Manage updates with the Download AppCanon HV20 Video
Canon HV20 Video Transcript
[ Music ] ^M00:00:01
>> Hello I'm Phil Ryan, senior editor, CNET.com. We are taking a look at the Canon HV20. The HV20 is Canon second compact consumer HDV camcorder, which means that it can record up to 1080I high definition video onto regular mini DV tapes. We liked the design of the HV20 quite a bit, especially compared to its predecessor this goes back to a much more simple, straightforward design where you hold it on the right, around the cassette and you have the lens barrel coming up right next to it and a little flip out screen on the side. We also liked some of the other controls, the little joystick on back makes it easy to manipulate all the menus and you can do most of the adjustments that you need to do really quickly. There's also a nice little dial on the side for manual focus, which makes it pretty simple. It has a 10 X. optical zoom lens and also has a little hot shoe on top for accessories and when I say hot shoe it means that it can actually provide power to those accessories if you'd like. And the screen like most, flips around and in the case of this, of most Canons, also has playback controls on the bottom that double as zoom controls and can start and stop recording. We liked the performance of the camera quite a bit actually, compared to all the other high definition camcorder's out there we've got the footage was very good. The only problem is as usual the Canons night mode really didn't help much when shooting in low light. I'm Phil Ryan and this is the Canon HV20. ^M00:01:48 [ Music ]
Related Videos
The compact Canon ZR400 camcorder performs beautifully in the great outdoors, but Canon continues to drop the ball when it comes to low-light shooting.
With a functional design and a surprisingly solid low-light video quality, the Canon DC40 definitely deserves a spot on your short list of DVD camcorders.
Compact and full-featured, the relatively inexpensive Elura 80 is an excellent choice if you don't shoot often in low-light situations.
Though not great choices for low-light shooting, the Canon PowerShot A630 and A640 are solid, feature-rich digital cameras.
If the Optura 30 is good, the Optura 40 is better, thanks to its video light. But if you don't find yourself shooting in a lot of low-light situations, it may not be worth the cash.
If you're after an inexpensive ultracompact with good low-light photos, the Canon PowerShot Elph 100 HS is one to get. But you better act fast.
A wide-angle, wide-aperture lens and a high-sensitivity sensor add up to good low-light photos and fast performance for the Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS.
A very good pocket camcorder that, in a pinch, can double as a decent snapshot camera. With a higher-resolution LCD and a video light, the Optura 500 is a better bet, though.
Canon's affordable, compact ZR200 performs beautifully when the lights are bright, but you're probably better off with its less expensive sibling, the ZR100.
A basic, inexpensive DVD camcorder, the Canon DC100 is a safe, if unremarkable, choice.
Canon HV20 Review
The good: The Canon HV20 high-definition camcorder has excellent video quality, nice features, HDMI output, and an accessory shoe.
The bad: Can't change white balance while shooting; night mode doesn't help poor low-light performance.
The bottom line: Canon's HV20 camcorder is a great choice for HD-happy amateurs, but its low-light performance could have been better.
Canon HV20 Specs
Manufacturer: Canon
Part number: 2059B001
- Product Specifications
- Product Basic Spec
Canon HV20 Prices
Online stores
| Store | Certified rating | Inventory | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $899.99 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $899.99 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $899.99 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $899.99 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $899.99 |
