Canon Optura 10 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD and 16x Optical Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

Product Manual [4.27mb PDF]

• Item Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008RHA2
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,862 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 6, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Canon Optura 10 camcorder is equipped with a full range of sophisticated features to capture outstanding video and digital photos. It features high-quality Canon optics with a 16x optical zoom, image stabilization, a 1.33 megapixel CCD, 2.5-inch LCD screen, and advanced photo capabilities.

Lens and Optics
The powerful 16x optical zoom lets you capture your subject with razor-sharp detail even from a distance, while the 320x digital zoom takes you even closer, revealing details too small to see with the naked eye. When capturing digital still images, the lens provides a 15x optical zoom--the equivalent of a 41-620 mm lens on a 35mm photo camera. The Optura 10 also features a 1.33-megapixel CCD and an image stabilization system that compensates for camcorder shake, even while panning and zooming.

Canon's DIGIC DV system makes it possible to achieve accurate color for both video and digital photos. Since video and 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.

Digital Stills
With its 1.33-megapixel resolution, you can capture digital stills up to 1280 by 960 pixels (for 4 x 6-inch prints). Additionally, the Optura 10's Simultaneous Photo Record featureenables you to record high-quality video to a MiniDV tape and e-mail-ready digital photos (640 x 480 pixels) to a memory card at the same time. You can also capture a rapid succession of photos just like the motor drive on a camera. With a single press of a button, the Opture 10 records 30 VGA (640 x 480) frames at a rate of 3 frames per second or 10 SXGA (1280 x 960) frames at 2 frames per second.

Images are stored on the included 8 MB Secure Digital memory card; the camcorder is also compatible with MultiMedia (MMC) cards.

More Features

• The Advanced Accessory Shoe allows you to add optional lights, flashes, and microphones.
• Manual controls include focus, AE shift, shutter speeds, and white balance.
• Direct print feature with optional Canon Card Photo Printers CP-100 and CP-10 and select Canon Bubble Jet Printers.

Inputs and Outputs
The Optura 10 standard DV IEEE1394 port (also referred to as Firewire), which provides a lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. It also features USB 1.1 connectivity for transferring still photos

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Size and Contents
The camcorder measures 3 x 7.3 x 3.6 inches and weighs 1.4 pounds (620 grams). This package includes the Optura 10 camcorder, 8 MB Secure Digital memory card, battery (BP-508), power adapter (CA-570), wireless controller, shoulder strap, stereo video cable, USB cable, Digital Video Solution CD-ROM, and DV Messenger software CD-ROM.

From the Manufacturer

The Optura 10 MiniDV camcorder never misses a moment. This highly intelligent and easy to use camcorder is incredibly diverse and offers numerous video and still image options. Equipped with DIGIC DV -- a system for achieving superior video and photographic images you can attain true to life images for video and digital photos. The Optura 10 features advanced image processing used for capturing stunning 1.33 megapixel high resolution photos while utilizing Canon high-precision optics, a premium image stabilization system and the latest processing technology to deliver outstanding video in all situations. The high-precision 16x optical zoom lens / 320x Digital Zoom for Mini DV and 15x Optical Zoom / 60x Digital Zoom for Memory Card deliver superb definition and contrast. In addition, the Optura 10 can be directly connected to select Canon photo printers. Other features include a USB terminal connection that allows high-speed transfer of photos and movie clips from the! camcorder to the computer and Canon's DV Messenger software that can be used to conduct video teleconferencing.

Genuine Canon Optics: 16x Optical Zoom/ 320x Digital Zoom

The powerful 16x optical zoom lets you capture your subject with razor-sharp detail even from a distance. The powerful 320x digital zoom takes you even closer, revealing details too small to see with the naked eye.

And that's not the end of the Optura 10's optical versatility. When capturing digital still images, the lens becomes a 15x zoom -- the equivalent of a 41 -- 620 mm lens on a 35mm photo camera.

Color Viewfinder and 2.5" LCD Screen

The Optura 10's large 2.5" viewscreen always make you feel like part of the action. Tilt the screen for high or low-angle shots. You can even turn it 180º so you can record and see yourself at the same time. And, once you've finished recording, the big, bright screen offers you a clear view of the results.

Image Stabilizer

Don't miss a shot -- even if you're shooting hand-held, at full telephoto, or while you're on the move. Canon's superb Image Stabilization system compensates for camcorder shake instantly, making your videos look steady and natural. Unlike other brands, Canon's Image Stabilization is effective even while panning and zooming.

Shooting Modes

The Optura 10 allows you to record both video and digital photos to tape. You can also save XGA High Resolution Photos and Motion JPEG movies to a MultiMediaCard or SD Memory Card.

Video Mode

Video Mode delivers smooth, full-motion video for playback on your TV. You also can transfer the video onto your computer to view, edit, post on the Internet, or send to friends.

1.33 Megapixel Photos

The Optura 10 's Megapixel CCD means the camcorder offers megapixel digital photo capture. The Optura 10 uses a 1.33 Megapixel CCD to capture high-resolution photos for saving on the removable storage card. Aiding the capture of high-quality digital photos is a lens with digital still camera-based elements. The picture size in this mode goes up to 1280 x 960 pixels.

Photo Mode

Just press the photo button to capture more than 1,000 still pictures, each with 6 seconds of sound, on a single 80-minute videocassette.

Motion JPEG Movie

It's easy to record Motion JPEG video clips that are perfect for sending to friends and family via e-mail, or for posting on the Web. Using the Optura 10's memory card, you can record up to 10 seconds at 320 x 240 pixels or up to 30 seconds at 160 x 120 pixels.

Programmed Auto Exposure

The Optura 10 offers the versatility to meet every exposure challenge, as well as amazing ease of use, when you'd like to let the camera make all the choices. Amazingly sophisticated circuitry delivers proper exposure automatically under almost any lighting condition. But you also can easily adjust the exposure in any one of several creative ways to meet your specific need. Selecting a different exposure mode lets you control how you want the video to look.

MultiMediaCard/SD Memory Card Capability

For the storage of digital photos and Motion JPEG Movie clips, you can use either MultiMediaCards or SD Memory cards. An 8MB SD memory card is provided with the Optura 10. The memory card also comes with sample images that you can use when recording video. Use these images and the Card Mix Effects to add another dimension to your video memories with picture frames, backgrounds, and animations.

Firewire / IEEE 1394 / DV Terminal (input / output)

Connect your Optura 10 camcorder to your DV-compatible computer and discover a world of digital, multimedia possibilities. Effortlessly transfer your digital movies to your computer's hard drive, edit your scenes, then use them to create movies that everyone will want to watch. You can also create high-impact Web sites, video e-mail, or interactive CDs and DVDs.

USB Terminal

Transfer Motion JPEG movies and digital photos from your SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard to your computer quickly and easily. Simply use the USB cable with the software provided and let the creativity begin. The software that comes with the Optura 10 lets you edit and manage your images with ease. ZoomBrowser EX for Windows and ImageBrowser for Macintosh let you download, browse, archive, and retouch your photos. Resize images. Attach them to e-mail. Arrange them for printing. Add text. Everything you need is at your fingertips.

Digital Effects, Faders and Special Effects

For that creative touch, a more appealing look, or greater imaging variety, you can switch on one of several digital effects: negative picture, art, black & white picture, sepia, and mosaic. The Optura 10 gives you the opportunity to play with what you've made. For that creative touch, a more appealing look, or greater imaging variety, you can switch on one of several digital effects: colors, art, black & white, sepia, mosaic, mirror, ball, cube or wave.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Buy, May 30, 2003

By 

"a_seehra" (canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon Optura 10 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD and 16x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I have purchased this product after checking no. of other makes and models like jvc,sony etc etc.Features I like the most are
1) 16x powerful optical zoom Sony has only 10x even in top models
2) 1/4 inch ccd, excellent indoor video quality.
3) Rock solid image stabilisation, no shaky videos.
4) Excellent point and shoot.
5) 1.33 megapixel still photos.
Features I do'nt like are
1) Little bigger and heavy, but good for stable video.
2) Motor noise is heard in recordings.
2) Video conferencing available only on windows xp.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's not the motor noise that's annoying..., November 30, 2004

By 

J (Where the Water is Clear) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon Optura 10 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD and 16x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

    I just bought this camera a month ago, refurbished, directly from Canon, and the motor noise can be heard, but it could be heard on regular Hi-8, Digi-8's, too. But there's software that can remove the motor whining noises (Studio v9.0 can, and that's just off the top of my head, so I'm sure there are more). And from my experience, it wasn't even that loud (I usually record in situations where there's a lot of audio feedback, so I couldn't even hear it).
    What I'm having "trouble" with is the battery life. I thought maybe I got a refurbished battery, too, but it turns out I didn't. I read the manual, and my battery life is actually on par with Canon's estimated shooting time. So I'm seriously contemplating getting the fat battery (535?) for more life so I can shoot more, but for most of us, in many a shooting scenario, the best alternative will be a $1.50 extension cord so we can just use it without the battery and not have to worry about battery life, etc. Also, I'm not too thrilled with where the scroller button is, because while the menu button is directly on top of it, the effects button is "inside" (where the lcd screen would be when it is closed), so there isn't a quick, easy way to access it, but I guess I can't really complain that much about it since I've only had it for a week, and I will probably get adjusted to it.
    This is my first MiniDV camcorder, and my first digital camcorder from my Hi-8. I've used other brands and makes before, and found this very competent and user-friendly. There are other models and makes, within the same price range, that others might find useful. As for me, out of experience, what ever I have, I just get adjusted and used to, and I found it very promising so far. I only gave this a four because of the horrible battery life most Canon digital cameras and camcorders are notorious for, but we can all manage.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Everything ok except..., April 16, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Canon Optura 10 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5-inch LCD and 16x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

except the motor noise heard on the tape, its really annoying