Canon Optura PI MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

Rating:
Summary: Excellent DV camera for the money.
Review: My main draw to the Canon Optura Pi was the optical (rather than digital) image stabilization. Canon is the only camcorder manufacturer that offers this feature in this price range. The image quality is excellent, although the camera calibration can take some getting used to. Experiment with white balance settings, etc. until you find something that works well. The LCD screen is a little too bright, but otherwise looks good. This camera integrates flawlessly with my Macintosh G4 and iMac DV computers. My only complaint about this camera is that occasionally the picture can become blocky and behave erratically. However, I have discovered that this is a problem with ALL DV camercorders and is due to flaky DV cassettes. So, choose your tapes wisely! In every instance of picture glitches, the problem has corrected itself within a matter of minutes. As I said, this is probably the best camcorder you can get in without spending $2500 or more

Rating:
Summary: great camcorder
Review: optical stabalization is what sold me.had i known what a great cam this is i would have bought sooner.very easy to use, zoom is very fast,lite weight,ergonomically correct.i got lucky and found one on amazon for [a good price].this is the best deal i've made in quite some time.the optura pi is worth spending the extra money.this is a pro cam in a amatuers body.if your still undecided, you won't be dissapointed with the optura pi

Rating:
Summary: Picure excellence defined!!!
Review: The Optura Pi is one fantastic video camera! I had never purchased a Canon product before, but I am very impressed with the Optura Pi. You buy a camcorder primarily to shoot moving video. This is one machine that doesn't disappoint. Best features: optical image stabilization(a high end feature usually found only on the most expensive models); superb canon lense(second to none in the industry); large 3.5' LCD with high end resolution(200k pixels); excellent detail and color reproduction( RGB filter); manual overrides for controls ( useful for more experienced videographers); solid construction (many Sony and Panasonic models in the same price range have a cheap, plastic feel); amazing low light performance(although the jarring motion inherent in the low light setting may turn some people off). Cons: no manual focus ring(just a non mechanical option ring); overly touchy zoom control(be careful!); poor ergonomics for the zoom control( you have to reach back with your pointer finger to activate the zoom); low pixel count(360k for the CCD-all the better models are going mega pixel, but then, you pay for it too); blank tape is expensive( but this applies to all digital format camcorders). If you want to take digital stills, buy a dedicated still camera.You'll get way better quality for way less money. Progressive scan is not a significant feature for most people-record in "movie" mode( the Pi's successor 100MC is without Prog Scan). In summary, the Pi delivers excellent detail and color reproduction in all kinds of lighting situations. It feels like a high end camera and performs like one too.Unless you are willing to pay for the performance of a 3CCD camera, this is the one to get. Act fast; the PI has been discontinued. If you're lucky enough to find it at a vendor who made a special factory purchase, you'll get a fantastic deal!

Rating:
Summary: Absolutley Great Camera!!
Review: This a fantastic camera. It is great in lowlight situations and the picture quality is awsome. I have used many digital cameras and this is the best for its price. It has lots of cool effects and it is small and easy to use. The image stabilization is great and thats what your paying for in the Optura. ... All in all I have no complaints, this is a great camera.

Rating:
Summary: AWESOME DIGICAM - PERIOD!! Could be the best?!?!?
Review: This camera works so well, feels so good in my hand, has so many cool features that I can't belive that I finally have it! I did an exhaustive amount of research before getting this camera but ALL signs kept pointing to this cam. The optical stabilization is unreal - it's the best stabilizer out there! The PROSCAN mode looks like film - pretty cool. Considering I'm going to be shooting some 'shorts' with this cam, that film look is always a nice effect. It's real lightweight and the ergonomics are very nicely laid out. The zoom is REAL fast - great!
Basically, this is a GREAT cam. The advanced shoe allows for hookups such as lights and mic's! Get a better battery though, 511 is worthless! I'm looking forward to shooting more with this cam. Considering that I've had it for relatively 'no time at all,' I LOVE IT!!

Rating:
Summary: Super imagery; high quality color; great effects.
Review: This Canon Mini DV, has awesome image quality, which in my opinon is the best reason for buying a digital camcorder. It features still photo option, image stabilizer, advanced shoe accessories and firewall capabilities, which will let you download your movies and pictures onto your computer, so you can easily add effects or produce superior home movies, independent films and online photo albums. I tested a lot of Digital camcorders and unless you are looking to spend $3k on a camera with night vision features, there is simply not a better camera on the market in image quality/color and clarity. My only concern with this camera is over the internal mechanisms. When the cartridge slot is opening and closing, its noisy and makes a ruckus. Don't worry its not broken, this is what is supposed to happen. Canon has a good repuation as far as the structural quality of their cameras go. So, I guess I just get worried when I can see the parts moving.

Rating:
Summary: Poor Quality, Costly Repair
Review: This product worked fine for a few months of light use. Then, during playback, the Optura Pi started adding image and audio noise to the tapes. One treasured video partially ruined.

Rating:
Summary: Features Don't Make for Reliability
Review: This product worked fine for a few months of light use. Then, during playback, the Optura Pi started adding image and audio noise to the tapes. One treasured video partially ruined.