Canon Digital Video Camera
Canon Introduces First Hybrid Digital Video Camcorder with 35mm SLR Camera Design and Performance Features
Canon Digital Video Camera
New OPTURA Breaks Boundaries between Digital Motion and Still Imaging - Captures High Speed Subjects Undetectable to the Human Eye -
Canon U.S.A., Inc., the leader in optical imaging technology, today introduced the OPTURA, the world’s first hybrid digital video (DV) camcorder with design and performance features previously limited to 35mm SLR cameras. The Optura harnesses the power, connectivity and superior resolution of the mini digital video format while integrating Canon’s design and technology expertise in the video and 35mm SLR camera product categories.
In addition to recording full motion video and audio digitally, the Optura captures still images undetectable to the human eye. Using an exclusive Progressive Scan Movie mode which acts as a digital motor drive, the Optura records high resolution still images of fast moving subjects at a rate of 30 frames per second (fps) - three times faster than the motor drive of a professional 35mm camera.
“The Optura marks Canon’s first entry into the DV camcorder market on a worldwide basis,” said Mr. Yukiaki Hashimoto, director and general manager, Canon Video Division. “We have integrated Canon’s many years of expertise as both a video camcorder and 35mm SLR camera manufacturer to develop a new and powerful digital imaging hybrid with extraordinary image capture and output potential. This product will offer unmatched versatility to meet a wide variety of still, motion and multimedia image capture needs of both business professionals and consumers.”
Optura’s Progressive Scan CCD Image Sensor & RGB Color Filter Rival Image Quality of Professional 3-CCD DV Camcorders
The Optura is the world’s first digital video camcorder to incorporate a Progressive Scan CCD image sensor which delivers high quality, full motion video and sharp still frame digital photographs. The Progressive Scan CCD reads each of its 360,000 effective pixels in a single scan to capture a full frame image every 1/60 of a second. This process achieves superior resolution and enables users to capture vivid, high quality still images of high speed action for TV display, computer input or digital photo prints. In contrast, other DV and analog camcorders use an Interlace Scan CCD which processes field images or half the scan lines every 1/60 of a second. This results in diminished still image quality since the CCD is only creating half a frame of information at a time.
Canon’s proprietary integrated circuits work in conjunction with the Progressive Scan CCD to process and selectively combine scan lines from the frames according to the recording mode: Progressive Scan Movie mode, Photo mode or Normal Movie mode.
The Progressive Scan CCD is complemented by a RGB primary color filter, rather than a complementary color filter found in other camcorders. The combination of this primary color filter with a Progressive Scan CCD achieves color resolution comparable to that of 3-CCD systems. The RGB primary color filter improves the reproduction of subtle intermediate gradations, making colors in still images more uniform.
Optura’s Versatile Recording Modes and Uses Define New Digital Imaging Hybrid
The Canon Optura distinguishes itself from all other digital video and still imaging products through its unique image processing and recording options. The Optura’s unique recording modes and IEEE 1394 digital connector are designed to suit a multitude of sophisticated imaging and computer application needs including, digital motion video, still image and multimedia capture? All in one unit.
– Progressive Scan Movie mode: This exclusive Canon feature acts as a digital motor drive recording images three times faster than the motor drive of a professional 35mm camera. Users will capture the most intriguing, high resolution still images occurring within action - and previously undetectable to the human eye — by employing a Progressive Scan CCD and two new proprietary integrated circuits.
The Progressive Scan Movie mode allows users to record high speed action for the purpose of extracting high resolution, full frame images. These images may be displayed on TV, computer or output to a printer.
In contrast, the Interlace Scan system, common to other DV and analog camcorders, creates a frame image by using two opposing fields. This process creates a time lapse, causing image flicker during playback which makes printing high quality stills impractical. — Photo mode: This recording mode further distinguishes the product as a hybrid DV camcorder by transforming the Optura into a virtual digital SLR camera. In Photo mode consumers may record in full auto mode, so the camera will set exposure and shutter speed automatically. Users also have to ability control shutter speed manually by selecting “shutter priority” on the programmed AE dial. Similarly, aperture may also be manually adjusted by selecting “aperture priority” on the same dial.
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