used to produce a full-frame video image, making possible exceptionally sharp still images. When shooting with the Digital Motor Drive function (Progressive Mode), the IXY DV can record full-frame still images continuously at 30 frames per second, allowing users to select any particular shot from a taped sequence for use as a sharp, blur-free still image.

The inclusion of a slot for the MMC (MultiMediaCard), an industry standard storage media, facilitates the recording and transfer of still images. Using the IXY DV’s specially incorporated independent Photo Button, users can easily shoot and record on MMC vivid digital still images and then, using a PC card adapter, download them to a computer.

The ultra-compact lens of the new Canon camcorder incorporates two aspherical lens elements and delivers 10x optical zoom and, through the digital zoom function, 40x digital zoom. The model also features image stabilization, which cancels out the effects of camera shake to ensure smooth and steady videos, even when shooting in the telephoto range.