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Canon the first to do digital right.

By: Yahoo! Shopping User - Mon Nov 26, 2007 @ 8:17pm

Recomendations: 4 of 4

Overall Rating:

Review:
For the past five years, i have been in search of a camcorder that would replace my RCA VHS-C Analog camcorder without any success. I was totally ripped off by Sony's DVD201 camcorder, and now will NEVER buy another Sony device other than a PS3. I replaced the 201 with a cheap $249 Panasonic mini DV and had better video quality. After buying new LCD TVs throughout the house, I've pondered on the possibility of finding a HD Camcorder.
Thank you Internet for allowing me to download examples of other owner's footage from the HV-20 from Canon. The number one thing I can say is, CNET is heart struck on Sony even though they give the Canon the best of 2007 award. While in low light levels, rooms with less than 25w of light the camera will get grainy, NOTHING compared to the grain found in other DV digital models in standard def. The grain is SOOO small, it is only noticeable up close or compared to higher level of light shots. Sony's camcorder lose all identifiable colors in low light thanks to their heavy reliance on IR light. Grain on the HV-20 starts to disappear even in the least naturally lit rooms in the morning.
Take this camcorder in NORMAL light the image becomes RAZOR sharp, i mean OUCH! razor sharp as you thank the technology gods of Canon for giving you a new toy to play with your HD TV. Even editing in Imovie you lose hardly -0- quality due to the massive amounts of image you have to work with.
Not to mention I can take any still from the video and is nearly the same as a still shot from a 3mp camera.
I did not like however the following....
The camera's accessory coverings could have been more solidly attached to the camera.
The choice to use the weird MiniSD card, which most stores carry MicroSD and standard SD memory requires me to use an adapted MircoSD. But this camcorder is the same as carrying a 3mp camera with me.
Although this is not Canon's problem, but it is about time for more software to burn HD format on DVD (Is possible but only a few do it) and for the battle of Blue-Ray and DVD HD to end so I can buy the right HD burner and player.
This camera, I would recommend to anyone to buy, I have no regrets buying this camera, and I am ever more now a firm believer in Canon than I was after my Rebel. You will not regret buying this camera. The quality you see form Canon's example is true, it DOES look that good.
This camcorder SHOULD have been #1 on the top 10 cameras for christmas, i have NO IDEA WHO decided the top 10, but they obviously never touched this camera.

Pros: 1080i Razor Sharp Images above the light threshold.

Cons: Should use SD Card instead of weird MiniSD

For the money,

By: williamhilow - Sun Feb 17, 2008 @ 3:40pm

Recomendations: 1 of 1

Overall Rating:

Review:
Ask any pro and they can tell you that low light video capture is not indicitive of overall camera ability. My neighbor is a Camera Operator for Lucas Films here in SF. He thought as an amatuer I made a great choice. I can attest to that. This little camera does it all. Built in mini-flash, great battery life. Extra lens polarized, etc... will really cost you an arm and leg. I burn lightly edited footage to dvd for SD playback and it still looks incredible. Try the close up feature on wild flowers. Your mouth will be hanging wide open. Amazing little camera.
Still pics? I am an either or type person, I am shooting video or I am taking stills. I never bring both cameras. SO in a pinch the camera works, keep in mind though the hv-20 uses the familiar Canon still camera interface for still settings, all pictures are processed via video circuitry. Its actually ok. Buy this one.

Pros: Image quality, accessible

Cons: Low Light, accessories are expensive.

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