Canon VIXIA HV30 HDV 'PAL' Camcorder
- No Longer Available
WARNING: This is a "PAL" product and CANNOT be used in the USA. It is designed for use with video products built to European TV standards. For use in the USA please choose NTSC.
Canon's follow-up to the popular HV20, the VIXIA HV30 HDV Camcorder, continues the tradition of excellence from this legendary company. As before, record your memories in true 1920 x 1080 HD to MiniDV tapes for stunning image quality each and every time. When you prefer to shoot stills capture them in 3.1Mp to miniSD cards (sold separately).
The 10x optical zoom, 1/2.7" CMOS sensor with the RGB Primary Color Filter, HD Video Lens and 2.7" widescreen LCD all work together for the most accurate, rich video and stills possible in a consumer camcorder. SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) keeps your images free from shaky video by correcting for a wide range of camera motion. DIGIC DVII, specifically developed for still images ensures superior color reproduction for skin tones, and light and dark scenes.
The HDMI output provides a hassle-free HD connection of both audio and video in a single cable. Add external video lights, microphones and flashes via the Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal and utilize the USB 2.0 for fast transfer of still images.
Canon's strong showing with the HV30 covers all the bases and then some, ensuring that everything you loved about the HV20 is still present this time around.
- Full 1920 x 1080 HD
- Record in full 1920 x 1080 HD to MiniDV cassettes. When playing back video on your HD widescreen TV the 16:9 format fits your screen perfectly, now and in the future.
- Canon HD Video Lens
- The HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom demonstrates the quality Canon's lenses are known for. Capture every moment with three pre-set zoom speeds for smooth, accurate close-up and zoom shots. The Super spectra coating protects your images from the flare and glare that plagues video and stills, especially when shooting outdoors. Clean, accurate video and higher resolution are thanks to the new aspheric lens design that decreases aberration and increases resolution while the new gradation ND system corrects the image when recording in bright situations.
- Full HD 2.96Mp 1/2.7" CMOS Image Sensor
- This CMOS records your images in true 1920 x 1080 HD resulting in beautiful, accurate images. Canon's proprietary noise reduction technology reduces image noise, even in low-light situations, further improving the already stunning image quality. The RGB Primary Color Filter with Bayer Pattern separates light into red, green and blue for images that come out rich and natural-looking every time.
- DIGIC DVII
- DIGIC DVII, unlike its predecessor DIGIC DV, is specially designed for HD image capture. Your video and still images will look better than ever in HD thanks to improved color reproduction for skin tones and light and dark situations. This processor also reduces image noise with two types of noise reduction for clean, crisp video and stills. There's more, the DIGIC DVII also provides for faster shooting of still images - up to 5 (3.1Mp) images per second.
- SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
- Canon's own SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) corrects for a variety of camera motion, not just hand shake. Fast vibrations, like a moving car, medium-speed motion when hand hold recording, and the slower motion of body sway are all accounted for. Even shooting at long focal lengths SuperRange OIS comes through with a clean, stable shot.
- Instant AF (Auto Focus)
- The Instant AF on the HV30 uses an external sensor along with Canon's autofocus system to ensure that you get the clear, accurate images that are crucial when recording in HD.
- 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
- The widescreen LCD display of the HV30 presents accurate, clear images each and every time, especially helpful when you are composing or sharing video with friends or family on playback. A wider range of viewing angles also helps. The hard coat AR surface and improved color reproduction helps ensure that what you capture is truer to the actual scene.
- 25p Progressive Mode
- Usually only found in the professional camera market 25p Progressive Mode allows you to shoot at 25p as opposed to the standard video frame rate of 50i. Use this function video you plan to post to the Internet or for action shots and see the difference!
- 3.1Mp Digital Photography
- Capture still images to a miniSD card with up to 3.1Mp of resolution (2.76Mp in 4:3). DIGIC DVII technology further improves your digital still capture by increasing your camera's response time for shooting up to 5 images per second while Instant AF ensures crisp, clean shots every time.
- HDMI Terminal
- With the HDMI output terminal a single cable connects your audio and video to your HDTV for playback.
- Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal
- The Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal on the HV30 allows you to attach video lights, flashes or microphones to the camcorder for professional quality results.
- PictBridge
- Share and print your still images with the touch of the button using a PictBridge compatible printer via the included USB cable.
- miniSD Card Slot
- Use high capacity, petite sized miniSD cards (sold separately) to store all of your digital photos.
- Wireless Remote
- Use the wireless remote to control your HV30 when you want to be in the picture too.
- Analog - Digital Converter
- Convert your analog video to HD using the Analog - Digital Converter. Simply connect the HV30 to your VCR, TV or analog camcorder to record the footage to HD miniDV tapes. You can also use this converter as a signal converter between an analog and digital device.
- Built-in Electronic Lens Cover
- You'll never lose your lens cover again. When the camera turns on the cover automatically opens. When you turn it off the cover closes.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor |
2.96MP 1/2.7" CMOS Sensor RGB Primary Color Filter |
| Lens |
Canon 10x HD Video Zoom Lens Focal Length=6.1-61mm F/stop:1.8-3.0 |
| Zoom |
10x Optical 200x Digital |
| Filter Size | 43mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | PAL |
| Format | HDV |
| Audio |
DV: 16 bit (2 channel) 48 kHz 12 bit (4 channel) 32 kHz HDV: MPEG-1 Audio Layer II (2 channel) |
| Image Stabilization | SuperRange Optical |
| Lux |
0.2 lux (Night recording, shutter speed at 1/2) 3 lux (Auto mode, Auto slow shutter ON, shutter speed at 1/30) |
| Recording Media | High Definition MiniDV or MiniDV cassette |
| Recording Time | HD MiniDV: 63 minutes |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD (Approximately 211,000 pixels) |
| Display Size | 2.7" |
| Viewfinder | Widescreen 0.27" color (Approximately 123,000 pixels) |
| Camera Features | |
|---|---|
| Manual Controls | Focus, Exposure, White Balance, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Audio mode |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Yes - hot shoe |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Flash - Yes Light - Yes |
| Digital Still Mode | |
|---|---|
| Still Recording Media | MiniSD card |
| Resolution | 3.1MP |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs |
Mic input (3.5mm Stereo Mini-jack) DV in |
| Output |
HDMI (Type A) USB (mini-B) A/V Mini (3.5mm 4 pole Mini-jack) DV out Component out component out DV out |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Compatible Operating Systems | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Power Requirements | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.5 x 3.2 x 5.4" (88 x 82 x 138mm) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (535g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
83%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great picture quality (6)
- Comfortable to operate (5)
- Great features (5)
- Versatile (4)
- Durable (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Movies/short films (4)
- Editing (3)
- HD shooting (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Editing
- HD Shooting
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV30 HDV 'PAL' Camcorder:
I've been thinking about the HV30 / 40 but decided on the 30 because of price. Perfect B-Roll camera for weddings, fantastic quality and easy to handle
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Editing
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV30 HDV 'PAL' Camcorder:
I loved this camera--how it felt, how it shot, everything! Till I tried to capture from it. Failed. I am a professional videographer and editor; I know about settings, on camera, in computer; I know about firewires and ports and software and so on. When I couldn't capture from my Pal Vixia HV30, despite checking out all the variables, I figured it had a bad port. [...]I went back to work with a new camera. Shot a major event under contract--and couldn't capture. Called Canon Tech support four times, and got four different sets of instructions (uh oh.) None solved it. [...] Different computers, different software, different firewires: no luck. Even took the PAL Vixia to the Genius Bar at an Apple Store, where the Genius referred me to their Creative Expert--who spent a couple hours and gave up. Googling shows me that others have had difficulty capturing, and not found solutions. Wrote to Canon, told the story, and they said this isn't a known problem, and (without seeing the camera) they could only speculate that "the main PCB might have taken a hit of high voltage" (from what?). Two cameras in a row with bad ports or supersensitivity to "high voltage" (no reason to think there was any spike...)--that's too much. There has to be a flaw, or I have incredibly bad karma. I used a friend's NTSC Vixia HV30 with NO PROBLEMS AT ALL, and loved it. If I didn't work in Europe and Asia most of the time, I'd just go for that. True, there are things I hope Canon will change in the future: you can't change the battery (which is minimal anyhow) without removing the tripod foot. If you mount, for example, a remote mic receiver on the accessory shoe (which has an awkward, probably going to fall off, cover), you can't open the cassette compartment (can't change tape) without removing the receiver. These I can work around with careful planning. But "no capture" is not something to work around! The Vixia is a beautiful camera,and offers everything I want for my work--but I need to CAPTURE! I don't have time to take the risk of another malfunctioning PAL Vixia. My colleagues have for years tried to get me to try Sony, and I've resisted, because I've loved my Canon still and video cameras, and never had such trouble. But now, sadly, I have to start to study up on Sonys. Dang!
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Focus Button
Best Uses
- Green Screen Chroma Key
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV30 HDV 'PAL' Camcorder:
I just bought my Canon HV30 that will replace my Panassonic GS-NV300.The results between the two are amazing:The quality of the video is a great benefit.The Cine mode make it a real difference for the bestTo Shoot on 30P or 25P is something that change the video quality. Mostly I'm using it for green screen and short videos. Great Camcorder for the money you will pay.All your other questions can be solved in the following forum: [@] (its not an advertising for this forum its just a great source of information that I truly recommend).Happy Shooting...Tom
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Editing
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV30 HDV 'PAL' Camcorder:
Excellent performance, easy to use, perfect for my needs.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Versatile
Cons
- Flimsy Construction
Best Uses
- Movies/Short Films
- Special Events
- Sports
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV30 HDV 'PAL' Camcorder:
everything's great, i'm sure if you consider buying this you've allready read tons of reviews...
the only one thing that could definitely be better is the "cheap-feel" cover of the tape, where you also place your hand + the not-so-great belt-strap...
but these are just really minor minor things - and in terms of really important ones (picture quality, manual regulation options, comfort in using) - it's a can't beat gear :)
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
Best Uses
- Family
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV30 HDV 'PAL' Camcorder:
Great HD image and 24P mode.
Displaying reviews 1-6
Media
- Price: $1.95
Batteries
- Price: $47.90
- Reg. Price: $91.00
- Discount: -$10.51
- Discount price: $80.49
- Limited supply at this price
Chargers/AC Adapters
- Price: $9.95
Bags & Cases
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $1.25
- Price: $23.70
-
- Original: $21.59
- Save: $1.08
- Price: $20.51
Filters
- Price: $27.00
- Price: $29.95
Lenses & Matte Boxes
-
- Original: $92.50
- Save: $9.25
- Price: $83.25
On-Camera Lights
- Price: $9.95
External Microphones
- Price: $74.99
What's in the Box
- VIXIA HV30 HDV 'PAL' Camcorder
- AC Adapter
- BP-2L13 Battery Pack
- Wireless Controller
- Lithium Button Battery for Wireless Controller
- Component Cable
- Stereo Video Cable
- USB Cable
- Software CD-ROM
- Shoulder Strap
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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