Canon Optura Xi Mini DV Camcorder

Pros: Mac compatible, excellent video quality and zoom control
Cons: Extreme low-light situations does result in video degradation

This is the first video camcorder I have ever owned which I've been using for about 2 months. Thus, I can't give much input in terms of personal comparisons to other camcorders currently out. However, I have extensively researched DV camcorders over the i ...

Pros: Optical stabilization, fast zoom, fine DV images with good sharpness and color balance. Firewire.
Cons: Poorly designed, easily turned on power switch. Pathetic still images.

After many decades as a nature/UW photographer I decided to try DV after seeing the results I got with a housed digital still camera's video - at just 15 fps. I nearly always hand hold, so anything over about 6x zoom is wasted on me. Even with lower ...

Pros: Performs like a prosumer cam should. Feels good to the hand, steady shooting.
Cons: The on-board nightlight is an asinine feature.

I did a lot of research on the web before settling on this video camera. It's lived up to all expectations. As for low light scenarios? Well, you can buy a Sony with its infrared, but it doesn't have much range, and everything is sort of greenish ...

Pros: Quality video and decent stills in one camera.It's better than Panasonic GS70 3ccd camera!
Cons: A bit heavy, very motion sensitive, purple color off.

I bought the camera last December after first trying the smaller Panasonic 3ccd camera and now I'm definetly glad I got this one. Since I got the Xi I have forgotten my Nikon SLR camera and I take digital pictures like crazy. I have a 1 year old at ...

Pros: Ease of use, good photos, great video, nice lens and accessories, Canon optics.
Cons: Switching between memory card and tape (awkward), eject interferes with quick-release plates.

The OpturaXi is a great little camera. We had thought about purchasing a model that uses discs instead of tape so we could easily view them with our DVD player, but settled on this model and simply load the tapes to PC for DVD burning. The photos we've ...

Pros: Sharp video. Great digital shots including pop-up flash.
Cons: Few. Some controls could be placed for more ease of use, but no major complaints!

The Canon Optura Xi is a great little camera and provides not only great video, but some fantastic digital still pictures as well. I bought it online through one of the eBay vendors (was a bit nerve bending but everything came out great). Have a little baby boy on the way so I wanted to get a nice quality camera. Most of the controls are intuitive and easy to use. It's a fun camera to own and operate.

Pros: Hi resolution. Able to tele-conferencing on WinXP.
Cons: No time laspe recording.

I bought this camcorder as an indie filmmaker wanting to experiment on digital filmmaking. High resolution helps when I project on large screen, that's my main reason on choosing it. It's easy to operate, great beginning equipment in digital motion picture. Smart but also allow plenty room to play manually. Quiet when running, designed with consideration of pro filmmakers. Of course, they are offering free software and memory card now.

Pros: Canon camcorders have excellent image quality
Cons: Possible widespread problems with tape transport mechanisms

Canon apparently has a major problem with it's camcorder tape transport mechanism that it is seems to be refusing to properly address. If you are considering purchasing a Canon miniDV camcorder you should do yourself a favor and do a Google search on "remove cassette" or visit this thread before purchasing any Canon camcorder:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/showthread.php?p=90084

Pros: good feeling camera body
Cons: as per above

Needed a replacement for my "pi" that went down so figured the "xi" would fit the bill.....tape now exits from below and causes a major problem if you have a quick release plate on it.....you have to unscrew the plate , then open the door and insert and then rescrew the mounting plate back on and then slip into the tripod mount....major pain in the ass because there is not enough clearance to allow door to open when quick release plate on,..does anyone have any solution for this problem?