Optura 500: Far from perfect, but still the best

I’ve been a big fan of Canon DV camcorders since I bought my first ZR in 1999. That one was unfortunately stolen on an overseas trip, which started my nearly annual upgrade cycle. Since the ZR, I’ve “graduated” to the Elura 2MC, then the Elura 50, and now the Optura 500. For whatever reason, Canon has decided to put the vertical camcorders exclusively in their upper end “Optura” line.

Not everyone is a fan of the sub-compact vertical type camcorders. The best models often have fewer features and worse optical quality than similar priced, but larger, horizontal models. My philosophy on cameras though is bigger is not always better. The best optics and feature in the world do you no good if its a drag to take the camera around. Cameras that remain in the closet take no pictures. Keep this in mind as I point out some of the weak points of this model.

ERGONOMICS 101

The Optura 500 is about 1/2” bigger in every dimension than the Elura 50. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it does push the Optura 500 on the edge of sub-compact status. Any larger and it would be a common compact. This bigger size hurts the Optura 500’s ergonomics because (at least for my small hands) it’s almost too “big” as a vertical camcorder to hold comfortably. By contrast the Elura 50, and its older brother the Elura 2, fit perfectly in my hand. But, there is a payoff for this larger size, as will be explained later.

There are other ergonomic problems with the Optura 500 too. The Optura 500, like its predecessors, has control buttons all over the place, and none of them in the right one. On the upper right side of the right side of the camera you will find the zoom, photo, and media (DV tape or SD card) buttons. I want to hold the Optura 500 with a grip that resembles a backwards “C.” This is the most natural way to secure the camera. But in order to press the zoom button I have to hold it in so that my hand is in a U position. As a result, I don’t feel like I can steady the camera as much as I’d like plus my hand can cramp after awhile.

The other main buttons that I think are awkwardly (or should I say haphazardly) placed are the light button, which turns on the built-in spot light for situations where more light is needed, and the “night mode.” The light button is on the rear left corner of the right side of the camera and the night mode button on the lower right corner of the left side. Neither button is within reach of any finger when holding the camera. If you suddenly need either mode you have to do some finger gymnastics.

LIGHT, CAMERA, ACTION

If you can accept the poorly designed ergonomics of the Optura 500, inside you’ll find a really great camera. It boasts roughly double the pixels of the Elura 50, or any of the current Elura models for that matter. And it requires a bit less light as well, though in my experience Canon DV camcorders as a rule do not shine in low light situations. The outdoor/well light performance of the Optura 500 is outstanding. The extra detail and color produced by the extra pixels is quite apparent. This is because the Optura 500 has the same CCD as the larger and more expensive Optura Xi. Few other single CCD camcorders have lenses this good.

The Optura 500 features three “night modes,” of which none are all that useful because they tend to slow the frame rate down giving a jerky look, and add noise. New to the Optura 500 is the onboard light. This can come in handy, but it only works for about 4 ft or so. It is useful though, and one of the saviors for the Optura 500, which is nearly identical to the Optura 400. The Optura 500 also comes with a ring light adapter for photographing objects a close range without creating glare. I wish Canon sold this as an optional accessory rather than forcing buyers to pay for this gimmick most people will never use and probably lose.

The Optura 500 also doubles as a 2MP digital camera. It confounds me why companies like Canon bother to do this given the nominal use of a 2MP camera. This is another instance of Canon forcing unusable features onto the consumer to justify their prices. Perhaps if they put in a 3MP camera it might be worthwhile, but when the minimum standard is really creeping onto 4MP, it’s just odd to think a built-in 2MP function is a “feature.” To be fair, Canon is not the only guilty party here. All the major camera companies do this.

MORE QUIBBLES AND BITS

The Optura 500 uses the same battery as the Elura 50. This is also the same battery used in the Powershot 30-70 digital camera lines. If you own one of these cameras it makes travel very easy because you only have to carry around one charger and one type of battery. Battery life is expectedly short, and even shorter when using the light and large 2” LCD viewpanel. Realistically, expect to get around 40 minutes per 580MAH battery. You can get generic batteries on eBay and other places for about $8 shipped. I carry a few around and don’t fret about the short life. It comes with the territory of having a sub-compact camera.

Previously, Canon included a separate travel charger with their digital camcorders. To my shock (I admit I didn’t look at the supplied accessories before I bought…and it wouldn’t have affected my decision anyway) Canon now has copied Sony, and built the charger into the camera. The travel charger is now an optional accessory. What this means is that you can no longer charge a battery while you are using the camera. It also means if you decide to get the Optura 500, or 400, budget for a travel charger. On the upside, if you have a charger, you can now charge two batteries at once if the camera is not in use. Generic chargers can be had on eBay for $15 or so, but I really like the ultra-compactness of the Canon brand even though it is three times as expensive.

One other noticeable difference between the Optura 500 and my previous Canon camcorders is the build quality. It has taken a big leap downward. All of my other cameras were made mostly of aluminum. This gave the cameras a great feel. The Optura 500, on the other hand, is plastic, and obviously so. I could accept that if this was a budget camcorder but the Optura 500 is nearly at the very top of Canon’s consumer line. A camera that lists for $1200 should not be mostly plastic.

CONCLUSION

The Optura 500 is top notch when it comes to recording quality. In the end, this is why I buy a camcorder. And, it’s still small enough (barely) to not be a burden to carry around everywhere. Fortunately, Canon maintained its high optic standards for this model, even if other areas suffered. The new built-in light is also an exciting feature, though its uses are limited. Everything else about this camera is somewhat of a downer: the ergonomics are awkward, the other “features,” fairly useless add-ons for marketing purposes, the removal of the separate travel charger, and the cheap feel overall.

For anyone considering the Optura 500, I would suggest they play with one at a camera shop before buying. I can live with the odd button placement, but this is a personal thing. Since most places have steep restocking fees on returned camcorders…if they allow returns, you do not want to make a hasty decision.

The Optura 500 can be had for a little over $700 if you shop carefully and take advantage of programs like American Express’s Best Value Guarantee program. For the size, optical quality, and cost it’s the best out there, even with all of its negatives considered (the Sony PC-109, for example, is the same street price as the Optura 500 but offers fewer pixels and smaller CCD). If you are looking for a vertical based camcorder with great optics the Optura 500 is worthy of consideration. And, if you don’t care about the on-board light, the Optura 400 is essentially the same camera without this feature.