Posted to Camcorders 2009-01-23
If you are looking to upgrade your clunky, old fashioned tape camcorder to one that is more technologically advanced and can fit in your pocket, then you may want to check out the Canon Vixia HV20. The HV20 is the big brother of Canon's HV10 and is the second digital camcorder in the HD Video market that utilizes a mini DV tape instead of a hard drive or media card like some of the other cameras on the market. The HV20 is an updated version of the HV10. The HV20 contains the same lens, sensor chip and 2.7in widescreen LCD screen that its predecessor contained, but it comes in a re-designed, more user-friendly package than its predecessor. Measuring 3.5 in x 3.2 in x 5.4 and weighing 20.8 ounces fully loaded, the HV20 is a quality upgrade that contains many of the features that were not included on the previous model. Although the LCD screen is not a touch-screen like those installed on comparable digital camcorders, with a 10x zoom, the HV20 comes in a convenient package with controls that are placed in easy reach allowing for quality video to be captured at a moments notice so as to make sure you don't miss any of those precious family moments.
FeaturesThe HV20 contains an HDMI output which allows you to hook up your digital camcorder to any HDTV making it simple to view all the home videos you have taken without having to copy them to another format to make them playable. This camera is also PictBridge compatible which makes making copies of still photos that have been taken with the camera a breeze. The HV20 also has a multi-tasking personality. While recording to the required Mini DV tape the HV20 can take 2.0-megapixel photos and save them to the memory card. The HV20 also gives you the capability to extract still photos from any of the video you have already taken. There is also a built in hot accessory shoe that allows the use of certain add-on's such as certain external video lights and directional microphones. Combine this functionality with the built in 24p cinema mode, once only available on professional video equipment, and the HV20 provides great functionality for the aspiring move maker. There is also the Super Range Optical Image Stabilization helps correct camera shake even when the camera is either being held, in motion or when the zoom is set at a long focal length. This feature is a must when shooting in HD videos. The only feature that seems to be missing is the fact that this camcorder does not come with some sort of editing software that seems to be standard with almost any camera. The included CD only contains a browser for stills and drivers, so if you plan on performing any type of editing on the video or stills you have taken with the HV20, make sure to invest in editing software separately. PerformanceThe HV20 performs as good if not better than its predecessor since it now contains functionality that its predecessor lacked. With a video recording resolution of 1920 x 1080 the HV20 provides quality video, with very little noticeable noise and quality color reproduction and sharp images. Utilizing its Tru HD 2.96-megapixel 1920x1080 CMOS sensor the HV20 can record true HD video. With its DIGIC DV II image processor, a RGB primary color filter and a Bayer placement, the HV20 delivers sharp HD images with bright accurate color reproduction, which results in realistic video color. The HV20 takes decent still photos as well. Although taking still photos would not be the main reason behind purchasing this camcorder, it has the ability to take 3.1-megapixel photos at either 1920x1440 resolution in 4:3 mode, or 1920x1080 resolution in 16:9 mode. Although this is not the primary function of the HV20, it is still a nice to have feature for those times that your point-and-shoot is unavailable. SummaryIn conclusion, the Canon Vixia HV20 provides HD quality in a user friendly package. With a 10x zoom and an included HDMI port this camcorder is great for the casual user or the aspiring videographer of the family. Unless you have an aversion to using tape to record your precious moments, then the HV20 would be the way to go. Pros
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