Canon Optura Lineage: A Short History, Part 4

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 600
PAL: MVX4i
JPN: IXY DV M5
bottom loader, introduced August 2005
23/64" CCD 4.3mp w/RGB · 10x EIS
34mm filter · batt. BP-3xx · 410g

Continuing the vertical form factor trend of the earlier Optura 300, 400 and 500 models, the new Optura 600 is more than just an updated version of the same old thing. Instead, it's a bold departure from the semi-hybrid photo capabilities of the previous 2.2 megapixel models. The Optura 600 is a true photo hybrid, with a new CCD image sensor (with RGB color) measuring larger than one-third inch (at 1/2.8" or roughly 23/64 inch) and packing 4.3 megapixels for still photo recording at 2304 by 1736 pixels, which easily equates to print sizes larger than 8 x 10 inches. A full array of still photo features go into the Optura 600, including the four components of the DV Photo Plus package (a megapixel CCD, the Digic DV processor, Canon Optics and the Print & Share feature). Selectable 9-pt. AiAF, simultaneous photo record, a built-in photo flash and while LED video light are also part of the feature set, along with a dedicated headphone jack, microphone input jack, manual audio level control, and of course native 16:9 recording. The 10x lens has a filter thread diameter of 34mm which is a common size for Canon. The equivalent 35mm field of view at the widest focal length is 44.5mm in video mode and 41.6mm in photo mode. The flip-out LCD display measures 2.5 inches and contains 123,000 pixels. The Optura 600 is a little smaller and about 60 grams lighter than the Optura 500, and the dark grey color of the body is said to have been inspired by an Asian gem stone. The battery model is new, designated the BP-308, with an optional higher capacity BP-315 version optionally available. Also new is the combination S-video and analog audio connection cable, the MTC-100, and an improved, graphically oriented and colorized internal camera menu system. Finally, in addition to the standard FireWire connection, the Optura 600 has the ability to port video over its high-speed USB2 jack.

USA: Optura S1
PAL:  
JPN: IXY DV S1
side loader, introduced September 2005
17/64" CCD 2.2mp w/RGB · 10x EIS
27mm filter · batt. BP-2xx · 380g

The compact, cubic design of the S1 may seem like yet another departure from the various established form factors of previous Optura models, but the somewhat boxy shape actually harkens back to the Canon Ultura DV camcorder of 1999. To most folks, though, it will seem new and rightfully so. The S1 has a very clean exterior with only a few buttons and controls present on the body; even the battery is hidden from view, under the flip-out LCD display. The battery is a new model from Canon, the very slim BP-208. The flip-out LCD display measures 2.5" and contains 123,000 pixels. Although the S1's 2.2 megapixel CCD image sensor is physically smaller than the recent Optura models of 2003 to 2005 (at just over 1/4 inch vs. the earlier 19/64 inch), many features from the earlier Optura 50 are found in the S1 including the RGB color filter, manual audio control, native 16:9 recording, USB2 and FireWire, a built-in flash and a white LED video light. The DV Photo Plus package is included along with a variety of still photo features including 9-point AF and photo effects, PictBridge compatibility and a still-image recording resolution of 1632 by 1224 pixels. The memory card format has changed to Mini-SD on this camcorder and a 16MB card is included. The S1 incorporates a smaller diameter 27mm lens to go with its smaller CCD. The equivalent 35mm field of view at the widest focal length is 41.6mm in video mode and 38.1mm in photo mode. The lens is stabilized electronically. There's a built-in lens cover which automatically moves into place when the S1 is powered down. The Mini-DV tape loads in from the top, thankfully, and there's a new, colorful internal menu system which incorporates graphics in addition to text. The new MTC-100 analog video cable is included as well.

Go back to the Optura Lineage main page.

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Thrown together by Chris Hurd