| Canon Optura 30 MiniDV Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom | 
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| Brand: Canon
Category: Photography
List Price: $849.99
Buy New: $359.00
You Save: $490.99 (58%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:   (7 reviews)
Sales Rank: 41978
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 12
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 57.6
Minimum Focal Length: 4.8
Has Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 5.2
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 8 x 5.6
MPN: Optura 30
Model: Optura 30
UPC: 013803040913
EAN: 0013803040913
ASIN: B00023CDIM
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.2-megapixel CCD | | • | 12x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 240x) and image stabilizer | | • | 2.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation | | • | Capture low-light recordings with Night Mode and record in 16:9 format | | • | Record for up to 225 minutes on one battery charge |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Canon's new OPTURA 30 Megapixel camcorders unite the world of video and photography like never before. Featuring DV Photo Plus, Canon's one-of-a-kind system for achieving premium image quality, and fueled by a 2.2 Megapixel CCD image sensor, they capture video and 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 and performance. Imagine a camcorder, digital camera, and webcam seamlessly combined, and 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 to capture exceptional quality video and breathtaking photos.
Amazon.com Product Description
Whether shooting up-close or from a distance, the Optura 30 delivers video and photos with exceptional definition and 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 for printing or storing. | | Enjoy stunning video and photos
The secret behind the Optura 30 and Optura 40 camcorders' incredible video and photos is Canon's DIGIC DV technology. Since videos and photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV uses special color optimization techniques when processing an image for output to a TV or printer. The result is accurate, life-like color reproduction in all your videos and photos. Catch all the action without the shake
Life rarely sits still for a shot, that's why the Optura 30 and Optura 40 feature Canon's advanced Image Stabilization system. Now you can keep images smooth and steady, even at full telephoto and while panning or zooming. The large 2.5" LCD and Color Viewfinder further helps to 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 and Optura 40 camcorders use Canon's RGB Primary Color Filter, which separates light passing through the lens into their true red, green and blue color components. The result is professional-quality images that deliver natural-looking tones and superior color rendition. Get the full picture on your wide-screen TV
Unlike camcorders which only record a vertically stretched picture, the Optura 30 and Optura 40 both feature a High-Resolution 16:9 Mode that records video in true 16:9 ("letterbox") format for 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 to capture your footage. The result is wide-screen quality videos that are certain to 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 and 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 to achieve accurate color for both video and digital photos. Since video and digital photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV utilizes two different color techniques to maximize video quality on a TV and still image quality for print or computer display. Take it from sight to website at a moment's notice
Thanks to the Optura's improved Motion JPEG feature, you can shoot video ready for streaming over the Internet or for e-mailing. The Motion JPEG Mode records your footage onto the Secure Digital memory card at 15 frames/second, giving you up to 60 minutes of recording time on a 512MB card. You can then quickly and easily transfer your movies to your computer using the USB cable. Make incredible panoramas and portraits
The Optura line of camcorders gives you the power to edit your still images in a variety of exciting ways. The Stitch Assist feature allows you to capture and create breathtaking 360-degree panoramas, while the Skin Detail Mode helps you take complimentary close-ups of people by softening details and reducing skin imperfections. Turn your camcorder into a webcam
Exclusive to Canon, the Optura camcorders feature a Network Mode that enables you to remotely control your camcorder through the DV Messenger2 software application. Control the focus and 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 and Pinnacle Instant Photo Album, two powerful editing programs that can help turn your videos and 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 for Windows
- DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK for Macintosh
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 works good November 23, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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 for technical reasons), has a reasonably long zoom range with decent optics, and its digital.
Not many complaints yet. Like most of the new gadgets, it takes a while to learn to 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.
 Very good camera if you have a lot of light September 27, 2006
We have owned this camera for over a year and our feelings are mixed:
For outdoor filming, this camera is outstanding. The color and picture quality are top notch.
Unfortunately, indoor filming is very poor (even during the daytime with all of our windows open and lights on). We bought the camera to film our young children and 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 and 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.
Fantastic outdoor camera August 26, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I shot over twenty hours of footage on this camera with brilliant results. The 2.2 megapixel ccd makes for 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 to open the aperature more. Don't bother with the night mode because it has a terrible strobe like effect making video look completely unacceptable.
So far, so good.... and a little word to the Canon-hater! March 21, 2005
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
First, about the camera. I've only had the Optura for about two weeks. I've only used it indoors and the quality is acceptable under moderate indoor lighting. Is it great? No, but it's also not a pro camera. The quality seems to 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 for my family, a battery that needs to be charged often isn't a big deal. If and when it is, I suppose we will purchase another battery. Considering we paid $425 including s/h and 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 to respond to 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 to fix than to 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 to make a blanket statement that all Sony camcorders suck b/c I'm not exactly qualified to say that. And to say that all Sony products stink just b/c my $500 camcorder prematurely kicked the bucket, well, that's just foolery.
 Awesome little camcorder packed with features. January 25, 2005
27 out of 27 found this review helpful
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 to 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 to 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 and distorts the image like most other camcorders but the Canon was AWESOME!!!! Turn off the image stabilizer and you get an even wider angle. I have a big screen HDTV and this feature is a must for Widescreen HDTV owners. Truly one of the best features.
3. Color and Resolution - Near perfect. I do a lot of landscape and outdoor shooting so I was going to go with the Panasonic 3 CCD for the color rendition. To my surprise the resolution and 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 and color filter do a superb job, I could not ask for 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 and with my JVC sometimes I would get car sick just watching some of the footage I took! I zoomed in 12X and purposefully shook the camera, then I turned off the stabilization and 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 and light. I liked the Output and 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 and this camera more than met my expectations
7. Comes with Pinnacle Studio 9 SE, great software for the average video editor.
The Cons
1.The battery has a short life. Take a hint go to E-bay buy a cheap knock off or 2, I got 2 NB-2LH batteries for $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 and it is true with all camcorders, The CCD is meant for live moving pictures, not stills, They are OK but cannot compete with my 3 MP Kodak
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