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Canon Optura Digital Camcorders

4.5/5 (2 Reviews)

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  • Camcorder TypeDigital
    Recording FormatMini DV
    Recording SystemNTSC
    CCD Quantity1
    Memory Still Resolution2 Megapixels
    Optical Zoom10x
    CCD Size1/3.9"
    CCD Pixels2200K pixels
    Display TypeWith LCD Panel
    LCD Panel Size2.5 in.
    Color ViewfinderWith Color Viewfinder
    Digital Zoom200x
    Lens Focal Length4.05 - 40.5 mm
    Filter Diameter27 mm
    Recording SpeedSP • LP
    Image StabilizerDigital Image Stabilizer
    Recommended Illumination100 Lux
    Low Lux1 Lux
    Audio Format12/16 Bit PCM Digital Stereo/Audio Dub
    Memory Card TypeSD Card • Multimedia Card (MMC)
    Digital Still Shot ModeWith Still Shot Capability
    Max Still Image Size1632 x 1224
    MPEG Movie Mode Resolution320 x 240 (QVGA) • 160 x 120
    MPEG Movie ModeWithout MPEG Movie Mode
    Microphone TypeInternal • External/Optional
    Battery TypeProprietary Lithium
    Battery Life2 Hours
    Width2.1 in.
    Depth4.1 in.
    Height2.9 in.
    Weight0.84 lb.
    Warranty1 Year
    Included AccessoriesSoftware • USB Cable • A/V Cable • 16 MB Memory Card • Lithium Propriety Battery • AC Power Adapter • Remote Control
    Release DateSeptember, 2005
    MPN0286B001
    Product ID26055100

Product Description

  • Resolution: 380K pixels
  • Optical/Digital Zoom: 14X/35X
  • LCD Screen: 2 inches
  • Image Stabilization: Yes


    • Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

    Reviews 1 - 2 (2 Reviews Total)

    User Reviews

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by parabolamedia a Intermediate

    Date Reviewed: September 19, 2008

    Strengths:    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

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

    Bottom Line:   
    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.

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   11-20 years

    Price Paid:    $800.00

    Purchased At:   eCost.com Oct 2000

    Similar Products Used:   
    None.

    Type of photography:   Outdoor

    Overall Rating:4
    Submitted by Kevin Hayes a Expert from Arlington, WA, US

    Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000

    Strengths:    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.

    Weaknesses:    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.


    Bottom Line:   
    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.

    Expand full review >>

    Similar Products Used:   JVC Mini Cams



    Reviews 1 - 2 (2 Reviews Total)

    Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

    Write a Review >>

    • Camcorder TypeDigital
      Recording FormatMini DV
      Recording SystemNTSC
      CCD Quantity1
      Memory Still Resolution2 Megapixels
      Optical Zoom10x
      CCD Size1/3.9"
      CCD Pixels2200K pixels
      Display TypeWith LCD Panel
      LCD Panel Size2.5 in.
      Color ViewfinderWith Color Viewfinder
      Digital Zoom200x
      Lens Focal Length4.05 - 40.5 mm
      Filter Diameter27 mm
      Recording SpeedSP • LP
      Image StabilizerDigital Image Stabilizer
      Recommended Illumination100 Lux
      Low Lux1 Lux
      Audio Format12/16 Bit PCM Digital Stereo/Audio Dub
      Memory Card TypeSD Card • Multimedia Card (MMC)
      Digital Still Shot ModeWith Still Shot Capability
      Max Still Image Size1632 x 1224
      MPEG Movie Mode Resolution320 x 240 (QVGA) • 160 x 120
      MPEG Movie ModeWithout MPEG Movie Mode
      Microphone TypeInternal • External/Optional
      Battery TypeProprietary Lithium
      Battery Life2 Hours
      Width2.1 in.
      Depth4.1 in.
      Height2.9 in.
      Weight0.84 lb.
      Warranty1 Year
      Included AccessoriesSoftware • USB Cable • A/V Cable • 16 MB Memory Card • Lithium Propriety Battery • AC Power Adapter • Remote Control
      Release DateSeptember, 2005
      MPN0286B001
      Product ID26055100
      Main URL<a href='http://www.canondv.com/optura/index2.html' target='_blank'>http://www.canondv.com/optura/index2.html</a>
      Model_Generic


     

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