Canon Optura PI MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

Product Description

Light enough to become part of your hand, the Optura Pi will become your personal imaging companion. Built tough with Canon Know-How and Canon technology inside it, the Optura Pi gives you surprising features and unsurpassed digital video (DV) quality. The Optura Pi is easy to use and that makes it easy to get results you've never seen before from any camcorder. A genuine Canon 12x zoom lens with 48x digital zoom allows you to get clear closeups. It features three modes: Normal Movie (full-motion video) Mode, Digital Photo Mode and Digital Motor Drive Mode (takes 30 still frames a second). Optical image stabilization filters out the jitters and bumps to capture crisp, stable images every time. Look into the world that awaits you when you get into CANON DV, with the Optura Pi digital camcorder.

Amazon.com Product Description

Despite its compact size, Canon's Optura Pi is a full-featured MiniDV camcorder. A 12x optical (48x digital) zoom Canon lens gets you right in the action, while optical image stabilization helps prevent unwanted shakes and jitters from creeping into your important footage. The flip-out LCD screen is a large 3.5 inches.

A quick word about image stabilization. Most camcorders with image stabilization use digital image stabilization, which is a software-based method of correcting handheld wobbles and shakes. Though digital image stabilization works well, it does so at the expense of image quality, reducing the total number of pixels used to capture an image. In contrast, the Optura Pi uses optical image stabilization, which continuously detects motion and adjusts elements inside the lens to compensate, resulting in a shudder-free image without any loss in image resolution.

A number of different programmed auto exposure modes (including sand and snow, sports, portrait, and low light) automatically adjust settings to take the worry out of shooting in challenging conditions. Besides the different programmed auto-exposure modes, the Optura Pi also offers three different shooting modes. You'll probably leave the camera set to normal movie mode a majority of the time. Digital photo mode lets you use the Optura Pi as a digital camera, recording a still image for six seconds on the miniDV tape, and allowing audio commentary. There's a lot of flexibility here: you can switch between movie and digital photo modes and create a unique collage of stills and video. Finally, the digital motor drive mode uses the progressive-scan CCD to capture a full noninterlaced 30 frames per second. This means you can use the footage as a series of independent photographs.

As a DV camcorder, the Optura Pi has an IEEE 1394 port for digital editing, or for transferring footage between IEEE 1394 compliant devices, such as computers or other DV camcorders. The Optura also features S-Video input and output. The analog inputs allow you to transfer old footage to DV for archiving. Built-in effects include art and sepia. Various faders ease scene transitions.

Customer Reviews:

Poor Quality, Costly Repair.......2002-11-07

Just passed one year warrant period, the eye piece viewfinder didn't work anymore. It seems that the sensor for the foldable screen went bad. Sent back to California Canon service center, and was charged for [money]. The customer service agent was very arrogant about Canon quality, and showed no sign of concern for my problem.

Recently half of screen became distorted during replay. Don't want to waste another [money], so tried lots of cleaning and changed the tape from TDK to Sony. The problem seems to be under control.

If it goes bad again, I will trash this junk, and buy a Sony.

Features Don't Make for Reliability.......2001-12-27

This product worked fine for a few months of light use. Then, during playback, the Optura Pi started adding image and audio noise to the tapes. One treasured video partially ruined.

Picure excellence defined!!!.......2001-12-19

The Optura Pi is one fantastic video camera! I had never purchased a Canon product before, but I am very impressed with the Optura Pi. You buy a camcorder primarily to shoot moving video. This is one machine that doesn't disappoint. Best features: optical image stabilization(a high end feature usually found only on the most expensive models); superb canon lense(second to none in the industry); large 3.5' LCD with high end resolution(200k pixels); excellent detail and color reproduction( RGB filter); manual overrides for controls ( useful for more experienced videographers); solid construction (many Sony and Panasonic models in the same price range have a cheap, plastic feel); amazing low light performance(although the jarring motion inherent in the low light setting may turn some people off). Cons: no manual focus ring(just a non mechanical option ring); overly touchy zoom control(be careful!); poor ergonomics for the zoom control( you have to reach back with your pointer finger to activate the zoom); low pixel count(360k for the CCD-all the better models are going mega pixel, but then, you pay for it too); blank tape is expensive( but this applies to all digital format camcorders). If you want to take digital stills, buy a dedicated still camera.You'll get way better quality for way less money. Progressive scan is not a significant feature for most people-record in "movie" mode( the Pi's successor 100MC is without Prog Scan). In summary, the Pi delivers excellent detail and color reproduction in all kinds of lighting situations. It feels like a high end camera and performs like one too.Unless you are willing to pay for the performance of a 3CCD camera, this is the one to get. Act fast; the PI has been discontinued. If you're lucky enough to find it at a vendor who made a special factory purchase, you'll get a fantastic deal!

Excellent DV camera for the money........2001-11-08

My main draw to the Canon Optura Pi was the optical (rather than digital) image stabilization. Canon is the only camcorder manufacturer that offers this feature in this price range. The image quality is excellent, although the camera calibration can take some getting used to. Experiment with white balance settings, etc. until you find something that works well. The LCD screen is a little too bright, but otherwise looks good. This camera integrates flawlessly with my Macintosh G4 and iMac DV computers. My only complaint about this camera is that occasionally the picture can become blocky and behave erratically. However, I have discovered that this is a problem with ALL DV camercorders and is due to flaky DV cassettes. So, choose your tapes wisely! In every instance of picture glitches, the problem has corrected itself within a matter of minutes. As I said, this is probably the best camcorder you can get in without spending $2500 or more

AWESOME DIGICAM - PERIOD!! Could be the best?!?!?.......2001-09-16

This camera works so well, feels so good in my hand, has so many cool features that I can't belive that I finally have it! I did an exhaustive amount of research before getting this camera but ALL signs kept pointing to this cam. The optical stabilization is unreal - it's the best stabilizer out there! The PROSCAN mode looks like film - pretty cool. Considering I'm going to be shooting some 'shorts' with this cam, that film look is always a nice effect. It's real lightweight and the ergonomics are very nicely laid out. The zoom is REAL fast - great!
Basically, this is a GREAT cam. The advanced shoe allows for hookups such as lights and mic's! Get a better battery though, 511 is worthless! I'm looking forward to shooting more with this cam. Considering that I've had it for relatively 'no time at all,' I LOVE IT!!

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 the cartridge designed for Canon BJC-4000, 4100, 4200 Series, 4300 Series, 4550; MultiPASS C2500, C3000, C5000.

Average customer rating:

priced right

Mad Dog 16X DVD-ROM Drive

Manufacturer: Mad Dog
ProductGroup: CE

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

16X DVD Play-Back, 48X CD ROM

ASIN: B000A1GY72

Product Description

Entertainer 16X DVD drive from Mad Dog Multimedia, is the ideal entertainment solution for today's demanding DIGITAL video and audio requirements. Watch your favorite DVD titles or listen audio CDs at your PC. Entertainer 16X DVD also functions as a 48X CD-ROM. Load data fast! Listen to digital audio CDs as well as watch your digital videos.

Customer Reviews:

priced right.......2005-09-25

for this price you would usually have no expectations
this has exceded mine and i received it in a timely manner
with excellent communication from the retailer

MAD DOG DOMINATOR 4-in-1 - Disk drive - CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo - 52x24x52x/16x - IDE - internal - 5.25"

Average customer rating:

MAD DOG DOMINATOR 4-in-1 - Disk drive - CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo - 52x24x52x/16x - IDE - internal - 5.25"

Manufacturer: Mad Dog Multimedia
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

HP 48X CDR 100 SPINDLE

ASIN: B0002XKZEQ

Product Description

The DOMINATOR 4-in-1 - four Solutions for the price of one! If you are an audio enthusiast, office professional or a movie fanatic, the DOMINATOR 4-in-1 is the ultimate entertainment and productivity solution. All of these features in one product enforce Mad Dog Multimedia's commitment to uncompromising excellence.

Average customer rating:
Intl COBOX-E1M-02 Device Server Modbus 1-DB25 1-DB9 Serial To Enet

Manufacturer: LANTRONIX
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Device Servers | Wired Networks | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B00007FH2H

Product Description

CoBox Device Servers provide exceptional functionality for users with IP applications requiring two serial ports. An extensive software feature set and a variety of configurable hardware options make the CoBox one of the most flexible network-enabling devices available today. The CoBox products support both Ethernet and Token Ring, making them a fit for most any networking environment.

Product Description

With a backlit universal remote control, stereo reception and variable audio outputs, Panasonic's CT-20D10 is not your run-of-the-mill 20-inch TV. The CT-20D10's picture tube is dark-tinted (Panasonic calls it PanaBlack) for enhanced contrast; this is becoming a common feature in all sets, large and small. Panasonic's Game Guard lets you block channels 3 and 4 (the ones used by video game consoles) and all video inputs for 12, 24 or 48 hours. Artificial Intelligence Sound Control tones down loud explosions and other sudden increases in volume. Variable audio outputs let you hook up the TV to your A/V receiver and still be able to control the volume with the TV's remote control, while MTS and SAP reception let you enjoy stereo and foreign-language broadcasts. The front-panel A/V inputs make connecting a game console or camcorder a little easier. A/V input jacks link your outside sources directly to audio and video circuits in the TV set, bypassing the tuner. This direct connection allows for optimum picture reproduction. Panasonic TVs really do sound as good as they look. The CT-20D10 is equipped with a built-in stereo decoder that can receive both TV stereo and Separate Audio Program (SAP) broadcasts where available. The DBX noise reduction system helps give you clear, crisp sound with appropriate stereo separation. Artificial intelligence sound control automatically adjusts the volume level to prevent wide variations in sound between different TV stations and types of programming. Other features include precision notch filter, stereo headphone jack, trilingual menu system, clock, and sleep and on/off timer.

Customer Reviews:

Black Tones.......2000-08-17

Although the TV is actually pretty good, the unit has a difficult time with black. I have it attached to a Dishnetwork system, which is digital, and when there is a black object or background the picture quality leaves much to desire. My Sony Wega works like a charm, so I know it is not the Dishnetwork's problem. Plus, Panasonic has one of the worst customer service departments in the industry.

NIce but a bit expensive.......2000-06-11

The panasonic TV is a pretty nice TV, but for the proce you should be able to get a decent bigger tv

Average customer rating:
MacSense USB 2.0 PCI CARD 4 PLUS 1 PORTS ( UP-400 )

Manufacturer: Macsense Connectivity, Inc.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

PCI Network Cards | Desktop Adapters | Wired Networks | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0007XHNQE

Product Description

Macsense Connectivity has been meeting and exceeding the expectations of its resellers and distribution partners through its dedicated efforts to provide quality products and reliable service - and never stops looking toward the future.PRODUCT FEATURES: USB 1.1/2.0 Specification Compatibility; Compatible with OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface); Hot-swappable Plug & Play capability; Provides two downstream ports with root hub function; Each port works with full speed (12Mbps) and low speed (1.5Mbps) devices; Supports individual port over-current and inrush current protections; Provides Bus fault detection and reconfiguration; PCI interface specification V.2.1 compliant.

Product Description

Digital input, ultra wide viewing angle, and an incredibly bright picture make the L172WT LCD monitor/TV a solid choice for your home or office. Use it as a monitor for your PC or other video source, or as a regular TV. No matter what, you can expect a spectacular viewing experience.

Average customer rating:
Lancast 100MTX TO 100MFX MM VF45-CONVRT MOD ( R643-1G )

Manufacturer: Lancast Inc.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Networking Kits | Wireless | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0000E2PVN

Product Description

Metrobility's 10/100 AutoTwister supports a variety of configuration options which extends copper-based network distances, connects 10Mbps devices to 100Mbps devices, isolates network segments, and converts from copper to fiber as well as half-duplex to full-duplex. Link Loss Return and Link Loss Carry Forward are incorporated for troubleshooting loss of remote network connections. Auto-recovery, used in conjunction with LLR, enables the card to restart the fiber link after a link loss event without a costly troubleshooting trip. On select models, bi-direction wavelength division multiplexing (BWDM) provides an interface that carries two distinct channels in different directions on a single strand of fiber.

Product Description

At Maxell, the priority is delivering the highest-quality products available in consumer and professional audio and video tapes, computer media, batteries and accessories. To achieve this goal, Maxell has spent the last 30 years focusing all its research and development strengths on creating a long list of innovative solutions for its customers. Today, consumers and professionals all over the world reach for the Maxell name when they want a quality product they can trust.

Product Description

Durable, heavy-duty mount carefully designed to attach easily to your car window and provide stable, vibration-free support for binoculars, telephoto lenses and spotting scopes.

Customer Reviews:

Window mount.......2007-01-03

This is a strong, well-made device that allows for use of cameras, binoculars, etc. while seated in a vehicle. A fine purchase for those of us who do not get around as well as we used to.

Average customer rating:

Sennheiser

Good headphones... if you have an extra amp.

Good but not everyhing has a replacement part

Dude the bass is superb

Good value for certain kinds of music

Sennheiser HD500 Traditional Over-Ear Open "Fusion" Full-Size Headphones (Black)

Manufacturer: Sennheiser
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Up to $100 | by Price | Gifts | Specialty Stores | Computers Features | Electronics
Headphones | by Type | Gifts | Specialty Stores | Computers Features | Electronics
Over-the-Head Headphones | Headphones | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
All Headphones | Headphones | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Headphones | DJ Equipment & Accessories | DJ, Karaoke & Lighting | Sound & Recording Equipment | Products | Musical Instruments
Headphones | Headphones & Accessories | Sound & Recording Equipment | Products | Musical Instruments
Accessories:

Memorex 700MB/80-Minute 52x CD-R Media (100-Pack Spindle)

KHypermedia 80-Minute/700 MB 48x Blank CD-Rs (200-Pack Spindle)

Sony PC-234S Audio Plug Adaptor

Product Features:

Over-ear, open-back stereo headphones

Single-sided 10-foot OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable

Proprietary Duofol membrane reduces diaphragm distortion at edges

14 to 21,000 Hz frequency response

Designed for comfortable long-term wear

ASIN: B00004SD87

Product Description

The HD500 Fusion is causing a buzz among listeners of jazz, funk, rock, and hip-hop. Like its namesake, the HD500 fuses improved audio technology with a new BioNetic headphone design that offers unsurpassed comfort. The HD500's open, dynamic design provides spatial, balanced sound reproduction and more solid bass than preceding models. Its Duofol diaphragm is designed for ultra low distortion, and its innovative damping technology results in wide dynamics and excellent transient response.

Amazon.com Review

Sennheiser's HD-500 Fusion headphone features a well-padded headband and large, cushioned earpieces that comfortably encircle your ears. They're so comfortable you might even forget you're wearing them.

The headphone's open-ear design does mean that others in the room will be able to hear your music playing almost as well as you do, so it isn't the ideal headphone if you're looking to isolate yourself from the outside world, or vice versa. However, its exceptional clarity and intimate warmth make it awfully seductive. Think of it as ideal for late-night listening sessions when you don't want to wake the neighbors with Mahler or Metallica at concert levels from your speakers.

At 32 ohms' impedance, the HD500 Fusion represents a fairly daunting load to the average boombox or personal stereo. As a result, it doesn't achieve anything like its rated 105 dB output unless you employ some form of dedicated headphone amplifier such as the ones built in to many receivers, or even the small portable variety.

Properly driven, however, the HD500 offers some of the best sound available from conventional headphones. It has a clarity and sweetness in the high-frequency registers that was previously available only in expensive electrostatic headsets--and, at the same time, it offers an incredibly deep bottom end that would put many loudspeakers to shame.

Sennheiser's Duofol diaphragm design reduces many common distortions that plague small drivers. Since headphone and microphone diaphragms don't use compliant surrounds (the piece connecting the driver to its base), the edge of the transducer is subjected to a great deal of stress at its anchor points--so much stress that conventional materials tend to actually vaporize or, at the least, distort drastically when subjected to it. Sennheiser utilizes laser interferometry to optimize the rigidity/flexibility equation.

Sennheiser also employs a double-wound aluminum voice coil that takes advantage of both that material's heat-dumping properties and its light weight. The coil surrounds a neodymium rare-earth magnet designed to improve control of the coil. Oxygen-free-copper signal cable is wrapped in a Kevlar-reinforced jacket for durability and minimal contact noise (so you don't hear it every time you touch the cord). --L.V. Phillips

Pros:

Lightweight design and padded headband maintain comfort during long listening
Low-distortion Duofol diaphragms provide exceptional detail and clarity
Single-sided cable makes it easier to move around while wearing headphones

Cons:

32-ohm impedance makes headphones difficult for most portable players to drive

Amazon.com Product Description

Sennheiser's HD500 Fusion is a full-size headphone that's ideal for use with home as well as portable stereos. Audiophile-grade components are used throughout for maximum performance, and Sennheiser's Duofol membranes reduce harmonic distortion. These excellent features, combined with a frequency response of 14 to 21,000 Hz and explosive dynamics, will bring your music to life.

A 10-foot OFC (oxygen-free copper) cord is attached to the left earpiece only, which gives you enough room to move around and reduces tangling. The 0.25-inch headphone plug comes with a miniplug adapter, letting you plug the HD500 into a smaller headphone jack. The innovative BioNetic design adapts to the shape of your head, and the adjustable headband has an airy, plastic cushion for added comfort.

The Sennheiser HD500 Fusion comes with a two-year warranty.

Customer Reviews:

Sennheiser.......2006-10-01

I had a poor experience with Sennheiser as a company. I received a pair of HD 265's. These are not inexpensive headphones and wanted closed not open headphones. I unpacked the product and put them to my ears and they broke in half. I had a piece of headphone in each hand. I called the seller and they said send them bak to the manufacturer. Nothing like like making the customer responsible for a problem. I sent them back to Sennheiser and asked if I could upgrade to a better headphone such as the 600's and that I would be happy to pay. I have to give Sennheiser credit. They did call and offer to uprgrade for $250 plus the HD 265. I explained that I could get a pair of 600's on Amazon for less than that and keep the 265's. That did not seem to matter to them. I guess they could not follow the logic of pay more and get less.
My suggestion is to stay away from Sennheiser alltogether and take a look at Ultrasone, GRADO, or Pioneer.
Unlike the Ultrasone's these headphones the 600's have an in your head sound as opposed to the much more natural sounding and accurate Ultrasone's. These headphones are also very tight and uncomfortable and connot be worn for long.
Although I own a pair of Sennheiser noise cancelling headphones which I like, I prefer to give business to a company with more character. I also think there are headphones with a much superior build quality and superior sound such as the Ultrasone and GRADO headphones. When it comes to reviews most people purchase headphones and do not compare and write a review about the only headpohone they have really listened to. The initial impression of most quality headphones is mindblowing. That was my initial mistake. Now I have experiences GRADO's Ultrasone's and STAX's. Save your money and don't buy a name, buy a headphone.

Good headphones... if you have an extra amp........2005-01-29

The HD500s are incredibly comfortable, with a great depth of sound to them. I can see them being really great headphones, but only if you really know what you're getting.

Firstly, the open backs really rule out alot of situations for me, as everyone else can hear exactly what you're listening to, which isn't ideal at all.

Secondly, these are pretty crap if you're using them for anything else other than to listen to music that's amped in some way. Like mentioned in the description, using these for stereos etc is pointless, as the sound seems 'distant' in your ear.

If you happen to be a huge fan of ambient music however, such as Zero 7, lemon jelly and so on, then these headphones are superb with their bass response, however, otherwise, I'd stick to another pair.

Good but not everyhing has a replacement part.......2004-09-14

I had these headphones for 3 yaers. Very comfortable. Good bass response. I listen to everyhing from Classical to Hip Hop. I replaced the cord a few months back. Now I am faced with a broken driver. I was on Sennheiser's site and could not find a replacement piece. Even though the driver pops right now. This is somewhat annoying. If you are not technical enough to do these sort of replacements then don't worry about this. But if you are capable of fixing it yourself look for a set that has total replacements. Like the HD580 or HD600.

pearcec DOT com

Dude the bass is superb.......2004-09-03

I read a bunch of reviews about these 'phones before I bought them. To a person the rap was the bass was too strong. BULL. Put them on,plug them in and hear stuff you never heard in your music. Granted I"m an old guy and I grew up on rock and roll.(Thats real music played by real musicians; see bonnie riatt,john hyatt,little feat,led zeppelin,CSNY,STONES) You can put these babies on and just relish in the sound;natural and as it was intended. These are great 'phones. I tried them on my pc(audigy2 sound card) and on my Yamaha home theater receiver. The music was as good or better than I can get from my Klipsch or B&W Loudspeakers. Not at the least bass heavy. If you dont like the bass response then adjust your setup! Ive had Koss and Sony high end headphones and these are much better in their clean reproduction of sound. These are honest. The price was unbelievable ($49) Very comfortableto wear for a good stretch of time. BUY THESE 'PHONES.

Good value for certain kinds of music.......2003-11-19

As others have mentioned, these headphones tend to emphasize the bass and sound too boomy for classical music or acoustic. But, if you're into heavy electronica, this is actually not bad. I got these at a decent bargain, so they were worth that price for the comfort and the decent sound. The Sennheiser SR60s may be a better choice for those who listen to lots of classical over their 'phones. For pop and electronica, I love these for the punch.

Product Description

Media Sciences is the leading independent manufacturer of supplies for workgroup printers. The company offers a broad line of products that include color toner and solid ink for Tektronix, Phaser brand printers by Xerox.Experience both savings and high quality results when you choose Media Sciences color solid ink sticks for your Phaser 8200 color printer!

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics