The PV130 combines the benefits of a megapixel CCD with optical image stabilization. Unlike electronic image stabilizing methods, optical image stabilization corrects for camera shake with absolutely no degradation of image quality, so not only does the PV130 make possible smooth, steady, blur-free images when shooting movies, but also when taking still shots, distinguishing the model from camcorders that utilize electronic means of image stabilization. Accordingly, Canon’s PV130 makes possible the capture of high-quality 1.25-million-pixel blur-free still images throughout the entire zoom range, recording the image data on either a MultiMedia Card or SD (Secure Digital) Card.

The PV130 is equipped with a newly developed large-diameter video lens with 10x optical zoom that is the industry’s first to incorporate a glass molded aspherical lens element with a high index of refraction. It also incorporates a six-blade iris diaphragm that makes possible rich, natural blur effects comparable to those achieved using a single lens reflex camera. When shooting movies, the lens, combined with the camcorder’s 1.33-megapixel CCD sensor and optical image stabilizer, resolves 520 horizontal TV lines for high-quality, high-resolution images.

The sleek body design of the new Canon camcorder features a magnesium-alloy exterior with anodized aluminum highlights. An oval design motif employed in such areas as the operating buttons and product markings adds a distinctive stylistic touch to the model’s refined look and feel.