Canon HV20
June 4th, 2007 | by David Elrich
Full Review
Features and Design The Canon HV20 uses a 2.96-megapixel CMOS sensor combined with the DIGIC DV II processor, first found on Canon’s $10,000 USD pro-level XL H1. It also has optical image stabilization, a must when shooting high-definition video since every shake is even more noticeable. This camcorder is no beauty like the Panasonic HDC-SD1 but it’s far from a monstrosity. Other than a few decals noting the HDV format it really wouldn’t stand out nestled on the posts at your local CE emporium. The body is primarily silver with dark gray accents. Some have complained the camcorder feels cheap but that’s nitpicking—it’s a sub $1,000 USD camcorder, not an M1 tank or the new $1,699 USD JVC GZ-HD7US. The front is dominated by the 10x Canon optical zoom with built-in lens cover. The digital zoom boost hits 200x but don’t bother turning it on since the results are fairly pixilated. Also upfront are a tiny LED enhancement light, Instant AF and remote sensors. On the top you’ll find the stereo mic and a plastic cover hiding the hot accessory shoe for an optional video light or microphone. You’ll also find the tape eject button, the wide/tele zoom control and a dedicated photo button. This $1,000 camcorder takes 3.1-megapixel stills. You can also take a 2MP still while you’re shooting video. The right side is the cover for the tape compartment plus two mode keys—one determines whether you’re recording to tape or miniSD card and the other switches between Auto and Program (manual) modes. Toward the front is a compartment for the mic and A/V-headphone terminals as well as a jack for connecting the supplied component video out cable. Most of your adjustments are made using the menu system that’s navigated using a small joystick and four-way controller located near the record button and function buttons on the back of the unit. The menu system is fairly logical but you do have to drill down to reach the useful scene modes such as portrait, beach, and fireworks and so on. There’s a small color viewfinder with diopter control and the main mode dial (camera, off, play). They’re all logically placed and easy to find. Also nicely done is the battery compartment under the viewfinder, When you snap the battery in, its flush to the body so no protruding chunks of metal get in your way. Next to the battery is a compartment for the HDMI and Firewire out connections. There’s also a DC in to connect the charger.
One of my main complaints about the HV10 was its vertical shape. I simply found its ergonomics very poor. With the HV20, Canon reverted to the traditional horizontal configuration and it feels very comfortable. Thank you, Canon! Measuring 3.5 x 3.2 x 5.4 (WHD, in inches) and weighing 20.8 ounces fully loaded, the camcorder is nicely designed with key controls such as the wide/tele zoom switch and the mode key within easy reach.
The key feature on the left side is a solid 2.7-inch widescreen swing-out LCD screen rated 211K pixels; it handled bright sunshine well. While not a touchscreen like competing Sonys, main tape transport controls are located on the bottom of the screen (rewind, fast forward, play, stop). When the LCD is open, you’ll see the speaker, USB connection and the miniSD card slot. There are a number of buttons surrounding the screen on the main body for Display, turning on the light, BLC (Backlight Compensation) and Focus. Next to this button is a control for fine-tuning focus.
The Canon HV20 comes with a fairly basic kit—lacking a blank tape. I know companies are always looking to save money but why not toss in a DV cassette (around $3) in the carton with a $1,000 USD camcorder? If you buy this camcorder, ask the dealer to throw in a 3-pack of tapes or you’ll take your business elsewhere. Also, like the HV10, the software is lacking. The CD ROM (version 24.0) only has a browser for stills and drivers; no editing software at all. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable video editing packages available. In the box is the AC adapter/charger, remote, component, A/V and USB cables. The trilingual Owner’s Manual is decent with 107 pages in English.
Once the battery was charged and tape/miniSD card loaded, it was time to start shooting.
Image Courtesy of Canon
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by Al Brenner on March 18, 2008:
“I have a Canon HV20 camera which I purchased less than 8 months ago and at the moment; it is a piece of junk. Here I am in Antigua Guatemala to shoot video of the Easter celebration, one of the most exciting in Central America. I have spent many hundreds...” More...