Canon Optura 500 MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Product Description

CANON Optura 500 - From summer escapes to winter wonderlands, life is meant to be savored. That's why Canon created the Optura 400 and Optura 500 digital camcorders. Enjoy the convenience of holding a digital video camcorder and digital camera all in one hand. Low and compact, the Optura 500 has swivel grip and palm pad... perfect comfort when shooting long days at sporting events or marathon birthday parties. The Optura 500 comes with a ring light adapter, a 211,000 pixel 2.5" LCD monitor, a deluxe wireless remote control. 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 211,00 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, WLD84 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 400 is also available. It has a 123,000 pixel LCD monitor, a simpler wireless remote, and lacks the Ring Light Adapter

Amazon.com Product Description

Canon raises the stakes for all-in-one digital imaging devices with the release of the Canon Optura 500 (and the companion Optura 400; 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 500 weighs just 1.2 pounds with tape and battery and measures 2.1 x 4.2 x 4.0 inches. Like its sibling, the Optura 500 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. The Optura 500 also adds a higher resolution LCD, mini video light, ring light adapter for close-up shots, MPEG4 video for email and Web, and USB 2.0 connectivity for streaming.

Optics and Resolution
The Optura 500 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 500 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 500 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 500 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.

Offering improved compression over Motion JPEG, the Optura 500's advanced MPEG4 allows you to record the full length of your SD Card in high-quality 325 x 288 resolution.

Still Photos
The Optura 500 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

Connect directly to any Canon CP-series Photo Printer or Canon Bubble Jet Direct Printer using the supplied USB cable. You can also connect directly to other Pictbridge compatible printers, and because the camcorder tags each photo you take with information based on Exif 2.2 Print standards, poor lighting and mistakes can be corrected automatically by the printer.

Other Features
A Mini Video Light allows you to shoot up to 4.9 feet away in total darkness. It can be switched on in any Program mode. For shooting close-up subjects (less than 12 inches away), the supplied Ring Light Adapter provides even illumination and prevents shadows.

The advanced Image Stabilization system works behind the scenes even when youÕre panning and zooming, shooting videos or photos. The Optura 500's large, high-resolution 2.5-inch LCD (211,000 pixels versus the Optura 400's 123,000 pixels) 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 500 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. It's also equipped with a high-speed USB 2.0 terminal, which Windows Movie Maker2 supports, for video footage transfer and DV streaming.

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 500 digital video camcorder, rechargeable battery pack (NB-2LH), power adapter (CA-570), wireless controller (WL-D84), A/V cable, 8 MB SD memory card, USB 2.0 cable, ring light adapter, 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

It's covered by a 1-year limited warranty (3 months for the video head part).

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

Customer Reviews:

The best of the best........2005-07-21

I have been using this camcorder for about a week now and
all I can say is WOW.
If you are looking for great video, pictures, and small size, then this is for you.
I could go into a long and boring review, but who will read it.
Just buy it if you want beautiful movies.

Lots of features, fine video and good stills.......2004-10-20

I became a fan of Canon products after being so very pleased with their S40 digital still camera and S9000 large-format inkjet, which have both proven to be excellent. So, when it was time to acquire a new camcorder for my honeymoon, I made sure to see what Canon had to offer. Fortunately, the Optura 500 came out just in time for me to acquire one and get familiar with it before my trip. Having used it quite a bit in a wide range of conditions during two weeks in Spain, I am very pleased with it and can strongly recommend it to anyone who wants a camcorder that offers really good optics and more than just basic features.

I'll start with the weak points I have observed, since they may be of most interest to prospective buyers. This unit is positioned by Canon as a camcorder that is quite capable as a still camera. This is essentially true, but you should be aware that the flash on this camera is mediocre. The light produced by the flash does not provide pleasing color, and it is weak, with insufficient and uneven spread to provide proper illumination for a large subject, or anything more than a dozen feet away.

Another weak point is the Night Mode, which is not quite as fabulous as Canon might have you believe. On the one hand, it is amazing how the camera can increase its light sensitivity to record images in quite dark situations, such as a dimly-lit restaurant or deep woods. On the other hand, if your subject is moving at all then the image may have stutters and streaks to the point of being unusable.

Overall, however, I have been quite pleased with this camcorder, and it has far more strengths than weaknesses. I'll just list some briefly:

* I am particularly glad to have the very fine 16:9 (widescreen) shooting mode.

* The built-in video light, while a bit weak, is a welcome feature and can make the difference between capturing a usable image or not.

* While stills from my S40 4.2-megapixel still camera are clearly superior to the 2.2-megapixel stills from the Optura 500 (no surprise there), the Optura's have nice color and detail.

* I love being able to get good focus within inches of a subject -- great for close-ups of flowers and critters.

* The many controls are easy to use, especially the main buttons for turning on the camera and shooting. Most of the adjustments you might need to make quickly can be done via buttons, rather than thru menus and submenus.

* The automatic settings provide excellent results, but it is also possible to manually adjust many parameters, such as focus and exposure.

* Another feature I especially like for shooting stills is Auto Exposure Bracketing. Rather than lose the shot while fiddling around trying to get the right exposure set, you can just quickly run off three successive shots at different exposures and then choose the one that you like best later on.

* The camera is quite compact and light, with a well-made metal case.

* There are several lenses and filters available from Canon and other companies for this model. Unless your subject is always a person or fairly small item, I very strongly recommend a wide-angle lens, which will let you capture a lot more of a room or scene without waving the camera around.

* The included 8meg MMC card is too small to be of much use, but you can get them in capacities up to at least 512 megs at this point, and you can record video to the card as well as to tape.

* The manual was clearly not authored by Americans, but it is quite thorough, with decent illustrations.

In closing, I will mention that video and stills shot with this camera of both indoor and outdoor scenes, from museums and dark cathedrals to marketplaces and beaches, all look great. If I were to start my search for a camcorder in this class, I think I would choose the Optura 500 again.

Wish-list items for the Optura 500's successor:

* Increase the size of stills to 3 megapixels.

* Improve the quality and strength of the flash, and position it so that it is not cut off by add-on lenses.

* Add another bulb to the built-in video light to double the light output and make this feature much more usable.

* Add a few more software features from your still cameras, such as the ability to manually set the starting exposure and exposure range on the AEB, and a "vivid" color shooting mode for subjects like swimming pools and gardens.

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 product is designed for Epson LQ-2070, LQ-2170, FX 2120.

Product Description

Now your workgroup can have all the power of a larger, departmental printer, but in a smaller package. The cost-effective microLaser 210 laser printer delivers up to 21 pages per minute at a true 1200x1200 dpi resolution. Its power is achieved through a combination of GENICOM's Intelliprint controller architecture and patented Memory Compression Technology. Discover the industry's highest quality for text, graphics, imaging, and application portability across computer platforms, all accomplished by Adobe PostScript 3 in the controller architecture. Every GENICOM Intelliprint-enabled laser printer has its own built-in Web page for remote inquiry of your printer's status, from consumable levels to paper levels, or configuration via the World Wide Web.The microLaser 210 meets your needs with a wide range of standard paper handling features, including a 550-sheet universal paper tray that handles media sizes ranging from 3.9x5.8" to 8.5x14". Additionally, a multi-bypass feeder accepts 100 sheets or up to 10 envelopes. Transparencies and labels are also supported. The optional duplexer is internal to the printer, saving you valuable space. An optional envelope feeder stacks up to 75 envelopes for high volume mailing. And a face-up tray option provides a straight-through paper path from the multi-bypass feeder to handle heavier media stock.

Average customer rating:

Disappointed

Great

Mac Owners Be Careful!

unbelievable

Microtek ScanMaker 4600 USB Scanner with Digital Camera

Manufacturer: Microtek
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Flatbed | Scanners | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics
Flatbed Scanners | Printers & Scanners | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Printers & Scanners | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Microtek | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Belkin F3U134-10 USB Extension Cable (10-Feet)

Monster Cable MP AV600 Power Protector

Monster PC700 Computer PowerCenter¿ with Surge Protection

Canon 1029A004 Photo Paper Pro for BJC-8200 (8.5"x11", 15 Sheets )

Acoustic Research AR-8V 8-Outlet, 1284 Joule, $50,000 CEW Surge Protector

Product Features:

Combination digital camera and scanner designed for the home or office

2,400 x 1,200 dpi resolution, 9,600 x 9,600 dpi enhanced resolution

42-bit color depth

3 easy-touch buttons allow you to scan, copy, and e-mail with the touch of a button

Easy to install with the USB connection

ASIN: B000051ZRQ

Product Description

This package contains two products - Microtek's ScanMaker 4600 scanner and EyeStar U2S camera.Microtek's ScanMaker 4600 - Internet ready scanner for home or office. 3 Easy Touch Buttons for scan, copy and email provide real convenience. With 2400x1200dpi and true 42-bit color, this scanner provides razor sharp detail and richly saturated colors. Software to create your own homepage and share unlimited photos for free is included.Send video email in living color with Microtek's new. EyeStar Mail software makes it easy to record a video message and email it to friends and family. The EyeStar TWAIN driver lets you import still images into Ulead Photo Express (included) or hundreds of existing software applications. Simple USB installation makes this a great add-on for your Windows 98 system.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Microtek ScanMaker 4600 is an Internet-ready USB scanner with essential features for your home or office. Plus, it comes with a 100,000-pixel combination digital camera and PC Web camera, with a tripod and carrying strap. You can take incredible color photos with your new digital camera, and editing them is a snap with the included software. The camera's PC mode also allows you to use videoconferencing features.

The 4600 has three Easy Touch buttons that allow you to scan, copy, or e-mail with a single step. You can attach photos to your e-mail or post images to the Web with ease. The ScanMaker 4600 features 2,400 x 1,200 dpi optical resolution with true 42-bit color for beautifully rich scans. It can scan documents up to 8.5 by 11.7 inches, and the FlexScan lid expands to make space for books and other small objects. With the 4600 scanner you can make high-quality print enlargements of your favorite photos. The USB connection will have you up and running in minutes and is compatible with Windows and Macintosh.

The 4600 scanner and digital camera package includes software to help you create beautiful images, and it even lets you make your own Web home page. Included are Adobe Acrobat, Adobe PhotoDeluxe, ScanWizard 5, a camera installation CD-ROM, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2004-01-09

I purchased this scanner just over a year ago. It is alot slower than the last scanner I had....which lasted quite awhile, and the ScanMaker 4600 is already broke after only 1 1/2 year of use.

Great.......2001-06-13

The scanner is real good and fast and has good quality. The digital camera is nothing special and for me is a pain because there are no instructions, just a slip of paper. It has internal memory so you cant use a card. However overall I would give this 4 out of 5.

Mac Owners Be Careful!.......2001-06-04

Why would anyone sell a scanner that is MacIntosh compatible in a package with a digital camera Macs cannot use? That is what happened to me! This Mikrotek camara is useless on my Mac G3 since it's for Windows only! I assumed since the Scanner was Mac compatible then the camera must be too! .... Also the camera is super small (about 4" by 3") and there isn't any guidelines with it or directions and specs. Just a tiny slip of paper with about two generic sentences on it telling you things that anyone with common sense already knows. It's made in China and consists of cheap plastic like those throw away cameras from you local drug store you use one time only. The cap for the lens cover falls off constantly and no way to fasten it back on. ....

unbelievable.......2001-01-23

Plenty of software to utilize every corner of home or office scanning. Best scan quality I have seen. It pays to go with a company like Microtek, they focus on specific products and try to make the best. Sorry HP and Canon. Microtek has you beat. With the right printer and paper you can make photo quality prints.

Product Description

Panasonic combines innovative space-age technology with elegant styling. The high High-Contrast Picture Tube considerably improves contrast compared to conventional televisions. Crisper images, more brilliant colors and sharper focus creates a feeling of depth that will almost pull you into the picture.This white, 13" monitor is perfect for the kitchen or utility room. It may not be your primary TV, but it doesn't scrimp on quality: a high-contrast picture tube and other video-enhancing features ensure great viewing. You can either watch TV via a feed such as cable, or hook up a VCR or DVD player through the two sets of A/V jacks, one front/one rear. Conveniences include V-chip lockout to keep young people out of certain channels, an ultra-compact kitchen magnet remote control, an auto programmable channel scan and a tri-lingual menu system.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Panasonic CT13R41W 13-inch TV in white is ideal for kitchen counters. It offers an onscreen clock, sleep, and on/off timer and the menu displays in English, Spanish, or French. It is cable-ready and offers V-chip technology that allows parents to block unwanted shows. The TV connects easily to a VCR or camcorder through the front or rear audio-video inputs.

Customer Reviews:

Asghar shah.......2001-05-05

purchased an open box model for use at office, very nice quality picture and sound

Excellent Value for the price.......2000-09-01

This is an excellent 13-inch tv for the price. Picture quality is superb with the included antenna. What is really nice about this tv is the extra card size remote control. It has all the functions you would ever need in such a compact design. Don't let this tv pass you buy!

Product Description

The Fastnet LocalTalk Transceiver is the most affordable way to connect your Mac, printer or LocalTalk device to a LocalTalk network. You can easily daisy-chain up to 32 Apple Macintosh devices using plain-old telephone line cabling.For example, if you want to network a series of Macs to create a cohesive Macintosh armada, simply plug the FASTNET transceiver into the existing modem or printer port, you're done! This magic transceiver utilizes the pre-installed software on your computer, so you won't have to reconfigure your software and you won't have to fool around with any switches...Just plug it in and experience the power of communication.The FASTNET LocalTalk TRANSCEIVER features receive and traffic LEDs for at-a-glance diagnostics review. And with switchable termination, the FASTNET LocalTalk TRANSCEIVER is a breeze to install.

Product Description

The GCE-8525BI takes its place in the line-up of High Speed CD-RW Drives from LG. The 52x32x52x package has a 2MB Buffer with SuperLink for Buffer Underrun Error Protection, Mt.Rainier Compliant for True Drag and Drop CD File Copying, Ultra Speed Media Support, MPC-III Compliant, and Windows XP/2000/ME/98/NT Compatibility; this is one fast drive.

Customer Reviews:

Works great!!!.......2004-04-15

I've used it under windows 98se and windows xp and it works great!!! I use fujifilm all purpose cdr's with it. I recommend checking the packaging on your cdr's and cdrw's for _made in Japan_ to insure compatability.

Average customer rating:
Lancast 100M TXTO100M BWDM 1550TX-SA MEDIA CONVRT ( 2133-1X-01 )

Manufacturer: Lancast Inc.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Networking Kits | Wireless | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B00021XII8

Product Description

MouseWorks Mouse?s unique sculpting helps place hand in neutral position to help reduce risk of injury. Four customizable buttons offer one-click solutions to repetitive tasks. The mouse is comfortable for all hand sizes. Scroll wheel speeds through long documents and web pages.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics

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