Canon iVIS HV10
Features include:
* 1/2.7-inch CMOS (2,048 x 1,536 stills)
* 10x optical zoom
* 2.7-inch LCD display
* miniSD memory slot
* optical image stabilization
* 1,920 x 1,080 maximum video capture resolution
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Canon HV10 HD/NTSC Mini DV Camcorder | US $26.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 8:32:36 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Canon iVIS HV10 Press Release
Until now, the concept of putting true 1080 HD (high definition) video recording capability in your pocket was purely science fiction. Get ready for the future, as Canon’s newest HV10 HDV camcorder delivers high definition video in a sleek and stylish package, that’s loaded with imaginative new features and affordable at an estimated selling price of $1,299.**
A veritable “Best of” compilation of Canon breakthrough technologies, the HV10 HDV camcorder combines Canon’s world-class HD optics, with Super Range Optical Image Stabilization, DIGIC DV II image processor, and a Canon designed and manufactured Full HD resolution (1920×1080 video) CMOS sensor, similar to those found in Canon’s full line of Digital SLR cameras. Additionally, new “Instant AF” auto-focus technology, and the ability to take 3.1 megapixel photos, makes this one powerful device that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand.
“The Canon HV10 HDV camcorder gives consumers some of the same technologies that are used by demanding professionals in our EOS line of Digital SLR cameras and our best selling broadcast television lenses,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Consumers who enjoy the premium picture quality of their High Definition television sets can now capture their memories and play them back at that same high quality.”
The Canon CMOS Sensor
As the leading CMOS manufacturer, professional photographers have come to depend upon Canon for high resolution, great dynamic range, and low noise. For the first time, Canon has incorporated CMOS into its newest HDV camcorder to capture the high resolution needed for HD video with a single sensor. These sensors provide advantages over traditional CCD sensors in speed, versatility, and lower power consumption for longer battery life. Because of its proprietary noise reduction technology, Canon’s CMOS sensors capture higher resolution HD video, and even in dimly lit scenes each pixel delivers the purest possible image. The 1 /2.7″ sensor incorporates an RGB primary color filter with Bayer placement to deliver a sharp HD image with vibrant and accurate color reproduction. This sensor supplies 1080 HD video to an HDV video tape, while 3.1 megapixel still images can be recorded to a Mini-SD card. Because Canon manufactures its own CMOS sensor, DIGIC DV II image processor and lenses, the company can maintain the utmost control of the image quality.
The Genuine Canon 10X HD Video Lens with Super Range Optical Image Stabilization
Canon’s high quality HD lens, the keystone to acquiring crisp HD video, stems from the company’s expertise as a professional grade photographic and broadcast lenses manufacturer. Behind the built-in automatic lens cover lies a 10X optical / 200X digital HD Canon zoom lens.
The HV10 HDV camcorder is the first consumer-level camcorder that features Canon’s Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization to help deliver smooth, steady video, even at longer focal lengths. The system uses two detection methods (gyro and vector) to sense the widest range of vibrations from hand-held shake, to vibration from a moving vehicle. By using optical stabilization, it can compensate for a greater degree of camera shake and avoid any loss in image quality, unlike electronic image stabilizers.
Instant AF (Auto Focus) - The Next Generation Focusing System
The HV10 HDV camcorder also incorporates a new autofocus system that is the first of its kind on a consumer level camcorder. Since it is critical to achieve very sharp focus when shooting in High Definition, the camcorder features Canon’s revolutionary new Instant AF focusing system. It offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional autofocus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon’s autofocus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This new system achieves focus almost instantaneously, reducing focus “hunting.” Users can especially see the benefits of Instant AF in high brightness, and night shooting situations. Camera operators can capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.
The New Canon DIGIC DV II Processor
Also found in the professional grade XL H1 HD camcorder, the Canon HV10 HDV camcorder features Canon’s DIGIC DV II image processor, which is designed to handle the vast amount of information required for HD recording. DIGIC DV II helps to ensure low noise, a wide dynamic range, and accurate color reproduction for both video and photos.
The HV10 is also the world’s smallest and lightest true HDV camcorder*, weighing in at a mere 0.97 pounds. Approximately 2″ wide by 4″ tall, the HV10 is a pocketable masterpiece that is designed for easy one-handed operation, with all of the controls at the user’s fingertips. Complimenting its small size, the two-toned Granite Black and metallic body is designed to be comfortable in the users’ hands and exude a sophisticated appearance.
With the intent of giving the user the best-looking video possible to preserve their memories, the HV10 HDV camcorder has a wealth of features, including Smooth Zoom Control to help eliminate jerky zooms, Level Shot Control to help keep the framing straight, and a built-in video light to illuminate low-light situations. The HV10 HDV camcorder will also letterbox the 16:9 footage, for standard definition (SD) television viewers, to play on almost any TV or computer monitor.
Let Creativity Flow with Advanced Photo Features
As a digital still camera, the HV10 excels with all of Canon’s best digital camera features. Users can frame their shots with nine-point autofocus on a 2.7″ widescreen LCD, and then take 3.1 megapixel images to the Mini SD card, or two megapixel photos to the video tape, all while simultaneously recording HD video. To adapt to different shooting situations, the HV10 HDV camcorder has 11 shooting modes, including Continuous Shooting which allows users to shoot five (3.1 Megapixel) still images per second, as well as a built-in flash for low light situations. In addition, users can also connect a PictBridge compatible device to the camera for seamless still image transfer or printing. A histogram function is also included on the camcorder, to check exposure levels while shooting.
Pricing and Availability
Scheduled to land in stores in September, the Canon HV10 HDV camcorder will carry an estimated selling price of $1299.
* As of August 2006
** Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
Canon HV10 Reviews
The New York Times has a comparison of the Canon HV10 and the Sony HC3. About the Canon HV10: “The Canon offers some perks of its own. In addition to its superior stabilizer and focusing system, it does better in low light, with fewer of the dancing, grainy pixels that mar the HC3’s dim-setting work. It also has a built-in video light that’s a real help — at least within interview range — at nighttime parties, postconcert wrap-ups and “Blair Witchâ€-style memos to posterity.”
CamcorderInfo has a review up of the Canon HV10 camcorder and writes, “It’s highly portable, easy to use, and under $1500. But there were some serious issues that give us pause. The upright, pistol-grip body produces some very real handling issues. For anything but point-and-shoot operation, making adjustments can be a pain, and upset the picture stability. More seriously, the low light performance was terrible. You’ll be shooting in “low light†more often than you think, as camcorders require a lot more light than the human eye, which makes this category so critical. Bright light video looks great, but you have to consider the whole package. The weakness in audio is also a huge killer for us. … If you want something that is a bit easier to use, go with the HC3, but, if you want something that is ultra-compact (which many people do) the Canon HV10 is a good choice.” Link.
CNET has a review up of the Canon HV10 and writes, “The HV10’s video was quite impressive: sharp, saturated, and smooth. I found daylight video a bit overexposed–like most consumer camcorders, the HV10 tends to blow out highlights–but I knocked it down a bit with exposure compensation when necessary and was quite happy with the results. … There’s so much to like about the Canon HV10 that, on balance, even the not-so-trivial ergonomic problems attain a rosier glow than I’d usually ascribe to them. If you want a compact HD camcorder for your next vacation, you don’t have much of a choice beyond the HV10. But it’s good enough that you probably won’t regret having no other options. … An excellent HD video camcorder with some annoying quirks, the Canon HV10 delivers almost everything a technophile wants for making home videos.” Link.
CEN reviews the Canon HV10 and writes, “The camera followed the action well, constantly refining its focus to keep the picture sharp. The stabilizer helped compensate for my less-than-steady hand, although the shake became a bit more noticeable when the camera’s 10x optical zoom was pushed to its full range. … At more than a grand, the HV10 puts a bit of a premium on making the high-tech jump from a standard camcorder. But it’s easy to use right out of the box and wows with its superior image quality, quick focus adjustments and helpful optical stabilization. Sure, it has ergonomic shortcomings, but they’re long forgotten when you’re watching your home movies in all their high-def glory.” Link.
DigitalTrends has a review of the Canon HV10 and writes, “The Canon HV10 HDV camcorder is a mixed bag with good overall video quality, fast focusing, OIS and solid stills. You’ll really like watching higher-quality home videos on your new widescreen HDTV. I had a problem with its form factor, lack of an HDMI output, annoying zoom switch and obtuse menus. And don’t forget about the total lack of video software support. Ah, but that high-def video is really good. It costs $999 US at a legit online dealer versus $1,199 US for the Sony HDR-HC3 (as of early December 2006). With that I’m glad to see HDV camcorders have dipped below $1,000 US. Does it make sense saving around $200 US to go with the Canon? Check out a sample of homemade HD video at your local retailer. I’d say no since the missing HDMI output is the deal breaker. But if you want to save holiday memories, definitely think high-def.” Link.
Good Gear Guide has a review of the Canon HV10 camcorder, and concludes, “Overall, we felt the HV10 was a solid camera. It’s small, has excellent quality images and offers a wide range of manual options. The main letdowns are fairly minor: the omission of HDMI and a kit for video transfer to pc, and the slightly counterintuitive button layout.” Link.
IT Reviews has a review of the Canon HV10 and writes, “In practice, the quality of the HD images and the automatic AF should guarantee the sales of this camcorder, but the main grumble here is that the surface is bristling with control buttons (including separate Menu, Function, Exposure and Focus options), many of which are set almost flush and therefore difficult to operate. The zoom slide is also tricky to work smoothly and is positioned too close to the snapshot and tape/memory card controls. … Although not the first HD camcorder on the market, this is truly the most compact and its picture quality and advanced AF are impressive. In future, though, the operating controls need to be fewer in number, more prominent and better positioned, with less elaborate menus.” Link.
Videomaker has a review of the Canon HV10 and writes, “Our overall impression is that this camcorder is perfect for those who want the high quality of HD video with little to no effort. Whether it is a trip, a graduation, or family event, this camera is aimed at the point and shoot consumer who desires an ease of portability and the high quality of HD. Some design flaws and missing components won’t make it ideal for prosumer or Indie filmmakers, but for the rest of us it delivers the basic needs of video capture.” Link.
PCWorld has a review of the Canon HV10 and writes, “The HV10 is able to capture images with exceptional clarity and great depth. We tested and compared the HV10 with a batch of standard definition MiniDV camcorders, and the difference in quality was vast. In our testing, the HV10’s videos looked especially good under bright light: noise was hardly visible, motion was very smooth, shadows were very detailed, and colors were pleasant. … The HV10 is capable of shooting superb video and still images, but its microphone placement and lack of a microphone jack–among other flaws–are difficult to accept. The HV10 would be a top consumer camcorder if it weren’t for the imperfections in design and usability.” Link.
ConsumerElectronicsNet has a review of the Canon HV10 and writes, “The Canon HV10 is a tremendously little, powerful, and affordable HD camera. The images it captures are clear and crisp and the colors are vivid. The price of the HV10 has also dropped considerably from its $1200 introduction. Retail is under $700 making it accessible to even those with the most modest of budgets who are seeking an HD camcorder.” Link.
Macworld reviews the Canon HV10 and writes, “The HV10 is capable of shooting superb video and still images, but its microphone placement and lack of a microphone jack—among other flaws—are difficult to accept. The HV10 would be a top consumer camcorder if it weren’t for the imperfections in design and usability.” Link.
