Canon has introduced a pair of new Mini DV camcorders with 2.2 megapixel resolution: the Optura 30 and the Optura 40. Both feature an RGB primary color filter that produces higher quality color, improved audio processing and a 16:9 widescreen mode. In addition, they offer still photo capabilities that include built-in flash, auto exposure bracketing, continuous shooting at up to five frames per second, a Print/Share button, compatibility with PictBridge-enabled printers and more.
The camcorders differ in their zoom capabilities, with 12x optical/240x digital for the Optura 30 and 14x/280x for the Optura 40, as well as in the inclusion of a manual audio level control and Super Night Mode/Night Plus functions only in the Optura 40. Both camcorders support Mac OS X v10.1 or higher for data transfer by FireWire and use Mini DV cassettes for video and MultiMedia or SD Memory cards for pictures. Canon expects to ship them in late May at a price of US$899 for the Optura 30 and $999 for the Optura 40.