Reviews for Canon Optura 50 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD16:9 - 2 Megapixel Image - 1.2 Megapixel Video - 10x Optical Zoom - 200x Digital Zoom - 16 MB MultiMediaCard MMC Included - MPN: 0330B001 
By member:
ambikapathij
- Mar 17, 2006
Canon Optura 50Strengths: Canon Optics, Ports, RGB Weakness: Function buttons I was looking for an camcorder for price ranging $300 to $400 and found reviews on Optura 50 stating the RGB and true color in video, I am impressed than the latest models from Canon (ZR 500 / 600 / 700). 100% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
yxz029000
- Jun 23, 2006
Optura 50 is a good choiceStrengths: Very easy to hold and operate. The quality of the video is pretty good even under low light. The battery is decent. Weakness: Since it is compact size, all those plugs for powers, earphones and etc are crammed all over the camcorder protected with a rubber protector. I am concerned the protection rubber may wear out. Overall, For about $410, this camcorder is a good choice. The camcorder performs well even under low light, though I have not tried it under totally dark situation. I have concerns regarding the rubber protector for those plugs. It seems pretty fragile to me and I am not sure whether that is a longlasting piece. 100% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
braveranger
- Oct 10, 2005
Very satisfiedStrengths: 1. Very high picture quality in normal light. 2. True 16:9 widescreen mode. 3. Compact size. Weakness: Grainy color in low light. The most outstanding feature of the Optura 50 is the resolution and color reproduction. I took some test recording on a sunny day. When played back on TV, the picture quality is comparable to cable TV signal. All borders are clearly defined and colors are vivid and real. I also took some recording in 16:9 mode. The picture looks great on a widescreen TV. 92% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
mnasongco
- Dec 15, 2005
Very Slick, and eacy to clickStrengths: lightweight, 2 MP with flash camera, great CD package, very small but powerful camcorder. Weakness: none The weight of this camcorder is amazing only 1.2 lb. The Canon Optura is a very strong camcorder. Great manual control, vivid stills. The video's performance is very good. 67% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
rgpai
- Sep 16, 2005
Canon Optura 50 MiniDV Digital CamcorderStrengths: light weight Weakness: none Its light weight and the prcture quality is good..Not only that, the Optura 50 makes it easy for you to share your great shots. The camcorder connects with your computer effortlessly, letting you manage, stream and e-mail your memories for all to enjoy 60% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
Lowest Price Electronics
- Dec 20, 2005
Simply ExcellnetStrengths: Can take 2MP still picture, great picture quality, compact and silent, analog to digital conversion, light sensitivity (can take good movie or picture in dim light), top loading Weakness: None This camcoder meets my expectation. Compared to the features the price is bargain. The camcoder is really compact and ligth weight. The 10X zoom is mor ethan enough. The 2MP stipp photo capability is really great and the picture quality is pretty decent. Movie and images are very clear in dim light. The light sensors are awesome. In all thumbs up to this camcoder. It's worth the price for the features it has. 50% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
reviewgist.com - Apr 22, 2010
ReviewGist for Canon Optura 50 Mini DV Digital Camcorder
Video is Good according to 7 Camcorder experts. -- "great looking video"-easycamcorders.com -- "high quality video performance"-easycamcorders.com -- "This level of quality was evident even on our motion video test, where details were exceptionally sharp and free of artifacts."-pcmag.com Read more to find expert opinions on more features like Optics, Battery, Interface, etc. Top
easycamcorders.com - Oct 13, 2005
Quick Review Camcorders: Canon Optura 50
The Canon Optura 50 features almost all of the elements that made its older brother, the Optura 60, such a great camcorder. It is the lowest end of the Optura series this year, but it retains the same 1/3.4” CCD, solid automatic and manual controls, and great handling of the Optura 60. The hundred dollars you save by not stepping up to the Optura 60 could even go towards some nice peripherals... Top
CamcorderInfo - Sep 2, 2005
Canon Optura 50 Camcorder Review
The Optura 50 would make a strong contender for best camcorder in its price class (retail $799, street prices around $600), were it not for the absence of a few really useful features found on its big sister model, the Optura 60 and it's low light performance. Missing the active accessory shoe, and the better zoom (10x down from 14x), the Optura 50 seems like a questionable better value at a... Top 
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Great Quality, Features, and Value
Strengths: Optical Image Stabilization, color quality, wireless remote, photo capabilities, Analog->Digital Conversion, Easy menu controls, and lots of extras that just make it easy to use
Weakness: Battery life, USB 1.1 on card reader for photo (a little slow)
I've been using this camcorder for almost two months now, and I couldn't be happier. I was originally going to get the optura 60 because it was close in cost after rebate, but I don't feel like I'm missing out. I paid ~$460 shipped for the camcorder and it's a steal at that price.
The menus are easy to navigate, the zoom control is right on your index finger, there's a "end search" function that finds the last place that you stopped recording, and the start/stop record button is right on your thumb, making it very accessible and easy to use. My wife picked up how to use it very quickly.
The recording quality for video and sound is superb. My one recommendation would be to ensure that you have adequate light in your recording environment, especially if you record indoors at night a lot. The optical image stabilization makes it easy to get shots that look great and are not shaky. Even at full zoom (10x), the camcorder is pretty easy to keep steady in your hand.
We've been shooting photos with this camcorder as well, and it's done the job very well. I feel no need to get a more expensive digital camera.
Overall, we've been very pleased and we would recommend this camera highly.
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