Canon Optura 100MC MiniDV 1-Megapixal Digital Camcorder w/ Built-in Digital Still Mode & 8MB SD/ MMC

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.