Canon Optura 200MC MiniDV 1.3 Megapixel Camcorder

Average customer rating:

User friendly, fantastic results.

Excellent, especially at today's price

Thoughts from a layman

Great DV Camera from Canon - Solved ZR Problems

Good small, inexpensive camcorder

Canon Optura 200MC MiniDV 1.3 Megapixel Camcorder

Manufacturer: Canon
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

Samsonite Worldproof 4.1 Blue/Black Compact Camcorder Bag

Canon CP-10 Card Photo Printer

Adaptec USB 2.0/1394 Combo Card PCI 3-Port USB 2.0 & 2-Port Firewire MAC/PC (1923200)

Adaptec FireConnect Kit AFW-4300

Adaptec 1932800 Fireconnect for Notebooks Kit

Product Features:

Part camera, part camcorder--MiniDV camcorder with digital still photo capability

10x optical, 200x digital, zoom with Canon's optical image stabilization

2.5 inch color flip-out LCD and tilting viewfinder

1.3 megapixel CCD captures 1280 x 960 digital stills--records onto both tape or MMC/SD card

Includes 8 MB MMC card and wireless remote control

ASIN: B00006JM2X
Release Date: 2002-09-30

Product Description

Canon has taken the feature set of the highly successful Optura 100MC and added even more capabilities to make the Optura 200MC. The Optura 200MC successfully manages the task of being both a camcorder and still camera. The new features include: video streaming capabilities with Windows XP, Exif 2.2 print standard compatibility, Super Night mode with light, USB terminal, extended range of digital special effects and fades, improved memory card access times, the ability to record video to the memory card, and much more.

Amazon.com Review

Canon has taken the features of the highly successful Optura 100MC and expanded them on the Optura 200MC, adding digital still-photo capabilities to this MiniDV digital video camcorder. Some of the new features are video streaming with Windows XP, extended range of digital special effects and fades, and the ability to record video to a memory card. The camcorder itself has joined the growing trend of vertically oriented design, making the Optura 200MC a true handheld model.

Lens
At the heart of the Optura 200MC is a CCD image sensor containing 1.33 million pixels. The Optura 200MC incorporates a bright zoom lens that uses a special glass originally used in Canon digital still cameras. The 10x optical zoom lens (4.2-42mm) is the 35mm focal length equivalent of 48-480mm. The digital zoom, which works by electronically enhancing the optical image, has 200x capability.

More Features
For storage of digital still images, you can use either MultiMediaCard (MMC) or Secure Digital (SD) memory cards in the Optura 200MC. An 8 MB MMC comes with the Optura 200MC, which stores up to 17 fine-quality still pictures or 32 standard-quality images. You can save both video and digital still images to the Optura 200MC's tape cassette, and high-resolution still images as well as motion JPEG to the memory card.

The Optura 200MC has a built-in, pop-up flash for taking digital stills. The Optura 200MC will fire one flash (a preflash) to check the exposure, then fire a second time to make the correct exposure. The flash has four modes: auto, on, off, and red-eye reduction.

For greater imaging variety, you can switch on one of several digital effects: negative picture, art, black and white, sepia, mosaic.

Inputs and Outputs
The standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also called FireWire) is present for a lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. The common RCA AV connections are used for direct viewing on a television or VHS dubbing. You can also plug in an external microphone via the mic jack for better quality sound.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV digital technology delivers clear, sharp video with up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution--far superior to the 240 lines of resolution offered by 8mm camcorders. You'll get minimal color noise interference for a more stable picture. You'll also get excellent sound quality, recorded in either 12-bit or 16-bit audio recording modes.

Specifications and Contents
The Optura 200MC measures 2.4 by 4.63 by 4.6 inches and weighs just under 19 ounces. This package contains the Optura 200MC camcorder, power adapter (model CA-560), battery pack (model BP-512), wireless controller, S-video cable, stereo video cable, 8 MB MMC memory card, and USB cable.

Customer Reviews:

User friendly, fantastic results........2005-09-30

I researched small camcorders for 3 months, July through September of 2002, to take for a week in London and three weeks in Scotland. I selected the Canon Optura 200 MC. It arrived in October and at 60 years of age, I practiced with it and it was easy to learn. We left on our trip in mid May of 2003. I took 1174 digital stills and 17 hours of mini DV tape in that month. The pictures I got were wonderful. I have received lots of compliments on the quality of both the stills and the video. I defy anyone to get better quality pictures with cameras that cost twice as much or more. I would not trade my camera for anything. When I finally am ready to purchase a camera in the future, I WILL buy another Canon.

Excellent, especially at today's price.......2004-04-09

The price you see now on Amazon and other Amazon providers is way out of whack for what this camera is available for from other sources. I considered the Optura 300 and the Elura 50, but I already had a major investment in BP-500 series batteries and chargers. I also use an Optura Pi and a Rebel Digital. Be aware that the 300 and the 50 use other model batteries that are much less available and less robust than the 500 series batteries. I am a big believer in optical stabilization but that is becoming less important nowadays due to excellent electronic circuits.

Getting to the camera, I also do not miss the accessory shoe as I bought this camera for two reasons. The battery compatibility as I mentioned and its small sized ergonomics. As other reviewers have mentioned, the rotating hand strap makes the camera comfy and very handy. My wife can throw it in a purse or I can keep it in the same bag as my digital rebel. And that's the point. Along with the Optura 300 and Elura series, this is a go virtually anywhere miniDV cam. The person that is comparing (and comparing poorly) the GL2 to this cam misses the entire point. 2 different cams for different purposes. I doubt that if you are considering a GL you are even looking at a compact cam. The GL and XL series cams are much much better than any of these.

If you want a compact camera with optical image stabilization, with typical Canon engineering, optics and quality, this would be an excellent choice. But shop around for a deal because the Optura 300 is also very good (some would say better) and the Elura 50 is a budget minded compromise if that's what you need.

Thoughts from a layman.......2004-01-21

I'm by no means an enthusiast. My wife and I got this (based on on the reviews here) for our honeymoon and it did it's job wonderfully. The instruction manual was hefty, but it was very easy to follow. The fact that it was small and compact really worked well for putting it in my carry-on for the airplane. Therefore not leaving me to worry about it getting ripped off by storing it in luggage. Also that it was both a digital camera and camcorder proved indespensable for light packing when heavy walking. We went to Istanbul and every shot we took turned out great. If the flash went off, all we had to do was gently place our finger over the top so it would not pop up. The sound quality was also very good. I have read where some had problems with motor noise coming from the machine but we never did. The only real complaint I have about this is the night vision with the camcorder portion. If you put it in the "extreme low light" mode, the video puts out a slow-motion blurry mess even moving the camera at a snails pace. Once again I'm not an expert, the fact that the blurry mess is in color may mean something to those reading who are hobbyists. However I was able to get what I wanted in moderalty dim environments and at night in the city with the normal setting just fine. Where the low light setting pulled through was in the still pictures we took and that's what I wound up using it for. I recommend getting the largest battery offered for this model. Not only does it last forever but it's great for balancing the camera for a steady shot. Get a larger memory card too. Great for beginners that leaves room for serious filmmaking. Glad we got it and recommend it.

Great DV Camera from Canon - Solved ZR Problems.......2003-11-21

I've been using this camera for almost a year. Ease of use is excellent. Quality of video much better than the Canon ZR series. I don't use it for still images, have a Sony DSC-F707, so I can't comment. Low light video performance is better than I expected.
This model has yet to eat a tape or moisture check in 10 months. I've used it skiing down the Rockies and treking through jungles.
Of course, being a male, I'm now looking at moving up to the Optura 300.

Good small, inexpensive camcorder.......2003-09-08

The Optura 200MC is a good choice for three types of users. First, if you need a small camcorder with decent quality. I take this camcorder trail running and get great footage passing people while leaping over logs, etc. I simply couldn't carry a bigger camcorder some of the places my Optura 200MC goes.

Second, my acting classmates borrow the camcorder to review rehearsals. It's easy for a student to "point and shoot" without training. The viewscreen is big enough, and the built-in speaker loud enough, for two or three students to gather around and watch.

Third, I advise spending half (or less) of your video equipment budget on a camcorder. Budget plenty of money for audio gear, tripod, lights, computer and software for editing, etc. If this leaves only enough money for an Optura 200MC, buy it. You'll make better videos with an Optura 200MC and good accessories than with a GL2 or XL1S and no accessories.

The Optura 200MC has three shortcomings. First, the built-in microphones are awful. You hear mostly motor noise. The Optura 200MC lacks a microphone hotshoe for adding an external mike. I bought Canon's microphone mounting bracket, a Sony directional mike, an extension cable to use the mike for interviews, and two Sony wireless mikes. This totalled $400. I now get great audio, although the external mike and mounting bracket double the size of the camcorder.

Second, the FireWire chip has failed twice, and the exposure manual control has failed once. Each repair takes a month. If you need a dependable camcorder, consider buying a more expensive camcorder.

Third, the video quality is pretty good for a 1-chip camcorder. It has only two preset color balances, sunlight or incandescent light. On cloudy days, or with florescent lights, etc. the color balance is off unless you do a manual white balance. The color saturation is OK, not great. The lens sharpness is pretty good, and it handles low light better than you'd expect. The automatic exposure uses a spot meter in the center of the frame. If you have a bright patch of snow or clouds in the center, everything else is too dark. Like the color balance, you'll sometimes have to manually adjust the exposure.
--
Thomas David Kehoe, author of "Hearts and Minds: How Our Brains Are Hardwired for Relationships"

Product Description

Nu-kote International produces more than 3, 000 products for use in over 30, 000 types of imaging devices. As the world shrinks and printing technology expands, count on Nu-kote to keep its edge. The company will do it through a commitment to quality, value, innovation, financial strength and superior service.This ribbon is designed for Citizen Impact printer mechanism Toshiba P351C (Dot Matrix Printer).

Average customer rating:
Macally CA-268F2 2.5" Firewire and USB 2.0 Ext

Manufacturer: Macally
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Host Bus Adaptors | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B00006HMQT

Product Description

Since its founding, Macally has pioneered an innovative, high-quality and competitively priced products. The company's customization capabilities can take your product from conceptual design to reality. Macally's state-of-the-art facilities enable it to provide every step of the manufacturing process: design, tooling, molding, assembly, production and distribution. Macally's mission is to provide users with the highest quality and value product, which exceeds their expectations and provides an effortless and pleasant interface with their PCs.

Average customer rating:

Do not buy it unless u try it first

Update to my review

Great Value

Microtek ScanMaker 3630 Flatbed Scanner

Manufacturer: Microtek
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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PhotoSUITE 4.0

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Product Features:

1,200 x 600 dpi optical resolution, 19,200 enhanced

True 42-bit color

USB plug-and-play connectivity

3-D lid for scanning books, magazines, and large objects

MGI PhotoSuite III SE, ScanSoft TextBridge Pro, and TWAIN software

ASIN: B00005NEXR

Product Description

Microtek brings the fun of scanning into every home with the affordable and versatile ScanMaker 3630. With 1200x600 dpi and true 42-bit color, this scanner provides sharp details and rich color reproduction. Easy-to-use features along with space saving design and built-in document tray make this scanner the perfect choice for family or first time users.

Amazon.com Product Description

Ideal for home users who don't require too much graphic clarity, the ScanMaker 3630's very low price makes it a noteworthy choice among value scanners. It offers 42-bit color depth, a 600 x 1,200 maximum resolution, a one-year warranty, and a software bundle that includes Textbridge Pro and MGI PhotoSuite III SE.

Higher-end users should note that you can't actually get 42-bit color with the included software; you'll need Photoshop or another comparable program for that. Tech support after 90 days on the one-year warranty may cost more than you'd expect to pay. And even the most basic features (such as a power light and one-button operation) are distinctly lacking.

However, as one of the least expensive scanners on the market, the 3630 is suited for simple, nongraphic-intensive tasks.

Customer Reviews:

Do not buy it unless u try it first.......2005-09-29

I got one such scanner. Unluckly, it just does NOT work under my WinXP and Win2K. I am computer major background and I tried all the ways I can think of, without any success. It awlays gives error "Scanner Not Found", and let me check the USB cable, power cable, etc. If you google it: ScanMaker 3630 "Scanner Not Found", you will find that a number of people seem to have this problem. I emailed some of them, and those reply confirm me that they finally give it up. You can see that those discussions of how to make this scanner working, all end up with nothing. The tips on the Microtek web site are just too simple and not working also.
It is said the scanner may work on some machines.

So my suggestion is: try it on your PC before buy it. If it works, it is a nice buy. If not work, try something else.

Update to my review.......2004-01-03

This is a great scanner. Unfortunately my computer crashed over the summer and I was upable to find the installation disk. When I called the company to see about getting another disk, they suggested that I buy the Microtek 3740 instead. They were absolutely no help.

Great Value.......2003-01-09

I originally bought this because I had gotten a new computer and my old scanner wouldn't work with the new operating system. It turns out that I should have bought this scanner first. It was about half the price and worked 1000 times better. The scanner program that is comes with is very easy to use and the set-up and installation for the scanner uses pictures and words to show you step by step what to do. This is a great scanner and I'm so glad that I bought it.

Product Description

There are several good reasons why Panasonic plasma displays have become the preferred choice for business, communications, entertainment, and public display applications. Panasonic's deep experience with industrial displays, leading-edge design, and advanced manufacturing are all reflected in its new models. Panasonic's newly developed Plasma Reality technology raises image quality to an entirely new level, with unmatched brightness, contrast, and gradation. And Panasonic means superior reliability, operating ease, and versatility. No matter what your application, the sheer beauty of a Panasonic plasma display makes good business sense.Panasonic plasma displays offer a host of versatile functions that maximize display performance. For example, with Dual Picture mode you can simultaneously display signals from any two connected AV sources onto a single screen. Or with Digital Zoom, you can enlarge a portion of an image by up to three times normal size for added impact. These and other functions make Panasonic plasma display panels an excellent choice for professional applications.

Average customer rating:
MAC ADPT SET FOR EPSON-MMPROJ

Manufacturer: Epson
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All Monitors | Monitors & Projectors | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Compatible with popular Epson PowerLite multimedia projectors

Connects your projector to your Mac computer

Expands your presentation capabilities

ASIN: B00006FRQ3

Product Description

Enjoy the use of Epson PowerLite LCD Projectors when used with your Macintosh computer, with this special adapter.

Product Description

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Lancast 100M TX to dual FX/MM-ST-SONAR CARD ( R732-15 )

Manufacturer: Lancast Inc.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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ASIN: B0000C5FNR

Product Description

Metrobility's "redundant twister" interface provides redundant data paths for path protection and restoration. An essential connectivity tool for high priority and mission-critical applications, it provides fully redundant data paths as well as power supply redundancy, for Ethernet or Fast Ethernet devices. If the primary connection fails due to a cable or hardware failure, the "redundant twister" interface switches the device's traffic to the secondary connections within 200 microseconds.Intelligent "redundant twister" models also deliver Managed Network-on-Demand capability for mission-critical applications. Managed Network-on-Demand allows the "redundant twister" media converter to be configured to operate in either Dynamic Recovery Mode (DRM) to ensure session integrity and increase uptime, or in Network Select Mode (NSM) to redirect traffic and add security through link isolation. And with SONAR, or Switch on No Activity Received, the interface not only monitors for loss of link on the active port, but will also monitor for traffic. With SONAR, if the active port remains idle for a given amount of time (configurable for 2-4 seconds) the resilient technology of the redundant interface will verify activity on the secondary port, and switch traffic to that port once traffic is detected. This prevents a switch or switch port failure from bringing down the network or any part of it.

Product Description

Besides being the industry standard for performance and reliability, Maxell floppy disks offer technological advances for improved data protection. Maxell 3.5" disk features include the patented Dual-Interlocking Flex Shutter , a self-cleaning, multi-layer disk liner to keep the magnetic surface clean and error free, an innovative multi-binding system to help extend laptop battery life and a disk shell that withstands extreme conditions even at temperatures as high as 140 degree F.

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Pro-Optic 420-800mm f/8.3-16 Vari Zoom with T-mount for Minolta MD

Manufacturer: Pro Optic
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

Tiffen 62mm UV Protection Filter

Tiffen 62mm Photo Essentials Filter Kit

Adorama 62mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter

Adorama - Lens cleaning kit

Adorama Professional Lens Cleaning Kit

Product Features:

T-Mount Lens fits most 35mm SLR's

Compact: only 8" Long

Lightweight: only 16 oz.

Semi-apochromatic design with 4 elements in 2 groups

One Aspherical element for high Contrast

ASIN: B0002GRJWY

Product Description

This inexpensive super telephoto vari-zoom lens has an amazing zoom range from 420-800mm! The lens uses all glass optics which are multi-coated to reduce the chance of lens flare or ghost images caused by reflections. The simple traditional T-mount adapted lens is compact and lightweight. There is a zoom lock located at the middle of the lens barrel that allows the lens to be locked at any focal length. Aperture is fixed and the Pro-Optic Vari-zoom lens should be used with cameras set to a shutter priority mode.

Product Description

StarTech.com's Category 6 cables are the perfect way to connect your workspace's emerging gigabit networks. Category 6 cables improve upon the Category 5e specification by providing twice the available bandwidth (up to 500Mhz), and a signal-to-noise margin improvement that is sixteen times (12dB) better than that provided by Cat 5e.All of StarTech.com's Cat 6 cables are constructed by StarTech.com's highly trained staff with only top quality components that ensure they meet StarTech.com's strict standards for reliability. These cables help StarTech.com maintain its tradition of offering top-notch parts and products for the best price possible.

StarTech.com 25FT CAT 6 RJ45 UTP NETWORK ( C6PATCH25GN )

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StarTech.com 25FT CAT 6 RJ45 UTP NETWORK ( C6PATCH25GN )

Manufacturer: STARTECH.COM
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Accessories & Supplies | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Manufacturer Part Number: C6PATCH25GN
25' Cat6 RJ45 UTP Ntwk Green

ASIN: B00016W70E

Product Description

StarTech.com 25FT CAT 6 RJ45 UTP NETWORK ( C6PATCH25BK )

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StarTech.com 25FT CAT 6 RJ45 UTP NETWORK ( C6PATCH25BK )

Manufacturer: STARTECH.COM
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Accessories & Supplies | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Product Description

StarTech.com 25FT CAT 6 RJ45 UTP NETWORK ( C6PATCH25BL )

Average customer rating:

StarTech.com 25FT CAT 6 RJ45 UTP NETWORK ( C6PATCH25BL )

Manufacturer: STARTECH.COM
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Accessories & Supplies | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Satisfaction Ensured.
Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available.
With True Enhanced Performance.
Latest Technical Development.

ASIN: B0000DYT6N

Product Description

StarTech.com's Category 6 cables are the perfect way to connect your workspace's emerging gigabit networks. Category 6 cables improve upon the Category 5e specification by providing twice the available bandwidth (up to 250Mhz), and a signal-to-noise margin improvement that is sixteen times (12dB) better than that provided by Cat 5e.All of StarTech.com's Cat 6 cables are constructed by the highly trained staff with only top quality components that ensure they meet StarTech.com's strict standards for reliability. These cables help StarTech.com maintain the tradition of offering top-notch parts and products for the best price possible.

StarTech.com 25FT CAT 6 RJ45 UTP NETWORK ( C6PATCH25GR )

Average customer rating:

StarTech.com 25FT CAT 6 RJ45 UTP NETWORK ( C6PATCH25GR )

Manufacturer: STARTECH.COM
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Accessories & Supplies | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Satisfaction Ensured.
Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available.
With True Enhanced Performance.
Latest Technical Development.

ASIN: B0000DYSIG

Product Description

StarTech.com's Category 6 cables are the perfect way to connect your workspace's emerging gigabit networks. Category 6 cables improve upon the Category 5e specification by providing twice the available bandwidth (up to 250Mhz), and a signal-to-noise margin improvement that is sixteen times (12dB) better than that provided by Cat 5e.All of StarTech.com's Cat 6 cables are constructed by the highly trained staff with only top quality components that ensure they meet StarTech.com's strict standards for reliability. These cables help StarTech.com maintain its tradition of offering top-notch parts and products for the best price possible.

Electronics:

Electronics

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