Canon Optura Lineage: A Short History, Part 3

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 300
PAL: MVX10i
JPN: IXY DV M2
back loader, introduced August 2003
19/64" CCD 2.2mp w/RGB · 10x EIS
30.5mm filter · batt. BP-4xx · 450g

Once again, the Optura line shifts dramatically in ergonomics and feature set with the introduction of the Optura 300. Externally, the design reverts to a compact vertical form factor of very light weight and size. Inside resides an entirely 2.2 megapixel image sensor which is just under one-third inch in size. Still images are recorded to the SD card at 1632 x 1224 (two megapixels). Video is sampled at 1.23 megapixels and then downconverted to DV at 720 x 480. The sensor also provides lossless 16:9 widescreen and its RGB primary color filter approximates the look of a 3-CCD camcorder just as the Optura Pi had accomplished a few years earlier. The BP-4xx battery type comes from the earlier Elura camcorder series, with the BP-422 sustaining just over three hours of recording time. Image stabilisation is electronic; the EIS is a "new and improved" type superior to earlier versions. For the first time in the Optura series, manual audio level control is provided. A built-in rapid-fire photo flash, auto exposure bracketing, selectable focus points and direct-print options round out the still photo features on this hybrid camcorder.

USA: Optura Xi
PAL: MVX3i
JPN: FV M1
bottom loader, introduced August 2003
19/64" CCD 2.2mp w/RGB · 11x OIS
47mm filter · batt. BP-5xx · 725g

As the long-awaited successor to the Pi model, the new Optura Xi incorporates the new 2.2 megapixel CCD from the Optura 300, a relatively large diameter lens and a few of the favorite features of the beloved old Pi including Optical Image Stabilsation and the superior RGB primary color filter. The CCD is not Progressive Scan, a favorite feature of the Optura Pi that its fans will miss. Pixel counts for still image and video recording are the same as the Optura 300. Widescreen mode is sampled at 1.5 megapixels for lossless 16:9 recording. A pop-up photo flash, Advanced Accessory Shoe, manual focus ring, large 3.5" flip-out LCD display and a program dial with manual shooting modes are all housed in a chassis borrowed from the Optura 20 and 10 models. Manual audio level control with a dedicated headphone jack is provided. The Optura Xi fulfills dual roles for Canon's consumer DV camcorder line-up. It is a true "hybrid" in that it functions well as a camcorder and a digital still camera, and it's also the "Cadillac" of the product line; the best single-chip DV camcorder Canon currently offers.

USA: Optura 40  /  Optura 30
PAL: MVX25i  /  MVX20i
JPN: FV M20
top loader, introduced May 2004
19/64" CCD 2.2mp w/RGB · 14x / 12x EIS
34mm filter · batt. NB/BP-2xx · 585g

The Optura 40 and 30 models represent an interesting mix for Canon's DV camcorder product line. Basically, the 2.2 megapixel CCD with RGB color filtration from the Optura 300 and Xi models is incorporated into Canon's 1.3mp Elura 50/60/70 chassis. Externally, the Elura 70 and Optura 40 look nearly alike. They're the same size and the Optura is only 85 grams heavier than the Elura. The Optura 40 and 30 both feature a manual focus ring, manual audio level control, native 16:9 widescreen recording with letterboxed display, a rapid-fire photo flash and a built-in white LED light which can be triggered from a dedicated Night Shot button on the camcorder body. Another external button for direct print capabilities, plus a skin detail mode round out the unique features of the Optura 40 and 30 models. There is a Japanese version of the Optura 40 only. It's called the FV M20.

USA: Optura 500  /  Optura 400
PAL: MVX35i  /  MVX30i
JPN: IXY DV M3
bottom loader, introduced June 2004
19/64" CCD 2.2mp w/RGB · 10x EIS
30.5mm filter · batt. NB/BP-2xx · 470g

The Optura 500 replaces the 300 and sports the exact same 2.2 megapixel 1/3.4" CCD with RGB color filter and high-resolution 16:9 mode. Features held over from its predecessor include a lens filter thread diameter of 30.5mm, electronic image stabilisation, manual audio level control and still photo features. However, the Optura 500 differs from the 300 in that it is a bottom loader. Borrowing from the Optura 40/30, the 500 features a skin detail mode, letterboxed 16:9, and the NB/BP-2xx battery type. The flip-out LCD display is 2.5" in size and contains 211,000 pixels. This is an ultra-compact camcorder in a vertical form factor; there is no accessory shoe. A rapid-fire still photo flash and an integrated video light (about four times brighter than a conventional LED light) are featured as built-in components. The Optura 500 kit includes a ring light adapter for advanced macro videography, effective for close shooting up to twenty inches away. The Optura 400 is identical to the 500 but does not include the built-in white LED light or the macro ring light attachment. Its flip-out LCD display has a lower resolution at 123,000 pixels. There's a Japanese version of the Optura 500 only; it's the IXY DV M3.

USA: Optura 60  /  Optura 50
PAL: MVX45i  /  MVX40i
JPN: FV M30
top loader, introduced March 2005
19/64" CCD 2.2mp w/RGB · 14x / 10x OIS
34mm filter · batt. NB/BP-2xx · 530g

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Thrown together by Chris Hurd