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Megapixel Mini DV Camcorder

Imagine a camcorder, 2 megapixel digital camera, and webcam seamlessly combined, and fitting into the palm of your hand. Compromise is a thing of the past; the Optura 40 delivers the best of both worlds, giving you exceptional video and breathtaking photos.

2.0 Megapixels and RGB Primary Color Filter

The Optura 40 features a robust 1/3.4 inch 2.2 megapixel CCD. Combined with a razor-sharp, megapixel compatible lens and electronic image stabilization, the camcorder creates outstanding quality video and photos. A photo is recorded on a memory card at an image size of 1632 x 1224 pixels. In addition to achieving higher resolution, the Optura 40's 2.2 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 camcorders. As a result, the Optura 40 achieves more accurate color reproduction with finer 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 sunsets, a ski slope or a forest.

Superior Optics

Canon's vast expertise in designing and crafting precision lenses for 35mm and broadcast TV cameras also goes into every camcorder lens they make. The Optura 40's 14x optical zoom lens delivers superb definition and contrast, taking full advantage of the DV format. The 280x digital zoom extends the camcorder's magnification revealing details too small to see with the naked eye. The bright 2.5" LCD view screen makes it easy to compose sensational shots without having to squint into the viewfinder. You can rotate the screen for high- or low-angle shots, or turn it around 180 degrees to record yourself. When you're done shooting, the screen is perfect for reviewing your scenes.

Freeze the Action, Or Let it Roll

Not only does the Optura 40 capture beautiful moving images, it captures terrific high definition photos as well. Just press the photo button to capture stunning 2.0 Megapixel (1632 x 1224) images onto the included Memory Card. They may be captured at a variety of different image qualities and compression sizes (Superfine/Fine/Normal). You can make use of advanced photo features like Auto Exposure Bracketing, Selectable Focus Points, Built-In Flash and Continuous Shooting Mode. The Optura 40 expands video possibilities with a built-in slot for an SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard, in addition to a MiniDV cassette. You can also capture small movie clips to the memory card in Motion JPEG format. Easily transfer images to your PC directly from the camcorder using USB and IEEE1394. Produce effects not possible with just a cassette using the Card Mix Effects. Choose one of the sample images provided on the supplied SD Memory Card (such as picture frames and backgrounds) and combine it with the live video recording.

Exposure

While the Easy Recording mode is fine for most shooting situations, the camcorder also includes additional pre-programmed auto exposure modes (Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, and Low Light mode), each carefully designed to give you the best possible image results under special shooting conditions. In the Night mode, the Optura 40 selects the ideal shutter speed and sensitivity combination to brighten up the scene, whithout sacrificing color. The Night mode can be easily activated by one press of the NIGHT MODE button. With the Optura 40, you can also assign the Super Night or Night Plus mode to the NIGHT MODE button. In the Super Night mode, the assist lamp lights up automatically responding the the brightness of the subject. In the Night Plus mode, the assist lamp can be turned on, and stay on as long as you choose.

DIGIC DV and VIC

DIGIC DV is a system for achieving superior video and photographic images. Canon's expertise in imaging and electronics is flawlessly blended together, resulting in outstanding performance. It offers substantial benefits in color reproduction. DIGIC DV makes it possible to achieve accurate color for both video and digital photos. Since video and photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV utilizes two different color techniques to maximize video quality on a TV and still image quality for print or computer display. Embracing the industry's latest and most sophisticated technology, Canon camcorders feature an exclusive connection circuit, called VIC. VIC is a virtual powerhouse. Traditionally, multiple chips were needed to perform the camcorder's input and output functions. However, VIC manages it all with one single chip. The result is seamless connectivity whether you are connecting to a computer, TV or VCR.

Other Fun Features

While recording video, the Optura 40 is able to simultaneously capture VGA quality (640 x 480 pixels) digital photos onto a memory card. This is perfect if you want to capture e-mail ready photos, without interruption. Sometimes, the subject you want to photograph is not in the center of the frame. With Selectable Focusing Points, you can choose from one of three focusing points to automatically put the subject you want into sharp focus. This camcorder also features a continuous shooting mode, allowing you to capture a rapid succession of photos. Capture up to 3 frames per second in 1632 x 1224 resolution or up to 5 frames per second in 1280 x 960/640 x 480. This function is linked with the built-in flash or optional VFL-1, so continuous shooting is possible even in dark locations. By using the StichAssist Mode, you can create magnificent panoramas. Shoot your landscape, and transfer them to your computer. Then simply select and arrange your images in the corrrect order, and the supplied PhotoStitch software does the rest, aligning, overlapping and cropping the separate images to form one ultra-wide panoramic still image. An advanced accessory shoe lets you add an accessory microphone or video light without worrying about external power sources or cables.

Getting Connected

An IEEE1394 -compliant DV terminal lets you connect the Optura 40 to a DV-compatible computer or another Canon DV camcorder. Transfer your digital movies to your computer's hard disk, edit your scenes, then use them to create high-impact Web sites, video e-mail, interactive CDs and DVDs, or a personal video album. With the included DV Messenger2 software, you can use your new camcorder for Internet Video Chat with Microsoft Windows Messenger through USB or IEEE1394. Control the zoom and focus of your camcorder or the person you are chatting with. Preview thumbnails and transfer photos. Watch and control the video playback of either camcorder, all from your computer. The USB terminal allows high-speed tranfer of images from your SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard to your computer. By using the USB cable and software provided, you can process and organize your images on your PC. You also get software for image management and editing. You can easily download, browse, archive, and retouch your photos. You can also automatically resize images and attach them to e-mail, arrange them for printing, and add text.

Effects

A wide selection of options is available to add visual appeal and greater imaging variety. Faders include Fade Trigger, Wipe, Corner, Jump, Flip, Puzzle, Zigzag, Beam and Tide. Special effects consist of Art, Black & White, Sepia, Mosaic, Ball, Cube, Wave, Color Mask or Mirror. You can also create a multi-screen image, dividing your screen into four, nine or sixteen pictures with the Image Capture function. You can choose the speed at which the images are captured: Manual, Slow, Moderate or Fast.

Included With Purchase

NB-2LH battery pack, compact power adapter, wireless controller, shoulder strap, stereo video cable, USB cable, SDC-8M SD memory card, Digital Video Solution Disk for Windows, Digital Video Solution Disk for Macintosh, Pinnacle Studio 9 SE video editing software, Pinnacle Instant Photo Album software.

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