Canon Announces 4.0 Megapixel Optura 600 and Sleek Optura S1

The Canon Optura S1 features a sleek outer body design with few buttons, curves, or creases, giving it a very smooth feel. The design was largely influenced by the simple look and feel of Apple's iPod.

"There are iconic objects of our time," said Mike Zorich, Director of Marketing, for Canon's Consumer Video Group in an interview with CamcorderInfo.com. "Those icons are simplistic or minimalist in the exterior design."

The Optura S1 features a 1/3.9-in. 2.2 megapixel CCD and a 10x optical zoom with a 2.5" LCD screen. Canon is including their RGB primary color filter and their DIGIC DV image processor in the S1. The Optura S1 can takes stills at a resolution of 1632 x 1224 pixels.

The real still performance, however, is delivered by Canon's second Optura introduction today, the Optura 600, which replaces the Optura 500. The Optura 600 features an enormous 1/2.8-in. 4.3 megapixel CCD, giving it the largest still resolution of a hybrid imaging system camcorder. This chip is even larger than the Canon XL2, although the XL2 has three chips, while the Optura 600 has only one. Stills can be recorded at a resolution of 2304 x 1728 pixels. Samsung's DuoCam SCD6550 is the only camcorder with a larger still resolution. The SCD6500 features two imaging systems, one for stills at 5.0 megapixels and one for video.

Besides the large pixel count of the CCD, advanced users will notice the large physical size of the Optura 600 CCD. At 1/2.8 inches, it's the largest CCD of any consumer camcorder on the market. And low light and video performance are closely connected to the physical size of a CCD. Large CCD camcorders like Sony's DCR-PC1000 (Review, Specs, $699.97) and DCR-HC1 and Panasonic's PV-GS400 (Review, Specs, $1099) consistently perform much better in low light and normal light because the larger CCDs allow more light into the camcorder. If the large size of the CCD is utilized the Optura 600 could produce some of the best low light performance available.

Another major development is the transition to MiniSD as the flash media format for the new S1 camcorder. A format which has become popular in cell phones because of its small size, MiniSD is a smaller version of the SD card format Canon has been using on their camcorders for many generations. MiniSD cards can be used in any existing SD device with an adaptor, included with the new camcorders. It is unknown whether or not all Canon models in the future will use MiniSD.


The Optura S1 and the Optura 600 have both borrowed features from Canon's consumer digital still line. The new Opturas feature Canon's nine-point "AiAF" focusing, Auto Exposure bracketing, and continuous shooting mode. Both camcorders feature a pop-up flash and USB 2.0 for connecting the camcorder to a computer for printing.

Canon is continuing their DV Photo Plus system in the Optura 600 and S1. Both models are PictBridge compatible, a technology which allows them to be hooked up to a PictBridge compatible printer and print photos without being connected to a computer. The Optura 600 also has simultaneous photo recording which allows users to shoot photos while taking digital video.

Canon S1

The Optura 600 features a 10x optical zoom and a 2.5-in. LCD screen. The Optura 600 also includes a Microphone in jack and a Headphone out jack; however, the Microphone in jack is oddly placed in the inner area of the LCD screen.

Canon Optura 600

With the new Optura models Canon is adjusting the control system of the camcorders. Both the Optura 600 and the Optura S1 feature a new, easier menu system. Canon has also moved the buttons of the camcorders: the Optura 600 now features dedicated exposure, focus, and menu buttons in the back of the camcorder, with a simpler mode dial. Most of the buttons on the S1 have been removed; however, the camcorder still has dedicated VCR control buttons which also function for focus and exposure control. Additionally, the Optura S1 has a new built-in lens cover similar to those used on Sony camcorders. The camcorders still include manual control for shutter speed, exposure, white balance, and focus. No focus ring has been included on either camcorder.

Though the Optura 600 will replace the Optura 500, Canon plans to continue making their Optura 50 and 60 models.

The Optura S1 will be available in mid-September for $799. The Optura 600 will be available in September as well for $1,099.