Canon's new Optura Xi looks promising

[Hulk]

I especially like the fact that it has:

manual audio control
real manual focus ring
1/3.4" imaging sensor
Zebra pattern
16:9 widescreen mode

Of course we'll have to wait to see what the video looks like, also exactly how the 16:9 mode is implimented. They say the full width of the image sensor is used, implying greater than 720 pixels wide for widescreen. We'll see...

Mark

[Frank Marshall]

I recently read Canon pulled the MV30i (Optura Pi) off the market prematurely 'cause it was too good! Reports are that the video quality of the MV30i rivalled the high-end XL camcorder and that the cheaper single CCD model was eating into up-market sales so badly they had to withdraw it from sale. Does this new model have Optical Image Stabilisation and the Canon RGB filter that appeared on some of their models? If so, this model may be a rerelease of the MV30i if the marketing boffins at Canon have decided the time is right for such a camcorder.

[Hulk]

Frank,

Yes, this model does have optical stabilization and the RGB filter, actually I think an improved version. I have the Optura Pi, that's why this Xi model interested me.

Mark

[miya]

Re: Canon's new Optura Xi looks promising

Originally posted by Hulk
They say the full width of the image sensor is used, implying greater than 720 pixels wide for widescreen.

Use of the full width of the CDD for widescreen is nothing special, most do this. It's the top and bottom that usually get cut off.

If the final image is greater than 720 pixels wide, then it's not DV and would require a whole new video recording standard. I don't think this camera has that. Or am I missing something?

I do agree however that this camera looks great. I bought an orginal Elura based on a recomendation from my director friend Michael Schultz, and the quality of it's images in good light rivals much larger (and much much more expensive) 3 chip models. My day job utilizes Panavision cameras, so I'm pretty picky about image quality.

[Hulk]

I'm not sure about the widescreen specs and how it is done. I am curious though...

[Dr Mordrid]

DV video shot with a true 16:9 aspect ratio is anamorphic; meaning it's horizontally squished to fit into a normal 720x480 DV frame. Something similar is done with SVCD and 2/3 D1 to fit 704 or 720 wide content into a 480 wide frame. When editing 16:9 DV you would set it up for the usual 720 wide frame size but with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

In either case the playback device handles either playing it letterboxed or pillared according to the aspect ratio of the video and the TV it's being displayed on. Matrox display cards with DualHead/DVDMAX do this very nicely.

You can shoot anamorphic 16:9 two ways:

1. the necessary changes can be built into the camera.

2. you can use an anamorophc optical adapter (fits on front of the lens). Example;

http://www.johnbarry.com.au/century/digital_series/ds_169.html

DV cams that just shoot letterboxed footage (not squished but with black bars top & bottom) are the el-cheapo way and should be avoided if you are looking for 16:9 functionality. Anamorphic is the way to go.

Dr. Mordrid

[Hulk]

Doc, thanks for clearing that up.

[Frank Marshall]

Hulk,

Did you find the Optura Pi as good as some of the claims I've outlined above? If so, and the Xi has better RGB filtering and sells at a reasonable price, that would make it a very interesting proposition indeed. Please keep us posted, won't you?

[Hulk]

I have found the Optura Pi to be a very good 1CCD camera. I especially like:

Progressive frame 30fps mode
Very good low light performance
Good colors, natural, not too saturated
Nice optical image stabilization

Things I would change:
More resolution
Manual audio
Manual focus ring (not dial)
More controllable zoom rocker
Real widescreen mode

Perhaps the Xi has fixed the above issues.

Mark

[kropotkin]

About the progressive recording, like 30p, be sure that Canon won't make again the mistake to put it in a low end camera ... like with Optura / Optura Pi and Elura <40. It's too "pro" for such cameras.
So go XL if you really want it, or at least this is Canon's message.