Canon Camcorder HDV VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

Great picture quality, some pro features such as full manual IRIS control, Zebra, custom white balance, etc. I bought this camera primarily to capture VIDEO and it does the job versus buying $3,000 HDV decks as they both output the same quality (VCR mode)plus you don't want to wear out the video heads your Sony HVR-Z7u and other expensive cameras by using them to capture video. Not to mention the hour meter readings!

The only cons I find is 1: That the battery doesn't last, even the biggest battery for this power hungry lille cam. I have 6 full size batts.
2- You cannot custom white balance while recording. Only on stand by, then you record.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

When I first saw the box, I thought, "great, another 'handycam' where all that matters to people is size". But i was VERY WRONG. This camera is amazing for the price and puts out an incredible image with nearly no experience necessary.

Sound is the same as any "handycam" style camcorder, but I use an external shotgun mic, so it doesn't affect me. Excellent Buy!

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

For the adventurer out there, this is a convenient addition to your gear. It performed on the summit of K2, and was recently used on Nanga Parbat. It is small enough to hide under your jacket for warmth. Just remember to take extra batteries.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

I have a background in still photography and used an ENG camera about 25 years ago for a college class. This is my first HDV camcorder, and I really like it for the most part.I did have some trouble getting started. I purchased the kit, a very good idea for the price, I think. But the SD card didn't seem to fit the camera and I had trouble finding the lens adapter for the wide-angle lens. [...] the SD card actually had two sizes, including the one I needed. I've tried the camera in several different types of light conditions and have been happy with the results so far. The fireworks setting came in handy for the Fourth of July. So, overall, I would recommend the camera and think that it has lots of room for me to grow in my shooting abilities.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

i am very impressed with this camera. i work with many professional cameras, and HD equipment and this camera's quality over exceeds it's price. i would recommend this with no reservations! there aren't many settings, but in most cases that is a big positive for a consumer level HD camera. this makes my personal HD video collection so easy and fun.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

The image quality of this camcorder simply can't be beat in the world of consumer camcorders. 24p is nice option for a different look and also for lower light recording. It's too bad that the HV20 doesn't include flags to remove pull down for 24p in post but it's not a deal breaker by any means. The menus are simple and easy to navigate while still offering a lot of advanced features. The overall construction feels a bit cheap, but in the 8 months I've owned it so far I've come to realize it's quite durable. I can't recommend this camcorder enough given its price, features, and outstanding image quality

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

I gave this to my sister for her wedding I work in TV and I wanted her and her husband to have a nice camcorder that shot in high def. She and her husband love the camera! They can't believe the pictures that come from it... The great thing about this camera is the picture resolution! One of the draw backs though is the lack of audio inputs for external sources.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

don't forget to order the cable. Easy to operate, but still tryig to figure out how to transfer to my computer hard drive.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

I work in a multimedia lab that loans out equipment to students, faculty, and staff at a university in the United States. We have ten HV20s and have just purchased two HV30s. They are excellent video cameras! The quality for the price cannot be beat. The cameras have passed through numerous hands and have held up very well.

Like the two other models of Canon cameras which we have, a few HV20s developed a connection problem at the DV port (FireWire) and the cameras were sent back and repaired under warrenty.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

Somebody loaned me theirs before I bought mine. The HD is amazing for the price, the only feature I would have liked to have seen added is a night-shot, but other than that no problems. The low light performance issues that have been reported in some reviews are not really that bad. If you want professional looking video in low light just add a light source and use the appropriate settings; or spend $4000.000

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

If you're looking to make the jump from SD to HD, which I HIGHLY recommend having just done it myself, I would expect that this camera would make you very happy. If you're asking yourself that now, that means you're probably not a professional because you'd have it or better by now, but you're also probably somewhat privy to the emerging world of HD or else you wouldn't be looking for one. Naturally that is where I fit in and this camera has been absolutely perfect so far. At first reaction to its description as an HD camcorder, I thought it would technically be HD but still not produce the picture quality of some channels I might find on television. But I was surprised - the quality of the picture is strikingly high-quality. The most significant feature I notice is the representation of real-world color. Aside from being a high-quality HD camcorder, whatever they did to capture color is equally as impressive. If you're in the HD price range that brought you to this camera but you want something that's still impressive in quality, here ya go.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

My wife and I had planned a European cruise and we needed a small sized camera that could pack easily, and walk all day with. I started looking at the mid size Sony's thinking anything smaller wouldn't capture the high resolution HDV video I was wanting. A fellow videographer pointed me towards the HV20 and what a find! The video is beautiful when hooked up to a HDTV using the HDMI cable. You will be blown away by what this little camera is capable of. If you are looking for a ton of professional manual controls and shoot in low light areas this may not be for you but if you're mobile and have good light the HV20 is the perfect solution.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

For my videography business I needed an affordable second camera whose footage would be able to stand beside that of the more expensive HDV cameras.

I couldn't be happier with the results: clear, crisp, colorful footage that can compete with the
higher end cameras.

The only downside is that it's hard to control the
gain.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

I read a review of this in DV magazine, which rated it the best consumer level HDV camera at the time. I wanted to get a new camcorder and decided to future proof a bit and invest in the HV20. I must say, I'm not disappointed.

All of the features (and there are many) are easy to use and the instructions and included DVD are quite helpful in getting you started. HD, HDV, 24p mode, multiple frame rates, multiple aperture settings - this can be used by everyone from home videos to aspiring filmmakers. The image quality for both video and stills is excellent. The only complaint I would have is the relatively small size of the camera; it's difficult at times to operate for someone with larger hands.

Don't be fooled into paying more and getting the newer HV30 model; the only difference that I could see is the color of the camera and the location of a few different buttons.

For the price and ease of use for a non-technical operator, the HV20 is worth every penny.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

i had seen videos around the internet of footage from the hv20. it all looked really nice, so i decided to buy one. the first time i shot with it and played back my footage, and i can't tell you how amazed i was!! the colors are SO beautiful! it's a way better picture than i thought it would be. without editing or color correcting, it's so beautiful... i'm very happy with it!
the battery that comes with it doesn't last very long so i'm going to upgrade that soon. you can double the battery life by not using the lcd though.
oh and another thing, i thought i was going to HAVE to buy a DIY 35mm adapter to achieve DOF. the camera has a manual focus which is nice and i plan on using till i save up money for the adapter . the way it focuses though is sort of impractical and feels different each time. the little focus wheel is the only less than desirable "feature". i think they could have made that a little better.
but overall, this camera is AMAZING and you should feel confident about buying it.
can it be this good? yes it can, and it is

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

Get this camera. The HDV is great. Get an external mic for it and run with it from there. It is a great little camera.

My main purpose was for travel and a back-up for special events. I have used it on a hiking trip and the shots were amazing. I also used it for a choir performance.

The low light shots are grainy, but with the right lighting it is great. The battery release is in the wrong spot for use with a tripod. Also, no LANC or focus ring. Maybe that is asking too much from a little consumer camera that is less than a grand.

Great cam get it if you have the money and feel confident in the purchase.

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

Use - leisure
Enjoy the simplicity of the camera and the ease to learn all the features.
Comfortable to hold

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

[...] Came with great info on how to operate the actual camera.Really is very easy to take wonderfull fotage with. Has a good amount of control to vary for different conditions. I was surprised with how great the sound quility was also. What i did find difficult was getting video off camera off camera to edit on pc. I did eventually find some helpful tips on canons website that explained that not all computers will allow transfer of HD video and to try downgrading to standard def. This worked and was a relief but it took a lot of time to find this out.Will eventualy

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

i just went from working for a professional production company to freelance. i actually wanted to buy a larger camera which are often too (head) heavy for a woman and most of my work is hand held. after long searching and testing..i finally found hv20. i love how small and light it is and the imagery is absolutely stunning. it still offers me loads of control over shutter, focus, etc. i am glad it doesnt have the touchscreen function like most small cam have.
the mic could do with a bit of improving but otherwise it is great value for the money!!!
thxxx

Comments about Canon VIXIA HV20 2.96MP CMOS HDV Camcorder:

I bought this camcorder and I am one of hundreds of satisfied owners. This product is great [...]Nothing to complain about.Thanks.