Guys- I just gotta tell you how pleased I am with the Canon Optura 300....although it looks exactly like an Elura 50- it's an entirely different camera altogether.....this thing has a primary RGB filter- shoots native 16:9 (even has a "high resolution" mode which increases field of view) 2.2 megapixel CCD, Digic DV the works......I just shot some exotic praying mantids under a "grow" light and the camcorder rendered some very "3-CCD-like" video and excellent colors in "auto" WB mode...flower colors were very well saturated and detail was impressive...I could have easily intermixed the footage with video from a DVC80 or XL1S- that's high praise for a single chipper....

....if anyone here is contemplating a "fun" camera and can handle a $759 price tag- the Canon Optura 300 will not disappoint!

<< I know this knocks on GS70 territory pricewise and other impressive cams- but this thing is so tiny I think you'll find yourself actually carrying it around- who knows- you just may witness the "event" of the century- and having one of these things makes having it with you all the time a real possibility...Chris Hurd has mentioned the video quality of RGB filtered cameras- and I can be added to the list of impresed believers in this technology. This is my 1st single CCD camera and I have to admit it has lived up to the hype I've read about it!>>

I'll post a 16:9 video soon- so you guys can see for yourself! Anyway just wanted to pass on the good news about this little camera....stay tuned!

Quick question for you Canon DV experts.....Canon's website lists the Optura as having 16:9 using this description--------
"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 300 uses the full width of the CCD, retaining image quality and providing a larger horizontal angle of view at the wide end."
I took this to mean that it actually performs this natively and is not cropping or electronically altering the video to arrive at the 16:9 video....yet the manual states that 16:9 is an "electronic" function of the camera. To further complicate matters there are 2 ways to achieve 16:9 of which are listed as "standard" and "high resolution".....the Hi Res mode does not allow image stabilization causing me to believe it's a true 16:9 image and as such the camera has no extra CCD information to provide EIS.....am I correct in my thinking? The "standard" 16:9 does allow for IS (or EIS) and would seem to be an electronically sampled 16:9.......you would think Canon would want to flaunt the Optura's Hi Resolution 16:9 yet sparsely mentions that 16:9 is an electronic function- anyone have any comment or fiurther knowledge?

I'm almost sure the "High Resolution" mode is true optical 16:9- but am a bit confused by Canon's omission to this.....if anyone can elaborate further- I'd be much obliged!!


PS- Both modes produce very nice 16:9 footage with the "Hi Res" footage gaining in extra FOV.

Hi Steve,

Where did you buy the Optura 300 for $759? That's a great deal.

You are more or less correct with your statements regarding the built-in 16:9 mode onn the Optura 300 (and Optura Xi). Think of it this way: rather than being electronically interpolated as with the Xl1S and GL2, the 16:9 image on the new Opturas are pulled from within the 1600x1200 CCD - there is essentially no resolution loss.

- don

Don, thanks for the speedy response. B&H has the Optura 300 for $759....although it's listed on the site as $1499 or something like that- simply hit the "Give me a better price tab" -this will open a new window, where it lists the $759 price.

I sorta figured the "hi res" 16:9 was true native- it just looks so good and the omission of IS hinted of true full CCD useage. The 16:9 actually looks better than the 16:9 my Sony PDX-10 produced under near identical lighting....no highlight blow-outs, smearing or CA anywhere in the footage....the Optura 300 is a gem if I've ever seen one in DV cameras.....this camera is going with me everywhere!

Steve,

I'm glad to see that you are enjoying your new Canon Optura 300. Some of those features, including the color accuracy in both photo stills and video, are made possible with DigicDV thanks to the new Canon Digic processor inside your Optura 300. http://canondv.com/optura300/f_digic_dv.html

By the way, make sure you apply for your free copy of Pinnacle Studio software and a free 64mb SD card at http://canondv.com/promotions/index.html

Also, you might want to consider the very affordable TLH30.5 1.7X telephoto lens adaptor http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=294245&is=REG which will effectively give you a full 17X Optical zoom in the palm of your hand. May want to consider using a monopod on the bottom of the camera to help stabilize your shots.

I would also recommend using a polarizer filter when in bright outdoor sunlight or perhaps a neutral density filter, which will help in maintaining a balanced exposure. As you know, the front screw-on thread size of the Optura 300 is 30.5mm http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=AxksLs8UhX!876369687?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=30.5mm+filter

Keep in touch,

- don

Hello,

Could you comment on its low light ability. Is the picture very noisey and blurred as I have seen from internet reviews.

Thanks

Sounds like the Optura 300 might be better than the Optura Xi I had. The Xi had a high resolution 16:9 mode but the overall picture quality was poor compared to my past PDX10. The contrast ratio was my largest arguement as outdoors shots were always blownout.

The Xi's AF is fairly good until it gets indoors and then it just hunts and hunts. The last sore point was the low light performance which was unacceptable compared to my past Optura Pi.

Use the link below for a review of the Xi and 300.

http://www.dvspot.com/features

Performance between the 300 and Xi should be about the same. They share the exact same CCD and RGB filter.

Hey guys,

my son has been dying to offer a DVD of his mantids to his "insect" buddies.....we began using the Optura 300 to shoot some macro video (which it does nicely) and we posted a "teaser" clip online- the lighting is all indoor incandescent bulbs- nothing fancy- typical room lighting- so this will give anyone with concerns about the Optura 300 a chance to see how it handles typical indoor lighting (we had a lamp with a bulb that we moved around a bit for better lighting)....

....here goes our little "fun" clip with the Optura 300.....

http://www.exoticmantis.com/video/dvd2004.mov

Let me know how you guys like it.....
..have fun- you only live once!!

Hi Steve,

That's a really nice looking clip. What resolution is that? Also, did you know that according to a russian review of the Optura Xi that it has progressive mode if the shutter is set to 1/30. Have you been able to achieve that? I see that the clip is progressive. Maybe you deinterlaced?

Ok thanks for your help.

That clip is nice. Is it compressed? It looks much better than any footage I've compressed with Quicktime. What did you use?

Thanks a million for the nice compliments. The footage looks fantastic when viewed on a TV set and I didn't really optimize it for RGB viewing- but easily could have using FCP4 and a few setting changes.

I've gotten a few e-mails asking about my QT settings for this clip......basically I editied in DV (anamorphic) using Final Cut Pro 4 then exported as a FCP movie (which basically means it isn't a self-contained movie, but more of a pointer that will direct a QT compatible player to the raw Dv files for playback).....then compressed the video using Cleaner 6 for Mac OS X with a modified Sorenson 3 codec I've been experimenting with- I also modified it for progressive downloading so that it will stream to the viewer as it downloads....I deinterlaced the footage while compressing and outputted as a .mov...

.......that's about it.....the more I use the Optura 300 the more I'm amazed with it...it's a great cam for the "mobile" videographer- I find I grab at it frequently and carry it around with no fuss.....as for the 1/30 sec frame rate- I can't get my camera to go below 1/60th- so if anyone knows how to get below that frame rate- I'd like to hear it.

If I shoot anything more interesting- I'll post it here.

Have fun everyone!

Hi,

I just purchased the Oputura 300 and I am pleased to write a working review about the camcorder for those interested.

However, for now I will mention some highlights and lowlights about the camcorder and special features I discovered while using it.
____________________________________________________

Highlights:

True 16:9 High Resolution Widescreen Mode
Progressive Shutter Mode
RGB Filter -> life-like / 3CCD-like colors

Excellent low-light capalilities for its class and price range. It also has low chroma/color noise in low-light. Actually, I think its low light capabilities is on par with the GL2 (I extensively used both). The Sony VX2000 is of course much better in low light, but the Optrua 300 is more realistic in low light. By that, I mean it doesn't seem artificially bright like the VX2000 and replicates the darkness/shadows admirably with reasonable detail.

The latitude on this camcorder has to be seen to be believed. It has excellent detail in highlights and lowlights. In my tests, "slightly" better than the VX2000. I know that is saying a lot, but I have thoroughly used both camcorders. I know I will have to back up that statement with objective tests. Maybe in the future.

Electronic image stabilizer is effective in pans/zooms and does not visibly degrade quality.

Very sharp image with lots of detail without artificial/electronic edge enhancement (through contrast-based sharpening).

Very small and lightweight design with accessible controls
Manual audio controls -> level adjustment
Auto white balance is accurate -> neutral color.
Auto focus is responsive and accurate.

Very good quality stills from a camcorder (2 Mega pixels). The pictures are processed separately due to the DIGIC DV chip. This allows it to have separate contrast and saturation levels, suitable for still image photography. Pictures are stored on a flash card so video shots and still shots can simultaneously be taken (is this useful?)

Lowlights:

Microphone is on viewfinder and picks up too much background noise (behind camcorder)
No "hot shoe" accessory port
No image stabilizer in 16:9 HR Widescreen Mode.

Auto focus fails in extremely low light conditions -> just like every other auto focus. Sony makes a slightly better one though. However, manual auto focus is easily adjustable and effective.

The Night Mode is adaptive and can go to a shutter speed that is unacceptably too low -> motion blur. The Super Night Mode generates even more motion blur -> this is expected though from any camcorder using such a low shutter speed.
____________________________________________________

Tips/Tricks/Special Features:
____________________________________________________

Progressive Shutter Mode:

Yes, the Optura 300 does have a Progressive Shutter Mode. It is not documented and its control is not evident. However, if you switch to the "Low Light" mode (there are three of these, choose the one that says "low light") then the camcorder will enter into a 1/30 shutter speed (this is how you achieve that Steve) and the resulting output will be progressive. Of course, like all camcorders at this shutter speed some motion blur is noticeable, especially if the camcorder pans or zooms. However, it is a great way to achieve a film-like look (especially with the true 16:9 mode) and increase low-light capabilities.
____________________________________________________

16:9 High Resolution Widescreen Mode:

This mode uses the full width of the 2 Mega pixel 1/3.4" CCD. That is why it is called "high resolution." The resulting resolution is of course standard DV (720 x 480), but the initial resolution before being encoded to DV is higher in widescreen mode.

How much higher is the resolution before downsizing? Well, my tests show that the horizontal resolution is initially at least double DV resolution. Meaning it is over 1280 pixels horizontally.

The horizontal view is increased without "noticeable" reduction in the vertical view. There may be a slight reduction, but I did not see any.
____________________________________________________

Super High Resolution True Progressive Scan Mode:

Conscious speaking: What?!? This can't be true from a $699.95 high end consumer camcorder; a small one nonetheless!

Alas it is partially true.

The reason is that to achieve this, one must connect the camcorder to a computer/laptop for on-the-fly capturing. However, for many this can be a reality.

First, let me explain what actually is being achieved and by what means, then I will explain how to do it (it is very easy to do). Just like the previous High Resolution Widescreen Mode, this mode is starting from an initially high resolution (up to 1632 x 1224) and being downsized and encoded into the DV format. [Aside: How I wish the DV compression could be bypassed so that we could have a true HDTV consumer camcorder for peanuts] That makes sense, but why “True Progressive Scan?” Well, this is true progressive scan, because the camcorder is not being used in the traditional video mode; rather, the picture/still mode is being used, which uses progressive scan technology to achieve progressive stills.

So let me explain how it is done. Simply power on the camcorder in record mode and switch it to still image capture. Except this time you take out the SD card and connect the camcorder to the computer through Firewire. Use any image capture program of choice and record. That’s it!

The video that is captured will be noticeably different. It will be in a 4:3 aspect ratio and be truly progressive -> hence no motion blur. The sharpness and detail is really remarkable. In addition, another side effect is produced. Remember that Canon uses the DIGIC DV chip to separately process the still image and video recording? Well, we are in still image mode correct? So, the image is more saturated and has a higher contrast ratio -> I don’t believe the TV levels (16-235) is preserved. Of course that can be changed in post production. Even more interested is that even though it is not widescreen, the whole CCD is used so actually the same horizontal view as the widescreen mode is preserved, but in addition you get an increased vertical view!! That’s truly remarkable. As a result, it is clear that image stabilization is not used. However, someone shooting in this “special mode” would be in a more controlled environment (studio, on a tripod, etc.)

This is truly a remarkable little camcorder and I would like to thank everyone on these forums for their intellectually stimulating discussion and advice.

If anyone has any questions, I would be glad to assist. I may put together a little website with image grabs, sample videos, etc. showing off what this camcorder can do.

Best Wishes,

I can't get my camera to go below 1/60th- so if anyone knows how to get below that frame rate- I'd like to hear it.The frame rate is 29.97 frames per second captured in fields. Shutter speeds are not frame rates. If the Optura 300 doesn't have the option of using lower shutter speeds in manual mode, then use auto, and shoot in low light. :-))

Johann,

Thanks for your input.

Just to clarify, the new Optura 300 and Optura Xi do not offer Progressive Scan of any sort. Perhaps you may feel that the motion signature of 1/30th sec is somewhat similiar to the look of 30p - but it is not the same thing as 30P. The CCD inside the 300 and Xi is not a progressive scan CCD.

Doesn't really matter though - the image output of these two new cameras is still superb.

- don

Hi Don,

You are right. However, I wrote that the Optura 300 has "Progressive Shutter Mode" when lowlight mode is turned on. Is that fair to say? The resulting video has no interlaced artifacts. Of course this may have no interlacing simply due to the motion blur, which can be easily achieved in post-production wtih a simple blend of the fields.

On the contrary, I do believe it has a sort of "Progressive Scan Mode" in photo/still mode. This produces sharp progressive video with no motion blur. How else can that be achieved?

Respectfully,

Johann,

This subject was literally beat to death on the JVC GR-DV3000U. Of course the DV3000's "unique" digital wide mode can be recorded directly to tape. There is no denying that the look is not interlaced but often at the expense of resolution and no one can ever agree on exactly what to call it. The main thing is that if you like the look then hit record!

Maybe share some frame grabs for us..?

Here is a test I did with a Sony PDX10 which was supposed to have similar properties of the Optura 300 while in card mode and output firewire. Notice the softness while in card mode but with the expanded horizontal and vertical view.

Video
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/74415/PDX10mobovideo.JPG

Card
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/74415/PDX10mobomemory.JPG

Here is the test carried out by Rob Hester on his DV3000.

http://robvideo.netfirms.com/progscan.html

JVC DV3000U
(gotta hit refresh once loaded)
4:3 Cinema Mode
http://static.zed.cbc.ca/users/r/rh...es/3icinema.png
16:9 Squeeze Mode
http://static.zed.cbc.ca/users/r/rh...s/3isqueeze.png
4:3 Full D.wide Mode
http://static.zed.cbc.ca/users/r/rh...iles/3pfull.png
4:3 D.wide Title Function - created-own-black-bars-to-be-applied-in-camera-Mode
http://static.zed.cbc.ca/users/r/rh...es/3pcinema.png
4:3 D.wide Title Function + Contrast & Brightness Adjustments
http://static.zed.cbc.ca/users/r/rh...emacontrast.PNG
400x Zoom Comparison
http://static.zed.cbc.ca/users/r/rh...files/zoom2.png

Don posted earlier that this has the same ccd as the Optura Xi...is this simply the upright compact form factor of the Xi, or are there significant differences?

Brandt,

The Optura Xi also has optical image stabilization and of course the larger 3.5" LCD but I'm not sure how significant these differences might be.

The Xi also has the following that are not found on the 300.

Zebra Pattern
1/8, 1/15, 1/30 shutter speeds in video (1/60 is lowest on 300)
Advanced Accessory Shoe
11X optical zoom (10X on 300)
Manual focus ring (manual focus dial on 300)

You can download the manuals for both cams from the Canon link below:

http://www.canondv.com/downloads/product_manuals.html

Think of the Optura 300 as the "24/7 PocketCam" version of the Optura Xi. Same high detail, high resolution SD image as the Xi with a slightly smaller lens and electronic Image Stabilization. I must say, that due to to sum total of the 300's ingredients: large 1/3.4" CCD with RGB filter attached (end result is very similiar to having a single CCD each for Red, Green and Blue), huge 1600x1200 capture which essentially you can think of that capture as nearly three (3) times the frame size of standard DV (which is 720x480) - this 1600x1200 capture coming from a 1/3" CCD with RGB filter attached, DIGIC Processor (very accurate color rendition with nine (9) zone sampling) and Canon optics - this is the first camera I have ever seen with electronic Image Stabilization that performs like Optical Image Stabilization... It's that good. Me, I would much rather have a camera with a large 1/3" CCD color capture with RGB filter attached than three tiny 1/6" CCD's, let alone a 1/3" 1600x1200 CCD - much cleaner color and much more accurate color thanks to the DIGIC Processor.

People are picking these up for well under $1000 on the street. Added value: you also get a 2megapixel digicam with 10X *Optical* zoom and lots of image control and shooting modes with a very, very fast recycling flash. Now you can really capture the moment at a moments notice, since the camera is small enough to be in your hand (or pocket) all the time. This is the perfect choice for those shooting situations where you are told "No, you cannot bring a video camera in here"... You can pull off dozens of shots before anyone realizes you are using a video camera. The image output is so good that it can easily cut with a GL2 or XL1S with just a wee bit of color correction. I'm torn between the Xi and the 300 - they are both sweet cameras,,, I want one, I just have to pay my taxes first!

Be well,

- don

The 1/3" single CCD on the 300 and Xi (actually 1/3.4") would yield much better low light performance if it wasn't burdened with two million pixels. Take note that Sony also increased their CCD size to 1/3.6" on their 2 megapixel camcorders also with average to below average low light performance.

http://www.dvspot.com/features

I had both the Xi and the DV953 (1/6" 3CCD) and the low light performance was basically the same but I much preferred the color accuracy of the DV953 which is to be expected when comparing a single CCD to a 3CCD (regardless of a R-G-B filter).

One other important note on the 300 vs Xi. The image stabilization on the 300 cannot be used for taking stills or with its high quality 16:9 mode. The Xi has the superior optical image stabilization and is active for both 16:9 video and digital stills.

The DV953 is also not a small, 24/7 PocketCam like the Optura 300 is ;-)

I doubt that the still mode of the DV953 is nearly as fast as the Optura 300 as far as flash recyling time.

For me, I think people obsess way too much about low light sensitivity regarding all of the brands of cameras - they are all more or less the same to me in that regard - I like to use a light or two, it's part of photography for me, motivating light. I would say that it is best to think of what the effective ISO rating is of a camera, rather than "how good is it in low light???",,, I'm going to use a light or two regardless, with any camera. I'm not saying it has to be an official "video light" from Lowel or Arri,,, it may be just simply a couple of 60watt practicals I find in the room. Part of the skill is in modeling the light in your image without making it look like you used a light. Oh well, not trying to sound defensive here or start a holy war about low-light sensitivity in a $700 camera,,, I just think the cameras these days are eons better in low light than they used to be in the 'ol days,,, and yet we still managed to make good pictures way back then. It's just so much easier now and ever more affordable.

Different people will have different perceptions of what makes a quality image anyways.

Good luck!

- don

The lower the lux requirements of the cam, the more useful it becomes. That's why I still own (and use) my old DVL9500's.

"I had both the Xi and the DV953 (1/6" 3CCD) and the low light performance was basically the same but I much preferred the color accuracy of the DV953 which is to be expected when comparing a single CCD to a 3CCD (regardless of a R-G-B filter)." - Tommy Haupfear

Tommy, from my experiences there was a significant difference in low-light performance. To me, the Optura Xi/300 just takes in more light, which is logical -> 1/3.4" vs. 1/6" CCD. My friends were saying, "Wow, that camera picks up light like my eyes." (Disclaimer: my friends are not into camcorders/video)

I too thought that the high megapixel of the Optura's CCD would cause more noise, but it is very low, especially in chroma which is a common artifact in low light.

When I used the DV953, at low/zero gain its image was natural and noise-free, but to get similarly bright shots as the Optura, gain has to go up; at least 12 db, which causes noticable noise. Similarly, the DV953 had very low color noise (3CCD). Overall, it exhibited more luma noise/grain.

To reason why the Optura 300/Xi might have superior low-light performance, I calculated the size of the pixel in the Optura 300 and DV-953

Optura 300 / Xi
(1/3.4 in)/(1,230,000 pixels effecitve) = 2.39x10^-7 in pixel

Panasonic DV953
(1/6 in)/(640,000 pixels effective) = 2.60x10^-7 in pixel

They are almost the same. With this in mind, you can imagine that the noise levels are roughly the same +/- quality of optics (both are good), digital circuitry (canon may win here), etc. Now, take into consideration that the Optura 300/ Xi has almost twice the CCD size and it becomes clear that gain up will not have to be used as much, which results in less noise and more accurate/sharp video in low-light. Of course, the DV953's 3CCD will not show chroma interpolation artifacts, however, the RGB filter of the Optura narrows that effect and its almost double pixel count will compensate most interpolation errors under downsizing to standard DV resolution.

Take Care,

P.S. To Tommy, I will be glad to share frame grabs of the various 16:9/HS/progressive modes of the Optura 300. I just need some time.

I found low light to comparable on both cams but then I use a VX2000 at work. There may be some minimal increase in low light performance with the Xi but not enough to warrant its use over the DV953. That and the low light AF ability of the Xi could really use a fix.

Did you ever use the Gain Up mode on the DV953?

Yes, I have used the gain up for the DV953. It also goes up to 12 in auto mode by itself (which is nice, because going to 15/18 db is really really noisy).

I also used a VX200 for a couple weeks and of course its low-light is very good -> high sensitivity. But its image was unnatural for me (almost like an electronic highlight). Keep in mind, I would take one any day (if it wasn't for the size). Also, that effect can be reduced by lowering gain or closing iris or raising shutter speed, etc.

The low light AF of the Optura can definitely be improved, but it was acceptable to me. The TRV950 and most Sony's in general have better AF -> fast and accurate in most lighting conditions.

Regards,

Hi Tommy,

What exactly do you do for work? How are you using the Sony VX2000, for what types of applications?

Looking forward,

- don

What exactly do you do for work? Sounds interesting! How are you using the Sony VX2000, for what types of applications?

I work for a software company as a network administrator but I also double as the AV guy for corporate videos. Its a fair bit since I get to use VX2000 for personal use as well.. :)

I am a ( former but still interested) Super 8 mm film buff that is looking for a video camera to record the film gate of a Super 8 mm projector (with the projector lens removed) to achieve a direct film to digital video transfer. The eventual target being the highest resolution capture of film for eventual DVD transfer. This discussion of the Optura 300 used in still capture mode with the SD card removed and a direct firewire connection to the PC for on the fly capture of super high resolution video is very exciting. Super 8 mm projectors usually project at 18 fps with some latitude for speed adjustment. Here's my question: Could the Opture 300 be used in the above manner in the set up I have described to transfer film to video to achieve high resoluti0on capture? Comments, please!

Raimo,

Check out the workprinter, if you haven't already, for this type of equipment. www.moviestuff.tv

I think that may be what you're interested in, as filming the gate while the film flickers through doesn't seem to me to be an ideal system for capturing film to digital.


mg

Raimo,

I used to have a workprinter and can personally attest to the high level of quality you can achieve with the captures from it. I ran a small business of transferring film for the local film school, its students and local filmmakers. Everyone was thrilled with the results

Roger Evans, the inventor and builder, is very personable and responsive to questions, and he is very creative and enthusiastic about this field, which makes a huge difference to me.

I am acquainted with Roger's work printer for film transfers but the lower end units still require a video camera for the transfers !! What I am trying to do is to find the best camera to do the job. My situation is that I just want to transfer my own films and it is not cost effective for me to purchase the work Printer just for that. The intent of my original posting was to get feed back on the use of the 300 in the still capture mode for this type of work to get the best possible quality of transfer to digital format. Thanks.

The intent of my original posting was to get feed back on the use of the 300 in the still capture mode...

I would also like to see some footage or frame grabs from this "unique" mode.

Johann? Anyone?

johan,

is it possible to you to send somewhere sample clips with different modes of your optura 300. i'm very curious to see these differences in "hidden" modes. especially when the others are thinking that this is not (progressive mode) the case here.

Hello everyone,

I'd be glad to share footage of these various modes, but I am very busy right now and I lent the camcorder to a friend. So in 1-2 weeks maximum, I will be able to do it.

Sorry to keep you in suspense.

Sincerely,

Johann,

Any chance you have those sample clips yet? I'd love to see 'em before I pop for for the Optura 300...

Thanks,

Dan

Hi everyone,

I finally got a chance to grab some frames in the various modes. They are compressed in HQ JPEG. If someone really wants to see the PNG versions, I can do it later on a fast connection. But there isn't much difference.

Disclaimer: All shots were taken in the same half hour during the day under natural light (through window) in hand held, no frills shooting. Obviously I cannot simulate the exact situation in moving shots more than once. All footage was taken as is without levels correction. As I mentioned earlier, the photo modes use computer levels, so they look better in the frame grabs.

These frame grabs are not indicators of the Optura 300's quality. They are mearly able to show some differences between the various modes I explained about earlier. The true footage can look better or worse than these pictures...usually much better ;-)

Normal
-the normal 4:3 interlaced mode. This is a fairly fast pan shot.

16:9
-the 16:9 high resolution interlaced mode. Also in a fast pan shot

"Low Light" - 1/30 Shutter Speed
-the normal mode in "Low Light" AE mode -> 1/30 shutter speed. Also fast pan shot.

Photo
-the special photo mode explained earlier. Slow/moderate pan shot.

Photo2
-the same as above but a fast pan shot.

Photo 1/100 Shutter Speed
-the same special photo mode, but used in a 1/100 shutter speed. Almost still frame grab, except for hand shake.

Photo2 1/100 Shutter Speed
-same as above but a close up shot.

http://www.geocities.com/canonoptura300/CanonOptura300.html

I hope this helps everyone,

Edit: How do I make these links active so its easier for everyone?
Edit2: Thanks Guy
Edit3: Fixed link

Edit: How do I make these links active so its easier for everyone?
Enclose the links in [u r l]link[/ u r l] without the spaces.

Johanna, the links seem to be deactivated by Geocities. They are not usually fond of linked file storage.

If you don't have another online photo storage option then email me and I will host them for you.

And, as Tommy so kindly offered, you are welcome to post them in the Members Album on my website.

I played with an Optura 300 a couple of days ago. It looked and felt like a nice piece of work---well-made. The only thing I didn't like was with holding it---feels awkward, and I had trouble keeping my fingers from covering the sensors in front. Nice cam though, and the price is right.

Hi Frank,

Those sensors are used for the remote, LED super low light mode, and ...

I can't remember what the third was for, but I am pretty sure its not used for regular shooting. So its not a problem. Also, after a few trials holding it is not a problem.

I also edited my above post. Geocities wants a homepage, so I gave them one :-)

Edit: Thanks Guy and Tommy for the offer.

Thanks, Johann. Yes, that's what I was told by the salesperson, but where are the other sensors? They're not in front?

Johann Adler

Those test images taken in photo mode do indeed look like true progressive scan. The high shutter speeds show no "jaggies" and the low shutter speed gives a nice motion blur. I wonder if this will work with all Digic camcorders.

Johann,

the DV capture via firewire into Final Cut Pro HD wont work in the still image mode because it doesn't detect "timecode"......so unfortunately I can't view the super hi-res HDV-like footage as you've outlined in a previous post......I'm most saddened as I would have liked to have been able to "play" with this "super hi res" footage.....

......if anyone knows how to bypass FCP's timecode necessity- please post it here..... (using FCP's "capture now" button)

..thanks...... still loving my Optura 300- what a cam!

Hi Steve,

It's all in the Prefs, really. Go to "Device Control" and choose the appropriate protocol. You can capture pretty much anything via FCP once you set your prefs correctly. Yes, you'll have to do a manual "Capture Now".

http://kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/fcp_homepage_index.html

Let us know how you make out, ok?

Best regards,

- don

Don,

nice to hear from you again (I've been awol lately with all my airbrush work).......thanks for the heads up- I'll try altering the present preset and see if I can import the "super high res" footage as explained earlier-

I'll post something as soon as I try it and can edit something small-

see u guys soon-

Steve

Well I've tried Johann's "super high res" technique and here's what I got:
a few seconds of high quality footage shot via firewire import using FCP HD and the Optura's "Picture" mode.....

.....what you'll see in this clip is a downwards pan of a cologne bottle- because I left the camera in AF mode- it initially produces a soft image-(nothing to lock focus on but shades--).... once the letters on the bottle come into view- the camera autofocuses beautifully and produces vivid colors and sharp edges without any jaggies.....also keep in mind this is a compressed clip and therefore lacks the full image quality of the actual raw firewire footage........overall I can't but help be surprised by the image quality.......see for yourselves and let me know what you think

(keep in mind the first few seconds the camera is NOT in focus and only snaps focus when a contrasting edge is detected- I mistakenly left AF on- but I think you guys will get the idea of the image quality when the letters are visible on the bottle and the camera locks focus)

see the clip here----->

http://www.members.aol.com/stevenyc1/curv.mov

That clip has incredible quality and sharpness - I can imagine what the original avi would look like. I know a lot depends on lighting and camera settings but that is comparable quality to what I have seen on the new $5000 XL2.