Optura miniDV | Optura |
Introduced November 1997
manufacturer's suggested retail price $2699
Sales literature: Product Concept & Features Summary
The Canon Optura is equipped with Canon's two newly developed digital integrated circuits, allowing users to select from three recording modes--a field movie mode, a frame movie mode, and a photo mode -- depending on the intended purpose of the images. Regardless of which mode is used, the new camcorder provides high vertical and color resolution comparable to more advanced 3CCD systems used in professional equipment.
The body of the The Canon Optura utilizes the same ergonomics employed in Canon's SLR cameras, providing comfortable, easy-to-use operation and stable image recording. The color viewfinder allows precise framing and the tilting color liquid-crystal display provides users with freedom in selecting shot angles.
The Canon Optura is the next generation of Digital Video (DV) cameras produced by the experts in photographic and photocopying technology. Like any techno-digital-freak, I was very optimistic about the Optura before I received it. The promise of DV is so strong and gaining so much momentum, it is great to see more players coming into the market. I have used Sony's DCR-VX1000 in the past and therefore it is my gauge to measure the capabilities of the Optura; this may be unfair because the Sony costs more, is a lot bigger and really is targeted to a different market.
The Optura is a lightweight, compact, mini-DV compliant camcorder. With its compactness and movable two-inch LCD screen, you will feel like a spy on a Cold War mission. This tiny apparatus, with its stealth, digital video and sound will capture scenes extremely clearly. You can attach your own microphone, and it comes with an optional flash for still photography. The Optura has a 14 times zoom and a 35 times digital zoom. Be aware that the Optura can be unsteady, especially when using the 35 times digital zoom.
Power
The Optura comes with two batteries, a battery charger
and a cable to hook up directly to an outlet. The batteries last close
to an hour each on a warm day. If you're filming winter sports, keep the
camera close to something warm or the power won't last much longer than
20 minutes. Also, to save valuable battery life, be sure to keep the camera
on standby when not filming. I am sure that with time, third party external
power sources will be developed to allow the Optura to run for hours.
Editing
With the Optura, editing your digital video is a breeze
and a pleasure. The camera comes with a remote control so you can sit back,
pause or fast forward from the convenience of your director's chair. It
is enabled with an RCA video output and an S-video output for higher quality.
You can also get the stereo sound either from a mini (1/8 inch) plug or
left/right RCA adaptors.
What makes the Optura so good is its lens, not its ergonomics. It is a tiny camera that takes impressive images. Although it is only single chip CCD color, it is hard to believe the crispness of the video that it produces. When compared to the same scenes shot with the Sony DCR-VX1000, the results are comparable.
The Optura is the perfect solution if you are looking
for a compact digital video camera that can be taken anywhere.
Vital Stats:
Focusing system:
TTL autofocus, manual focusing possible
Minimum focusing distance:
3/8" (1cm) on maximum wide angle;
Maximum shutter speed:
1/2.000 sec.
Minimum illumination:
2.5 lux using slow shutter 1/8th sec.
Recommended illumination:
More than 100 lux
Filter diameter:
49mm
Viewfinder:
0.55", color LCD (approx. 113,000 pixels)
LCD screen:
2" measured diagonally (5.1 cm), 113,000 pixels (approx.)
Microphone:
Stereo electret condenser microphone
DV terminal:
Special 4 pin connector (based on IEEE 1394)
Output level:
Video terminal: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced
S-video terminal:
1 Yp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal)
Audio terminal:
-10dBV, less than 3 kohms, unbalanced
Operating temperature range:
32 degrees-104 degrees Farenheit (0 degrees-40 degrees
Centigrade)
Dimensions:
5 7/16" x 4 3/16" x 5 1/4" (138mm x 106mm x 133mm)
Weight:
2 lbs. (930g)
Canon Optura Lineage: A
Short History, Part 2
As Canon tends to assign their cameras different model names and numbers for different markets, I've indicated the alternate designations for the United States models (USA), Japan (JPN) and the rest of the world which is predominately on the PAL video standard (PAL), including Europe and Australia. CCD size and total number of pixels in thousands (kp) or millions (mp) is also included, along with the CCD color filter type; either primary (RGB) or complimentary (CMY). Optical zoom factor, image stabilization of either optical (OIS) or electronic (EIS) type, lens filter thread diameter, battery type, and camcorder weight in grams is stated as well.
As Canon's very first entry into the DV market, the
original Optura is a unique camcorder in terms of both ergonomics and feature
set. With a body style similar to single lens reflex (SLR) still photo
cameras, the Optura is quite popular with individuals who preferred a highly
discrete and inobtrusive way to record video in public. By simply hanging
the Optura around one's neck like a photo camera with the record button
pressed, a person can walk around shooting video with their hands in their
pockets. The feature set is innovative as well. The 380,000 pixel CCD has
progressive scan, providing a true 30p Frame recording mode, which Canon
at that time called Digital Motor Drive. Other features include an RGB
color filter and a 2" flip-up LCD screen. Although it is justly criticized
for exhibiting poor performance under low-light conditions, the original
Optura remains a highly sought-after item today.
Optura miniDV
| Optura
|
Introduced November 1997
manufacturer's suggested retail price $2699
Sales literature: Product Concept & Features Summary
OPTURA.
It represents Canon's long and comprehensive history
in the science of "Optics."
It "Optimizes" your ability to capture the finest images in the new digital era.
The OPTURA is the "Future."å
With its unique merging of Canon's Video and SLR expertise, the OPTURA truly leads the way in new digital technology that is the future of imaging. Canon, the leader in optical imaging technology, boldly redefines the concept of image capture with the introduction of the Optura, the world's first digital camcorder which looks, feels and performs like an SLR camera. Harnessing the benefits of digital technology and Canon's broad strength and expertise in the realm of photography and video imaging - the Canon Optura breaks down the barriers which have traditionally set still cameras and motion video camcorders apart. The result is the development of a new and powerful digital imaging hybrid with extraordinary image capture and output capabilities.
Check out these features to see how attractive the Optura is:
* Digital Video Picture quality - outstandingly clear,
both video and stills.
* Progressive Scan CCD - World-first on a camcorder
* RGB Primary Color Filter - Superior color reproduction
* New Digital IC - Ultra high speed signal processing
* 3 shooting modes: Normal Movie Mode,
Digital Photo Mode and Digital Motor DriveTM (Progressive
Scan Mode)
* 14X optical zoom lens - extending to 35X digitally
* Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer - proven in previous
Canon video, photography cameras and binoculars
* Not only programmed AE, but also shutter and aperature
priority modes like an SLR camera
* FlexiZone AF - a Canon exclusive
* Digital connection - DV Terminal (conforms to IEEE1394)
a.k.a. FireWire™
* Ready for full flash photography - using a Canon
EOS flash
* Digital sound - both 16-bit and 12-bit
* Both 2-inch LCD screen and COLOR viewfinder
Plus
* Digital video format time code/data code
* Lithium-ion power supply
* Self-timer
* Digital picture faders
* Color viewfinder (113,000 pixels)
* Both film and slide image transfer capability using
the optional FP-100 Film Adapter
* One year warranty (parts and labor)
The Canon Optura Kit
* Optura
* BP-914 Battery Pack
* CA-900 Compact Power Adapter
* DC-900 DC Coupler
* SS-200 Shoulder Strap
* WL-66 Wireless Controller
* S-150 S-video cable
* STV-250 Stereo Video Cable
* DVM-E30 DV Cassette
Optura Specifications
Power Supply (rated): 7.2 V DC
Power Consumption: 7.1 W (While recording, with AF
turned on)
Television System: EIS standard (525 lines, 60 fields)
NTSC color signal
Video Recording System: 2 rotary heads, helical scanning
system
DV system (Consumer digital VCR SD system)
Digital component recording
Audio Recording System: PCM digital sound;
16 bit (48kHz/2ch),
12 bit (32kHz/4ch)
Image Sensor: 1/3" Progressive Scan CCD (charged coupled
device) 380,000 pixels (360,000 effective pixels)
Tape format: Videocassettes bearing the Mini DV mark.
Tape speed: SP: 3/4 ips (18.81 mm/s);
LP: 1/2 ips (12.56 mm/s)
Maximum recording time: SP: 60 minutes (with a 60
minute cassette);
LP: 90 minutes (with a 60 minute cassette)
Fast forward/rewind time: 2 mins. 50 sec. (with a
60 minute cassette)
Lens: F/1.8-3.2, 14X power zoom,
5.2-72.8mm
Focusing system: TTL autofocus, manual focusing possible
Minimum focusing distance: 3/8" (1cm) on maximum wide
angle;
Maximum shutter speed: 1/2.000 sec.
Minimum illumination: 2.5 lux using slow shutter 1/8th
sec.
Recommended illumination: More than 100 lux
Filter diameter: 49mm
Viewfinder: 0.55", color LCD
(approx. 113,000 pixels)
LCD screen: 2" measured diagonally (5.1 cm), 113,000
pixels (approx.)
Microphone: Stereo electret condenser microphone
DV terminal: Special 4 pin connector (based on IEEE
1394)
Output level: Video terminal: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced
S-video terminal: 1 Yp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C
signal)
Audio terminal: -10dBV, less than 3 kohms, unbalanced
Operating temperature range: 32 degrees -104 degrees
Farenheit (0 degrees -40 degrees Centigrade)
Dimensions: 5 7/16" x 4 3/16" x 5 1/4" (138mm x 106mm
x 133mm)
Weight: 2 lbs. (930g)
Note: Specifications subject to change without notice.
When you purchase the Optura, it comes standard with
the Canon Optura Kit, including:
Optura CamcorderBP-914 Battery PackCA-900 Compact
Power Adapter/Battery ChargerDC-900 DC CouplerSS-200 Shoulder StrapLens
CapLCD Screen CoverWL-D66 Wireless Remote Control (plus 2AA batteries)STV-250
Stereo Video CableDVM-E30 Digital Video Cassette
Canon's innovation and expertise in the optical and image
capture markets, brings you the Optura, a highly versatile digital imaging
solution for those customers seeking the capabilities of a full-featured
digital camcorder and a full-featured digital still camera all in one ergonomic,
sleek unit. The Optura has a host of features unique to Canon's advanced
imaging technology and expertise.
Features and Benefits
Progressive Scan CCD
RGB Primary Color Filter: superior color reproduction
New Digital IC: ultra high-speed signal processing
DV Terminal: conforms to IEEE1394
3 Shooting Modes: Normal Mode, Digital Photo Mode,
Digital Motor Drive
Optical 14x/ Digital 35x zoom: ultimate range flexibility
Optical Image Stabalizer: smooth, stable pictures
FlexiZone Auto Focus: perfect focus every time
Programmed Auto Exposure: optimum control
Specifications
Type
Digital Video Camera using MiniDV tape cassettes (6mm
Digital)
Lens
Lens Type
f/1.8-3.2, 14X power zoom, 5.2-72.8mm
Filter Diameter
49mm
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type
0.55", color LCD (approx. 113,000 pixels)
Viewfinder Info
LCD Screen
2" measured diagonally (5.1 cm), 113,000 pixels (approx.)
Focusing Control System
Focusing Type
TTL autofocus, manual focusing possible
Minimum Focusing Distance
3/8" (1cm) on maximum wide angle
Minimum Illumination
2.5 lux using slow shutter 1/8th sec.
Recommended Illumination
More than 100 lux
Shutter
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/2.000 sec.
White Balance
White Balance Control
Yes
Shooting Specifications
Image Stabilizer
Yes
Recording Specifications
Video Recording System
2 rotary heads, helical scanning system DV system
(Consumer digital VCR SD system) Digital component recording
Audio Recording System
PCM digital sound; 16 bit (48kHz/2ch), 12 bit (32kHz/4ch)
Image Sensor
1/3" Progressive Scan CCD (charged coupled device)
380,000 pixels (360,000 effective pixels)
Microphone
Stereo electret condenser microphone
Television System
EIS standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal
Tape Format
Videocassettes bearing the Mini DV mark
Tape Speed
SP: 3/4 ips (18.81 mm/s)
LP: 1/2 ips (12.56 mm/s)
Maximum Recording Time
SP: 60 minutes (with a 60 minute cassette)
LP: 90 minutes (with a 60 minute cassette)
Fast Forward/
Rewind Time
2 mins. 50 sec. (with a 60 minute cassette)
Outputs
DV Terminal
Special 4 pin connector (based on IEEE 1394)
Video Terminal
1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced
Video Out
NTSC
S-Video Terminal
1 Yp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal)
Audio Terminal
-10dBV, less than 3 kohms, unbalanced
Other Specifications
Power Supply
7.2 V DC
Power Consumption
7.1 W (While recording, with AF turned on)
Operating Temperature
32 degrees -104 degrees Farenheit (0 degrees -40 degrees
Centigrade)
Headphone Jack
Yes, Mini
Accessory Shoe
Yes, Hotshoe
Dimensions
5 7/16" x 4 3/16" x 5 1/4" (138mm x 106mm x 133mm)
Weight
2 lbs. (930g)
Optura: http://www.leoscamera.com/Video/Canon/optura.html
|
Canon
Canon DV Camcorders | CanonDV.com |
Optura on ePinions |
JOHN
LONGENECKER |
