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| Camcorder / Camcorder Accessory: Canon Optura 600 4.3MP MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom & Coach Case and Customer Reviews |
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Camcorder Reviews Writed by Customer
[ Total Reviews: 9 Average Rating: 
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Really great camera and camcorder
2006-03-22
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I have owned this camera for a couple of weeks. I purchased it to videotape dance concerts, and I was ecstatic over the quality of the video I took at my university's recent annual concert. By manually adjusting the exposure, I was able to avoid the 'ghosting' that usually happens under the lights. I was worried about the low light capability, but the picture was stunning in a dark theater with stage lighting, even on darkly lit pieces. The widescreen capability made for a really beautiful shot of the stage. I also took some absolutely amazing stills from back stage, the quality of which are every bit as good if not better than what I could have taken on my Elph.
I have owned several Canon cameras and I've always been pleased with the quality of the pictures I've taken with them. They are always easy to use and have lots of options to make photographs more interesting. This camcorder is no exception. I couldn't be happier.
The lens cover is a downside, it would be better if it were retractable, but I think the camera is just too small to accommodate it. I would also suggest purchasing the separate battery charger. Without it you have to charge the battery on the camera. I also chose to purchase an extra battery and an upgraded memory card. Outside of the cover and the battery charger, this camera is everything I hoped it would be and more. |
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Worth the upgrade
2006-03-06
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I've been using a Canon Elura 2 for several years now, and have been amazed that it has taken so long to produce a better camcorder in the same small package. For a long time, the smallest camcorders have been bigger than the Elura 2. Finally, the Optura 600 is a worthwhile upgrade. Better video quality, better lens, better semi-pro features (exposure, etc.), full anamorphic 16:9, external mic input, and a great still camera mode.
I've always liked the smallest camcorder available on the theory that if you don't have it with you, you can't take the videos. The Optura 600 is small, and really packs in the features.
I did some extensive still photo comparisons with the Optura 600 still camera and my Canon Elph 500 (5 megapixels). Other than a slightly different color balance, it was nearly impossible to tell any significant difference. I also compared Super Fine vs. Fine mode, and actually thought the Fine mode had slightly better image quality. Just because the file size is bigger doesn't mean that the resultant photo is any better. I'd recommend you try the comparison yourself, but my choice is to keep it in Fine mode and not use the full SuperFine mode. This is a really great feature of the Optura 600 because you can really leave your digital still camera behind (which usually only have 3x or 4x optical zoom) and use the very nice 10x optical zoom.
For anyone who has any intent of editing, miniDV tape is much better than miniDVD. The quality (and bitrate) is far better, and most editing software works much better with this format. And shoot your videos in 16:9. Even if you don't have a widescreen TV now, you will before you know it, and you'll appreciate the fact your videos are in the modern format. The Optura 600 uses the whole image sensor for 16:9, so you aren't losing any image quality.
My main complaint is the lack of an external battery charger, but this seems to be the trend these days. It is amazing that they can fit the battery charging logic into the camcorder body, but I really like to have an external charger to charge one battery while I use a second. You can get one for under $30, but they really ought to give you one in the package.
(All the comments about it being uncomfortable to hold seem to fail to take into account that this is a small camera. The hand hold design is the same as the old Elura 2 - you hold it at an angle with your thumb on the record button, and your index or middle finger on the zoom. Your ring and little finger wrap around the front. With the great new still camera mode, I find it better to use the middle finger for zoom and the index finger for the shutter release. But the design works as well as you could hope for in such a small camera. Left handed folks may have a bit more trouble, but that is true for most camcorders.)
If you've been waiting to upgrade your camcorder, this is a good choice. You'll get great MiniDV quality (suitable for editing to high quality DVD) and a really great still camera in one package. The video will look good on HD widescreen TVs. Maybe in a few years high def camcorders will be small, cheap, and easy to edit and produce to HD-DVD, but for now, this is much more practical, and will give you very good quality video. And it is so small, you might actually take it with you.
Update: I just took this camera on vacation, and I love it even more. I carried only this camera most of the time, and could take both video and photos as needed. While the still camera takes great pictures, it is a bit slow on startup and between picture cycle time. Also, there is a noticible lag between pushing the button and taking the photo, so it is critical to use the "push the button down half-way" feature to pre-focus. If you do this, then there is no delay. But it was just fantastic to have the 10x lens, and a great photo and video camera in one small unit. |
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Awesome Hybrid!!!
2006-03-03
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I just got the Optura 600 yesterday and am shocked at how small it really is, I saw videos and photos online, but it doesn't do it justice till you see it in person. I am a big guy 6'3", it has taken a little getting use to compared to my old mini dv camera which was quite a bit bigger. I adjusted the hand strap and now it fits comfortable in my hand and I also feel like it is more stable than the other camera which has a traditional hold. I can operate all of the buttons that i need while shooting with 1 hand, but to change modes I must use my other hand, which is no big deal to me.
I was mainly looking for a camcorder that took high quality video and high quality still photos and this camcorder delivers in both areas. I figured that the video was going to be great just from the reviews that I had read and it would be better than my old camcorder. I wasn't sure about the stills, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed that such a small device can do both functions so well. I also have a small canon elph 4.0 mega pixels that I have been extremely happy with. I would have to say the the stills taken with the Optura 600 are just as good if not better. I also love the fact that it is so easy and simple to switch between camcorder and digital camera mode, you just flip 1 switch and you are straight into high quality still mode.
I really love the fact that it is such a small device, portability was another big deal to me. I wanted something that I could put in my cargo pocket and take with me to take video and photos of my kids when we are out. I can say that this will fit easily into my cargo pockets. I am so excited about being able to carry this camcorder with me just about anywhere and it not be a pain to carry. Anyone looking for a great hybrid camcorder this is without a doubt one of the best on the market if not the best. You won't be disappointed!! |
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great video AND camera in a small package
2006-02-06
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I purchased this video camera after looking at my old Sony Handycam (video 8!)CCD-F501 that looks like a cannon compared to this lil' pistol (awkward pun intended.) I finally decided that enough time had elapsed and it was time to get a decent camcorder. Around mid-December 2005 I was salivating at the recently released hard drive cameras but after some search found out that that was just the only innovation, the other features were just standard or less than par for the course, and for the kind of money they were asking? I would be darned if I went to my Paris trip w/o a decent camera. What sold me on the Optura was the combo video/camera features and all the technical stuff you can read above. I won't repeat them here.
The Optura is surprisingly small and, as others have commented, if you have a hand shaped like a ham, this camera ain't for ya. I am 5'7", medium sized hand, the strap that wraps around the hand does not provide the best support when using the zoom. You can get used to it, but use both hands to steady the camera when zooming. Last week I went to J&R and bought a small tripod that when the legs are folded, it serves as a monopod, I intend to use it when I want to shoot without much camera shaking as I use the zoom.
I haven't had the camera for too long, there's lots of features in this camera for the video and photo functions, you gotta read them fully to truly appreciate this jewel. At night, while taping around Notre Dame, I noticed light streaks emananting from every lampost in the neighborhood, and I was using the automatic setting, I gotta try a couple of other settings to get that right. At the Louvre, the guards now won't let you take pictures or tape inside the museum. Well, as long as you don't use the flash option for pictures, you can snap away unless they catch you. But at the Mona Lisa's new abode, man, those hounds are circling around making darn sure you are not taking pics or filming. Ha! Enter I & my Optura. Them Clouseaus never seen an Optura, I turned it on, partially obscured by my hand, held it close to my chest, they did not have a clue! If you want hundreds of feet (exaggerating . . .a bit) of mini-DV tape of La Gioconda, talk to me. That, right there, made it worth the $850 plus I paid for it. great picture, small package. And, of course, with a flick of a switch, presto, now you can take pictures! and not grainy, melting pics, no sir, great resolution pics if you want 8x10's of every darn pigeon from every piazza from here to Ulan Bator.
I gave it a 4 outta 5 because of the awkward strap designed to steady one's hand. Must have been an afterthought. |
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Nice and Compact...but not for everyone
2005-12-18
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I have used this camera only for a day or two. Picture quality is really good. The photo quality is great, almost as good as a stand alone digital camera.
This camera is ideal for someone with small hand size. Otherwise please try it before you buy. The hand strap can be VERY uncomfortable. I have already felt it on the first day of use.
Not a great feel to hold it. Other than that no major complaints so far.
Please do not buy the SC 2000 case from Canon. That case is way too big for this tiny camera.
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