Canon

Canon Optura 50 MiniDV Camcorder

2.2 Megapixel stills;Shooting modes for every situation;Widescreen shots;One touch downloading and printing;10x optical zoom;2.5 inch LCD;DIGIC DV signal processing!

Canon Optura 50 Key Features

Canon Optura 50 Digital Camcorder Supplied Accessories:

• NB-2LH Battery Pack
• CA-570 Compact Power Adapter
• STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
• WL-D85 Wireless Controller
• MMC-16 16MB MultiMediaCard
• SS-900 Shoulder Strap
• IFC-300PCU USB Cable
• Digital Video Solution Disk for Windows and Macintosh

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 Lens

When it comes to preserving those special once-in-a-lifetime moments, you can trust Canon's superior optics to catch every nuance. Their camcorder lenses feature the same distinguished quality found in Canon lenses for 35mm cameras and broadcast TV cameras. That's why professionals and consumers alike have trusted the name Canon to capture all of life's most vivid moments.

10X Zoom Lens with 200X Digital Zoom

The Optura 50's 10x optical zoom lens delivers superb definition and contrast, taking full advantage of the DV format. The digital zoom extends the camcorder's magnification to 200x, revealing details too small to see with the naked eye.

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.

High Resolution 2.2 Megapixel CCD

The Optura 50 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. 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 50'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 50 deliver richer, more vibrant, and more accurate color reproduction than models using a conventional complementary color filter.

Optical Image Stabilizer

The Optura 50 utilizes the finest method of image stabilization available: optical. Canon's lens design includes a dedicated optical element which shifts up and down and side to side based on motion, so your video and photos always look smooth, steady, and natural. Unlike electronic image stabilizers, there is no loss in image quality.

High Resolution 16:9 Widescreen Video

You can record high-resolution video in the 16:9 format for playback on widescreen TVs. Unlike systems which simply record a vertically stretched picture, the Optura 50 uses the full width of the CCD, filling the entire screen with crisp, high-quality images. The LCD screen shows the image in letterbox style, so you know exactly how your image will appear on TV.

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 50 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.

A 16MB MultiMediaCard is supplied with the camcorder.

Print/Share Button

The Print/Share button makes direct printing and downloading images to a computer easier than ever before. Simply connect the camcorder to a Canon Compact Photo Printer, Canon PIXMA Photo Printer or any PictBridge compliant printer. Or connect your camcorder to your computer and with a single press of a button you can share photos with friends and family.

9 Point AiAF (Auto Intelligent Auto Focus) With Selectable Focusing Points

No matter where your subject appears in the frame, the nine point auto focus system delivers fast, sharp results. Sometimes, the subject we want to photograph is not in the center of the frame. With the Optura 50 camcorder, you can choose from one of three focusing points to automatically put the subject you want into sharp focus.

Flexible 2?" LCD Screen and Color Viewfinder

The bright 2.5" LCD view screen 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.

Night Mode

The Optura 50's Night Mode allows you to capture video under low-light conditions. It selects the ideal shutter speed and sensitivity combination to help brighten up the scene, without sacrificing color.

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.

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.

6 Special Scene Modes

To make capturing photos even easier, the new Optura series features, for the first time ever, scene modes that are easily selected from the side mounted control wheel. User-friendly modes help you adapt to most shooting situations for both photo and video. The camcorder allows you to handle a variety of common shooting conditions with ease:

• Foliage - Autumn foliage, greenery, and flowers
• Firework - Brilliant, vivid images of fireworks
• Sunset - Prevents overexposure of sunsets
• Snow - Capture snowy winter memories, without underexposure
• Beach - Perfect for a summer day at the beach
• Spotlight - Ideal for stage performances

Metering Modes

Several metering modes previously found only in cameras are available for higher precision: Evaluative, Center-weighted Average and Spot.

Image Settings

Choose from the following effects to add a creative flare to your photos: Vivid, Neutral, Low-Sharpening, Soft Skin Detail, and Custom.

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.

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 960/640 x 480. This function is linked with the built-in flash or optional VFL-1, so continuous shooting is possible even in dark locations.

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.

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 50'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.

Manual Audio Control

For complete control, the camcorder offers manual audio adjustment. The audio level can be monitored in the viewfinder or LCD viewscreen.

AV (Aperture Priority) and TV (Shutter Priority) Modes

The ability to adjust the lens opening (aperture) gives you the creative ability to adjust depth of field. Larger openings decrease the amount of the background that's in focus (ideal for making your subject stand out), and smaller openings increase the focus area. Need to make a crystal clear video of the swing of a golf club or a golf ball in flight? Want to accentuate the motion of a racing car by blurring its motion? Or shoot under very low lighting conditions? These are just three of the things you can do in Shutter Priority Mode.

Analog Line-In/Converter

You can send an analog video signal from a TV, VCR or a camcorder into the Optura 50 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.

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.

* With SD Memory Cards up to 512 MB. When using MultiMediaCards, movie clips are limited to 10 seconds in 320 x 240 and 30 seconds in 160 x 120.

Manual Focus Ring

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

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 50 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 50 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.

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.

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 Jack

In addition to using the Optura 50's built-in microphone, you have the option of plugging in an external microphone.

Digital Effects

Show your creativity by using the special effects and digital faders available with the camcorders. A wide selection of faders and special effects will add visual appeal and greater imaging variety:

Faders: Add a variety of transitions to your movies with a fade to or from black. Choose from Fade Trigger, Wipe, Corner, Jump, Flip, Puzzle, Zigzag, Beam and Tide.

Effects: For a more creative look, you can switch on the following digital effects during recording or playback: Art, Black & White, Sepia, Mosaic, Ball, Cube, Wave, Color Mask or Mirror.

* In Card mode only black and white is available.

Multi-image Screen: Divide your screen into four, nine or sixteen pictures with the Image Capture function. You can choose the speed at which the images are captured: Manual, Slow, Moderate or Fast.

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.

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 50 also features newly designed audio circuitry, allowing wind noise to be removed without effecting audio quality. For complete control, the Optura 50 offers manual audio adjustment. The audio level can be monitored in the viewfinder or LCD view screen.

Program Auto Exposure

While the Easy Recording mode is fine for most shooting situations, the camcorder also includes additional preprogrammed auto exposure modes (Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow and Low Light mode), each carefully designed to give you the best possible image results under special shooting conditions.

Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP)

The Optura 50 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.

IEEE1394 (DV Terminal)

An IEEE1394-compliant DV terminal lets you connect the Optura 50 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.

Selectable Display Languages

You can customize the operating language of your Optura 50, be it English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese or Japanese. The date format can also be selected.

My Camera Function

Personalize your camcorder by customizing the start-up image and camcorder operation sounds. With the Optura 50, you can choose a start-up image from the included software CD or use your own digital recordings.

Canon Optura 50 Specifications

Power supply (rated):

7.4 V DC

Power consumption (While recording AF=ON):

3.5 W (using viewfinder), 3.6 W (using LCD screen in normal brightness)

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=4.6-46 mm, f/1.8-2.8, 10x power zoom
35mm equivalent:
Tape: 4:3 recording: 47.8-478 mm, 16:9 recording: 40.9-409 mm
Card: 37.6-376 mm

Minimum focusing distance:

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

Minimum illumination:

1.1 lx (using the Night mode)

Recommended illumination:

More than 100 lx

Filter diameter:

34 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

Number of Recording Pixels:

Still image: 1632 x 1224, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480 pixels
Movie: 320 x 240, 160 x 120 pixels, 15 frames/sec.

Memory Card File Format:

Design rule for Camera File system (DCF), Exif 2.2 compliant, Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant

Memory Card Image Recording Format:

Still image: JPEG (compression: Superfine / Fine / Normal); Movie: AVI (video data: Motion JPEG; audio data: WAVE (monaural)

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

Microphone Terminal:

3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
57 dBV (with 600 ohm mic)/5 kohms or more
37 dBV (with 600 ohm mic)/5 kohms or more (MIC ATT ON)

Memory Card Recording media:

MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card

Operating temperature range:

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

Dimensions:

2.8 x 3.2 x 5.2 in. (70 x 82 x 133 mm) excluding protrusions

Weight:

approx. 1.2 lbs. (530 g)not including lens and battery pack