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“This HV20 HD Camcorder dramatically raises the bar for consumer camcorder capabilities, and will no doubt be the model of choice for discerning video enthusiasts who accept nothing less than premium quality equipment to capture and preserve their memories,” states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Clearly, the High Definition video revolution is upon us, and as HDTV’s begin to dominate the marketplace, videographers and viewers will expect and demand superior image quality from their home video productions.”In addition to the HV20 HD Camcorder’s horizontal design, the HV20 HD Camcorder incorporates an array of new and sought-after features and enhancements that offer users greater creative control and easier connectivity.

Among the new features within the Canon HV20 HD Camcorder is an Advanced Accessory Shoe capable of accommodating such additional components as select external video lights or directional microphones. The HV20 HD Camcorder also features microphone and headphone input terminals with manual level control for professional quality audio recording and a 24p Cinema Mode - found previously only on professional video equipment - that offers the frame rate of motion pictures and imparts a film-like look to the video. The HV20 HD Camcorder also features an HDMI terminal for quick and easy one-cable transport of the High Definition video signal to a HDTV.

Canon’s True HD CMOS Image Sensor (1920 x 1080)

Designed, developed, and manufactured by Canon for the EOS line of digital SLR cameras popular with professional photographers and advanced amateurs alike, Canon has created a 2.96 megapixel CMOS image sensor for the HV20 HD Camcorder. The 1/2.7 CMOS image sensor acquires image information at 1920 x 1080, reproducing life-like HD movies and photos. Canon’s HD CMOS Sensor also features on-chip noise reduction technology, to help ensure that even in dimly lit scenes, the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal “noise” or other aberrations. The CMOS sensor also incorporates an RGB Primary Color Filter with a Bayer placement that delivers sharp, high definition image with vibrant, accurate color reproduction without creating false colors. As an added benefit, the HV20 HD Camcorder’s CMOS sensor provides outstanding image capture in low-light conditions.

Canon HD Optical Technology

Canon lenses are the choice of many imaging professionals the world over, whether those lenses are being used on EOS SLR cameras or on broadcast cameras. It is that expertise that has contributed to the design of the HV20 HD Camcorder’s 10x HD video zoom lens. The aspherical design of the lens helps to achieve low chromatic aberration and high resolution while Canon’s Super Spectra lens coating lowers incidence of flare and ghosting.

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 autofocus 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.

Finally, Canon’s Super Range Optical Image Stabilization helps correct camera shake almost instantly even when the camera is hand-held and in motion or the zoom is held at a long focal length. Employing both gyro and vector detection methods in order to pick up the widest range of vibrations, the œlens shift type OIS compensates for a greater degree of camera shake while avoiding the loss of image quality typical in electronic image stabilization systems. In addition, the OIS system can be engaged to help steady camcorder shake when shooting still images, which aids in photographing fast moving subjects or in low light conditions.

Canon’s DIGIC DV II Image Processor

Canon’s brilliant (and proprietary) video and still image processor, the DIGIC DV II, is the brains behind the HV20 HD Camcorder. The DIGIC DV II image processor is the next generation of Canon’s exclusive signal processing technology. In addition to recognizing the different color requirements of video and photos, and processing both to their optimal level of quality, DIGIC DV II processes video with improved color reproduction and dramatically reduces noise in low-light situations.

Shoot Like A Pro With 24p Cinema Mode

The HV20 HD Camcorder’s 24p Cinema Mode enables aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional œfilm-look. The camcorder’s frame rate can be changed to 24p, which provides the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, the HV20’s CINE setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evokes the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently.

Smooth and Easy Does It

Adding to the professional look of the HD video captured by the HV20 HD Camcorder is Canon’s Smooth Zoom Speed Control. Offering users a choice of three pre-set zoom speeds, the zoom speed control helps ensure that no matter how hard the user may press the zoom button, the pace of the zoom will remain smooth and constant.

The HV20 HD Camcorder’s Advanced Accessory Shoe will accommodate a more powerful external video light and directional microphone without the use of additional power or wires. It also includes a built in Ultra Video Light, which enables users to capture subjects in color under low light conditions from nearly five feet away.

The HV20 HD Camcorder even helps the user with shot composition, providing an easy to read level marker that is superimposed over the camcorder’s wide and bright 2.7-inch widescreen LCD display. Similarly, the HV20 HD Camcorder offers an easy-to-read grid marker that assists the user in determining the shot composition and ideal placement of the subject.

Advanced Photo Features

As a digital still camera, the HV20 HD Camcorder excels with all of Canon’s best digital camera features. Users can accurately focus their shots with nine-point autofocus and then take vibrant 3.1 megapixel images to a miniSD card. While simultaneously recording HD video to tape, the HV20 HD Camcorder can capture two megapixel photos to card, or these two megapixel images can later be extracted from the video itself, allowing users a second chance to snap that once in a lifetime image. To adapt to different shooting situations, the HV20 HD Camcorder has 11 shooting modes, including Continuous Shooting, which allows users to shoot up to 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.

The Canon HV20 HD Camcorder kit includes a compact power adapter, a wireless remote control, the new, and energy efficient BP-2L13 battery pack, a stereo video cable, a USB cable and a component video cable. In stores in April, the HV20 HD Camcorder carries an estimated selling price of $1099*.

*Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

Check price and availability at Amazon.

Canon HV20 Camcorder Reviews

CamcorderInfo has a review of the Canon HV20 and writes, “The Canon HV20 is that rare camcorder that bursts onto the scene, and sets a new standard in its niche. This is not a perfect camcorder by any means, but it has an intelligently assembled set of features that make it a viable tool for professionals, as well as a stellar point-and-shooter for enthusiasts stepping up to HDV. … A handful of key image controls are always quickly accessible in any Recording Program mode, including: focus via the dial; exposure, audio levels, End Search, iris (Av mode) and shutter speed (Tv mode) via the joystick; and white balance, Recording Program settings, and Image Effects at the top level of the menu. The HV20 adds Focus Assist at the touch of a button, which combines peaking and magnification, and makes manually focusing an HD image (on a 2.7” screen!) feasible. Once you’ve learned your way around the control interface, you’ll find controlling your image is nearly as fast as on a full-bore prosumer cam. You’re operating in a confined space on the HV20, and options are more limited, but the important features are eminently usable. Sony seems to have missed the forest for the trees by equipping the HC7 with great handling - and a terrific feature set that’s a pain in the neck to actually use.” Link.

CNET has a review of the Canon HV20 and writes, “Despite our handful of gripes, the HV20 will likely be a big seller for Canon. 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. The HV20’s stunning high-definition video and comfortable operation make it a great choice for nonprofessional, HD-happy videographers. However, if you often find yourself shooting in low light, don’t mind a touch screen interface, and can stand to lay down a little extra cash, Sony’s Handycam HDR-HC7 is definitely worth consideration. … Canon’s HV20 camcorder is a great choice for HD-happy amateurs, but its low-light performance could have been better.” Link.

Pocket-lint has a review of the Canon HV20 and gives it an 8 out of 10 rating, “When it comes to video performance the Canon HV20 is very impressive. As we start to live in a HD world this is on the very cutting edge. So what’s the catch? There are three main problems with the HV20, first up is the price. Getting the latest gear is going to hurt the bank balance and this is by no means a budget offering at £959. Second is the battery - it’s shocking. With only 65 minutes available you’ve got to be careful when you’re out on a shoot as we found in our tests. The third is the lack of any useful cables to get to started in the box. … Don’t get us wrong, this is still a great camera, but not with out its problems.” Link.

SimplyDV has a review of the Canon HV20 and writes, ” Let’s cut straight to the chase. This is a very, very good camcorder! There’s nothing at all missing from the feature list and the comprehensive connectivity really is something to write home about. Not only is its HDV/DV recording capability a boon, but its ability to handle either format in either direction via FireWire is also a big plus. Having a mic input and also a headphone output (actually switchable on the single AV connector socket) is another feather in the cap. In fact, the HV20 is - at its price point - quite possibly the best consumer video camcorder ever reviewed here on SimplyDV.” Link.

CNET has a review of the Canon HV20 and writes, “we were very impressed with the video we shot with the HV20. Our footage was quite sharp, colors showed plenty of saturation, and we saw surprisingly little noise, especially in good lighting conditions. Like the HV10, the HV20 did tend to lose some information in highlights, though it preserves noticeably more highlight detail than most non-HD camcorders, and shadow detail was impressive. Since it’s a single-chip design (as opposed to three-chip), low-light performance isn’t amazing. 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.” Link.

Digital Trends has a review of the Canon HV20 and writes, “It seems Canon took the complaints about the HV10 to heart and solved most of them—including the shape and lack of an HDMI out. They still need to beef up the editing component of the CD ROM, however. Video performance of this new HDV camcorder is top notch and I have no problems recommending it. Realize it is tape-based so forget about instant access to scenes like competing formats and there’s always the dreaded possibility of recording over precious memories. But if you follow some precautions, the Canon HV20 is a memory maker of the first rank.” Link.

Videomaker Magazine has a review of the Canon HV20 and writes, “The overall impression of this video camera is one that captures a beautiful image with easy-to-use controls and record settings. The menus and submenus are neatly organized and effortless to use. Switching to shutter priority mode and changing white balance to night mode were easy navigations, with no noticeable hassle. The HV20’s ease of use is perfect for consumer shooters. In addition, the 24P HDV mode gives this camera an edge over its competitors with more advanced shooters. The low-light image quality is quite good, and the clarity and crispness of the image are fantastic. Priced at about $1,100, this camera is aimed at the point-and-shoot user who wants to learn what HDV and prosumer videography can be all about - and it delivers.” Link. Read more about the Canon HV20.

PCWorld has a review of the Canon HV20 and gives it an 85 rating: “Nothing stood out in the HV20’s output as a serious failing, but its performance in low light (where we dim the lights to simulate a poorly lit indoors setting) lagged somewhat. In less-challenging, well-lit settings–for example, a sunny outdoor park scene–the HV20 produced superb-looking video (though most camcorders do pretty well in such an environment). The Canon earned top marks for its still-image shots, and its sound quality earned very good scores. We got nearly 2 hours out of its battery, an outstanding mark.” Link.

TrustedReviews has a review of the Canon HV20 and here’s their verdict, “After a slow start with HDV, Canon is back on the form it had when the market was predominated by DV. Not only does the company now produce the best professional HDV camcorder currently available, the HX-A1, it has the most successfully realised HDV model for serious consumers as well. The HV20 may not have every feature the semi-professional might want, but it has the most important ones on offer, with excellent image quality to match.” Link.

PC Pro reviews the Canon HV20 and writes, “Since Sony discontinued its HDR-HC1E (web ID: 76246), there’s been a lack of HDV camcorders below £1,500. But the HV20 is a keenly priced, feature-rich option. It isn’t perfect, but there’s enough to bridge the gap from consumer to serious hobbyist.” Link.

Digital Camcorder News reviews the Canon HV20 and writes, “If quality is king to you, buy the Canon HV20. It’s that easy. Though it is not for everyone, the HDV tape format is still the highest quality, most easily archived consumer format available. Canon takes it a step further on the HV20 by offering an excellent camcorder with a great set of manual controls, ease-of-use, and 24p to boot…Yes, the Canon HV20 has a downside or two in the handling arena and manual control set, but what manufacturer wants to make the perfect camcorder? I mean, really! For the features it does offer, and for the price at which it offers those features, the Canon HV20 cannot be beat.” Link.

Computer Active reviews the Canon HV20 and writes, “Basic operation is pretty straightforward, too. But if you’re an enthusiast, the HV20 could just be the camcorder you’ve been waiting for. Manual controls, microphone input, histogram and an accessory adapter simply sweeten the deal even further.” Link.

Australian PC Authority reviews the Canon HV20 and writes, “Since Sony discontinued its HDR-HC1, there’s been a lack of HDV camcorders below $2000. But the HV20 is a keenly priced, feature-rich option. It isn’t perfect, but there’s enough to bridge the gap from consumer to serious hobbyist.” Link.

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