Canon raises the stakes for all-in-one digital imaging devices with the release of the Canon Optura 400 (and its sibling Optura 500; see a comparison table at the end), which is as adept at shooting digital video as it is snapping high-resolution digital stills. Shorter and more lightweight than its predecessors, the brushed silver Optura 400 weighs just 1.2 pounds with tape and battery and measures 2.1 x 4.2 x 4.0 inches. It offers 2.2-megapixel resolution for fine video and photo details, a 10x optical zoom lens, image stabilization, built-in SD/MMC memory card slot, and PictBridge compatibility for direct printing of still photos to compatible printers.
Optics and Resolution
The Optura 400 has a 2.2-megapixel CCD, which produces 1230K effective pixels for video and 2 million effective pixels for still photos, for images up to 1623 x 1224 pixels (good enough for print enlargements up to 8 x 10 inches). Canon's camcorder lens features the same quality found in 35mm and broadcast TV cameras, and the Optura 400 has a 10x optical zoom lens that delivers good definition and contrast as well as a 200x digital zoom. In addition, the lenses feature a unique spectral coating to reduce flare and ghosting, resulting in optimal indoor and outdoor shots.
The RGB Primary Color Filter separates light passing through the lens into red, green and blue color components providing similar color quality found in professional 3 CCD camcorders, yielding truer more natural looking colors. Canon's DIGIC DV 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.
Shooting Video
With the high-resolution 16:9 widescreen mode, the Optura 400 utilizes the entire width of the CCD (unlike some systems that electronically stretch the picture vertically) retaining image quality and providing a wider horizontal angle of view that is ideal for creating a theater-like experience. A variety of Program Auto Exposure settings allow for easy, optimal shooting in a wide range of lighting situations. The Optura 400 is also equipped with Manual Audio Level Control, commonly found only on prosumer camcorder models, and a swivel grip and palm pad, providing maximum comfort when shooting for long periods of time.
The Motion JPEG Mode records your footage onto the Secure Digital memory card at 320 x 240 resolution, giving you up to 60 minutes of recording time on an optional 512 MB card.
Still Photos
The Optura 400 saves still image files to Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards (an 8 MB card is included with the camcorder). It offers a number of photographic controls that make it easy to get the right shot, including:
- Selectable Focusing Points for bringing off-center subjects into sharp focus
- Continuous Shooting Mode enables rapid fire shooting--up to 3 frames-per-second (1632 x 1224) or up to 5 frames-per-second (1280 x 960, 640 x 480)
- Simultaneous Photo Recording lets you capture e-mail ready digital photos (640 x 480) while you record video
- Auto Exposure Bracketing lets you shoot three photos-Ñnormal, underexposed and overexposed--with the press of one button
- The Built-in flash with Red-Eye Reduction is perfect for taking photos at night, indoors, or filling in shadows
- Horizontal & Vertical Trimming Function and Photo Review Function allow you to make edits directly in the camcorder
- Stitch Assist enables you to capture and create breathtaking 360-degree panoramas
- The Skin Detail Mode helps you take complimentary close-ups of people by softening details and reducing skin imperfections
Other Features
The advanced Image Stabilization system works behind the scenes even when youÕre panning and zooming, shooting videos or photos. The Optura 400's large 2.5-inch LCD and color viewfinder helps you compose shots from any angle.
With the press of the Night Mode button, the camcorder automatically selects a slow shutter speed and increases the sensitivity of the CCD to brighten the image, while still preserving color. Two additional low-light settings can be assigned to the Night Mode button -- Super Night Mode and Night++ Mode. When selected, Super Night Mode automatically triggers the white LED Lamp when needed to enhance the subject for shooting. Night++ Mode is used in the toughest lighting situations, keeping the white LED Lamp on all the time.
Connectivity
The Optura 400 connects to Macs and Windows-based PCs via a Firewire terminal (also known as iLink or IEEE1394), enabling high video and audio quality during duplication or editing. An Analog Line-in/Out with Analog/Digital Converter allows you to easily transform your analog memories into digital, all in real-time. The camcorder also features a Network Mode, which enables you to remotely control your camcorder through the DVÊMessenger2 software application. Control the focus and zoom of your camcorder from a computer while streaming the video via its Firewire terminal.
What's in the Box
This package contains the Optura 400 digital video camcorder, rechargeable battery pack (NB-2LH), power adapter (CA-570), wireless controller (WL-D83), A/V cable, 8 MB SD memory card, USB cable, and Digital Video Solution CD-ROM, which includes:
- Pinnacle Studio gives you every tool you need to easily capture video to your computer, edit footage, add titles, music, narration and special effects and then output the finished movie back to videotape, DVD or the web.
- Pinnacle Instant Album can help you quickly organize your digital photos and video clips into interactive, high-resolution slideshows that can then be burned onto CD and DVD or watched on your TV with Instant PhotoAlbum
Comparison: Optura 400 and 500 Major Features
| Feature | Optura 400 | Optura 500 |
| Resolution | 2.2 Megapixels | 2.2 Megapixels |
| Optical Zoom | 10x | 10x |
| LCD | 2.5 inches, 123,000 pixels | 2.5 inches, 211,000 pixels |
| USB Connectivity | USB 1.1 | USB 2.0 |
| Mini Video Light | No | Yes |
| Web Movies | Motion JPEG Mode | MPEG4 |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| SD/MMC Card Slot | Yes | Yes |
Product Description:
From summer escapes to winter wonderlands, life is meant to be savored. That's why Canon created the Optura 400 camcorder. Enjoy the convenience of holding a digital video camcorder and digital camera all in one hand. Low and compact, the Optura 400 has swivel grip and palm pad... perfect comfort when shooting long days at sporting events or marathon birthday parties. For those desiring stunning videos and photos, supreme ease-of-use and powerful versatility, Canon's Optura 400 camcorder delivers. Programmed Auto and Manual Exposure modes 10x Optical Zoom with 200x Digital Zoom Enhancement Image Stabilizer 4-Pin Firewire DV port S-Video and Composite ports Stereo Electret Microphone Viewfinder and 123,000 Pixel LCD monitor Video and Still images stored on MiniDV digital-camcorder tape or SD memory card (8MB card is included) Approximate unit size - 2.1 x 4.2 x 4.0 inch / Unit Weight - 1.0 lb camera only; 1.2 lb equipped Includes - NB-2LH Battery Pack, Compact Power Adapter, Stereo Video Cable, WLD83 Wireless Controller, 8MB SD Memory Card, USB Cable, Digital Video Solutions Disk for Windows and Mac, and the Pinnacle Studio 9SE and Pinnacle Instant Photo Album software package Lens accepts 30.5mm Filters Canon Optura 500 is also available as an upgrade model. It adds a high-resolution 211,000 pixel LCD, a ring light adapter, and a WLD84 Wireless Controller
Canon Optura 400 MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom