Canon Optura 60 MiniDV Camcorder w/14x Optical Zoom

Video Quality: 5 (16:9 on 42" plasma = approx DVD quality)
Audio Quality: 3.5 (no complaints yet)
Image Stabilizer: 3
Stills: 2 (would not use this 4 stills)
Expandability: 5
Included Battery: 3 (will not out last a cassette)
Features: 4

I chose this because I needed a camcorder with good video resolution in 16:9 mode. Most camcorders suffer in the 16:9 mode when compared 2 their 4:3 performance. Also the Optura 60 has an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) which is superior 2 Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) in that it does not degrade image quality as much as EIS. However OIS does not make the picture as steady as some EIS based ones.
The audio seems fine - some have complained that motor noise surfaces in quiet conditions. The set & func button are badly placed as you can't see them when the LCD is open. Top Loading cassette system is always a winner compared 2 bottom loading 4 when you use a tripod.
Connectivity is excellent - IEEE, USB, Mic-in, A/V out, s-video out. The camcorder also does Analog-to-Digital pass through. So you can use this 2 convert your VHS stuff 2 MiniDV or directly 2 a computer. Works well with Mac; iMovie controls the camcorder just fine & importing video was easy. The accessory hot shoe is also an added bonus 4 expanding - external mics, video lamps - & the camcorder can communicate with these add-ons.
Overall, excellent value in a market where each new model year of camcorders seems 2 be reducing feature & functionality. Best value when you consider the $100 MIR that Canon is offering

So, my main criteria 4 choosing a camera was compatibility with my iMac. I am a photographer, so I also like decent picture quality. Ease of operation is another plus. This camera meets all my specs.

Set up was relatively simple. Attach the strap & lens cap, pop in the memory card, attach the battery, plug it in 2 charge 4 a bit & you are ready 2 go.

The kit is missing a couple of things: a bigger memory card would be nice(as always is the case), & a tape would be nice. As it is, you need 2 go out & buy a tape before you can record. Minor detail, but slightly annoying if you were already anxiously awaiting the UPS guy so you could get started recording, a firewire would be a nice inclusion, as well.

You'll need the manual 2 program the time & date. The menu operation is funky & poorly designed(teeny tiny button that you push up or down 2 scroll & have 2 hit center-on 2 select). This is my fifth video camera in ten years, tho, & I've never spent too much time using the menu, so... I can live with it.

Software was easily installed & no problems getting video 2 my computer. Plug & play.

The video & sound are great. I paid a couple hundred more 4 my Sony DVD300 & the quality is TERRIBLE. I like that it has a night light- it isn't the most powerful, but it's something. There is a mode 4 low-light recording that doesn't ruin the color(you don't get that green night-vision look that all my other cameras have).

I'm not big on taking digital still photos with a video camera- I use my Nikon D70 4 that, so I can't say much about that. All in all, I think this camera is a great deal 4 what you get. Relatively easy 2 use & Mac friendly.

Do an internet search on "Canon remove cassette" before you buy. This is a well known problem with all the Canon digital camcorders. AND don't rely on the Canon warranty 2 fix it! They will try 2 blame it on something the consumer did.

I got the cassette eject problem after less than two months. Canon tried 2 charge me $170 because they "thought" it had sand damage. After much wrangling they finally admitted it was the capstan motor. After more wrangling, they agreed 2 fix the capstan motor, but would not "remove any sand." I think they were trying 2 classify my camera problem as something other than the capstan motor. Maybe the factory service center is accumulating statistics on types of repairs & it makes Canon look better if the problem can be attributed 2 something the consumer did, rather than their own faulty workmanship. I've had the camera back 4 a week & so far it's ok. I counted nine grains of sand in the compartment where the battery goes & two grains on the lens cap. What do you expect with normal beach use? If these things are so extremely delicate Canon should not be marketing them 2 consumers. I've been videoing at the beach since 1991 with a Sony & I've never had any sand problems. I take good care of my electronic equipment, but Canon made me feel like some half-assed teenager, instead of the fifty-something grandmother I am. I think it was very underhanded the way they tried 2 make out I was at fault. I spent hours on the phone with them on my nickel. This experience has soured me on Canon. I will NEVER buy another Canon product. THEY DON'T PLAY FAIR!

After some reasearch on the different camcorders available on the market, I had no doubt that the Canon Optura 60 was the superior choice. After receiving the unit I had no problem getting set up & was snapping pictures & making videos in no time.

One feature that sets this camcorder apart from others is it's ability 2 take high quality 2 mega-pixel still shots, recording them 2 a Secure-Digital card. From my previous experience with Canon cameras it seems that they really know what they are doing in terms of digital photography & the Optura 60 continues 2 amaze. The camera has produced still shots that are equal or better in quality 2 my Olympus C-740UZ.

The video quality is excellent & it is very easy 2 copy your still shots & videos using USB 2.0 OR Firewire 2 your Windows XP PC.

Despite a complicated array of features, the camera can be very simple 2 use 4 those who just want 2 set everything 2 "AUTO", then point & shoot.

Goods:
* High res 2 mega-pixel stills stored on SD card
* Built-in flash & 14x optical zoom
* Optical image stabilization 2 ensure minimized "shaky hand" effect
* Easy 2 dump videos & stills 2 XP PC
* Amazingly wide array of features packed into a small sized unit
* Excellent still picture quality
* Good performance 4 shooting 'on the fly'
* Continuous mode 4 quick sequential still shots
* Can snap 640x480 still shots 2 SD card while recording video 2 tape
* More...

Bads:
* Package does not include a DV tape
* Included 16MB MMC card is far too small
* Included battery is a little short-lived
* Firewire DV cable not included

Additional items I bought:
* Pack of DV tapes
* 512MB SD Card
* High-capacity BP2L14 battery
* CB2LT battery charger, enabling charging of both batteries at once (one in camera, one in charger)

You'll also need a carrying case that snugly fits the Optura 60 & the above items.

The Optura 60 Digital Camcorder offers all the tools that made Canon a stand-out performer. Clarity, brilliance & vivid color are just a click away, while the wide range of automatic settings & effortless shot management&transfer tools make it simple 2 share pictures. The advanced new RGB filter separates light into more natural-looking tones & vivid hues. Record & play back in high resolution, 16:9 Widescreen Mode, & multiple shooting modes give you the perfect shot in any situation. Built-in Flash 4 low light&interior photography Continuous Shooting Mode Auto Exposure Bracketing Shutter Priority 4 choosing shutter speed 16 - 9 Widescreen Mode Aperture Priority controls depth of field Image stabilization Stereo mic Inputs - DV, S-Video, A/V Outputs - Audio out Accepts SD & MMC memory cards 4 still digital-camera mode PCM digital sound - 16 bit (48 kHz/2 ch); 12 bit (32 kHz/4 ch) Number of Recording Pixels - Still image - 1632 x 1224, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480 pixels / Movie - 320 x 240, 160 x 120 pixels, 15 frames/sec. Special 4-pin connector IEEE 1394 compliant DV Port Color Viewfinder & 2.5 LCD Monitor Dimensions(WxHxD) - 2.8 x 3.2 x 5.2 (70 x 82 x 133 mm) Weight - 1.2 lb. (530 g)