Canon Optura

When the Optura was introduced, it was the only such game in town with progressive scan CCD and optics to die for. The unique shape (looking like a silver SLR) made it stealthy in captuing people on video without their knowledge.

Even with all the HD coming into its own, I have not yet fully lusted for another camera - the Optura keeps me more than satisfied. I still get comments on how nice a camera it is.

Works with iMovie and PInnacle without missing a beat. DVD made with the footage captured look clear and vivid. Progressive scan is what DVD creation is optimized for.

Progressive scam mode

LCD on the top of the camera - can tilt forward if needed.

Color viewfinder - almost a memory on most cams of today

Sound quality - mic picks up everything

14x optical zoom

External input for microphone and hot shoe accessory mount

Manual controls

Infamous low light performance - Take it outside, where it really shines.

None.

The Canon Optura is form, function and fit into an easy to use point and shoot digital camera. It captures steady video with it's state of the art hardware driven 'steady shot' and allows user defined manual selected depth control and focusing options. It's equipped with several other features including still image captures, still image motor drive, digital PCM sound, both through the lens viewing and an optional 2" LCD screen, hot shoe for still image flash shots, infrared remote control and 113K pixel image captures! The camera is a bit heafty at 2lb, but it's shape and comfortable grip quickly put any hand and wrist fatigue at bay. This camera is a point and shoot, but in order to take advantage of all the options and to use them to your advantage, you can quickly become mired down in a technical manual that is not very well laid out. But, the pain is worth the gain and stellar video and pictures are just a short investment away.

Mulit use between video and still. Comfort grip. Canon EOS flash support. Low light use at 2.5 LUX. Through the lens and LCD screen. Small and compact (No bigger than an SLR) 14X Zoom with 35X digital zoom. Enough accessories to keep you in new stuff.

Cost a bit high. Battery packs are generally $90.00 ea. Optional interface kit with Firewire card is not for the novice installer and trouble shooter. Still photos take 6 seconds to write to tape.

JVC Mini Cams

Have not used it.