7.4 out of 10

Canon VIXIA HV20

Information found in: from 151 sources in 23 countries.

Best Price: $499

  • User Score (111)
    8.4 8.4 from 111 reviewers
  • Expert Score (29)
    8.2 8.2 from 29 reviewers
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Pros & Cons

  • 10x optical zoom, video quality, hdmi output, easy to use, picture quality
  • annoying lcd screen, indoor low light performance, initial sound problem, feels cheap, tricky controls menu zoom

Canon HV20 The Canon HV20 camcorder has 2.96-megapixel CMOS sensor, high definition 10x optical zoom lens with super range optical image stabilizer, which captures high quality footages and still images, together with other HV20 features.

The HV20 features a Canon-made CMOS sensor that produces high resolution images just like in the movies. The CMOS sensor also has on-chip noise reduction technology that allows the user to capture footages even with minimal lighting with less noise and other image abe…

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Canon HV20 The Canon HV20 camcorder has 2.96-megapixel CMOS sensor, high definition 10x optical zoom lens with super range optical image stabilizer, which captures high quality footages and still images, together with other HV20 features.

The HV20 features a Canon-made CMOS sensor that produces high resolution images just like in the movies. The CMOS sensor also has on-chip noise reduction technology that allows the user to capture footages even with minimal lighting with less noise and other image aberrations. The HV20 also uses the RGB Primary color feature to produce high definition images for both video and still images with rich and accurate color, and natural looking tones similar to what 3CCD camcorders can give. Its lens features super-spectra coating technology that minimizes unwanted glare and flare. It also uses the DIGIC DV signal processing that improves image quality both for moving and still photos. It improves color reproduction especially on skin tones, and has two types of noise reduction for clearer and brighter images.

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Manufacturer's Specs

Digital Video

  • Power Supply (rated)
    Supplied CA-570 Compact Power Adapter Supplied BP-2L13 Battery Pack
  • Image Sensor
    1/2.7" CMOS Sensor, RGB Primary Color Filter
  • Total Pixels
    Approx. 2,960,000
  • Effective Pixels
    Movies: HDV/DV (WIDE): approx. 2,070,000 DV (NORMAL): approx. 1,550,000 Still Images: 16:9 still images: approx. 2,070,000 4:3 still images: approx. 2,760,000
  • Maximum Recording Time (with an 80-min. cassette)
    SP: 80 min.
  • Lens
    Zoom Ratio: 10x Optical/200x Digital Focal Length: f=6.1-61mm Zoom Speed: Variable/3 Fixed Zoom Speeds Max. F/Stop: f/1.8-3.0mm (when tapes are used) Filter Size: 43mm
  • Focusing System
    Manual Focus Assist Functions: Magnifying, Peaking
  • Manual Exposure
    Yes
  • Programmed AE
    Auto, Program, Av, Tv, CINE, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks
  • Supported Playback Modes
    1080/60i, 1080/24P, 1080/30F, 1080/24F

Review Summary

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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. C…

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  1. Canon HV20 Review

    Reviewer: ConnectReviews
    27 August 2008
    Overall 9
    9.0
     

    Canon has already introduced their HV30 product, which has nearly identical specs besides the ability to shoot in 30p and support for the Canon expanded battery pack. The Canon HV20 is available today from Amazon for just under $700. A great deal for a camcorder that will last a lifetime. Read more

  2. Canon HV20

    Reviewer: Picture correct
    13 May 2008

    LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 31, 2007 – Canon extends its leadership role in the creation of feature rich, high-quality, High Definition (HD) camcorders for consumers with the introduction of the Canon HV20 HD Camcorder. With its proud professional pedigree plain to see, the HV20 HD Camcorder draws on decades of Canon's proven excellence in optics and technological innovation, incorporating professional level HD video features in a handy, horizontal-style, user-friendly... Read more

  3. Canon HV20 One-Chip HDV High Definition Video Camera

    31 March 2008

    The Canon HV20, for 2007, has the best performance-to-cost ratio of any HD camera we have tested. Canon corporation has been making cameras and lenses for many decades. Their digital SLRs are consistently rated at the top, and it looks like their HD video cameras will continue that tradition. Read more

  4. Canon HV20 HDV Camcorder

    Reviewer: maximum pc
    18 December 2007
    Overall 7
    7.0
     

    If you don’t mind dealing with miniDV tape, the Canon HV20 is a fine choice. However, we prefer having nonlinear random access to shots, rather than rolling through an anachronistic tape to find a shot. We also don’t care for the cheap, plastic feel of this unit or its “advanced accessory shoe” cover that pops off with little provocation. But the HV20’s HDV format is a lot easier to edit, with that same familiar, comfortable workflow you get with DV tape:... Read more

  5. Canon HV20

    Reviewer: Digitaltrends
    07 October 2007
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    It seems Canon took the complaints about the 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... Read more

  1. Reviewer: raxor247, Epinions
    23 July 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
    Ease of use 8
    8.0
     

    I always do my research before purchasing anything over $100, and in this case, at ~$950, I've read nearly all of the available consumer/professional reviews of this product before making my purchase. While I am for the most part satisfied with the ... Read more

  2. Some issues, but can't beat the footage for the price

    Reviewer: Online Shopper, Shopzilla
    26 June 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    Well, of course the hype would have you believe that this is the best camcorder on the market right now -- they are right! You can't beat the specifications -- native 24p being the hallmark. But the camera lacks controls necessary to be a great working camera i.e. in cinemode (the one everyone would be using) the camera cranks up gain all the way up 32, making the image grainy and pure ugly and you can't adjust or lock that. That's really my only issue with it so far.... Read more

  3. Nice camcorder awesome picture

    Reviewer: davbman, ReviewView
    18 December 2007
    Overall 4
    4.0
     

    O ilve the body fits right on my hand Read more

  4. Perfect HD Quality - Easy to Use, great for iMovie Fans

    Reviewer: Jim Rucker, Digitaltrends
    13 December 2007
    Overall 10
    10
     

    Easily the best HD out there for the money. It was down to $698 through Amazon with free shipping when I took the plunge. The best part really was it's compatibility with iMovie HD 6 editing software. Perfect. 24P is excellent and as good as they say. Many complained about the zoom button, but that was one of my favorite features. Not sure what they were talking about. LCD is great, however EVF needs some work. Hard to adjust diopter, and does not pull out. Overall, go... Read more

  5. HV20 amazing camera

    Reviewer: chared, CameraWorld.com
    03 December 2007
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    So far this camcorder has worked great because of the durability with the stabilization and the high definition. The HD is really beneficial for high quality video and resolution. I have only had it for about a week but I plan on using it a lot more for short films for my upcoming video class that I'm taking for my major. Read more

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