Canon Optura 600 4.3MP MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom & Coach Case

Customer Reviews:

Really great camera and camcorder.......2006-03-22

I have owned this camera for a couple of weeks. I purchased it to videotape dance concerts, and I was ecstatic over the quality of the video I took at my university's recent annual concert. By manually adjusting the exposure, I was able to avoid the 'ghosting' that usually happens under the lights. I was worried about the low light capability, but the picture was stunning in a dark theater with stage lighting, even on darkly lit pieces. The widescreen capability made for a really beautiful shot of the stage. I also took some absolutely amazing stills from back stage, the quality of which are every bit as good if not better than what I could have taken on my Elph.

I have owned several Canon cameras and I've always been pleased with the quality of the pictures I've taken with them. They are always easy to use and have lots of options to make photographs more interesting. This camcorder is no exception. I couldn't be happier.

The lens cover is a downside, it would be better if it were retractable, but I think the camera is just too small to accommodate it. I would also suggest purchasing the separate battery charger. Without it you have to charge the battery on the camera. I also chose to purchase an extra battery and an upgraded memory card. Outside of the cover and the battery charger, this camera is everything I hoped it would be and more.

Worth the upgrade.......2006-03-06

I've been using a Canon Elura 2 for several years now, and have been amazed that it has taken so long to produce a better camcorder in the same small package. For a long time, the smallest camcorders have been bigger than the Elura 2. Finally, the Optura 600 is a worthwhile upgrade. Better video quality, better lens, better semi-pro features (exposure, etc.), full anamorphic 16:9, external mic input, and a great still camera mode.

I've always liked the smallest camcorder available on the theory that if you don't have it with you, you can't take the videos. The Optura 600 is small, and really packs in the features.

I did some extensive still photo comparisons with the Optura 600 still camera and my Canon Elph 500 (5 megapixels). Other than a slightly different color balance, it was nearly impossible to tell any significant difference. I also compared Super Fine vs. Fine mode, and actually thought the Fine mode had slightly better image quality. Just because the file size is bigger doesn't mean that the resultant photo is any better. I'd recommend you try the comparison yourself, but my choice is to keep it in Fine mode and not use the full SuperFine mode. This is a really great feature of the Optura 600 because you can really leave your digital still camera behind (which usually only have 3x or 4x optical zoom) and use the very nice 10x optical zoom.

For anyone who has any intent of editing, miniDV tape is much better than miniDVD. The quality (and bitrate) is far better, and most editing software works much better with this format. And shoot your videos in 16:9. Even if you don't have a widescreen TV now, you will before you know it, and you'll appreciate the fact your videos are in the modern format. The Optura 600 uses the whole image sensor for 16:9, so you aren't losing any image quality.

My main complaint is the lack of an external battery charger, but this seems to be the trend these days. It is amazing that they can fit the battery charging logic into the camcorder body, but I really like to have an external charger to charge one battery while I use a second. You can get one for under $30, but they really ought to give you one in the package.

(All the comments about it being uncomfortable to hold seem to fail to take into account that this is a small camera. The hand hold design is the same as the old Elura 2 - you hold it at an angle with your thumb on the record button, and your index or middle finger on the zoom. Your ring and little finger wrap around the front. With the great new still camera mode, I find it better to use the middle finger for zoom and the index finger for the shutter release. But the design works as well as you could hope for in such a small camera. Left handed folks may have a bit more trouble, but that is true for most camcorders.)

If you've been waiting to upgrade your camcorder, this is a good choice. You'll get great MiniDV quality (suitable for editing to high quality DVD) and a really great still camera in one package. The video will look good on HD widescreen TVs. Maybe in a few years high def camcorders will be small, cheap, and easy to edit and produce to HD-DVD, but for now, this is much more practical, and will give you very good quality video. And it is so small, you might actually take it with you.

Update: I just took this camera on vacation, and I love it even more. I carried only this camera most of the time, and could take both video and photos as needed. While the still camera takes great pictures, it is a bit slow on startup and between picture cycle time. Also, there is a noticible lag between pushing the button and taking the photo, so it is critical to use the "push the button down half-way" feature to pre-focus. If you do this, then there is no delay. But it was just fantastic to have the 10x lens, and a great photo and video camera in one small unit.

Awesome Hybrid!!!.......2006-03-03

I just got the Optura 600 yesterday and am shocked at how small it really is, I saw videos and photos online, but it doesn't do it justice till you see it in person. I am a big guy 6'3", it has taken a little getting use to compared to my old mini dv camera which was quite a bit bigger. I adjusted the hand strap and now it fits comfortable in my hand and I also feel like it is more stable than the other camera which has a traditional hold. I can operate all of the buttons that i need while shooting with 1 hand, but to change modes I must use my other hand, which is no big deal to me.

I was mainly looking for a camcorder that took high quality video and high quality still photos and this camcorder delivers in both areas. I figured that the video was going to be great just from the reviews that I had read and it would be better than my old camcorder. I wasn't sure about the stills, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed that such a small device can do both functions so well. I also have a small canon elph 4.0 mega pixels that I have been extremely happy with. I would have to say the the stills taken with the Optura 600 are just as good if not better. I also love the fact that it is so easy and simple to switch between camcorder and digital camera mode, you just flip 1 switch and you are straight into high quality still mode.

I really love the fact that it is such a small device, portability was another big deal to me. I wanted something that I could put in my cargo pocket and take with me to take video and photos of my kids when we are out. I can say that this will fit easily into my cargo pockets. I am so excited about being able to carry this camcorder with me just about anywhere and it not be a pain to carry. Anyone looking for a great hybrid camcorder this is without a doubt one of the best on the market if not the best. You won't be disappointed!!

great video AND camera in a small package.......2006-02-06

I purchased this video camera after looking at my old Sony Handycam (video 8!)CCD-F501 that looks like a cannon compared to this lil' pistol (awkward pun intended.) I finally decided that enough time had elapsed and it was time to get a decent camcorder. Around mid-December 2005 I was salivating at the recently released hard drive cameras but after some search found out that that was just the only innovation, the other features were just standard or less than par for the course, and for the kind of money they were asking? I would be darned if I went to my Paris trip w/o a decent camera. What sold me on the Optura was the combo video/camera features and all the technical stuff you can read above. I won't repeat them here.

The Optura is surprisingly small and, as others have commented, if you have a hand shaped like a ham, this camera ain't for ya. I am 5'7", medium sized hand, the strap that wraps around the hand does not provide the best support when using the zoom. You can get used to it, but use both hands to steady the camera when zooming. Last week I went to J&R and bought a small tripod that when the legs are folded, it serves as a monopod, I intend to use it when I want to shoot without much camera shaking as I use the zoom.

I haven't had the camera for too long, there's lots of features in this camera for the video and photo functions, you gotta read them fully to truly appreciate this jewel. At night, while taping around Notre Dame, I noticed light streaks emananting from every lampost in the neighborhood, and I was using the automatic setting, I gotta try a couple of other settings to get that right. At the Louvre, the guards now won't let you take pictures or tape inside the museum. Well, as long as you don't use the flash option for pictures, you can snap away unless they catch you. But at the Mona Lisa's new abode, man, those hounds are circling around making darn sure you are not taking pics or filming. Ha! Enter I & my Optura. Them Clouseaus never seen an Optura, I turned it on, partially obscured by my hand, held it close to my chest, they did not have a clue! If you want hundreds of feet (exaggerating . . .a bit) of mini-DV tape of La Gioconda, talk to me. That, right there, made it worth the $850 plus I paid for it. great picture, small package. And, of course, with a flick of a switch, presto, now you can take pictures! and not grainy, melting pics, no sir, great resolution pics if you want 8x10's of every darn pigeon from every piazza from here to Ulan Bator.

I gave it a 4 outta 5 because of the awkward strap designed to steady one's hand. Must have been an afterthought.

Nice and Compact...but not for everyone.......2005-12-18

I have used this camera only for a day or two. Picture quality is really good. The photo quality is great, almost as good as a stand alone digital camera.
This camera is ideal for someone with small hand size. Otherwise please try it before you buy. The hand strap can be VERY uncomfortable. I have already felt it on the first day of use.
Not a great feel to hold it. Other than that no major complaints so far.
Please do not buy the SC 2000 case from Canon. That case is way too big for this tiny camera.

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.Nu-kote offers nylon black ribbon compatible with IBM 2560 printer.

Average customer rating:
Ml210n 21 Ppm Laser Printer 16MB 10/100 Enet

Manufacturer: Genicom
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Monochrome | Laser | Printers | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics
Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Laser | Printers | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Test Printer Node | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Netgear FWG114P 802.11g Wireless Firewall with USB Print Server

Netgear USB Mini Print Server (PS121)

Belkin F2A046-10 IEEE 1284 A-B Parallel Printer Cable (10-FT)

Acoustic Research Spikemaster SM-BG8 8 Outlet Block, Standard Protection Surge Protector (White)

APC BE350U 350VA Back-ups Es

ASIN: B000067TWY

Product Description

Genicom microLaser 210N is a versatile workgroup laser printing solution that gets the job done with style!Increase your workgroup's productivity with the ideal microLaser printing solution that's rock-solid and Intelliprint enabled! Now your workgroup can have all the power of a larger, departmental printer, but in a smaller package. The network-ready 210N laser printers deliver up to 21 pages per minute at a true 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution. Their 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.

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

ideal tv,great price.......2001-04-27

i seached hi and lo for tv to fit our needs for our rv,something that had to fit in a small closed in area was hard to find when looking for ac/dc.We not only found it here ,price was great,the service was #1,and the tv has a great picture quality.

Buy from Amazon.......2000-12-13

I bought this tv for my hunting camp that does not have electricity. It works great with a Deep Cycle battery. The only problem is that I purchased it from a different .com store and paid more for it. Shop Amazon FIRST!!!

Product Description

Looking to get your whole office online without shelling out thousands of dollars? If so, the XRouter Internet Sharing Hub offers the perfect solution. This amazing Ethernet-to-Ethernet hub connects an entire network of up to 252 users to the Internet using only one ISP account and one Cable or DSL modem. The high-speed bandwidth is divided among the users who are online at any one time. The XRouter offers a familiar, intuitive Web-based configuration. With its DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, the XRouter eliminates the hassle of typing long, messy strings of IP addresses by automatically assigning TCP/IP values to each computer. The XRouter also doubles as a 4-port hub to provide networking services as well. And it is the least expensive solution of its kind on the market today. Whether your environment is a small company, home office or a classroom, the XRouter is the affordable choice for you.

Customer Reviews:

Good Unit - But CHECK THE FIRMWARE.......2002-11-08

I've installed several of these XRouters, and everything is great wth one Glaring Exception. They are still shipping units that need a firmware update, and the last firmware update is from mid 2001. A year and a half isn't enough time to get the new firmware into the unit? Terrible waste of troubleshooting time. So, just be sure to check what firmware # is in there, against their website, before wasting any time configuring it. Once that's done, it's a rock-solid little unit, and works great with PPPoE, DSL, Cable, your server, PC, Mac, whatever. They just need to get the newer firmware into the unit.

Set it up once and forget about it. It just works!.......2001-05-28

I've been using the Xrouter Pro for almost a year now and it totally rocks - I've had zero problems!! This is the router that I recommend to all of my friends - even my mother.

Setup is very easy and straight forward; it only took me about 10 minutes to get it up and running. The built-in PPPoE support works flawlessly (I'm on BellSouth.net).

The unit passes VPN traffic with no problem. I've even got an 802.11b access point plugged into the Xrouter Pro and can establish a VPN connection between my wireless laptop and my corporate intranet.

For more advanced users who want to do more than just surf the Internet there are plenty of features: DMZ support, access control list support, built-in DHCP client and server, supports static routes and RIP, ability to block port scanning, ability to disable ping response, etc.

While the name (Macsense) may sound like this product is designed for use with Macintosh systems, make no mistake this unit works with any platform. In fact I don't even own a Mac - all of the computers that I have plugged into the Xrouter Pro are PC compatibles.

Buy this one. Not the Netgear RT314. You'll be happy........2001-04-04

The MIH130 works. Plain and simple. It was very easy to install. Easy to upgrade the ROM. I needed to talk to their tech support. They picked up after about 15 seconds and offered some excellent advice which helped speed the throughput by about 300 percent. I can pretty much say the opposite for Netgear. They used to be a good company with good products. The first RT314 I got was broken. I think. That's what they told me. 24/7 support? Ha! I was on hold over the weekend for over 30 minutes. I hung up. On a weekday their tech support kept me on hold for about 25 minutes. They were not willing to go through my settings with me to troubleshoot. They simply said to return it. I did. However, I got another one just for kicks. It, too, was a dog. Don't let that pretty blue metal box of the Netgear products dazzle you. It's not the box you're buying; it's the stuff inside. By the way, I'm on PacBell DSL. The MIH130 is working fantastically! The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because I'd like to see a more durable casing. No big deal. It's a guy thing.

Great For PPPoE.......2001-02-24

I am very pleased with my MacSense XRouter Pro. I am using DSL with Earthlink as my ISP, and they had me using MacPoet, a program which implements the PPPoE protocol and needs to be running before you can get to the internet. The XRouter handles PPPoE internally, so that your individual computers no longer have to run MacPoet or anything else. The "always on" promise of DSL is at last a reality! Now all I have to do is start my browser or email client, and I'm connected. The MacSense web site also had an *excellent* explanation of how to set up PPPoE, an important supplement to the well-written operations manual. Comparable routers may also support PPPoE, but I'm completely satisfied with this one.

If I ever decide to run Airport, it will be literally a snap. A plastic attachment allows you to mount the Airport base station on top of the XRouter, saving desktop space. The PPPoE protocol is already taken care by the XRouter, so Airport/PPPoE compatibility isn't even an issue.

Simply simple;.......2001-02-20

I searched the web for days looking at review after review, looking for the best router that would split internet access between My Mac G4, and my Pentium 3. The MIH-130 never came up and I only happened upon it at Amazon. Well it has to be one of the best products I have ever bought. It was SOOOOO easy to set up(took less than five minutes), and it works like a dream. Truly a first class product

Average customer rating:

no problems so far

LG Electronics GSA4167B RETAIL BOX 16X DVD ( GSA4167BI )

Manufacturer: LG
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

CD-ROM Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Write, read and erase data on all DVD and CD

Support DVD +R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW

Dual layer recording for storage of 8.5GB

Mounting type - horizontal and vertical

2MB buffer memory

ASIN: B000BD1DXE

Product Description

Super Multi DVD Rewriters can write, read and erase data on all DVD and CD media formats. They are all format compatible as they support DVD +R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW and are Dual Layer DVD +R up to 8.5G.PRODUCT FEATURES:Dual layer recording enables storage of up to 8.5GB;Writes to DVD-RAM (5x), DVD-RW (6x), DVD+R DL (6x), DVD-R DL (4x);DVD-R (16x), DVD+RW (8x), DVD+R (16x), CD-RW (24x), and CD-R (40x) media;All DVD formats compatible;Interface E-IDE / ATAPI;Mounting type - horizontal and vertical;2MB buffer memory with buffer under run prevention technology.

Customer Reviews:

no problems so far.......2006-03-03

Installed easily - it was actually about an inch shorter than my old combo drive. I have only burned 4 or 5 discs so far, but it is working fine with Roxio and Nero.

Average customer rating:
Lancast 100MB TX TO DUAL FX SM SC-SA CONVRT MOD ( 2731-1J )

Manufacturer: Lancast Inc.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Networking Kits | Wireless | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0000C5FN1

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.

Average customer rating:

Short Life

super precise

Fair - Kensington Can and Has Done Better

best mouse i ever bought

Compact, cute, cool

Kensington Pocketmouse SE Mobile Travel Mouse for PC or USB Mac Notebook Computers (72118)

Manufacturer: Kensington
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Computer Processors | Computer Accessories | Technology | Categories | Office Depot
Notebook Mice | Mice | Mice & Keyboards | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Kensington | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Product Features:

Kensington Edge: A special edition, stylish and comfortable mobile mouse alternative to notebook touchpads.

DiamondEye optical technology tracks precisely on virtually any surface

Mouse includes travel bag for easy storage and no tangled cords in transit

Small size is perfect fit for travel and smaller hands - a great mouse for kids

USB for easy on-the-go, plug-n-play mouse use

ASIN: B00008KITN

Product Description

The stylish, easy-to-carry mouse for busy travelers!

Customer Reviews:

Short Life.......2006-09-21

I had this mouse for about 18 months and it worked perfectly and was a great size for carrying around with my laptop. It tracked on most surfaces and was very sensitive to movement. However, one day its lights went out and it refused to work from then on. The quality was great while it lasted, but that was not for very long, especially compared to other mice I have owned. I would recommend buying a mouse that has a longer warranty.

super precise.......2005-02-20

Say goodbye to your big grey ugly mouse! This mouse looks cool, weighs nothing, takes no space in your bag, is amazingly precise, and priced at 18 dollars is an absolute steal. It might take a few hours of use to get used to the small size, but satisfaction is guaranteed. HIghly recommended.

Fair - Kensington Can and Has Done Better.......2004-10-17

I bought this as a travel mouse for my PowerBook. Having large hands, I have traditionally preferred large mice, such as the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer and the (no longer available) full-size Logitech MouseMan series. Nonetheless, in the name or portability, I was willing to give this mouse a try.

While I wouldn't expect a travel mouse to offer the most comfort, this one didn't seem to offer me any. In addition, the buttons seemed to take more than the expected amount or pressure for such a delicately sized mouse in order to actually click them. Beyond this, the cord is simply too short to allow this mouse to be used as anything but a supplemental pointing device for a mobile. On my computer desk, it did not have enough reach to connect to my desktop PC and still allow any range of movement.

This isn't a terrible mouse, but for less money, the standard Kensington Pocket Mouse (72114) offers surprisingly more comfort, better buttons, a longer cord, and less gaudy styling with only an insignificant increase in size.

best mouse i ever bought.......2004-06-23

i bought this as a replacement for the incredibly crappy microsoft wireless optical mouse that i had previously, and three months and thousands of clicks later it still works flawlessly.

- optical tracking smoothness/resolution is excellent
- USB-PnP (no driver required for my comp)
- thin wire doesn't get in the way--my last experience with a wireless mouse was anything but liberating, thank god this mouse is wired
- it's small, lightweight, aesthetically pleasing... silver/translucent blue plastic with red backlight (basically the optical sensor light visible from the top)
- only con: very easy to inadvertently click the mouse, requires only the lightest touch...fine for small hands, hellish for large ones

Compact, cute, cool.......2004-05-31

I purchased this mouse based on color and compactability for traveling. It works great, fits well into smaller hands such as mine (...and children) and moves effortlessly.

The price being offered on Amazon is amazing, as well! I paid nearly $10 more at Office Depot in-store (aka, no shipping) in Miami.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics