Optura 30 Digital Video Camcorder

Product Introduction:

Optura 30 is a very small general purpose camcorder which is capable of taking 2 megapixel still photos, has good zoom lens along with enhanced audio and easy user interface.

Design and Features:

Optura 30 is a cute, compact, portable camcorder capable of shooting 2 megapixels still photos also. This MiniDV camcorder is best suitable for shooting casual videos. The camcorder could be switched to still photo mode by pressing the SD card switch. On the top of the camcorder we have the zoom switch and the shutter button applicable for still pictures. Along the LCD screen we have all the main buttons used while taking videos. We also have two special buttons one for night mode and other for picture bridging and direct printing in this camcorder.

Optura 30 has a lot of attractive features. The menus are easy to use and the 2.2 megapixel sensor captures 1.2 megapixel videos and 2 megapixel still pictures in a good speed. Auto focus and exposure features work well and they could be adjusted manually as well. Another amazing feature is its 12x zoom and the camcorder has inbuilt software to provide digital effects like wave and mirror. Another useful feature is the camcorders ability to act as a webcam when connected to the computer and its ability to store the pictures directly into an SD card rather than a CD or a DVD.

Specification:

Product Type: Camcorder

Digital Zoom: 240 x

Optical Sensor Size: 1/3.4"

Optical Sensor Type: CCD

Min Illumination: 1.1 lux

Analog Video Format: NTSC

Digital Video Format: AVI

Max Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec

Camcorder Sensor Resolution: 2.2 megapixels

Camcorder Effective Video Resolution: 1.23 megapixels

Flash Memory: 8 MB Flash - SD Memory Card

Media Type: Mini DV

Recording Speed: LP, SP

Red Eye Reduction: Yes

Type: Zoom lens - 4.8 mm - 57.6 mm - F/1.8-3.0

Focal Length: 4.8 mm - 57.6 mm

Lens Aperture: F/1.8-3.0

Auto Focus Points (Zones) : 3

Optical Zoom: 12 x

Auto Focus: TTL contrast detection

Filter Size: 34 mm

Focus Adjustment: Manual, Automatic

Min Focus Range: 0.4 in

Zoom Adjustment: Motorized drive

Low Lux / Night Mode: Yes

Software: Canon ImageBrowser, Drivers & Utilities, Canon ZoomBrowser

Type: LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color

Expansion Slot(s): 1 x SD Memory Card

Battery type: 1 x Camcorder battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion

Supported Battery: 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery (Included)

Performance:

Optura 30 Digital Video Camcorder’s performance is good by all means. The video’s captures are of good quality though not excellent. The still pictures do not have any noise or distortion but the color contrast is not very good. The audio quality is acceptable and the in-camera digital effects are fun to use. The menu is easy is to use and arranged very logically. All the controls respond well and are placed in positions easy to use.

The Good:

Optura 30 Digital Video Camcorder is very good when it comes to performance. The video quality is very high. The user interface is very understandable and the audio quality is also very good.

The Bad:

Optura 30 Digital Video Camcorder’s main drawback is its low standard battery. The camcorder could have had some more inbuilt software supporting in camera editing.

The Bottom Line:

Optura 30 Digital Video Camcorder is could be rated average considering all its features. If a few minor changes are made it is sure to become one of Optura’s best products, but as of now there are better products in the same price tag.

Rating: 3 star rating ***

3 Stars (Good):

A product with 3 star rating has strengths that outweigh its weaknesses. Users should be aware that this product has some minor faults that should be taken into consideration.