Camcorder Review: Canon Optura 300 Mini DV (page 2)
Press Play
Not intent on missing a single lifestyle beat with the Optura 300, Canon includes DV Messenger2 software, which you can use to connect your camcorder to your chat service (Windows Messenger) as a Webcam via FireWire or USB. When the camera is in Network mode, you can even use this software to access your camera over the Internet. You (or the person you are chatting with) can control the camera through a Web interface to snap pictures or record video, all remotely controlled over the Web through the chat software. This is more of a gimmick than anything else, but it could be useful for some security applications.
Oh Yeah!
The Optura 300 really shines out in a field that's already populated with excellent cameras. It shoots well, is packed with useful features, has manual controls and an excellent lens. You can even eject the tape while it's connected to the tripod. Perhaps the best part of this camera is that it is the smallest and least expensive camera that has all of the audio tools you will ever need: mike jack, headphone jack, manual audio levels and audio meters. It is a micro-mini camera that, surprisingly, does not compromise on features. Does it sound as if we liked the Optura 300? We did, and we encourage Canon to keep up the good work.
Joe McCleskey is an instructional media specialist.
Performance
Horizontal Resolution: 440 lines
Field of View (4:3): 36 degrees
Field of View (16:9): 45 degrees
TECH SPECS
Format: Mini DV
Lens: F/1.8, 4.7-47mm, 10:1 optical zoom, 35mm filter diameter
Image sensor: 1/3-inch CCD
Gross Pixels: 2.2 million
Video Effective: 1.23 million
Still Shot: 1,632 x 1,224
Viewfinder: 1/3-inch color (113k pixels)
LCD Viewscreen: 2.5-inch color LCD (200k pixels)
Focus: auto, manual
Anamorphic 16:9: yes
Image Stabilization: Electronic
Exposure: auto, manual, presets
Minimum shutter speed: 1/4 sec in night mode
Maximum shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
Iris: auto
Electronic Gain: yes
Night Mode: slow shutter, LED
White Balance: auto, manual, presets
Audio: 12-bit or 16-bit
Manual Audio Levels: yes
Audio Meters: yes
Mike input: 1/8-inch mini
Headphone output: 1/8-inch stereo mini
Inputs: FireWire, S-video, composite video, USB
Outputs: FireWire, S-video, composite video, USB
Edit interface: FireWire
Other features: SD/MultiMedia Card memory slot, digital effects, auto-flash, DV Messenger2 software
Dimensions (w x h x d): 2 x 4.5 x 4 inches
Weight (sans tape/battery): 1 lbs.
STRENGTHS
- Manual audio + meters
- Good stills on SD/MultiMedia Card
- Lots of manual controls
WEAKNESSES
- Squashed screen in 16:9 mode
SUMMARY
A great camera that successfully mixes small size and powerful manual controls.
$1,299
Canon
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042
(800) 828-4040
www.canondv.com
