Canon

Canon Optura 400 MiniDV Camcorder

2MP CCD;RGB Primary Color Filter;10X Optical/200X Digital Zoom;Image Stabilizer;Color Viewfinder;2.5in. LCD;USB 2!

Canon Optura 400 Key Features

Canon Optura 400 Digital Camcorder Supplied Accessories:

• NB-2LH Battery Pack
• CA-570 Compact Power Adapter
• WL-D83 Wireless Controller
• SDC-8M SD Memory Card
• STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
• IFC-300PCU USB Cable
• Digital Video Solution Disk

DV Format

MiniDV is the new preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20% clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. All this, in a handy, super-compact cassette.

DV Photo Plus

Canon's DV Photo Plus combines Canon's core imaging essentials, creating video, still pictures and prints of superior clarity, color and brilliance. DV Photo Plus is the integration of Canon's world-renowned optics and the company's exclusive DIGIC DV image processor, a 2.2 megapixel CCD image sensor and the Print-And-Share feature that speeds image transfer from Canon camcorders to computer or printer. The moment you watch video on a TV or hold a print in your hand, the difference is clear. DV Photo Plus unleashes the full digital imaging power of your Canon camcorder, promising a superior level of clarity, color, and excellence to video and photos.

Genuine Canon 10X Optical Zoom Lens With 200X Digital Zoom

What sets a Canon camcorder apart from all the others? It's the only camcorder made by a company renowned for high-quality professional optics. Canon's vast expertise in designing and crafting precision lenses for photography and broadcast TV lenses goes into every camcorder lens Canon makes. The Optura 400's 10x optical zoom lens delivers superb definition and contrast. The digital zoom extends the camcorder's magnification to 280x, revealing details too small to see with the naked eye.

High Resolution 2.2 Megapixel CCD

The Optura 400 features a robust 1/3.4 inch 2.2 Megapixel CCD image sensor. Combined with a razor-sharp, Megapixel compatible lens and image stabilization, the camcorder creates outstanding quality video and photos. Canon's Megapixel CCD Image Sensor delivers crisp images with life-like detail. Whether you are shooting video or photos with the camcorder, you will get the best results. The CCD works like film -- when light is captured by the sensor, it registers an image and advanced processing converts the pixels into digital data creating your video or photos. A photo is recorded on a memory card at an image size of 1632 x 1224 pixels.

RGB Primary Color Filter

In addition to achieving high resolution, the Optura 400's 2.2 Megapixel CCD integrates an RGB Primary Color Filter which separates the light passing through the lens into individual red, green, and blue color components, the same color filtration used in professional 3 CCD camcorders. As a result, the Optura 400 delivers richer, more vibrant, and more accurate color reproduction than models using a conventional complementary color filter.

DIGIC DV

DIGIC DV is a system for achieving superior video and photographic images. Canon's expertise in imaging and electronics is flawlessly blended together, resulting in outstanding performance. It offers substantial benefits in color reproduction. DIGIC DV makes it possible to achieve accurate color for both video and digital photos. Since video and 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.

Print/Share Button

The Print/Share button makes direct printing and downloading images to a computer easier than ever before. When the camcorder is connected to a printer, the Print/Share button lights up blue, letting you know that you can begin printing simply by pressing it once. You can also transfer a photo directly to your computer, with just a single press of the button.

Direct Print with Canon Bubble Jet Printers, PictBridge, Exif Print

Turn your images into prints in seconds -- without a computer! A single cable connects the printer to the camcorder and all printing options can be controlled from the LCD Screen. Options include: selecting the print quantity, horizontal or vertical trimming, and whether you would like bordered or borderless prints. Choose from a range of paper sizes. The Optura 400 is compatible with all Canon CP-series Card Photo Printers and Bubble Jet Direct Printers. The camcorder can also connect to any PictBridge compliant printer.

The Optura 400 supports Exif Print (2.2), a worldwide standard that enhances communication between digital cameras and printers. At the time of shooting, vital camcorder settings and scene data are recorded with the image, resulting in realistic and reliable color reproduction. Poor lighting or mistakes can also be corrected, allowing photos to be even better than the originals.

Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP)

The Optura 400 supports Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) that enables data communication with a computer without the need to install dedicated driver software. This direct link enables the computer to access the camcorder as though it was an external card reader. This feature is available only with computers running Windows XP or Mac OS X (version 10.1 or later) operating system.

VIC

Embracing the industry's latest and most sophisticated technology, Canon camcorders feature an exclusive connection circuit, called VIC. VIC is a virtual powerhouse. Traditionally, multiple chips were needed to perform the camcorder's input and output functions. However VIC manages it all with one single chip. The result is seamless connectivity whether you are connecting to a computer, TV, or VCR. 2.0 Megapixel High Resolution Photos The camcorders feature advanced image processing, for capturing stunning, 2.0 Megapixel (1632 x 1224 pixels) photos onto the included memory card. They may be captured at a variety of different image qualities and compression sizes (Superfine/Fine/Normal).

SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard

The Optura 400 expands video possibilities with a built-in slot for an SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard, in addition to a MiniDV cassette. Easily transfer images to your PC directly from the camcorder using USB and IEEE1394. Produce effects not possible with just a cassette using the Card Mix Effects. Choose one of the sample images provided on the supplied SD Memory Card (such as picture frames, backgrounds and animations) and combine it with the live video recording.

An 8MB MultiMediaCard is supplied with the camcorder.

High Resolution 16:9 Widescreen Mode

To match today's popular widescreen TVs, the Optura 400 can record high resolution 16:9 video. Unlike systems which only record a vertically stretched picture, the Optura 400 uses the full width of the CCD, filling the entire screen with crisp, high-quality images. Create a theater-like experience in your own living room.

Manual Audio Level Control

The Optura 400 camcorder features a Manual Audio Level Control, previously found only on prosumer camcorder models. And because the camcorder features a new advanced audio processing technique, you can enjoy cleaner audio than ever before. An electronic windscreen is now able to remove wind noise without degrading audio quality.

Image Stabilizer

A high quality image stabilization system corrects camcorder shake instantly, so your videos always look smooth, steady and natural even when shooting hand-held at full telephoto. The built-in high-quality Image Stabilizer even works when you're panning and zooming, shooting videos or photos.

2?" LCD Screen and Color Viewfinder

The bright 2.5" 123,000-pixel LCD makes it easy to compose sensational shots without having to squint into the viewfinder. You can rotate the screen for high-or low-angle shots, or turn it around 180? to record yourself. When you're done shooting, the screen is perfect for reviewing your scenes.

Simultaneous Photo Recording

How many times have you wanted to capture video and photos at the same time? In the past, this meant choosing one over the other -- but not anymore. With the Optura 400's Simultaneous Photo Record feature, you can record high quality video to a Mini DV tape and e-mail ready (640 x 480) digital photos to a memory card at the same time! It's perfect for birthday parties, soccer games, or any time when you don't want to miss a moment.

Continuous Shooting Mode

The camcorders feature a continuous shooting mode, allowing you to capture a rapid succession of photos, just like the motor drive on a camera. Capture up to 3 frames per second in 1632 x 1224 resolution or up to 5 frames per second in 1280 x 960 or 640 x 480 resolutions.

Selectable Focusing Points

Sometimes, the subject we want to photograph is not in the center of the frame. With the Optura 400 camcorder, you can choose from one of three focusing points to automatically put the subject you want into sharp focus.

Auto Exposure Bracketing

Automatically captures three alternately exposed photos (normal, underexposed and overexposed) with the single press of the photo button. This feature is particularly valuable in potentially tricky lighting situations and for those photographers seeking a particular photo lighting effect for their finished picture.

Photo Review

After a photo is captured, you can review it by holding down the PHOTO button. The display time can be set from 2 to 10 seconds.

Manual Focus Ring

For ultimate precision and control, you can adjust focus with a manual focus ring.

Motion JPEG

You can record movie clips in Motion JPEG format onto the memory card, for clear images and smooth playback. You may choose to record in 320 x 240 pixels or 160 x 120 pixels. Best of all, you can record for the full length of the SD Memory Card. If you like, you can even copy video from the Mini DV tape to the card, making it easy to attach a mini-movie to an e-mail or post on the web.

USB Terminal

Allows high-speed transfer of images from your SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard to your computer. By using the USB cable and software provided, you can process and organize your images on your PC.

Built-in Flash

The built-in flash fires according to the brightness of the surrounding area. Use it to illuminate your subjects when taking photos at night or indoors. It can also fill in shadows when shooting in bright sunlight. There are 4 modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction Auto, Flash on, and Flash off.

StitchAssist

By using the StitchAssist Mode, you can create magnificent panoramas. Shoot your landscape, and transfer them to your computer. Then simply select and arrange your images in the correct order, and the supplied PhotoStitch software does the rest, aligning, overlapping and cropping the separate images to form one ultra-wide panoramic still image.

Skin Detail Mode

When shooting close-ups of people, the camcorder automatically softens details to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections for a more complimentary appearance.

IEEE1394 (DV Terminal)

An IEEE1394-compliant DV terminal lets you connect the Optura 400 to a DV-compatible computer or another Canon DV camcorder. Transfer your digital movies to your computer's hard disk, edit your scenes, then use them to create high-impact Web sites, video e-mail, interactive CDs and DVDs, or a personal video album.

Network Mode

With Canon's DV Messenger2 software, you can use your Canon camcorder for Internet Video Chat with Microsoft Windows Messenger through IEEE1394 or USB. Control the zoom and focus of your camcorder or the person you are chatting with. Preview thumbnails and transfer photos. Watch and control the video playback of either camcorder - all from your computer. When used in conjunction with the camcorder's NETWORK mode, you can access your camcorder at home from a remote location. NETWORK mode also makes it possible to switch either camcorder's mode (CAMERA to VCR, TAPE to CARD) through the computer, instead of manually switching it on the camcorder.

Super Night Mode and Night Plus Mode

With the Canon Optura 400, you can capture images and video even in low-lighting thanks to its enhanced Night mode. At the touch of a button, the camcorder selects the ideal shutter speed and sensitivity combination to brighten up the scene, without sacrificing color. The Optura 400 also gives you the power to assign the Super Night or Night Plus mode to the NIGHT MODE button.

Super Night Mode actually adds light to a dark scene as needed with an unobtrusive white LED light positioned on the front of the camera. When the Super Night Mode setting is engaged the LED light automatically turns on and off as needed. Similar to Super Night Mode, Night Plus Mode allows the user to turn on the white LED light and keep it on as long he/she chooses.

Included Software

Included in your Optura Kit are Pinnacle Studio 9SE and Pinnacle Instant Photo Album, two powerful editing programs that can help turn your videos and photos into lasting memories. 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. Instant PhotoAlbum quickly turns your photos into exciting productions that you can share and enjoy with friends and family for years to come.

PCM Digital Stereo Sound

The camcorder offers two digital audio modes, 12 and 16-bit. You can select 16-bit mode for high-quality, CD-equivalent stereo sound, or 12-bit to record only two of four channels, leaving two channels free for you to record additional sound later. The Optura 400 also features newly designed audio circuitry, allowing wind noise to be removed without effecting audio quality. For complete control, the Optura 400 offers manual audio adjustment. The audio level can be monitored in the viewfinder or LCD view screen.

Program Auto Exposure

Most of the time, the Auto mode is all you need. But for complex situations, the Canon Optura 400 has pre-programmed auto exposure modes -- Sport, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow and Lowlight -- that let you shoot like pro. Need more help in dark situations? The Night Mode selects the ideal shutter speed and sensitivity combination to brighten up the scene without sacrificing color. Super Night Mode/Night Plus uses a built-in LED light to provide extra illumination.

Analog Line-In/Converter

You can send an analog video signal from a TV, VCR or a camcorder into the Optura 400 and record it onto a DV tape, or convert the analog signal into digital signal, for direct transfer to digital video devices or computers equipped with a IEEE1394 terminal*.

* The Analog-Digital Converter may not function depending on the software used.

My Camera Function

Personalize your camcorder by customizing the start-up image and camcorder operation sounds. With the Optura 400, you can choose a start-up image from the included software CD or use your own digital recordings.

Composite and S-Video Input and Output

The Optura 400 has a mini plug that provides composite video and stereo audio outputs for easy connection to your television. For higher quality video output, the Optura 400 also comes with an S-video output terminal.

Lithium Ion Power

Lithium ion battery packs can be recharged at any time, so you will always be prepared for peak shooting performance, and never caught without power unexpectedly.

Remote Control Included

A supplied wireless remote control operates the camcorder during recording and playback.

External Microphone and Headphone Jacks

In addition to using the Optura 400's built-in microphone, you have the option of plugging in an external microphone.

Built-in Speaker

Canon Optura 400 Specifications

Power supply (rated):

7.4 V (battery pack) 8.4 V (DC IN)

Power consumption:

Approx. 3.3 W (using viewfinder), 4.1 W (using LCD screen)

Television system:

EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal

Video recording system:

2 rotary heads, helical scanning system DV system (Consumer digital VCR SD system), Digital component recording

Audio recording system:

PCM digital sound: 16-bit (48 kHz/2 ch.), 12-bit (32 kHz/4 ch.)

Image sensor:

1/3.4-inch CCD, approx. 2,200,000 pixels; Effective pixels: tape approx. 1,230,000 pixels, card approx. 2,000,000 pixels

Tape format:

Videocassettes bearing the MiniDV mark

Tape speed:

SP: 0.74 ips (18.81 mm/s), LP: 0.49 ips (12.56 mm/s)

Maximum recording time (with an 80-min. cassette)

SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.

Fast forward/rewind time:

2 min. 20 sec. (with a 60-min. cassette)

Lens:

f=4.7-47mm, f/1.8-2.4, 10x power zoom

Focusing system:

TTL autofocus, manual focusing possible

Minimum focusing distance:

3.3 ft. (1 m); 0.39 in. (1 cm) on maximum wide angle

Maximum shutter speed:

1/2,000 sec. (1/250 when using a memory card)

Minimum illumination:

1.1 lx (using the Night mode during tape recording)

Recommended illumination:

More than 100 lx

Filter diameter:

30.5 mm

Viewfinder:

0.33-inch TFT color, approx. 113,000 pixels

LCD screen:

2.5-inch TFT color, approx. 123,000 pixels

Microphone:

Stereo electret condenser microphone

DV terminal:

Special 4-pin connector (IEEE 1394 compliant)

Video terminal:

1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced

S-video terminal:

1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal)

Audio terminal:

Audio input: -10 dBV/40 kohms or more; Audio output: -10 dBV (47 kohm load)/3 kohms or less

Memory Card Recording media:

MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card

Memory Card File Format:

Design rule for Camera File system (DCF), Exif 2.2 compliant, Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant (only images marked for printing or transfer are also DPOF compliant)

Memory Card Image Recording Format:

Still image: JPEG (compression: Superfine/Fine/Normal); Movie: Motion JPEG

Operating temperature range:

32 - 104? F (0 - 40? C)

Dimensions:

2.1 x 4.2 x 4.0 in. (53 x 107 x 101 mm)

Weight:

approx. 1.0 lb. (470g) camcorder body only
Total equipment weight: approx. 1.2 lb. (530g)

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