Canon HV20 3MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom by Canon
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Digital camera reviews of Canon HV20 3MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Digital camera Review: Awesome camera!
Summary: 5 Stars
I did about a month of research, on Amazon, camcorderinfo.com... and several other sites before deciding to buy this camera.
Let me first say i am NOT DISSAPOINTED AT ALL!!!!!
This is by far the best camera I have used/owned. I purchased it for my own personal indie films, as well as for videography work at several clubs and for a magazine. It lacks a few manual controls, and sometimes i wish it "felt" more pro, but honestly the video quality, especiall during the day, is amazing.
The first 45 minutes I shot with this camera were just of my friends hanging out.... no plot not even very interesting conversations, but my friends and I sat a watched the video twice now, simply because it LOOKS awesome. I mean it looks just like one of those True Life MTV shows....
For the money, there is NOTHING better.
cons:
it feels sorta cheap, and rattles slightly from the battery...
Digital camera Review: BEST HDV CAMERA FOR UNDER $1100
Summary: 5 Stars
I work at a local camera shop, and we just ordered a few of these cameras in. I've had the chance to test it out over the past few days, and I am quite impressed. I've worked with many different video cameras over the years, including a few high-end cameras such as the Canon XL2 and Panasonic DVX-100 and I think it's safe to say that the HV20 is the best video camera you can buy for under $1100. It's comparable to other HD cameras from other brands such as Sony and Panasonic, but there are a few more professional features that enable it to rise above the rest. The main feature that it has that got me so interested in the camera is its ability to shoot in 24 fps progressive. Normally, this feature could only be found on cameras starting at about $4000 and above. This is a very cool feature, as it lets you shoot feature movies that look like film, and achieve quite a few effects that can only be done in 24fps. Another feature that I found quite useful was the ability to switch between variable and fixed zoom speed. This will let you zoom at a set speed, no matter how hard you push down the zoom button. There are countless other features that this camera has, but I suggest you just try it out for yourself. Without further ado, I think I'll get back to admiring this wonderful camera.Digital camera Review: Best of class camcorder
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an incredible little performer of a camcorder. I have my share of camcorders, Canon hi8 ES4000, Canon Optura Pi, Sony PD 150 (VX2000 pro version) Canon XH A1 and the Canon HV20. What sets the HV20 apart from other camcorders is that its image quality is as good as any sub $10,000 camcorder with adaquate light. I've used my HV20 beside my XH A1 and cut the footage together! It's that good. With the various settings, it is easy to get fabulous video every time. The Sony PD150/170 (VX2000-2100) is still considered the king of low-light video and still used by professional wedding videographers and news agencies around the world. The HV20 hasn't stolen the low-light crown but for a small camcorder, it is the best I have ever seen. The 10x optical image stabilized zoom is the best in the business. Canon is known for their image stabilization systems.
There are other features that make the HV20 a "must buy" camcorder. Manual overrides. I paid as much for my hi8 cam and Optura Pi but didn't get the flexibility the HV20 has to offer. You can override the automatic settings to dial in just what you want, from shutter speed, focus and exposure to manual white balance, manual audio gain and 24 fps. Going to Europe this summer? Better use 24 fps or you will see strange video patterns from fluorescent lights because they flicker slower than in the U.S. (50hz instead of 60hz) (Issue only with CMOS sensors and not CCDs). The manual white balance is a must have for families. Ever go see the kids at an activity in the school gym with orange lighs? The manual white balance corrects for the orange lights so the kids look human again! Most camcorders don't have full manual white balance. Do not settle for anything less.
The Canon HV20 is able to extend its functionality like no other small camcorder. It has an accesory shoe for flashes, video lights and microphones. Some would say the on-board mic on the HV20 is too sensitive and picks up motor noise. Unfortunately for those with good hearing, all camcorders have bad built-in mics. Unlike many camcorders, the HV20 has an external microphone input so you can mount a better mic on the shoe mount. Therefore, I can't lower the rating based on a poor internal mic. Other essentials include a headphone jack, composite video, component video, HDMI and IEEE1394 (Firewire or iLink).
Finally, the HV20 is easy to use and hold in your hand. If you mount it to a tripod or monopod while traveling, the tape door opens on top for easy access. There aren't a bunch of buttons hiding behind the LCD door when it is closed. The design engineers did it right! Another awesome feature is that the record head will spin down when the cam has been left on while waiting to record. I have only seen this feature on professional camcorders in the past and will save the record drum head from needless wear and extend the life of the camcorder.
The only negatives on this cam are minor. There isn't an IR port on the rear of the cam for using the remote control from behind. It also lacks LanC support, which is a first for the high end Canon consumer camcorder. My other Canon camcorder have LanC support.
What camcorder would you take on a big trip? I'm going to Europe next week with my Canon HV20 instead of my Canon XH A1. The HV20 has what it takes to shoot incredible video.
Digital camera Review: Beware of Canon Service - Three repairs and I still have broken camera
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased the Canon HV20 HDV Camcorder in March of 2007 because we were expecting our first child. The camera worked great and took stunning video for the first couple of months.
Unfortunately, after around 10 tapes, the playback became distorted with horizontal lines. I thought this might have been due to a dirty playback head, so I ran a Canon cleaning tape through the camera a number of times. The problem still persisted, so I contacted Canon factory service. Between October 2007 and February 2008 it has been sent to Canon's factory service center three times without correcting the defect. The Canon policy is "repair not replace", which leaves the consumer with a broken product if they are unable to repair the camera.
Since the camera had been sent in three times without resolution, I was referred to Canon Customer Relations. After many phone calls, customer relations requested that I send the camera in for a fourth repair. I found this unacceptable and have taken up the problem with the Virgina Better Business Bureau.
In summary: An amazing camera, but if it fails, you will have a difficult time getting the problem resolved by Canon.
Digital camera Review: Beware: motor noise ruins your sound recordings
Summary: 1 Stars
After 2 years with my HV20, I'm splurging on a new SDHC flash drive camera, because of all the HV20 motor noise, which ruins my video sound recordings. I love Canon & my HD video camcorder, and I bought all accessories from Day 1 including the DM-100 directional microphone. But it doesn't help the motor noise problem. It may even be worse with the DM-100, I can't quite tell. If anyone has ideas to solve, please post.