Looks like the Optura Xi, 30, and 40 have been retired (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ArchiveAct&fcategoryid=166).

So at last the Xi goes up on the shelf with the Pi. I'm gonna miss that big 3.5" screen...

Sheesh, I'm getting all weepy, maybe we should throw a going away party. Heh, heh.

Looks like the Optura Xi, 30, and 40 have been retired (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ArchiveAct&fcategoryid=166).

Wow, I'd noticed the 30 and 40 were missing for a while (no surprise there, since their replacements were up already), but I wasn't expecting the Xi to bite the dust without a replacement lined up.

Well, let's wait and see. I'm still thinking the Xi replacement is going to be a direct competitor to Sony's HC1.

Philip Williams
www.philipwilliams.com

The european name of Optura Xi was MVX3i. Now Optura 600 is called in Europe MVX4i.
If you look at the characteristics of this camcorder you find almost everything to prepare a HDV competitor to Sony's HC1.
Jean-Michel DEBONO

Optura 30's are hard to find, but they are worth the money. I'm a college student without much money, and that's why I made my first feature film using my handy Canon Optura 30. It works so well that I even had the characters in my movie using the same camcorder (I have two). If you're interested in seeing Optura 30 footage and screen grabs (most of which are unadjusted), then check out this page on my indie filmmaking web site. The image size is reduced from the original 873 pixels wide to 600 wide:

http://murrayfilms.net/page/primary/bailey_cinematography.htm

For optura footage, check the Watch Movies page for the trailer for my movie, I Love Ashley Bailey, but keep in mind the trailer is compressed and that I've since learned to get even more out of the Optura 30. I highly, highly recommend this camcorder. Don't let anyone trick you into thinking you need to spend more than $500 to produce professional quality video.