Canon Optura 300 -- A Great Camcorder

Author's Rating:

Pros: -crystal clear videos, -makes great snapshot photos, -durable, -bright LCD/viewfinder, -smooth zoom control

Cons: -miniature dials/buttons that are initially difficult to master, -short battery life with supplied battery

The Bottom Line: 
A great small camera that takes excellent videos and good snapshots! The miniature controls can be mastered and the short battery life can be solved with purchase the larger battery.

Author's Review
I finally made the purchased of a digital camcorder -- the Canon Optura 300.
I wanted a small digital camcorder that would give good digital video that would transfer well to DVDs and also one that would also give me clear photos that I could be printed out as 4x6 snapshots. I own a Sony Hi8 camcorder and a Toshiba 3.0 megapixal camera. I really have trouble carrying both cameras and switching when a different format is desired. My Sony Hi8 produces rather disappointing DVDs. I have been searching for this combo camera for almost a year.

In the past I have owned numerous camcorders starting with a Betamax camera with a luggable VCR. Over the years I continued to purchase primarily Sony camcorders. When I started searching, I felt that I would probably need to change brands because most Sonys had the “touch screen” controls. I found that system very hard to use for changing the manual controls during recording. Therefore, I looked mostly at the small models of Panasonic, Sharp, JVC and Canon. First, I collected the specs from the company websites and most of the downloadable manuals. I built spreadsheets comparing about 12 cameras. Next, I began trying out a select number of models at a nearby electronics stores (even including the Sony 105 / 109 / 330) and carefully working with each camera on the end of those store cords, I eventually narrowed my consideration down to the Panasonic 953, the Canon Optura Xi, and the Canon Optura 300. Since the Panasonic and the Xi were a little too large for my use, I finally settled on the Optura 300.

I was somewhat concerned about the reported problems of poor low light performance and the tendency of the camera not to remain steady in ones hand. Also, the miniature controls have been mentioned as a drawback. I assumed the shortcoming of a short battery life could be solved. I finally decided that it would be necessary to accept some trade offs if I were to buy any camera. Waiting for the perfect camera seemed to require me to become a permanent shopper.

I used the internet search engine to check for a good price. I eventually learned that searching for a reliable, friendly company was more important. Many companies with low prices tended to be dishonest and very discourteous. I ordered my camera from Inoax. They treated me in a friendly, honest manner. Although they were not the cheapest at the time, they were very reasonable. I paid under $700 (otd).

I had an opportunity to use the camera quite a lot over the last week. I found to my delight there was really no serious problem in low light for me. I took indoor videos of my granddaughter and other family members and they turned out very clear and non-grainy. I found that in very dark situations that it was best not to pan, to hold the camera still so the picture does not ghost.

Since I prefer to use the viewfinder rather than the LCD display when taking pictures, I found very little problem with a “shaky” picture. Resting the viewfinder against my head helps to keep the videos very stable. The stabilizer seems works very well.

I purchased two BP-412 batteries. They solved the problem of short battery life. They also are not very bulky and really seem to provide a better handhold for me.

The miniature sized dials and controls of the Optura 300 are my only real difficulty. Each day it gets easier. There are so many options available through the use of the dials and buttons. My hands are on the large side, and even so, I am learning to use those controls effectively. It is unbelievable all the “bells and whistles” that this camera contains. As time goes on, I’m sure that I will add to the things that I am able to do.

The Optura 300 has far exceeded my expectations. I can’t say enough about its capabilities.
- crystal clear videos, even on large screen TVs
- great printouts of snapshots on the 1224x1632 fine mode (290 pictures on a 256mb SD card)
- both the LCD and the viewfinder are clear and bright
- the zoom control is especially good. It’s very easy to control the rate of zoom. (Unlike my Sony)
- the camera seems very durable and well made.
- the sound pickup is excellent – no motor noise.
- it automatically connected to my Windows XP computer and transferred DV video
- 3rd party options that I purchased: 2 – BP-412 batteries, 1 – 256 mb SD card, clear UV filter, case, battery charger and a firewire cable.

What can I say …. The Optura 300 is very nice indeed!