Canon HV20 DV Camcorder

The name Canon has always meant photographic and broadcast television cameras with optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance, and the latest in technological advancements.

The good: The Canon HV20 high-definition camcorder has excellent video quality, nice features, HDMI output, and an accessory shoe.

Superior image reproduction with stunning detail and brilliant color is of course what you expect from Canon and the HV20 delivers, raising the bar for HD.

The Canon VIXIA HV20 HDV Camcorder brings the power of professional level HD recording to the consumer at a price that won’t break the bank.

One of the biggest features this camera brings to the consumer camcorder market is the ability to capture in 24p, the same frame rate used in movie film.

The bottom line: Canon’s HV20 camcorder is a great choice for HD-happy amateurs, but its low-light performance could have been better.

Both High Definition and Standard Definition recording modes make the HV20 the perfect bridge when you want to move to HD while retaining compatibility with SD equipment.

Canon’s new High Definition video camcorders are no exception.

Advanced image processing and features with SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant AF Focusing System and the DIGIC DV II image processor.

We wouldn’t be surprised if it’s among the top-selling nonbudget camcorders this year, especially if retailers drop the price to less than $1,000.

It’s the premium quality High Definition camcorder that sophisticated and discerning videographers have been waiting for.

Add to that our Canon ExclusivesCanon has long been a leader in bringing advanced features to its products, taking advantage of our superiority in optics and image processing.

Canon fit everything you can ask from a camcorder in the HV20, all in a body that fits comfortably in your pocket.

Store images on tiny HC Mini-SD memory cards with the Mini-SD card slot.

Granted, you won’t need to switch these while shooting, but they’d be easier to deal with if placed on the left side.

The same optical quality that’s at the heart of every Canon camera and video camera and the reason why the name Canon is synonymous with optical image quality around the world.

The stylish Canon HV20 gives you the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality with advanced features for the knowledgeable and demanding videographer.

In order to ensure you get the highest possible video quality and picture Canon added an HDMI output and hot shoe terminal to the HV20.

The VIXIA HV20 captures images in genuine HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, so you are shooting in real HDTV, all on a mini HDV tape.

Still, the graininess in low light was considerably better than you’d see in a camcorder with a smaller sensor, though in extremely dim conditions, color fidelity and overall dynamic range drop precipitously, leaving largely monochrome video with very little shadow detail.