Canon Announces Optura 10 and Optura 20 Camcorders in United States

The Optura 10 features a 2.5 in. LCD, the 1.33 Mega Pixel CCD, a 16 x optical / 320 x digital zoom. The Optura 10 also includes an image stabilizer, and the ability to record 1280 x 960 still images to SD cards. The new Opturas include direct print capabilities which allow you to hook the camcorder up to a Canon printer and print still images through the USB port, completely eliminating the computer. The Opturas can record MPEG movies, include manual controls (though Canon did not specify which ones), audio and video insert editing, audio dubbing and a microphone input terminal. The new camcorders include an advanced accessory shoe, and a analog to digital pass through filter. The Opturas also includes Canon's DV Messenger software, for using the camcorder as a web cam.

The Optura 20 includes all the features of the Optura 10 as well as a 3.5 in. LCD screen, Super Night Mode, Low Light Plus mode, a lamp in the front of the camcorder to provide extra lighting, and a higher capacity battery.

The Japanese camcorders featured a focus ring, so it is pretty safe to assume that the new Opturas include a focus ring - however the press release did not specify. Canon said that the Optura 20 will be available in March for $999 and the Optura 10 will be available in May for $899.