Cambridge World, Item Details: Canon Optura PI Mini DV

Distinguishing features of this latest addition to Canon's DV line include a Progressive Scan CCD; 3 Shooting modes; RGB Primary Color Filter; an optical 12X compact zoom lens; Canon's exclusive Optical Image Stabilization; FireWire/IEEE 1394 input/ouput;

an advanced accessory shoe; and analog line input. Other enhancements made to the Optura Pi include a new ultra-compact size; high-resolution, 200K pixel, 3.5" flip-out LCD view screen; improved handling; enhanced color rendition; improved low-light

capability; and support for high-capacity batteries. With the mini DV format embraced by professionals and consumers alike, the Optura Pi is the ideal tool for transferring home movies recorded on VHS to a digital format, or creating new digital movies

that can be edited and stored on a home computer. Its features and image quality also make it perfect for creating Web content and QuickTime movies. 1/4-inch Progressive Scan CCD The Optura Pi incorporates a Progressive Scan CCD image sensor, which

delivers high quality, full motion video that rivals image quality of professional camcorders, and sharp still frame digital photographs. The Progressive Scan CCD reads each of its 360,000 effective pixels in a single scan to capture a full frame image ev

ery 1/60 of a second. This process achieves superior resolution and enables users to capture vivid, high quality still images of high speed action for TV display, computer input or digital photo prints. In contrast, other DV and analog camcorders use an I

nterlace Scan CCD, which processes field images or half the scan lines every 1/60 of a second. This results in diminished still image quality since the CCD is only creating half a frame of information at a time. Canon's proprietary integrated circuits

work in conjunction with the Progressive Scan CCD to process and selectively combine scan lines from the frames according to the recording mode: Progressive Scan Movie mode, Photo mode or Normal Movie mode. Three Shooting Modes The Optura Pi incorp

orates three recording modes to fulfill virtually any imaging need. In Frame Movie mode users can record high-speed action at 30 frame images per second for the purpose of extracting high-resolution frames from video. Images can then be displayed, printed

or enhanced with a computer. Normal Movie mode delivers more than 500 lines of resolution for superior image quality and color rendition for playback on a television monitor. And, Digital Photo mode with self-timer, captures more than 700 remarkably clea

r still frame images on a single 80-minute cassette in SP mode. Each still frame picture is recorded for approximately six seconds to ensure the best possible image quality. RGB Primary Color Filter An RGB Primary Color Filter complements the Progre

ssive Scan CCD. This combination achieves color resolution comparable to that of 3-CCD systems. The RGB primary color filter improves the reproduction of subtle intermediate gradations, making overall colors more accurate. 12X compact zoom lens Emp

loying Canon's superior optics technology, the Optura Pi's 12X optical zoom lens, with a 48X digital zoom, delivers incredibly high definition, outstanding contrast and maximizes the resolution capability of DV. The Optura Pi's optical focal length is 4.1

to 49.2 mm, which is the 35mm camera equivalent of 39mm - 468mm. Optical Image Stabilization Optical Image Stabilization is particularly beneficial during telephoto recording when image shake is most extreme. The optical system, unlike electronic

versions, employs a unique Lens Shift Prism, which optically compensates for camera shake before the light reaches the image sensor resulting in true-to-life image quality with no degradation. FireWire/IEEE 1394 DV Terminal Using FireWire IEEE 1394 d

igital interfaces, the Optura Pi may be connected to a DV compatible computer. Digital video and audio is transferred by a single cable to a computer's hard drive where they can be enhanced and edited. Afterward, a finished video can be recorded back to a

tape in the camcorder, displayed on a web site or transferred to CD-ROM. Advanced Accessory Shoe For maximizing use of the Optura Pi, the camcorder is equipped with an Advanced Accessory Shoe for transmitting powerdirectly from the camera to a varie

ty of optional accessories. Users can attach Canon's DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone, the world's first stereo, super-directional shotgun mic.Users can also attach the optional VL-3 Video Light forachieving optimal lighting that automatically adjusts

to the shooting environment

Features

SLR-style Flash Photography - enables the attachment of Canon E-TTL flashes (220EX, 380EX or 550EX) when using the Optura Pi for shooting still images in the Photo Mode.
Flexible 3.5" LCD View Screen and Color Viewfinder the large 3.5-inch, 200K pixel screen makes it easier to compose shots from any angle or in any lighting condition; the LCD view screen also tucks away in bright shooting conditions when the eyecup viewfi
Program Auto Exposure Modes - offers seven advanced recording controls which are easily accessed on the program menu, ensuring great results in various shooting conditions and providing precise image control:
Full Auto Green Zone simplifies use by automatically controlling all features for point-and-shoot operation.
Auto Mode automatically controls settings, yet allows users to manually control functions of their choice.
Manual Mode allows users to control all settings.
Spotlight prevents subjects from being over exposed against a dark background.
Sand & Snow prevents subjects from being under exposed against a bright background.
Low Light brightens the video in lowlight situations by activating a slow shutter of 1/15 sec.
Digital Stereo Sound - offers two digital audio modes to enhance playback - 16 bit mode that produces CD-quality sound and 12 bit, 4-channel mode for recording and dubbing.
Analog Line-in -- allows the Optura Pi to receive signals from a TV, VCR or other camcorder, making it possible to convert 8mm and VHS videos to digital.
Audio/Video Insert and Audio Dubbing -- permits the insertion of video or audio from another source to an original recording.
One Touch Dubbing -- simplifies the copying process by controlling the start and stop operation of virtually any brand of VCR or camcorder. Select digital effects can also be added while dubbing.