Canon Optura 60

April 28, 2005 06:22

4.0/5
I really like being able to have full control over the parameters that affect image quality: shutter speed, aperture and focus. The image quality for both video and still images is excellent. Although 2MP is low resolution when compared to stand alone digital cameras, I do not have any complaints about the clarity and color quality of the photos. I doubt a stand alone 2MP camera could take better pictures.

I also really like the "wheel" that is used to change the camera settings. It makes it easy to quickly change the behavior of the camera when conditions change.

I recommend purchasing a 0.5x lens for indoor shooting. It really opens up the field of view and allows you to capture a lot more when you are close to your subjects (i.e. kids and dogs!). Buy a thread converter because the camera uses 34mm diameter attachments and there are many more lenses available in 37mm. A converter is cheap so it is no big deal.

My biggest complaint with the camera is how the Auto setting works while shooting inside. It seems to change the shutter speed constantly and when the light level drops just a little you can see the image blur due to the slow shutter speed. It seems to always choose an uncessary slow shutter speed.

Fortunately, there is a really easy solution. I just set the camera to "sports" (which ensures the fastest shutter speed possible) and then there is never a blur problem. And even when there is no sunlight coming in a window (like at night), normal ambient room lighting is sufficent for a good video image. (So I can't figure out why Auto chooses such a slow shutter speed.)

Of course if the room is really black you can use the built in LED light. It shines enough light on a close subject but the color is washed out. If you don't use the light you cannot see anything with the camera set to "sports" but if you really need to shoot a black room you can change the setting easily with the "wheel".

With the wheel set to Night mode, I am amazed at the image quality with little to almost no light. Of course motion is really blurred so it seems like it is not very useful for a video camera.

The only other complaint I have is minor. The battery capacity is not very good. But in actual use (I have been using the camcorder pretty heavily for about three weeks), I have not run out of power. I tend to shoot the kids doing something funny and then turn it off. You can plug the camera into the power cord and it charges while it sits there. I like that charging method because you don't need to pull a battery out of a charger to use the camera. You just unplug it and turn it on.

Other than those two complaints, this is an exceptional camcorder and you should consider it if it is in your price range (I paid $739). BTW - only perfection will warrent a "10" from me. And I have yet to purchase a perfect product.

- rrkhl

May 2, 2005 06:31

4.0/5
In the past year I have owned, and returned, both the Panasonic 200 and the Panasonic 400. I have taped and compared scenes on 2 other cameras, the Optura 40 and the Sony HC60. I am currently the owner of a Canon 60, but I still keep my old Sony DCRTRV110 around. However, I am not a video camera techno-geek. I use a camera to take normal everyday family-oriented videos that I then edit and burn onto DVDs.

I returned the Panasonics for three reasons:
1. Both cameras picked up noticeable audio feedback from the tape drive mechanisms. This was a showstopper.
2. Yellows tended towards a chartreuse or greenish tint on both the 200 and 400 as compared to every other camera I compared.
3. I expected the 3 ccd system to provide remarkable improvement over 1 ccd cameras, but I was disappointed that the image quality wasn't perceptually better than a good single ccd camera.

Both cameras were not price/performance competitive, especially the 400.

The Optura 40 needed optical stabilization, so it was ruled out.

The Canon 60 is a great balance of everything. It's quite compact and easy to handle, yet it gives me quiet operation and is very easy to pick up and use. Data downloading is a snap, although I wish they would locate all connectivity ports in one location. I really like the access to key manual functions such as aperture and focus without having to open up the display. I have yet to find a currently available camera that can compete with my 5 year old Sony on low light video shoots. (I can't understand what's wrong with all these manufactures on this issue!)

To me, the Canon 60 is the best all round camera currently available.

- muskie

April 28, 2005 07:43

4.5/5
As the first camcorder I've bought in 10 years I was hoping for big improvements in the overall product but was disappointed. I started with the Hitachi DVR camcorder but as many of the reviews have said, "it's a great concept but just not ready for prime time....yet" I would recommend not getting a DVR camcorder unless you don't want to do anything fancy but shoot. You are stuck with everything you shoot once you hit the record button and their idea of editing is simply moving scenes around. So if you record 5 minutes of your kid and get 15 seconds of great video you want to keep, youre going to have to spend another $100 at least to get a video editor. I would also recommend not getting something you may take back from Circuit City.

If you want to shoot video and digital pictures this is a pretty good camera. I did weeks of research and am very happy with this purchase. The controls are fairly clean and easy to use. Some of the features (functions) are hard to access on the fly. The camera spins up pretty quickly but has to be ready to shoot (green indictor displayed) before pressing record or the camera wont start recording. Ive had several power up misses but this is just learning to give the camera some time before rolling.

The night video is as would be expected in a consumer end camera, low quality. But thats okay, Im not shooting documentaries in the rain forests at night, Im taping my baby sleeping. As for the other features, they seem pretty good. I like the smooth zoom. The camera works well too though the picture quality is about as expected with 2 meg.

If you want to make cool home movies then this is the camera for you, with something like Pinnacle 9 to edit, youre in business.

- ecsetzer

April 12, 2005 12:04

4.5/5
So far, this is one of the best camcorders I've used. Video quality is good for a camera in this class. It's really got it all; 14x optical zoom, optical image stabilization, easy to use menu and operation, built in LED video light, flash, great quality stills for a camcorder.

One of the best things about this camera is that it has a dial just like the Canon still cameras for different photo modes like Program mode, Tv, Av, and several different scene modes. And the best thing about this is that these modes work the same for photos and video. For example, you can choose aperture or shutter priority mode, or portrait or landscape mode, while in video as well as photo mode. Even though it's only 2 megapixels, I was amazed at the sharp clean pics. I value the clean look more than more megapixels.

Fast startup, good color. It's a great camera.

- tomh

May 28, 2005 01:48

4.5/5
Bought the Optura 60 a few days ago and I'm quite pleased with its performance.
The camcorder starts up pretty quickly. The zoom is pretty good and I like the widescreen mode. It's fairly compact so that's a plus. The dial is similar to that of a digital camera, which makes it easy to use.

Cons:
The night mode is a joke and I can't see why anyone would use it. It's grainy and any moving objects leaves a trail (blur).
The camera's motor noise can sometimes be heard during playback, especially when the room is silent, but it is not much of a problem.
Video is sometimes grainy in low light, but in daylight the quality is excellent with brilliant colors.
The position of the function button is inappropriately placed and is hard to get to, especially when the LCD screen is open.

Overall, the camcorder is a great value and I definetely recommend it.

- NRR

April 12, 2005 08:48

4.0/5
Overall, excellent camera with optical zoom at 14x. Features are comparable to all the other cameras in this price range. I was comparing it to Sony HC90. I was struggling between the 2 cameras. I only decided on canon because of the positive experience with canon's digital cameras and the compatibility of the memory cards. No real complaints. Perfect blend of a camcorder would be the touch screen and size of the sony's with all the functions of the canon's.

- eazyeh21

May 10, 2007 03:31

3.0/5
Just landed in Germany in time to tape flight of my Son's ECO 8 electric Helicopter that is updated to about 2 grand in parts.

I just downloaded the clip to my laptop, and as I was rewinding the tape, the camera went dead permanently. A real shame while on tour in Europe.

One can't be in Europe without a video camera. You need to be able to capture the boats on the canals in Amsterdam in motion.

I also have a Canon 30D with L Glass to backup some scenes when out and about.

Now having to shop for another video camera in the short time here is going to be a challenge.

Phil
Mpls Mn
Bummed in Germany 05-10-07

- Philscbx

February 9, 2007 11:18

4.5/5
I purchased this camera in 2004. I still own and use it regularly. It has served me well and I continue to purchase peripherals for it as well, speaking generally to my confidence in Canon product. My only issue with the camera was this, while on vacation during the first summer I owned the camera it developed an error relating to the moisture sensor. It eventually would refuse to accept a tape. I contacted Canon to process a warranty claim. Considering the my experiences over the years with customer service departments of all sorts I was nervous at first, my fears were compounded when I began to read online that this was a common problem with this model and there were dozens of reviews, half good and half bad in terms of results. I must report my experience with Canon was a very good one. I only had to make one phone call to canon to process my warranty, one call to the local dealer they referred me to for service and that was it. Drop it off, returned in two weeks with the identical repair most were quoting online (tape chassis replacement) and voila, good to go ever since. I have been impressed with the image quality of this camera from day one and would strongly recommend it.

- Rnov8tr

May 23, 2006 06:57

4.0/5
I have had this camera for about 6 months now and have been extremely happy so far with it. Now this camera is the lowest quality camera that i own. I also own a Panasonic ag-dvc30 which is a 3ccd camera. This camera though does me well for what i use it for and is great for the small gig's. Great camera... def. a good buy!

- livewireprosound

January 24, 2006 02:42

4.0/5
I choose this for 2 major reasons:
1. True 16:9 mode for display on my plasma monitor
2. Ability to expand with external mic, lamp etc
The video resolution is equally good in both 4:3 and 16:9 unlike many other camcorders. The optical image stabilizer (OIS) does work, but does not compare to Sony's super steady shot which is electronic (EIS). With that said, OIS does not degrade the image quality as much as EIS does and so, I can live with it. Very intuitive to use the basic functions in Auto mode. The menus and some features do require a scan through the manual. I hooked it up my mac and the camcorder was recognized instantly; iMovie HD controls the camcorder in VCR mode and video import was easy. I've not bothered much about the still capabilities though they are ok outdoors - Indoors, most pictures are grainy.
I've owned it for less than a week now, and it's a keeper.
I spent a lot of time researching camcorders and in general found that with each new model year manufacturers are taking off features that used to be standard in earlier years. The Optura 60 had most features I wanted and with the $100 MIR from Canon it's more than worth it.

- vikramk18