Canon Optura 600 4.3MP MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Product Description

Canon Optura 600 Mini-DV camcorder is really two sophisticated products in one. Although it may look like a camcorder on the outside, inside lies a high-quality 4.3 megapixel digital camera with all the features needed to take outstanding photos. The CCD in the Optura 600 camcorder works alongside an RGB Primary Color Filter to deliver crisp, true-to-life images that can be printed up to 8.5x11 inches. It is among the smallest 4.3 megapixel camcorders on the market. Combine all that with the superior optics Canon is known for and you have a powerful digital imaging machine that can capture video and snap stills with equal agility.

The Optura 600 camcorder has all the tools needed to take great digital photos. For accurate exposure, the model lets the user choose the metering and scene mode that's right for the subject or select Auto Exposure Bracketing to ensure they always get the right shot. By combining the 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensor with Superior Canon Optics, a DIGIC DV Image Processor and Print & Share, the Optura 600 takes full advantage of Canon's DV Photo Plus system. The Selectable nine-point AiAF (Auto Intelligent Auto Focus) helps keep the subject in sharp focus and such photo-centric features as Continuous Shooting Mode, Image Effects, and Built-in Flash with Red-Eye Reduction provide the essentials for great digital photography. Simultaneous Photo Recording even allows the user to capture still images while shooting video. For fast and easy one-touch printing of photos virtually anywhere, users connect to any Canon PIXMA, Selphy or CP series photo printer, or any PictBridge enabled printer and simply press the Optura 600 camcorder's Print & Share button and they're good to go. The button can also be used for one-touch downloading of images to a computer. The camcorder features an SD Memory Card slot as well as a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Terminal for speedy transfers of high-res images.

Customer Reviews:

Really great camera and camcorder.......2006-03-22

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.

Worth the upgrade.......2006-03-06

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.

Awesome Hybrid!!!.......2006-03-03

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!!

great video AND camera in a small package.......2006-02-06

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.

Nice and Compact...but not for everyone.......2005-12-18

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.

Canon Optura 600 4.3MP MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom & Coach Case

Average customer rating:

Really great camera and camcorder
Worth the upgrade
Awesome Hybrid!!!
great video AND camera in a small package
Nice and Compact...but not for everyone

Canon Optura 600 4.3MP MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom & Coach Case

Manufacturer: Canon
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

ASIN: B000F4BVS6

Customer Reviews:

Really great camera and camcorder.......2006-03-22

Worth the upgrade.......2006-03-06

Awesome Hybrid!!!.......2006-03-03

great video AND camera in a small package.......2006-02-06

Nice and Compact...but not for everyone.......2005-12-18

Average customer rating:
ONKYO TX-NR801-R THX Select 7.1 Channel Digital HomeTheater Receiver REFURBISHED

Manufacturer: ONKYO
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Receivers | Home Audio | Onkyo | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Home Theater Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | Satellite-ready Home Theater Receivers
Accessories:

NXG Technology NX-PRO5W 2-Way Indoor/Outdoor Speakers with 5" Woofers (White, Pair)

JBL Northridge E10 2-Way 4-Inch Bookshelf Speakers, Pair (Black Ash)

JBL Northridge E60 3-Way 8-Inch Floorstanding Speaker, Single (Cherry)

Athena Micra-6 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System, Silver/Black

Product Features:

Exclusive Net-Tune capability plays MP3 & WMA files direct from your PC via TCP/IP Ethernet connection

Linear PCM 192kHz / 24-bit D/A converters

100W power per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz)

Reduced Negative Feedback design

High Current, Low Impedance Drive

ASIN: B00078COLI

Average customer rating:

Excellent Receiver

In brief -

ONKYO TX-NR801 THX Select 7.1 Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver

Manufacturer: ONKYO
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Receivers | Home Audio | Onkyo | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Home Theater Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | Satellite-ready Home Theater Receivers
Accessories:

NXG Technology NX-PRO6W 2-Way Indoor/Outdoor Speakers with 6" Woofers (White, Pair)

JBL Northridge E90 3-Way Dual 8-Inch Floorstanding Speaker, Single (Black Ash)

JBL Northridge E50 3-Way 8-Inch Horizontal/Vertical Bookshelf Speakers, Pair (Cherry)

Athena Micra-6 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System, Silver/Black

The AVIA Guide to Home Theater

Product Features:

Exclusive Net-Tune capability plays MP3 & WMA files direct from your PC via TCP/IP Ethernet connection

Linear PCM 192kHz / 24-bit D/A converters

100W power per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz)

Reduced Negative Feedback design

High Current, Low Impedance Drive

ASIN: B0000EZ1KU

Product Description

ONKYO TX-NR801 - Whether you're making a first foray into home theater or upgrading, prepare to be impressed! ONKYO proves their devotion to quality with audiophile grade parts and a ruggedly handsome chassis that stifles vibration. The latest surround formats are all available via 7.1 output channels for full 360 degree sonic immersion. Optimum Gain Linear Volume Circuitry Digital Upsampling Onboard processing - THX Surround EX 7.1, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete / Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo - 6, DTS 96/24 Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital EX 3 Audio Inputs / 6 AV Inputs HDTV-Ready Component Input / Outputs 2/1 Front Panel Video Input (w/ S-Video) Digital Inputs - 4 Optical (1 Front), 3 Coaxial Digital Output - 1 Optical RS-232 Control Port 2 year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description

When you're looking for the ultimate in movie and music reproduction, unlock the full potential of an audio/video receiver and expand your home entertainment with Onkyo's TX-NR801. The 100-watts-per-channel x 7 TX-NR801 is a THX Select AV receiver offering compatibility with all major home theater surround sound processing formats, plus Onkyo's unique Net-Tune distributed audio technology for the seamless integration of high-quality audio with a home computer network. Other features include 192 kHz/24-bit audio DACs for superior sound quality, HDTV-capable component-video switching, and Onkyo's Powered Zone 2 capability, making it the centerpiece for an exceptional multiroom home entertainment system.

Onkyo's exclusive Net-Tune capability uses a standard TCP/IP Ethernet connection to unite the receiver with MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files stored on a home PC, or to access Internet radio streams via a networked broadband Internet connection. This system also allows for up to 11 other Net-Tune clients to connect to the same network, all delivering simultaneous and independent access to music stored on a central PC. The receiver's onscreen display shows song title, artist, album, genre, and playlist information, making the entire family's music collection easy to store and access, without the clutter of CDs and their cases. Not even a CD jukebox can hold so much music, and deliver it so quickly and easily.

The unit's rear-panel Ethernet connection lets you stream your MP3, WAV, and WMA audio files from your computer, in addition to being your passport to the music of the world via Internet radio. Further, the TX-NR801 incorporates high-grade parts that provide smooth and seamless listening from the latest-generation digital surround formats. The receiver offers onboard processing for THX Surround EX 7.1, Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES, and DTS Neo:6. For analog sources, Onkyo's Pure Audio function allows all digital processing to be completely bypassed to preserve the purity of analog audio signals.

HDTV-capable 50 MHz component-video switching and Y/C separation for composite to S-video conversion are included to maintain optimum video signal integrity. You get a total of 7 digital inputs, including one on the front panel and 2 digital outputs, as well as full 7.1-channel pre-outs for use with additional external amplification.

There's also an array of multizone features, such as Onkyo's Powered Zone 2, which can drive a set of stereo speakers in another room using the receiver's rear surround-channel amplifiers, or using an external power amplifier. An onscreen display provides control of all settings as well as access to networked digital-media playlists. A backlit preprogrammed learning remote with Mode-Key LEDs simplifies system control and integration.

What's in the Box
Receiver, a remote control, remote batteries, an AM loop antenna, an FM indoor antenna, a set of speaker-cable labels, a user's manual, and warranty/registration information.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Receiver.......2004-02-05

I run the Onkyo with:
Samsung DVD-HD931 DVD player
Samsung HPN4239 Plasma
AudioSource Amp1 Amplifier
Sony CD changer

The Amplifier was necessary to drive my passive subwoofer. Buy an active woofer if you don't own an amp.

The NetTune system works great. You need a Windows PC on your network to use this feature. Sound quality is great.

Video quality through witched components also very good.

In brief -.......2004-01-26

- an excellent receiver. Quality construction, excellent sound. The Net-Tune features work well with a minimum of setup fuss. The unit is probably a little pricier per feature than some other units, but the trade-off in sound quality and ease-of-use is worth it.

Highly recommended...

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics