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Canon Optura 50 MiniDV Digital Camcorder

Canon Optura 50 MiniDV Digital Camcorder

(2.0MP, 10x Opt, 200x Dig, 2.5" LCD - MPN: 0330B001)
Description: Take control and capture your video and photographic memories the way you want to remember them, all with a single camera. The Optura 50 combines extraordinary 2.2 Megapixel performance with advanced controls for your digital photography. T.... Read More

User Reviews

4.5 Star Review(7 Reviews)

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Date Reviewed:  02/16/2006
  • matthewsweeney
  • from NY
  • Member Since:
    Jan 2004

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    Reviews
    Product Experience:
    7 Days
Strengths: Optical Image Stabilization, color quality, wireless remote, photo capabilities, Analog->Digital Conversion, Easy menu controls, and lots of extras that just make it easy to use
Weaknesses: Battery life, USB 1.1 on card reader for photo (a little slow)
Summary: I've been using this camcorder for almost two months now, and I couldn't be happier. I was originally going to get the optura 60 because it was close in cost after rebate, but I don't feel like I'm missing out. I paid ~$460 shipped for the camcorder and it's a steal at that price.

The menus are easy to navigate, the zoom control is right on your index finger, there's a "end search" function that finds the last place that you stopped recording, and the start/stop record button is right on your thumb, making it very accessible and easy to use. My wife picked up how to use it very quickly.

The recording quality for video and sound is superb. My one recommendation would be to ensure that you have adequate light in your recording environment, especially if you record indoors at night a lot. The optical image stabilization makes it easy to get shots that look great and are not shaky. Even at full zoom (10x), the camcorder is pretty easy to keep steady in your hand.

We've been shooting photos with this camcorder as well, and it's done the job very well. I feel no need to get a more expensive digital camera.

Overall, we've been very pleased and we would recommend this camera highly.

100% of People (11/11) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

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Date Reviewed:  03/17/2006
  • ambikapathij
  • Member Since:
    Feb 2006

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    Reviews
Strengths: Canon Optics, Ports, RGB
Weaknesses: Function buttons
Summary: I was looking for an camcorder for price ranging $300 to $400 and found reviews on Optura 50 stating the RGB and true color in video, I am impressed than the latest models from Canon (ZR 500 / 600 / 700).

This is an excellent camcorder from Canon and the price at newegg was $439.95 (MSRP $799). Overall I would recommend this Optura 50..

100% of People (5/5) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

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Date Reviewed:  06/23/2006
  • yxz029000
  • from TX
  • Member Since:
    Sep 2005

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    Reviews
    Product Experience:
    50 Days
Strengths: Very easy to hold and operate. The quality of the video is pretty good even under low light. The battery is decent.
Weaknesses: Since it is compact size, all those plugs for powers, earphones and etc are crammed all over the camcorder protected with a rubber protector. I am concerned the protection rubber may wear out.
Summary: 2006-06-23 10:28:17 Overall, For about $410, this camcorder is a good choice. The camcorder performs well even under low light, though I have not tried it under totally dark situation. I have concerns regarding the rubber protector for those plugs. It seems pretty fragile to me and I am not sure whether that is a longlasting piece.

100% of People (2/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

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Date Reviewed:  10/10/2005
  • braveranger
  • from PA
  • Member Since:
    Sep 2005

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    Reviews
    Product Experience:
    2 Days
Strengths: 1. Very high picture quality in normal light. 2. True 16:9 widescreen mode. 3. Compact size.
Weaknesses: Grainy color in low light.
Summary: The most outstanding feature of the Optura 50 is the resolution and color reproduction. I took some test recording on a sunny day. When played back on TV, the picture quality is comparable to cable TV signal. All borders are clearly defined and colors are vivid and real. I also took some recording in 16:9 mode. The picture looks great on a widescreen TV.

I like the size of the camcorder. It fits in my palm comfortably.

If there is one thing worth complaining, it'd be the low-light performance. I took some shots under a 60W light in the hallway. I can see noise colors in the picture. Borders seems a little bit blurred too.

In conclusion, I'd recommend this product for use in general outdoor daylight or well lit indoor recording.

92% of People (12/13) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

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Date Reviewed:  12/15/2005
  • mnasongco
  • from CA
  • Member Since:
    Jun 2005

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    Product Experience:
    1 Days
Strengths: lightweight, 2 MP with flash camera, great CD package, very small but powerful camcorder.
Weaknesses: none
Summary: The weight of this camcorder is amazing only 1.2 lb. The Canon Optura is a very strong camcorder. Great manual control, vivid stills. The video's performance is very good.

67% of People (2/3) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

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Date Reviewed:  09/16/2005
  • rgpai
  • from NY
  • Member Since:
    Sep 2004

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Strengths: light weight
Weaknesses: none
Summary: Its light weight and the prcture quality is good..Not only that, the Optura 50 makes it easy for you to share your great shots. The camcorder connects with your computer effortlessly, letting you manage, stream and e-mail your memories for all to enjoy

60% of People (6/10) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

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Date Reviewed:  12/20/2005
  • Lowest Price Electronics
  • from KS
  • Member Since:
    Jul 2005

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    Reviews
    Product Experience:
    3 Months
Strengths: Can take 2MP still picture, great picture quality, compact and silent, analog to digital conversion, light sensitivity (can take good movie or picture in dim light), top loading
Weaknesses: None
Summary: This camcoder meets my expectation. Compared to the features the price is bargain. The camcoder is really compact and ligth weight. The 10X zoom is mor ethan enough. The 2MP stipp photo capability is really great and the picture quality is pretty decent. Movie and images are very clear in dim light. The light sensors are awesome. In all thumbs up to this camcoder. It's worth the price for the features it has.

50% of People (3/6) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

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