The Canon Optura 600 is a camcorder worth bragging about when it comes to the visual quality. While the onboard mic is not tops, the mic input and manual audio levels are not usually available on a camcorder at this level. This camcorder offers some of the best manual features while still maintaining a small, compact size that can travel easily and a price that's not too far out of range.

Format: Mini DV
Number of CCDs: 1
Size of CCDs: 1/2.8"
Pixels on CCD: 4,290k total
Video Effective Pixels: 3,500k total
Focus: Auto/Manual (using dial)
Shutter Speed: Auto/Manual
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/2000
Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/8
Lens f Stop: 1.8-3.0
Program Exposure Modes: 5, plus 6 scene modes
Optical Zoom: 10x
Focal Length: 6.1-61mm
Image Stabilization: Electronic
Manual White Balance: Yes
Viewfinder: 0.33" color 113k pixels
LCD Monitor: 2.5", 123k pixels
Progressive Scan: No
HD Modes: No
Video In: Composite, S-Video, FireWire
Video Out: Composite, S-Video, USB, FireWire
Mono/Stereo Recording: Stereo
Microphone In: Yes
VU Meters: Yes
Manual Audio Level Controls: Yes
Headphone Jack: Yes
Speaker: yes
Still Shot Media: SD Memory Card
Memory Card Included: 6MB SD
Flash: Yes
Wireless Remote: Yes
External Battery Charger Provided: No
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Tape Loading Configuration: bottom
Onboard Video Light: Yes
Accessory Shoe: No

• Big imager, beautiful results
• Manual audio levels
• Small and lightweight

WEAKNESSES

• Menu button placement
• New battery design (your old Canon batteries won't work)
• No accessory shoe

SUMMARY
This is a great camcorder for travelers or shooters who want more manual control.

Mark Montgomery is Videomaker's Editorial Assistant.

$1,199
Canon
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042
(800) 828-4040
www.canondv.com