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(More customer reviews)In wanting to replace my old (JVC GRDVM90U) camera/camcorder combo, I looked at the Canon Optura 600 and the Sony DCR-PC1000. Consumer Reports claimed high return/defect rates for JVC models, so I steered clear away from purchasing another JVC -- especially since my old camcorder exhibited many of the same issues multiple people have documented in the GRDVM90U's reviews. Besides wanting to stick with MiniDV (for my old tapes' sake), what was most important to me in a replacement camcorder was 1) size, 2) still picture quality, 3) low-light ability, and 4) overall versatility. The Optura 600 delivered impeccably on all fronts. Size-wise, it is the smallest MiniDV camcorder I've seen on the market yet, although the Sony DCR-PC1000 appears to be a close second. What I liked about the Optura more than the Sony, however, was the overall design -- it felt more solid and compact as opposed to small, but long and narrow. I wanted to be able to tote something around fairly easily and unnoticably, and the Optura delivered. It was so small it fit easily in a small purse (along with other small gadgets, ie. phone and Ipod), and large pockets also made for a comfortable home for it. The still picture quality was probably the clincher in my final decision to go with the Optura over the Sony. One thing to note, however, is that the Optura 600 is 4.0MP, *not* 4.3MP. Regardless, its 4.0MP beats Sony's 2.7MP hands-down. Because it was important for me to purchase a camcorder that would also serve the purpose of a digital camera (why have one of each when you can have something that can do both well?), I went for the higher-end Optura. Also, Canon's Elph Series digital cameras have always appeared to deliver consistent, great-quality digital images (practically everyone I know owns some version of the Elph), and I felt more comfortable knowing that Canon's still-camera expertise would translate better to a camcorder combo than Sony's (last I heard Canon didn't manufacture TVs, amplifiers, and PCs, as well). In addition to having a more than adequate low-light function (sometimes, surprisingly, it makes dark shots brighter than desired), it has all the basic functions and features one would expect from a camera of this caliber (ie. special effects, video/picture transfer software, numerous manual and automatic settings, widescreen functionality, all the cables and connectors needed to hook up to your TV and PC, 10x optical zoom, etc.). The one and only thing that I did like better in the Sony was its built-in, retractable lens cover -- I found myself constantly fiddling with the plastic lens cover of the Optura whenever I unexpectedly came across a shot I just *had* to have. Other than that, I'm quite thrilled with my purchase and have not been disappointed yet. Design-wise, yes, it is a bit awkward (depends on the size of your hand and the dexterity of your fingers, really) -- but this thing is tiny, so there has to be some compromise in ergonomics. I've found this to be a minor point, as the Optura's style, design, and overall look more than compromise for the slight awkwardness that really only takes a little getting used to. I often get many comments from strangers in awe of it whenever I take it out to capture a moment, and that alone is almost enough to overlook its minor faults.
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A Double Agent with Timeless Style Around the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing, and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception. For professionals and consumers alike, Optura camcorders are the perfect blend of performance and features. The Opturas are the leaders in Canon's line-up of single-CCD digital video camcorders, with Megapixel CCDs that give stunning results, as well as features and functions for more advanced users. With the Optura 600, you finally have a camcorder with the sophistication and performance to match your lifestyle and exceed your expectations. The Optura 600 delivers a superior level of performance in a luxurious, upright sculpted design. And, with its 4.3 Megapixel image sensor, advanced photo features, and Superior Canon Optics, you get incredible video and photos. It's a versatile performer for those with a truly versatile lifestyle. True Widescreen Video You want your memories to last forever- that's why you've taken the time to shoot them. And you want to shoot in widescreen format to get everything you can out of your new widescreen TV or home theater system. So why is the way you record widescreen images so important? Because you want an image made for widescreen, not adapted for widescreen. Widescreen is the future- every HD television is widescreen. Canon camcorders use the entire width of its image sensor to capture your precious video in true 16:9 format. What difference does that make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Other camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor- giving you a less true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality. On a Canon camcorder, the canals of Venice will be as grand as you remembered seeing them. In addition, the viewfinder on your Optura 600 will display the image in a "letterbox" view- from side to
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