The biggest knock on the Optura Pi was its lack of a high-resolution digital still mode. Sure, it took pictures, but with a resolution of only 640 x 480. With the Optura 100MC, Canon has addressed this issue by including a 1.3-megapixel still-shot mode, and created an outstanding product. Most of the features that made the original so compelling have returned, including the progressive scan CCD (perfect for recording and analyzing that golf swing), and optical image stabilization.
The zoom lens is a beefy 10x, but using the digital zoom will push that number up to 200x. The LCD monitor is 2.5 inches, but the camcorder has taken a hearty step down in size itself, so those inches are well spent. The camcorder itself has joined the growing trend of vertically oriented design, making the Optura 100MC a true handheld model.
As with all DV camcorders, the Optura 100MC includes an IEEE 1394 port to transfer video footage for editing or dubbing. Additionally, the new Optura includes S-video and composite input and output ports, making it possible to archive all your old analog footage in the pristine DV format.
Also included in the kit are a battery, wireless remote, S-video cable, stereo video cable, and 8 MB MMC card.
I have owned the Optura 100MC for a few weeks now and in general (with one exception) I am pleased with it. However, I suspect there might be a design defect with this camera. I have had two of these now which have had to be returned (I am awaiting my third) due to the tape getting stretched or broken by the mechanism. It happens during a prolonged rewind. Not every time, but all it takes is once and the tape is ruined, particularly on these cameras which have a time code stamp. If the time code is lost, the camera stops and you get a "REMOVE TAPE" warning. Thus as soon as the tape is munged, you cannot rewind past it. I have called Canon on this and they repeatedly have said that I am the only customer who has complained of this problem. That would be fine if not for other bulletin boards where I am starting to hear about the same problem. I have read about 6 other people who have had the same experience, so so much for me being an isolated instance. I think there is a design defect here which canon is not admitting to yet. I would wait to consider this camera until canon comes clean and guarantees they have fixed this problem.
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