Canon Optura Xi Camcorder Review
2.0 Megapixel CCD To deliver superior video and photo quality, the Optura Xi uses a powerful 2.0 Megapixel CCD. Combined with Genuine Canon Optics and Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer, the camcorder captures images with outstanding clarity. RGB Primary Color Filter In addition to achieving higher resolution, the Canon Optura Xi's 2.0 Megapixel CCD integrates an RGB Primary Color Filter which separates light passing through the lens into individual red, green, and blue color components, similar to professional 3CCD camcorders. As a result, the Canon Optura Xi achieves more accurate color gradations than models using a conventional complementary color filter. The difference is especially noticeable, for instance, in skin tones and scenes with a dominant color such as a sunset or snow scene. Genuine Canon Optics: 11X Optical Zoom/220X Digital Zoom The powerful 11X optical zoom lets you capture your subject with razor-sharp detail even from a distance. The powerful 220X digital zoom takes you even closer, revealing details too small to see with the naked eye. The 11X optical zoom gives you the same range of focal lengths as a 43.7-489 mm lens on a 35 mm still camera.
In the Canon Optura Xi, Canon utilizes the finest method of image stabilization available: optical. Canon's lens design includes a dedicated optical element which shifts up and down and side to side based on motion, so your video always looks smooth, steady, and natural. Whether you are shooting handheld at telephoto or from a moving vehicle, Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer effectively handles unwanted vibration. And since it's optical, there is no loss of image quality -- inevitable with electronic image stabilizers. Optical Image Stabilization is even effective in photo mode, allowing your digital photos to be as crisp as possible. Advanced Photo Features * Simultaneous Photo Recording: Record high quality video to a Mini DV tape and e-mail ready (640 x 480) digital photos to a memory card at the same time. * Selectable AF Frames: Sometimes the subject we want to focus on is not in the center of the frame. With the Optura Xi's Selectable AF Frames, you can choose one of three different Auto Focus points to automatically put the subject you want into sharp focus. Taking off-center subjects can add more impact and a new dimension to your photographs. * Continuous Shooting Function: capture a rapid succession of photos just like the motor drive on a camera. * Pop-Up Flash: The Optura Xi has a pop-up flash for use in digital still picture-taking. * Stitch Assist: When you can't fit everything you want into a single shot, use the camcorder's Stitch Assist feature to easily create a single breathtaking panorama image. Direct Print The Optura Xi is compatible with all Canon CP-series Card Photo Printers and Bubble Jet Direct Printers. It also complies with the new PictBridge standard, allowing it to connect to any PictBridge compliant printer. Shooting Modes The Canon Optura Xi allows you to record both video and digital photos to tape. You can also save 2.0 Megapixel High Resolution Photos and MPEG-4 movies to a MultiMediaCard or SD Memory Card. * Video Mode: Video Mode delivers smooth, full-motion video for playback on your TV. You also can transfer the video onto your computer to view, edit, post on the Internet, or send to friends. * 2.0 Megapixel Photos: Photos are saved on the removable storage card. The picture size in this mode is 1632 x 1224 pixels. * Photo Mode: Just press the photo button to capture more than 1,000 still pictures, each with 6 seconds of sound, on a single 80 minute videocassette. * MPEG-4 Movie Mode: It's easy to record MPEG-4 video clips with audio. Canon Optura 500 review: * Record for up to 110 minutes on one battery charge * MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 2.0-megapixel CCD * 11x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 220x) and image stabilizer * 3.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation * Make MPEG-4 movies and send them straight to your computer
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