Canon Optura 30 MiniDV Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

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

Customer Reviews:

Very good camera if you have a lot of light.......2006-09-28

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.......2005-08-26

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!.......2005-03-22

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........2005-01-25

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

Bad Indoor performance kills an otherwise 5 star camera........2004-06-16

2 1/2 stars.. Good feel and Features saves it from a 2 star rating. With minimal low light performance, this camera would have been 5 stars.

I tried both this camera and the Elura 65/70 side by side. While I prefered the feel and overall features of the Optura, the low light is so bad on the Optura, that I ended up selecting the Elura 70. Overall, the Elura has better video performance for less money. And isn't video performance the top reason to buy a camcorder?

Low light is relative.. I'm talking regular indoor lighting, not near dark stuff. I tested it with 300 watts of artificial light ins a 25x15 room and the colors were dull/drab and noticably darker and less colorful than the elura. What's worse, as you lower the light, movement/pans of the camera leave echos of objects! Below 60 lux, the camera is pretty much useless without an accesory light. I find this unacceptable in a $899 camera. I will say that nantural sunlight does wonders for performance, but this only helps when filming near windows or in a sunroom and does nothing at night.

Don't even consider the night modes, they slow down the frame rate and look worse anything you would film in standard mode. And to those that may ask, yes, auto slow shutter is off(which i recommend for any Canon camcorder).

I think the cultrip is the RGB filter... which produces more accurate colors but decreases luminance levels. This is why single CCD cameras genreally use Complementary filters... and why if you want RGB, yuo should get a 3 CCD Camera. I suppose that Canon thought that the 2mp CCD would make up for this weakness. It doesn't. I would have loved this camera with a Complentary filter. I'll sacrifice a negligable amount of color accuracy in bright light for tolerable indoor performance anything. The truth it's hard to tell the difference in the colors, but it's easy to tell the difference indoors.. and indoors, it's brightness and Color that are so bad! The Elura 65/70 performs MUCH better indoors producing reasonably well at normal lighing conditions.. and even as low as 15 lux.

Still Performance is OK, but the overall quality isn't much better than the 1mp elura.. except that the pictures are 1623x1224 rather than 1280x960... While good for a camcorder, they are still no substitute for a digital camera. Don't buy either for stills! The Elura takes suprisingly good photos without a flash, but an external flash is available.

After trying both cameras, I loved the 30.. and it was difficult to part with it. I ran the same tests over and over, and even tried a different Optura, thinking that mine may have been defective.
The bottom line is: If these cameras were the same price, I would have taken the Elura... with the Elura being cheaper, it's a no brainer.

Good Luck

Optura Likes: Excellent auto focus, focus ring, overall feel of Camera is the best that I've felt. Integrated flash, 2mp CCD, Top Loader, Exposure setting.

Dislikes: INDOOR PERFORMANCE IS VERY POOR. Menu Dial is in awkward position. Price.

NOTE: Canon was SO close with this camera. I'm not saying it's not a good camera.. it's feel and performance are great.. it just performs at the bottom of the bell curve on indoor performance... even when compared to cameras half the price.

Product Description

The 3Com Router 5232 delivers high-performance WAN access routing in a cost-effective, modular platform.This rackmount unit comes equipped with two 10/100BASE-TX ports and three MIM (Multi-function Interface Modules) slots for LAN and WAN interface modules for added flexibility in adapting your network to your immediate and future business needs.Integrated seamlessly with your legacy equipment or as part of a 3Com end-to-end solution, this router offers high-speed processors, advanced QoS, built-in support for converged voice, data, and video as well as the latest security and control features to help ensure efficient and secure network operation.

Average customer rating:

Great product

Tiny flash drive is reliable if cared for properly

Very Fragile.

ACP-EP Memory 512MB Mobile Key USB Flash Drive - EPKEY/512-2.0

Manufacturer: MEMORY UPGRADES
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

512 MB | USB Flash Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
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ACP-EP Memory 1GB Mobile Key USB Flash Drive - EPKEY/1GB-2.0

Product Features:

Includes key ring strap

LED indicates when drive is in use

Backed by ACP-EP Memory's Two (2) Year Warranty

Compatible with Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP, Mac OS 9.0 or later

ultra-thin USB design

ASIN: B000A7SW6M

Product Description

The USB 2.0 Mobile KeyDrive allows you to take your files anywhere in the palm of your hand. Great for storing and transferring your MP3s, digital photos, games, spreadsheets, documents, presentations or any personal files from your computer. You can even run an entire presentation from the Mobile KeyDrive. The USB 2.0 interface is blazing fast with speeds up to 40 times faster than USB 1.1.This ultra-thin USB design is as thin as a house key and only 1.69" long. The Mobile KeyDrive gives you the freedom to take your favorite files on the go without taking up space in your pocket. Includes a key ring strap with an easy detachable switch. Go Mobile! key ring strap with an easy detachable switch. Go Mobile!

Customer Reviews:

Great product.......2007-08-10

I have been using one of these flash drives for about two years now. works great, no problems whatsoever. The small size of it is amazing, just keep it attached to my keychain and it is always available. It is so small that it can be easily lost though and it does not come with an around the neck string so be careful. Liberate yourself from those chunky flash drives it does the job.

Tiny flash drive is reliable if cared for properly.......2006-08-24

I've noticed several reviews of both the 512MB and 1G versions of this tiniest of USB drives which suggest the device goes bad after a few months. Can't speak for others but I've used mine for work on a daily basis for 6 months without any issues. It's a thin but tough device that has held up much better than I expected. No problems reading or transferring data. I suppose if you severely abuse this drive it will break- but I would not term it "fragile."

The biggest issue with this drive is also its greatest strength: tiny size and zero weight. It can easily be misplaced or dropped- and you won't even know it. Always securely attach it to a keyring. Anything smaller or lighter than this drive would simply be too prone to being misplaced and lost.

Very Fragile........2006-03-23

It lasted 4 days, its very fragile i dropped my laptop and the memory just broke. Its very portable it weihgts nothing but its super fragile.

Product Description

PRODUCT FEATURES: Requires Key to be plugged in to access drive; Using NIST Certified DES or Triple DES hardware encryption Algorithm (Depends on model purchased); Faster, Easier to use, and more secure than software encryption; Operates transparently to the OS: does not require drivers; Encryption key on removable hardware key; can be removed and stored away to prevent unauthorized access.

Average customer rating:
AMW Multiformat DVD Player (V101)

ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0000C453E

Product Description

Tripp Lite is the world-leading manufacturer of PC accessories that help to eliminate compatibility problems among PCs and peripheral equipment. Tripp Lite accessories are noted for their supreme quality and durability.

Average customer rating:

Athena As-C1.2 Center is a great and secure buy!! Clear dialogue

Athena AS-C1.2 Audition Series Center Channel Speaker, Black Ash (Single)

Manufacturer: Athena
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Center Channel | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Similar Items:

Athena AS-B1.2 Audition Series 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers, Black Ash (Pair)

Athena AS-R1.2 Audition Series Bi-Pole Rear Speaker, Black Ash (Single)

Athena AS-F2.2 Audition Series 2-Way Floorstanding Speaker, Black Ash (Single)

AS-P4100 400 Watt 10-inch Subwoofer

Athena AS-P6000 800-Watt 12-inch Subwoofer, Black

Product Features:

High-quality 2-way center channel speaker for reproducing dialogue in home theater systems

Dual 5.5-inch injection-molded polypropylene woofers and 1-inch Teteron dome tweeter

60 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response; 150-watts-per-channel power handling

Magnetically shielded against video interference; sturdy 5-way binding post connections

Attractive black ash finish; measures 17.75 x 7 x 9.5 inches (W x H x D); 5-year warranty

ASIN: B000A0R4FY

Product Description

Every home theater needs a great center channel, and the AS-C1.2 excels in every category. The dual 5.5" woofers provide ample power handling allowing the full dynamics of multi channel soundtracks to be reproduced clearly and effortlessly. The 1" athena Teteron tweeter provides clear accurate dialog and a precise match with the other athena speakers in the system. Magnetically shielded to prevent interference the AS-C1.2 is also perfectly at home as front channel speakers as well.l.

Amazon.com Product Description

Every home theater system needs a quality center channel speaker, and Athena's AS-C1.2 qualifies with flying colors. The speaker is equipped with dual 5.5-inch injection-molded polypropylene woofers with rubber surrounds, which combine to reproduce the full dynamics of multichannel soundtracks without a hint of distortion. Meanwhile, the speaker's 1-inch Teteron dome tweeter handles the highs with style. The drivers combine to make a movie's dialogue--the responsibilities of all center speakers--sound crisp, engaging, and rich, so that you never miss a moment of conversation during a crucial scene.

Additional audio specifications range from a frequency response of 60 Hz to 20 kHz to a crossover point of 2.4 kHz to 150-watts-per-channel power handling. As with any quality speaker, the AS-C1.2 also offers sturdy five-way binding post terminals, ensuring a high-quality connection. All this in an attractive black ash cabinet that looks great next to modern flat-panel displays and traditional tube TVs. Plus, at 17.75 by 7 by 9.5 inches (W x H x D), the speaker takes up just a little more space than the average A/V receiver or DVD player.

The AS-C1.2 can be added with any home theater system, but it sounds particularly good when teamed with other speakers from Athena's Audition Series. All Audition speakers are tonally matched for the best possible performance and are magnetically shielded to protect the onscreen image. In other words, you can place the AS-C1.2 on or near the TV without distorting the picture. Finally, the speaker--which can also serve as a front speaker in a surround system--is protected by a five-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
AS-C1.2 center speaker, user's manual.

Customer Reviews:

Athena As-C1.2 Center is a great and secure buy!! Clear dialogue.......2006-05-25

I had been looking to replace my B&W center speaker for 2 reasons: 1. It was too big, and 2. it did not perform as well as i had hoped. I have 2 athena F2s for my fronts and 2 athena B2.2s for my rears. I have an Athena P-4000 subwoofer and now the C1.2 for my center channel and i could not be more pleased. Not only does it outperform speakers that are 10 times more expensive it plaYS FANTASTIC CLEAR DIALOGUE!! I have heard complaints and worries from consumers who are unsure if this will perform up to standards with the F2s or F2.2s. WELL IT WILL AND MORE!! Dont hesitate, you will be satisfied and it matches up so well with all of the other athena speakers.And once you reach the suggested 50 hour break-in point, it sounds even better!! Very Very happy!!Also sounds unbelievable with sacd and dvd audio.

Product Description

The Hewlett-Packard Ultra/Wide SCSI Host Adapter provides a powerful multitasking interface between your HP NetServer's PCI bus and SCSI devices (disk drives, CD-ROM drives, scanners, tape backups, removable media drives, and so on). Up to a total of 15 devices can be connected to the HP SCSI adapter.

Adaptec 2940 UW - Storage controller - Ultra Wide SCSI - 40 MBps - PCI

Average customer rating:

Adaptec 2940 UW - Storage controller - Ultra Wide SCSI - 40 MBps - PCI

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Product Description

HP Adaptec SCSI adapter card is a PCI Adapter Card with 40 MByte/sec Ultra Wide SCSI data transfer rate.It provides connection for up to 15 SCSI peripheral devices. The card features one 68-pin high-density external connector and two internal connnectors. It supports the following device protocols: SCSI-1, SCSI-2, SCSI-3, Wide UltraSCSI. This accessory kit includes 1 HP/Adaptec AHA 2940UW SCSI Adapter card, 1 internal terminated SCSI cable including three 68-pin high density connectors allowing two internal devices connection (one connector used to connect on the card), 2 floppy-disks with drivers, 1 floppy disk with EZ-SCSI lite from Adaptec and user documentation.

Average customer rating:

The best SCSI adapter currently available.

Adaptec 2940 UW - Storage controller - Ultra Wide SCSI - 40 MBps - PCI

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

The best SCSI adapter currently available........2006-07-05

I purchased an Adaptec AHA-2940uw on eBay recently, and it works great. No additional drivers are needed under Windows XP SP2. If you need SCSI support and your computer doesn't have it built in, this is what you need. Or try the AHA-2944 if you need to connect to Differential SCSI devices.

Product Description

Each of these durable and impact resistant cases holds and protects up to two CDs, DVDs, CD-ROMs or game discs.PRODUCT FEATURES: Includes fold-away tabs to attach to any binder system; Protects discs from dirt and debris; Makes a great mailer; Provides CD storage for up to 50 CDs.; Assortment of Blue and Clear Twin Packs.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics