Canon Optura Lineage: A Short History, Part 2

As Canon tends to assign their cameras different model names and numbers for different markets, I've indicated the alternate designations for the United States models (USA), Japan (JPN) and the rest of the world which is predominately on the PAL video standard (PAL), including Europe and Australia. CCD size and total number of pixels in thousands (kp) or millions (mp) is also included, along with the CCD color filter type; either primary (RGB) or complimentary (CMY). Optical zoom factor, image stabilization of either optical (OIS) or electronic (EIS) type, lens filter thread diameter, battery type, and camcorder weight in grams is stated as well.

USA: Optura
PAL & JPN: MV1
side loader, introduced September 1997
1/3" p.scan CCD 380kp w/RGB · 14x OIS
49mm filter · batt. BP-914 · 930g

As Canon's very first entry into the DV market, the original Optura is a unique camcorder in terms of both ergonomics and feature set. With a body style similar to single lens reflex (SLR) still photo cameras, the Optura is quite popular with individuals who preferred a highly discrete and inobtrusive way to record video in public. By simply hanging the Optura around one's neck like a photo camera with the record button pressed, a person can walk around shooting video with their hands in their pockets. The feature set is innovative as well. The 380,000 pixel CCD has progressive scan, providing a true 30p Frame recording mode, which Canon at that time called Digital Motor Drive. Other features include an RGB color filter and a 2" flip-up LCD screen. Although it is justly criticized for exhibiting poor performance under low-light conditions, the original Optura remains a highly sought-after item today.

USA: Optura Pi
PAL: MV30
JPN: FV2
back loader, introduced March 2000
1/4" p.scan CCD 380kp w/RGB · 12x OIS
30.5mm filter · batt. BP-5xx · 660g

Widely regarded as the "Cadillac" of single-CCD consumer DV camcorders of its time, the Optura Pi incorporated the best available digital video technologies into a compact camcorder with an impressive feature set. Ergonomically, it was a radical departure from the unique shape of its predecessor into a much more conventional horizontal "palmcorder" form factor, and it sported a large 3.5" flip-out LCD display. It was the first Optura model to feature the Advanced Accessory Shoe and the BP-5xx series lithium-ion battery. Although its lens and CCD were slightly smaller than the original Optura, low light sensitivity and overall video performance was dramatically improved through better image processing. The RGB color filter delivered excellent color reproduction that closely rivaled Canon's GL1 and XL1 3-CCD camcorders of the time. For awhile it was the last Optura to feature an RGB color filter, and to this day it has been the last Optura ever equipped with the very popular Progressive Scan CCD. These rare features plus its excellent Optical Image stabilization have insured the Optura Pi's actual appreciation in the used DV camcorder market.

USA: Optura 100MC
PAL: MVX1
JPN: PV130
back loader, introduced July 2001
5/18" CCD 1.3mp w/CMY · 10x OIS
43mm filter · batt. BP-5xx · 650g

Ergonomic changes occured yet again with the introduction of the Optura 100MC, which was designed with a vertical form factor this time. Basically this model is Canon's version of the Sony DCR-PC110 (the two camcorders are in fact nearly identical in size, weight and appearance, right down to the rotating hand strap). It was the first Optura model to feature a pop-up photo flash and a removeable media card, accepting either Multi Media (MMC) or Secure Digital (SD) flash memory formats for still image recording. It was also the first Optura model to incorporate a megapixel CCD, which produced a still image of 1280x960 pixels (appx. 1.23mp) to the media card and a video image of 690kp to tape. With their first model to utilize a megapixel image sensor in a DV camcorder, Canon had slightly re-purposed the Optura line from "high-end consumer DV camcorder" to the relatively new concept of "hybrid DV camcorder combined with megapixel digital still camera." A manual focus ring (another first for the Optura line), a smaller 2.5" flip-out LCD display, Advanced Accessory Shoe and Optical Image stabilization rounded out the Optura 100MC's feature set.

USA: Optura 200MC
PAL: MVX2i
JPN: IXY DV M
back loader, introduced September 2002
1/4" CCD 1.3mp w/CMY · 10x EIS
34mm filter · batt. BP-5xx · 530g

While retaining the same basic shape as the earlier 100MC, the Optura 200MC was developed with a slightly smaller form factor in order to meet a perceived market demand for smaller and lighter DV camcorders. As a result, the Advanced Accessory Shoe and relatively large Optical Image Stabilization mechanism are sacrificed on the 200MC. Electronic Image Stabilization is utilzed instead, along with a new built-in white LED light intended to compensate for the lack of a hot accessory shoe. It is the first Optura model with Color Night Shot and Super Night Shot program modes, and the last Optura model equipped with a LANC jack, which allowed the use of a wired remote lens controller under the Control-L protocol. The 200MC's slightly smaller CCD retained the same pixel counts for still image and video recording as its predecessor. The lens diameter is smaller as well, but the manual focus ring, pop-up photo flash, 2.5" flip-out LCD display and BP-5xx battery type are features which are all carried over from the larger but similarly styled 100MC.

USA: Optura 20  /   Optura 10
PAL: MVX150i  /  MVX100i
bottom loader, introduced March 2003
1/4" CCD 1.3mp w/CMY · 16x EIS
37mm filter · batt. BP-5xx · 625g

While retaining the same 1.3mp image sensor, complimentary color filter and pixel counts for still image and video recording as the Optura 200MC, the Optura 20 and 10 models reverted back to the familiar and conventional "palmcorder" horizontal form factor. A slightly larger lens with much longer focal length was once again incorporated with a manual focus ring. The Advanced Accessory Shoe is brought back on the Optura 20 and 10. The only appreciable differences between the model 20 and the model 10 is that the model 20 features a built-in white LED light for its Super Night Shot program mode and auto-focus assist, as well as a large 3.5" flip-out LCD display. The model 10 does not include the the white LED light (nor Super Night Shot mode and AF assist), and although the flip-out panel is still 3.5" the LCD display itself is only 2.5" in size. The Optura 10 was therefore offered at a lower price point (typically about $100 USD less than the Optura 20).

Go back to the Optura Lineage main page.

Back to the Articles Menu
Thrown together by Chris Hurd