Canon announces Optura 200MC
By
Mike Tomkins
(Wednesday, August 7, 2002 - 02:10 EDT)
Latest digital video camcorder model features a 1.33 megapixel imager...
Canon U.S.A. Inc. has announced an addition to its lineup of digital camcorders in the form of the Optura 200MC, a 1.33 megapixel model with a 10X optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation and direct print capability. Full specs courtesy of Canon follow:
| Canon Optura 200MC | | | | Power supply (rated) | | 7.4 V DC (Battery) | | 9.5 V DC (DC IN) | | | Power consumption | 3.9 W (using viewfinder), 4.8 W (using LCD screen) | | Television system | EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal | | Video recording system | | 2 rotary heads, helical scanning system DV system (Consumer digital VCR SD/SDL system) | | Digital component recording | | | Audio recording system | | PCM digital sound: | | 16-bit (48 kHz/2 ch.) | | 12-bit (32 kHz/4 ch.) | | | Image sensor | | 1/4" CCD (charge coupled device) | | approx. 1.33 million pixels | | (approx. 1.23 million pixels for still images recorded onto memory card and 690,000 pixels for movie and still images recorded onto tape) | | | Tape format | Videocassettes bearing the MiniDV mark | | Tape speed | | SP: 3/4 ips (18.81 mm/sec.) | | LP: 1/2 ips (12.56 mm/sec.) | | | Maximum recording time (with an 80-min. cassette) | | | Fast forward/rewind time | 2 min. 20 sec. (with a 60-min. cassette) | | Lens | | f/1.8 - 2.1, 10x power zoom, 4.1 - 41.0 mm | | (39.5 - 395 mm in CARD CAMERA mode) | | | Focusing system | TTL autofocus, manual focusing possible | | Minimum focusing distance | | 3 ft. 3 3/8 in. (1 m) | | 3/8 in. (1 cm) | | on maximum wide angle | | | Maximum shutter speed | 1/8,000 sec. (1/500 when using memory card) | | Minimum illumination | 0.5 lux using the Night program during tape recording | | Recommended illumination | More than 100 lx | | Filter diameter | 34 mm | | Viewfinder | | 0.5 in., color LCD | | (approx. 113,000 pixels) | | | LCD screen | | 2.5 in. measured diagonally | | (approx. 200,000 pixels) | | | Microphone | Stereo electret condenser microphone | | Flash | Built-in, Auto pop-up flash | | Recording Media | MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card | | Number of recording pixels | 1280 x 960 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels;
Movie: 320 x 240 pixels (approx. 10 secs)*, 160 x 120 pixels (approx. 30 sec.)* | | * The figures in brackets represent the maximum length of one movie clip. | | | Image format | Design rule for Camera Format System (DCF), Digital Print Order Format (DPOF)-compliant (only images, marked for printing) | | File format | JPEG (compression mode: Fine/Standard) | | Estimated MultiMediaCard MMC-8M capacities (approx) | 1280 x 960: 6 Superfine images, Fine 10 images, Standard 18 images, 640 x 480:Superfine 34 images, Fine 50 images, Standard 84 images | | DV terminal | Special 4-pin connector (based on IEEE 1394) | | Video terminal | 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced | | S-video terminal | 1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal) | | Audio terminal | | Input level: -10 dBV/40 kohm, unbalanced | | Output level: -10 dBV, less than 3 kohm, unbalanced | | | Operating temperature range | 32 - 104º F (0 - 40º C) | | Dimensions | 2 3/8 x 4 5/8 x 4 5/8 in. (60 x 119 x 118 mm) | | Weight | 1 lb. 2 3/4 oz. (530 g) | | . |
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Original Source Press Release:
| Canon Introduces the Optura 200MC: Smaller Body and Bigger Features Make New DV Camcorder the Perfect Blend of Form and Function 10X Optical / 200X Digital Zoom, Optical Image Stabilizer, Four Shooting Modes, 1.33 Megapixel CCD Chip and Direct Print Provide Tremendous Creative Flexibility
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. -- Aug. 1, 2002 -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), and a leader in analog and digital cameras and camcorders, is introducing the new Optura 200MC DV camcorder, an incredibly diverse and flexible imaging device offering numerous video and still options including four very distinct recording modes - Digital Video, 1.33 megapixel High Resolution Photo (suitable for printing), Motion-JPEG (MJPEG) and Digital Photo (ideal for e-mail and website placement).
In addition, the new Optura 200MC can be directly connected to select Canon photo printers including the CP10 (for wallet size photos) and CP100 (for 4 X 6" photos) and Bubble Jet-Direct photo printers S820D, S830D and S530D. The camcorder's lightweight and compact design, outstanding picture quality, and extensive feature set make it the ideal -multi-purpose imaging tool.
"The new Optura 200MC is another example of how Canon is using its design and imaging expertise to create a high-quality, compact imaging device that combines digital video and still capabilities into a single unit," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A. "It also combines complete automatic and manual control to give customers the simplicity of point-and-shoot as well as the flexibility to explore their own creative ideas. And its direct print capabilities with several Canon printers enhances the overall experience by allowing users to create high-quality prints on the road or at home," added Mr. Hashimoto.
10X Optical / 200X Digital Zoom Lens
Canon's heritage and reputation resides in the design and manufacturing of the high precision optics in lenses for photography, broadcast TV, binoculars, projectors, and camcorders. The new Optura 200MC incorporates a Canon high-precision 10X optical zoom, resulting in outstanding image quality for both digital video and digital photos.
Optical Image Stabilization
The Optura 200MC features Canon's Optical Image Stabilization for superior image quality and maximum effectiveness. It corrects camera shake instantly, providing smooth, steady video, especially beneficial when shooting distant subjects that require zooming to the lens' longest telephoto setting. Image Stabilization works equally as well when shooting digital photos.
Direct Print
The Optura 200MC is Canon's second camcorder model to offer Direct Print, a feature which allows the printing of high quality photos without connecting to a computer. The supplied USB cable is all that is needed to communicate with select Canon printers. Once connected, the user selects the image, cropping options, quantity of prints and other details such as printing with or without a border.
The Optura 200MC is compatible with a variety of different Canon printers. The CP-10 is ideal for producing instant wallet-sized photos and the portable CP-100 prints 4 X 6" photos, ideal for framing or for placement in a photo album. The camcorder is also compatible with Canon's S820D, S830D, and S530D Bubble Jet Direct photo printers, allowing you to make high quality prints at the home or office.
The Optura 200MC supports the new Exif Print (Exif 2.2) standard used in Canon digital cameras. At the time the photo is being captured, vital exposure settings and image scene data is recorded on the memory card. This ensures optimal image quality when printing on an Exif compatible printer.
Advanced Dual Image Processing
To optimize the quality of video and digital photos, the Optura 200MC features Advanced Dual Image Processing. Since TV and Video monitors have different characteristics than computer monitors and printed photographs, the Optura 200MC uses two separate processing techniques, which satisfy the specific color and brightness requirements of each.
Four Shooting Modes - Digital Video
The Canon Optura 200MC utilizes the latest processing technology to deliver exceptional quality video in a variety of situations. It captures up to 2 hours of high-quality digital video with digital stereo sound when using an 80-minute MiniDV tape. - 1.33 Megapixel High Resolution Photos
The camcorder is equipped with a 1.33 megapixel CCD image sensor to capture outstanding digital photos at 1280 x 960. In this mode, images are stored either on a Secure Digital (SD) or Multimedia (MMC) card and by using the supplied USB cable included with the camcorder, users can easily download still images into their computer or make high-quality prints directly by using select Canon printers. The camcorder's built-in, pop up flash ensures that perfectly exposed images will be created in any lighting condition. - Motion-JPEG
Users can record short video clips such as birthday greetings, business reminders and holiday wishes and attach them to email and send them over the Internet. Clips are stored on an SD or MMC memory card and length options include 10 seconds at 320x240 resolution or 30 seconds at 160x120 resolution. - Digital Photo
In addition to capturing digital photos with an SD or MMC card, users can also capture more than 700 VGA (640 x 480) digital photos on a single DV cassette. The resolution achieved in this mode is ideal for Web sites and email. Both video and digital photos can be captured together on the same DV cassette for greater creative flexibility.
Continuous Shooting Mode
With Canon's Continuous Shooting Mode, the Optura 200MC can capture a series of photos in rapid succession, similar to a motor drive on a 35mm SLR camera. It can capture up to 30 images at 3 frames per second (standard resolution), or 10 images at 2 frames per second (high resolution). The built-in flash also matches the frame rate.
Color Night Mode / Super Night Mode
Night mode allows users to see and shoot color video without turning the lights on. Functioning similar to "night vision" in certain binoculars and other optical devices, the Night mode provides a color image of subjects in low light conditions. Opposed to other brands that place a "green tint" over a monochrome image, Canon's Night Mode lets the user see and record in color.
When the camcorder is set to Super Night mode, a white LED lights from the camera, helping to illuminate the subject and record more pleasing video. The light can also be used with the Optura 200MC's Red-Eye reduction lamp to reduce the unappealing effect of red-eye.
Manual Focusing Ring
The Optura 200MC offers users the option of controlling focus manually. A focusing ring is located exactly where one would expect to find it - near the lens, making manual focusing quick and easy in any shooting situation.
My Camera Function
My Camera Function allows users of the Optura 200MC to "customize" a number of features on the camcorder including start-up sounds and images, self-timer, shutter, and other features that will make the camcorder distinctively their own and operate based on shooting preferences.
Image Control and Special Effects
The Optura 200MC will satisfy any user, from the most experienced videomaker, to the beginner. Beyond being fully automatic for point and shoot simplicity, the camcorder has a wide assortment of manual controls including focus, exposure lock, white balance and shutter speed control. The Auto Exposure (AE) Shift feature lets the user select how light or dark the camcorder sets the automatic exposure level.
While the Auto mode is fine for most shooting situations, the camcorder includes a variety of pre-programmed auto exposure modes; each carefully designed to deliver the best results under special shooting conditions. They include Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, Low Light and the newly added Night and Super Night modes.
A variety of special effects make it easy to exercise creativity and change the look of the video image. Special effects include Art, Black & White, Sepia, Mosaic, Ball, Cube, Wave, Color Mask or Mirror. Fade effects, which create unique scene transitions, include Wipe, Corner, Jump, Flip, Puzzle, Zig Zag, Beam, Tide, Fade Trigger and standard Black.
The Optura 200MC even includes a Stitch Assist feature for creating 360-degree panoramic still images. The feature makes it easy to align and record successive still images in a 360-degree loop. Using the supplied Photo Stitch software users can transfer the images to a computer where the software will seamlessly crop, align, and overlap the individual images to form one extra wide-angle panoramic image.
Multi-Angle Hand Grip
To increase stability and comfort while shooting, the Optura 200MC features a Multi-Angle Hand Grip. This grip compliments the camcorder's brilliant design, swiveling up or down to match the user's taste and provide the best support.
On Board Interface Terminals
To ensure versatility and maximum connectivity the Optura 200MC camcorder is packed with a variety of A/V terminals eliminating any screw-on adapters that could be misplaced or broken. A standard In/Out terminal permits connecting to a TV or VCR, copying old analog videos to a MiniDV tape, converting analog signals to digital for transferring to a computer, A/V insert and audio dubbing. Additionally, it includes Firewire and USB terminals for interfacing with a PC or several Canon printers.
Additional Features - Lithium Ion Battery
- Built-In Microphone Terminal
- Integrated Speaker
- Photo Search/Date Search
- Time Code/Data Code
- 16:9 Wide Screen Mode
- Self Timer
- Confirming/Warning Beeps
- Record Search/Review
- World Clock
- Zero Set Memory
Included Software Adds Value and Enhanced Communication Through Video Conferencing
Canon's DV Messenger software allows users to conduct Internet video chat with family, friends or colleagues through the use of Microsoft Windows XP's Messenger program by adding the Optura 200MC and other select Canon DV camcorders. Once a camcorder is connected to the computer's IEEE1394 terminal, the user has the ability to conduct an Internet video chat. Camcorder's operations, such as zoom and focus may be controlled through the computer, or remotely by the other user. DV Messenger also allows digital photos and Motion JPEG movie files to be easily transferred from one user to another.
The Optura 200MC kit also includes a suite of helpful software for image management and editing. The Canon Digital Video Solutions CD includes ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Mac) that make it easy to download, organize, browse and resize digital photos for email. Photo Record, a printing utility that makes it easy to add frames and captions to the images and arrange a page layout for printing. Photo Stitch makes it easy to import a series of still images and create an extra wide-angle panoramic digital photo. Also included is Photo Impression by ArcSoft that makes it easy to apply special effects to digital photos, edit them or place them into greeting cards or calendars. Video Impression, also by Arcsoft, provides tools for editing and applying special effects to videos or attaching them to email.
The Kit Contents
The Canon Optura 200MC comes complete as a kit which includes the camcorder, Battery pack BP-512, CA-560 Compact Power Adapter, WL-D78 Wireless Controller, S-150- S-Video Cable, STV-250N Stereo Video Cable, USB Cable, SDC-8M SD Memory Card, and a suite of DV Software.
The Canon Optura 200MC DV camcorder kit will be available at dealers nationwide in August and have a suggested retail price of $1699(a).
Canon will continue to promote the benefits of digital imaging and video through the launch of new digital camcorders which support the new Exif Print (Exif 2.2) standard. This standard, designed to optimize printing quality, is expected to gain worldwide acceptance over the next 12 months. In addition to supporting Exif Print with new digital camcorders including the Optura 200MC, Canon intends to broaden support for Exif Print across its imaging product ranges to include devices such as digital cameras, photo printers, multi-functional products in the future.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. In 2001, the Company was listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and was ranked #41 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2001, with global revenues of $26 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs approximately 11,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
(a)Retail prices are estimates and may vary. Prices are subject to change at any time without notice. All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners. |
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