Canon unveiled prior to the Consumer Electronics Show this week new high definition camcorders and standard definiton camcorders. The HD camcorders, in particular the high-end VIXIA HV40 HDV, are of note because they feature a new Canon digital image processor known as DIGIC DV III.

Canon says its DIGIC DV III image processor has a higher speed engine, offering better color reproduction, clairty and noise reduction. It is also the backbone behind some other new Canon HD camcorder features, including 8-megapixel photo capture, face detection technology and an enhanced auto exposure system.

The HV40 HDV, besides the previously mentioned features, also sports recording of four second video clips to create mini-movies, video recording in native 24p, custom key assignments and a 10x HD video lens. No specific word on pricing or availability.

Canon