Canon Optura Pi Mini DV Camcorder Review
Canon’s original Optura was a distinct-looking camcorder with a unique swiveling LCD. Don’t let the name fool you, the Optura Pi looks more like Canon’s Ultura than the Optura. It has the same basic shape and microphone placement, and is small and rectangular, all like the Ultura. It almost makes you wonder why they didn’t call it the Ultura Pi.
A switch on the back of the camcorder lets you select between VCR mode, movie mode and progressive scan mode for extracting better digital stills. To enter the menu system, press the Menu button located low on the camcorder. Once in the menu system, you navigate with the menu wheel.
To use the zoom controls, you operate a toggle switch with your right index finger. There’s also a Focus button located on the back that lets you use the Menu wheel as a focus control.
Most of the controls are easy to use, but the Menu button is positioned low and puts your thumb at an awkward angle when you use it. The Power/VCR/Movie/P.Scan button is also harder to reach than those on other camcorders.
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