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.
1 Poor Quality, Costly Repair
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.
2 Features Don't Make for Reliability
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.
3 Starts good, then craps
After a few months of light use, Optura Pi started recording (digital noise on audio and video) over tape during playback. Treasured moments partially ruined.
4 Picure excellence defined!!!
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!
5 Excellent DV camera for the money.
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
6 AWESOME DIGICAM - PERIOD!! Could be the best?!?!?
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!!
7 great camcorder
optical stabalization is what sold me.had i known what a great cam this is i would have bought sooner.very easy to use, zoom is very fast,lite weight,ergonomically correct.i got lucky and found one on amazon for [a good price].this is the best deal i've made in quite some time.the optura pi is worth spending the extra money.this is a pro cam in a amatuers body.if your still undecided, you won't be dissapointed with the optura pi
8 Your wife won't yell at you after she sees the results
I bought this in July 2000 and have been using it since then to shoot random stuff, like vacations, skiing, babies etc.
Whenever I show the results to anyone, esp stuff filmed in prgressive scan mode, they comment on the quality.
Sound quality is excellent, battery life very good, color saturation great, and the ergonomics are perfect. Great stills that are as good as many stand-alone digital cameras.
If you are a beginner this is a great product. If you have experience you will like it even more.
9 Excellent low light performance
Just got this camera. I wanted something that wasn't going to require a lot of gear to take indoor shots of my soon to arrive son. Many camcorders have surprisingly poor performance without lots of light. This camera does quite nicely in a fairly dark environment. Toss in Optical Image Stabilization and you've got a fine piece of equipment. Other camera's may have more bells and whistles, but this one seems to be top flight recording video.
10 Absolutley Great Camera!!
This a fantastic camera. It is great in lowlight situations and the picture quality is awsome. I have used many digital cameras and this is the best for its price. It has lots of cool effects and it is small and easy to use. The image stabilization is great and thats what your paying for in the Optura. ... All in all I have no complaints, this is a great camera.
11 Best Camcorder for your money!!!
I did a lot of research on digital camcorders. Unfortunately...didn't help much with my search. So I would like to help the site by telling everyone that the Canon Optura Pi is the camcorder to get. It is very difficult to find a camcorder with all the features that you need withouth spending $+ for it... It has excellent broadcast quality video. A superb progressive scan mode that allows you to snap high quality stills while filming. Awesome low light shooting without the need of nightvision. And lots more!! There are very few camcorders that can compare to the Optura Pi, but none of those camcorders can compare to the price. The Sony PC-110 and the JVC GR-DVL 9800U are similar camcorders but costs a lot more. This is one of the most overlooked camcorders in the market. But if you don't want to spend a lot and want the best possible camcorder, the Optura PI would be my #1 choice.
12 Glad I Got It
I just purchased a Canon Optura Pi. I knew I had to get a one chip camera because of the cost of the 3 chippers. I read many reviews and finally decided on the Optura Pi. I did not compare it with a 3 chip camera because I knew that it can't compare. I immediately gave it the run through and checked out all the bells and whistles. I will never use some of the extras. My primary goal is to shoot video with it. The still photo aspect didn't interest me but in order to get optical image stabilization I paid the extra for the Optura Pi. And now down to the nitty gritty. The colors and the resolution are the two most important things to me. The camera was everything I had wanted. The color saturation was really good and there was very little bleeding. I have been using High 8 and the Canon camera was far superior. The still camera aspect of the camera was not very good but I guess it is adequate. I will shoot stills with my Canon A2E and scan them if I want a better picture than the optura can give. I love this little beauty and recommend it highly.
13 Hope its price can drop right now
I like this model, pretty good as digi-cam. and I plan to get one from amazon....
14 A Great Near Professional Package
After much research and demonstrations of all different types. The one Digital Camcorder that kept coming up as tops was the Optura Pi.
Since owning it over the past 6 months, I have videoed everything from and outdoor baseball game at the new Pac Bell Stadium in San Francisco, to an indoor College Graduation at University of Arizona, to an indoor poorly lit party, to a Jujitsu black belt testing tournament, to you name it. This Digital Camcorder has performed not just well, but exceptionally in all conditions.
It's color is true and sharp and it's images crisp. It is as close to professional as you can get. It's optical zoom is clean and beautiful and it's digital zoom is just ok(as are all others that I have tested). It is a very very good value for what you get...small size and big big picture.
15 Great DV Video, especially for DV editing
A great amateur DV camera, downloads to your PC for video editing and compilation work great. Just make sure your PC is up to snuff in terms of processor, memory and hard drive space...video takes a LOT!
16 Super imagery; high quality color; great effects.
This Canon Mini DV, has awesome image quality, which in my opinon is the best reason for buying a digital camcorder. It features still photo option, image stabilizer, advanced shoe accessories and firewall capabilities, which will let you download your movies and pictures onto your computer, so you can easily add effects or produce superior home movies, independent films and online photo albums. I tested a lot of Digital camcorders and unless you are looking to spend $3k on a camera with night vision features, there is simply not a better camera on the market in image quality/color and clarity. My only concern with this camera is over the internal mechanisms. When the cartridge slot is opening and closing, its noisy and makes a ruckus. Don't worry its not broken, this is what is supposed to happen. Canon has a good repuation as far as the structural quality of their cameras go. So, I guess I just get worried when I can see the parts moving.
