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Optura 40 Digital Video Camcorder comparison

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Product name
Price $3,499.00 $495.00 $479.00 to $749.99 $4,999.95 $259.00 to $329.99
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating
Release date May 23, 2004 April 15, 2004 April 01, 2009 November 01, 2006 February 01, 2009
The Bottom Line If the Optura 30 is good, the Optura 40 is better, thanks to its video light. But if you don't find yourself shooting in a lot of low-light situations, it may not be worth the cash. The DCR-HC40's touch screen can be inconvenient to use, but this affordable compact camcorder's footage in automatic mode isn't likely to need many adjustments. While it's more expensive than its sub-$600 competitors, the Canon Vixia HF20 and Vixia HF200 deliver a more extensive feature set for the extra money. The HF200, which lacks internal memory, is probably a better buy than the HF20, though the HF20's all-black body is a bit classier looking. Canon's XH A1 and XH G1 are excellent camcorders for entry-level professionals and independent filmmakers, with hard-to-beat prices for what they offer. Though its video isn't perfect, the Canon FS200 is one of the better standard-definition consumer camcorders available.
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Features
Wireless connectivityInfo unavailableNo
Info unavailableInfo unavailableInfo unavailable
Lens apertureF/1.8-3.0
F/1.8-2.3
F/1.8-3.2
F/1.6
F/2.0-5.2
Flash typeBuilt-in flash
None
Built-in flash
None
Info unavailable
Media typeMini DV
Mini DV
Flash card
Mini DV (HDV)
Flash card
Optical zoom14 x
10 x
15 x
20 x
37 x
Optical sensor typeCCD
CCD
CMOS
3CCD
CCD
Video input typeCamcorder
Camcorder
Camcorder
Camcorder
Camcorder
Digital zoom280 x
120 x
300 x
Info unavailable2000 x
Battery technologyLithium ion
Lithium ion
Lithium ion
Info unavailableLithium ion
Battery included qty1
1
1
Info unavailable1
Min illumination1.1 lux
0 lux
0.4 lux
0.4 lux
1.3 lux
Weight1.3 lbs
0.9 lbs
12 oz
4.7 lbs
7.9 oz
Image stabilizerElectronic
Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
Optical (SuperRange)
Optical
Electronic
Optical sensor size1/3.4"
1/5"
1/4"
1/3"
1/6"
Effective sensor resolutionInfo unavailable1.0 megapixels
2.99 megapixels
Info unavailableInfo unavailable
Service & support typeInfo unavailable3 month parts and labor limited warranty
1 year warranty
Info unavailable1 year warranty
Manual focusManual
Automatic
Manual
Automatic
Manual
Automatic
Manual
Automatic
Automatic
Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
Buying choices
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