Canon Optura 30 MiniDV Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

Does what you ask reasonably well.
I got this product because it met four requirements. Uses same battery as two of my still cameras. Has genuine optical stabilization (I need this 4 technical reasons), has a reasonably long zoom range with decent optics, & its digital.
Not many complaints yet. Like most of the new gadgets, it takes a while 2 learn 2 use all the features. Build quality is good.

Main complaint is that the batterlife is kinda short with the batteries that I swap out from my still cameras.

The night function is not so thrilling. If you want excellent low light capabilities, look elsewhere.

We have owned this camera 4 over a year & our feelings are mixed:

For outdoor filming, this camera is outstanding. The color & picture quality are top notch.

Unfortunately, indoor filming is very poor (even during the daytime with all of our windows open & lights on). We bought the camera 2 film our young children & find ourselves not turning the camera on as much as we should because there is not enough light (and we have a very bright house).

The manual settings on the camera are nice (one of the primary reasons we chose the optura30), but the menu is not very intuitive & the manual is not very helpful.

Field of view is also quite small - recommend using a wide angle lense. We also recommend trying out any camera in person in an average lighted room, not an overlighted show room.

I shot over twenty hours of footage on this camera with brilliant results. The 2.2 megapixel ccd makes 4 outstanding video quality outdoors. Because my video is shot in widescreen, my friends often tell me my home movies look like independent feature films. When there is enough lighting, you will be impressed with this camera.

Unfortunately, when the lighting goes down, this camera has pretty poor results. For instance, you will often see ghosting of video because the automatic shutter kicks in 2 open the aperature more. Don't bother with the night mode because it has a terrible strobe like effect making video look completely unacceptable.

First, about the camera. I've only had the Optura 4 about two weeks. I've only used it indoors & the quality is acceptable under moderate indoor lighting. Is it great? No, but it's also not a pro camera. The quality seems 2 be a little better than the Sony it replaced, as far as I can tell. That's about all I can say at this point. I did notice the battery going down pretty quickly, but at this point 4 my family, a battery that needs 2 be charged often isn't a big deal. If & when it is, I suppose we will purchase another battery. Considering we paid $425 including s/h & after the rebate (from MPSuperstore) I can't complain too much.

Normally I wouldn't post a review without using the camera more, but I just have 2 respond 2 the guy who posted about his ZR10. First, buddy, if you aren't reviewing the Optura 30, why are you here? Second, after my experience with a Sony MiniDV -- with less than 10 hours of record time I've got a malfunction that could cost more 2 fix than 2 replace it -- I could say the same thing about Sony. Yeah, I'm pissed as hell. And I surely won't be buying another Sony camcorder. But I'm not about 2 make a blanket statement that all Sony camcorders suck b/c I'm not exactly qualified 2 say that. And 2 say that all Sony products stink just b/c my $500 camcorder prematurely kicked the bucket, well, that's just foolery.

The Pro's

1. I don't see what all the fuss is about with the low light? From what I was reading I think Canon made some changes around July of 2004 2 improve this feature. I was worried about this so I did a test in the basement with minimal lighting. The result was a little bit grainy but if I you are shooting video footage in the dark what do you expect? Compared 2 my other JVC it was 3 times better in the low light performance.

2. The next best thing is the WIDE ANGLE!!!! My JVC stretches & distorts the image like most other camcorders but the Canon was AWESOME!!!! Turn off the image stabilizer & you get an even wider angle. I have a big screen HDTV & this feature is a must 4 Widescreen HDTV owners. Truly one of the best features.

3. Color & Resolution - Near perfect. I do a lot of landscape & outdoor shooting so I was going 2 go with the Panasonic 3 CCD 4 the color rendition. To my surprise the resolution & color clarity on this camcorder was damn near perfect. The Blues were great, greens good, reds a tad off, yellows a tad off but overall the 1.3 MP sensor & color filter do a superb job, I could not ask 4 more from a non 3 CCD camera.

4. The next best thing I loved about this camera was the stabilization. I often shoot while driving & with my JVC sometimes I would get car sick just watching some of the footage I took! I zoomed in 12X & purposefully shook the camera, then I turned off the stabilization & did the same thing. The results 10 times better with the stabilization. It also did not chop the frames like some other camcorders do.

5. The Miscellaneous Features, I like the feel of this camera, small compact & light. I liked the Output & input jacks. Firewire, USB, S-Video, etc etc this baby has it all.

6. Last but not least the price. $450 after [...]!!! I'm a penny pincher & this camera more than met my expectations

7. Comes with Pinnacle Studio 9 SE, great software 4 the average video editor.


The Cons

1.The battery has a short life. Take a hint go 2 E-bay buy a cheap knock off or 2, I got 2 NB-2LH batteries 4 $25!!

2. As with all digital stills from a camcorder. If you haven't read any other reviews yet they all say the same thing & it is true with all camcorders, The CCD is meant 4 live moving pictures, not stills, They are OK but cannot compete with my 3 MP Kodak

Canon's new OPTURA 30 Megapixel camcorders unite the world of video & photography like never before. Featuring DV Photo Plus, Canon's one-of-a-kind system 4 achieving premium image quality, & fueled by a 2.2 Megapixel CCD image sensor, they capture video & photos with stunning clarity. An RGB Primary Color Filter adds dynamic realism, making colors come alive. Experience the ultimate in picture quality, while still enjoying unbeatable style & performance. Imagine a camcorder, digital camera, & webcam seamlessly combined, & fitting in the palm of your hand. Compromise is a thing of the past; the OPTURA 30 delivers the best of both worlds, giving you the freedom 2 capture exceptional quality video & breathtaking photos.

Whether shooting up-close or from a distance, the Optura 30 delivers video & photos with exceptional definition & contrast, making every shot you take a potential award-winner. Featuring Genuine Canon Optics, the Optura 30 combines a powerful 12x Optical Zoom with a 240x Digital Zoom, ensuring that you always get the shot you want.

Auto-Exposure Bracketing In uncertain lighting conditions, the Auto-Exposure Bracketing feature will make sure your bases are covered: With a single press of the PHOTO button, the camcorder records three photos with different exposures. Later, you can choose which photo is best 4 printing or storing.

Enjoy stunning video & photos
The secret behind the Optura 30 & Optura 40 camcorders' incredible video & photos is Canon's DIGIC DV technology. Since videos & photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV uses special color optimization techniques when processing an image 4 output 2 a TV or printer. The result is accurate, life-like color reproduction in all your videos & photos.

Catch all the action without the shake
Life rarely sits still 4 a shot, that's why the Optura 30 & Optura 40 feature Canon's advanced Image Stabilization system. Now you can keep images smooth & steady, even at full telephoto & while panning or zooming. The large 2.5" LCD & Color Viewfinder further helps 2 compose sensational shots from any angle.

Dazzle on-lookers with vibrant color shots
Now you can relive those precious moments with all their true vibrant colors. While traditional camcorders process color with a standard CMYG filter (resulting in duller colors), the Optura 30 & Optura 40 camcorders use Canon's RGB Primary Color Filter, which separates light passing through the lens into their true red, green & blue color components. The result is professional-quality images that deliver natural-looking tones & superior color rendition.

Get the full picture on your wide-screen TV
Unlike camcorders which only record a vertically stretched picture, the Optura 30 & Optura 40 both feature a High-Resolution 16:9 Mode that records video in true 16:9 ("letterbox") format 4 playback on wide-screen TVs. When shooting in the 16:9 Mode, the entire width of the 2.2 Megapixel CCD image sensor is used 2 capture your footage. The result is wide-screen quality videos that are certain 2 impress even the biggest "big screen" fan.

Canon's Megapixel CCD
Canon's Megapixel CCD Image Sensor delivers crisp images with life-like detail. Whether you are shooting video or photos with the camcorder, you will get the best results. The CCD works like film -- when light is captured by the sensor, it registers an image & advanced processing converts the pixels into digital data creating your video or photos.

Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV
DIGIC DV, our exclusive signal processing circuit, makes it possible 2 achieve accurate color 4 both video & digital photos. Since video & digital photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV utilizes two different color techniques 2 maximize video quality on a TV & still image quality 4 print or computer display.

Take it from sight 2 website at a moment's notice
Thanks 2 the Optura's improved Motion JPEG feature, you can shoot video ready 4 streaming over the Internet or 4 e-mailing. The Motion JPEG Mode records your footage onto the Secure Digital memory card at 15 frames/second, giving you up 2 60 minutes of recording time on a 512MB card. You can then quickly & easily transfer your movies 2 your computer using the USB cable.

Make incredible panoramas & portraits
The Optura line of camcorders gives you the power 2 edit your still images in a variety of exciting ways. The Stitch Assist feature allows you 2 capture & create breathtaking 360-degree panoramas, while the Skin Detail Mode helps you take complimentary close-ups of people by softening details & reducing skin imperfections.

Turn your camcorder into a webcam
Exclusive 2 Canon, the Optura camcorders feature a Network Mode that enables you 2 remotely control your camcorder through the DV Messenger2 software application. Control the focus & zoom of your camcorder from a computer while streaming the video via its IEEE 1394 terminal

Explore your creativity with the supplied software
Included in your Optura Kit are Pinnacle Studio 9SE & Pinnacle Instant Photo Album, two powerful editing programs that can help turn your videos & photos into lasting memories.

What's in the Box

Optura 40/Optura 30 NB-2LH Battery Pack CA-570 Compact Power Adapter STV-250N Stereo Video Cable SS-900 Shoulder Strap WL-D83 Wireless Controller SDC-8M SD Memory Card IFC-300PCU USB Cable DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK 4 Windows DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK 4 Macintosh