Canon Optura 50
Camcorder | February 5th, 2008
Take control and capture your video and photographic memories the way you want to remember them - all with a single camera. The Optura 50 combines extraordinary 2.2 Megapixel performance with advanced controls for your digital photography. The camcorder also lets you take as much or as little control over your video as you want with a wide range of automatic settings. With these advanced controls and automatic settings - along with an advanced, 9-point Auto Intelligent Autofocus - there are no limits to your creativity. You always get the shot you want.
In the Optura 50, 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.
In order to determine the resolution of the Canon Optura 50, video footage of a standard resolution chart was taken and stills from that footage were exported to Imatest Imaging Software. In 4:3 mode the camcorder provided approximately 493.4 lines of horizontal resolution at its best, and approximately 292.6 lines of vertical resolution, generating a true resolution of 144368.84 (0.1 MP) In 16:9 mode the Optura 50 gave use approximately 359.1 lines of horizontal resolution at it best, with approximately 257.8 lines of vertical resolution, yielding a true resolution of 92575.98 (0.09 MP). This is an impressive resolution score. By comparison, the PV-GS150 got a 13 and the DCR-HC42 got a 11.9.
The rear of the Optura 50 is tight and simple. The color viewfinder extends approximately two inches and can tilt upwards at a 45 degree angle. The included NB-2LH battery is slim enough to not force itself up your nose when using the viewfinder, but a bulkier long-life battery may require you to use the LCD screen as your primary viewing device. The mode dial continues around from the right side, and allows you to switch between Camera, Off, Play (VCR), and Network. The Network mode can only be accessed by holding down the Unlock button, also located on the rear. Next to the mode dial is the start/stop record button.
Key Features :
Say Goodbye to Unsteady, Out of Focus Images
2.2 Megapixel Performance
Canon’s High-Resolution 16:9 is true widescreen that’s picture perfect
Camcorder and Digital Camera in One
A Shooting Mode for Every Situation
More Control for Perfect Photos
Unsurpassed Optical Quality
One Touch Photo Downloading and Printing
From Camera to Computer with Ease