Canon has pumped out a new camcorder tailored to attract the interest of those seeking the sharpest high definition images for their handheld video memories.

The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder combines several of the company’s optical accomplishments into one such as offering a full HD 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensor, a 10x optical zoom lens and uses Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) to record the high def images to your standard issue 3-inch (8cm) DVD discs that can be played back on compatible DVD players including most Blu-ray ones. It also takes just one cable to play back the images on the HR10 onto an HD TV via the HDMI interface.

For any budding moviemakers there are modes that change the frame rate to 24p or color adjustments to change the tonal characteristics to a more cinematic quality look. The 2.7-inch widescreen LCD screen can be viewed up to a 135 degrees angle and has a glare-resistant coating on it to combat those rooms with overhead florescent lighting. You can also snap 3.1 megapixel photos when it’s in camera mode.

You can test drive a HR10 when Canon brings them onto the market in August for a retail price of $1,199.