Optura 60 vs 500

Which Optura model would you choose and why?

I'm having a hard time deciding on these two models as they are both very similar to one another. Is one better than the other? Perhaps not, but each has its own set of unique features, so which one would you choose?

Which Optura model would you choose and why?

I'm having a hard time deciding on these two models as they are both very similar to one another. Is one better than the other? Perhaps not, but each has its own set of unique features, so which one would you choose?

Here are the key differences:

Personal preference.

Form factor, matchbook vs. traditional

For Optura 60:

1: Focus Ring.
2: Optical Image Stabilizer
3: 14x Optical vs. 10x.
4: Top loading tape.
5: True widescreen mode.


For Optura 500:

1: More quiet mechanism. (As reported in review)
2: Low light performance?

I've been trying to get more info. regarding the whole low light performance issue, since it's probably one of the most important
benchmark functionalities.

It seems, even what we would normally consider "normal" lighting turns
out to be more like low lighting as far as the cameras can see. I place a high importance on this ability. The other that's pretty important is the image stabalization. If you don't have a stable image, it makes it hard to watch video. Here, optical is prefered since it doesn't cost you any overhead, pixels ect.. and can be used in any mode.

One interesting note floating around is the observation that low light performance can even vary between same model cameras. I don't know how true this is or if it's just Urban Legend, but it's certainly interesting. I've read a review for the same camera on multiple site where one praises it's low light capability while another slams it. Just something to note.

M