Review 1 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Great Entry Level HD Camcorder
02/11/2008
By icharus
from Indiana
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What's great about it: Image Quality, Form Factor, Tape Storage, Large Screen, Battery Life
What's not so great: No Wide Angle, Auto Focus is not as good as advertized,
"A great quality HD Camera with lots of pro features in a good form factor. The new instant auto focus is ok and works better then most. The camera is well constructed and feels natural in your hand. You probably need to buy the larger battery for it and a wide angle adapter could help. 24p is nice but can look a little strobey. Overall this is a great camera and the best value in its class."
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 2 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Great
02/10/2008
By bstout1
from Phoenix, AZ
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What's great about it: beautiful image quality
What's not so great: no HD cable
"Canon makes a great camera. I have been using Canon digital cameras for years and finally bought a camcorder.
The image quality it great and the camera is easy to use. I am not a videophile so I don't get into a lot of the advanced features...more point and shoot, but works great for me.
On the down side, the buttons are little bit hard to reach with your thumb...my wife has a harder time than I do. The DV tape is a little difficult to use to make sure you don't overwrite something you already recorded, but that will just require some extra care.
Hooking it up to the 1080p TV was a breeze and it looks beautiful. It will be even easier when I get the HDMI cable.
My only complaint is that it doens't come with a DV or HDMI cable, only a USB cable to get the photos off with. That will add another $30-50 to the price of the camera for an internet deal.
Overall, 5 stars b/c the camera does exactly what it is supposed to do. Just the extras are missing.
I paid $750 in store"
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 3 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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This camera rocks!!!
02/10/2008
By MNLiveVideo
from Minneapolis, MN
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What's great about it: Clear picture, amazing sound, built in flash AND video light, tons of features, easy to use
What's not so great: Still resolution could be higher, but still looks pretty good.
"I purchased this camera to record live (VERY LOUD) bands indoors based upon the ability to tweak the internal microphone. I could not be more impressed--there is no sound distortion whatsover, and the picture is phenomenal.
Many adjustments can be made "on the fly", so I can adjust exposure and microphone levels while filming if conditions change.
The "high speed continuous shot" of the still camera is faster than my canon powershot s31s.
Simply put, if you are looking for a "prosumer" style of camera, but cannot afford to shell out the $$ or want something smaller (this fits in my purse!), go for it. You won't be disappointed!!!"
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 4 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Top 1000 Contributor
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Awesome Features For The Price
01/02/2008
By nostradamus
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"I own a Sony DVD Camcorder and I was happy with it untill I purchased this baby. The picture on this camcorder is just unbelievable especially when connected to my 40" Samsung 1080p LCD"
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 5 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Great Camcorder
12/27/2007
By bkendrick
from Dallas, TX
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What's great about it: Video quality, function toggle control, available editing software
What's not so great: Real time transfer
"For several years, I've used a Sony Mini DVD standard definition camcorder. It has worked great for transferring selected clips in unedited form to video folders in my computer. I orginally purchased a Canon HG 10 hard drive HD to replace the old Sony. As someone with limited video editing experience, I found the software that supports the AVCHD format used by the hard drive camcorder difficult to use. I could never get the settings on the software and computer such that the outcome was a quality video. Therefore, I exchanged the HG 10 for the HV 20. Right out of the box, the videos looked really good with the camcorder connected to an HD TV without changing any settings or editing. After trying several trial versions of editing software, I decided to use Windows Movie Maker, which came with Vista Ultimate in my computer. It required the least amount of user input to produce quality videos that were ready to place in exiting SD video folders. The only negative I've found is the real time transfer that goes along with tape recording. Nonetheless, I'm pleased with my decision to purchase this camcorder."
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 6 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Great camera / Great Price
10/10/2007
By pidgeyoki
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What's great about it: price, HD quality, ease of use
What's not so great: none yet
"I haven't imported or edited anything off this camera yet, but I can tell you I've shot some footage at a conference and it's really easy to use, right out of the box. Charge it up and it's ready to go! All the controls are very intuitive. I'm a little concerned about importing and editing, as I've read online that it's difficult with Final Cut Pro. We'll see about that. I did purchase this camera because of the external mic port and hot shoe. Great options that you can't really get on less expensive cameras anymore. All in all, worth the money!"
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 7 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Great Camcorder
10/08/2007
By GoHerd
from Southern Ohio
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What's great about it: Easy to use, Great video images and pictures
What's not so great: Hand strap needs to be adjusted frequently
"I bought this camcorder when my previous Canon camcorder died right before vacation. Having 11 solid years of trouble free use on the first Canon, this was not a hard decision.
I have been extremely satisfied with the results of the video and pictures. I was especially pleased with the improvement in low light results over my previous unit.
For still pictures dont expect alot from the built in flash at night. It has a limited range and wont light up the background; but, day time shots aren't bad.
I have had the camera for almost three months and have no regrets (except that I needed mine before the price dropped)."
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 8 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Worth the Wait
09/15/2007
By jawa74
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"My wife and I were interested in purchasing a camcorder for taking video on vacations and so forth. I own a couple of prosumer cameras, and try my best to keep up with the pace of today's technology. So I did a great deal of research on today's line of high definition camcorders, and came to the conclusion that this Canon model was top of the line, and fairly affordable. We already own a 42 inch Sony hi-def projection TV, so I was anxious to get some footage on this camera and play it back. We've shot several things with the camera and so far I am pretty impressed."
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 9 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Really good HD camera for this price
09/15/2007
By spectrum72
from Miami, FL
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"This camera is great for the price. We took it on a recent trip to Mexico. RAZOR sharp CLEAR video in every condition we used it. Low light, stage shows, restaurants. The image stabilization worked well. Fits well on the hand. Even the microphone worked pretty good.
My only complaint was a kind of short battery life when using the LCD screen during recording. But if you use the "old school" style of looking thru the viewfinder then the battery last plenty long. I read some reviewers said it tilts when they put it down on a table. I really don't see how that can happen. I placed it down and it is well balanced and still. The optical zoom worked just fine so there was no need for the digital zoom. We didn't use it on tight places so I don't know how wide angle would work. I saw mentions that it was too tight.
I would definately recommend it."
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 10 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Thas great
09/14/2007
By BenBob
from New York, NY
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"That's a good choice if you need high definition camcorder. Enjoy it!"
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 11 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Top 500 Contributor
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Great Cam
09/14/2007
By DurhamBlues
from Naples, Fl.
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"I'm a camera guru. I'm really an overall electronics guru.
This camcorder is amazing. When you record with this thing you'll be amazed at the quality. It's beautiful!
Lots of features in terms of how you want to film, including the ability to drop down from HD quality to standard quality automatically during low light situations.
GREAT camera!"
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 12 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Outstanding Quality
09/13/2007
By RegularJoe
from Michigan
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"I read a lot of reviews on HDV camcorders and this was right there at the top.
The quality of the picture and is outstanding. You will need to purchase a Mini SD card if you was to use it's camera feature. Although the camera is only 3.1 megpixels, it is not too bad. It is kind of a pain that you have to flick a switch to go between camera mode and video mode, but you will adjust.
Be sure to purchase a UV filter to protect your lens. I had to go to a high end camera shop to find the correct size. Don't waste your money on an extra battery. You can always purchase one at any time.
Software to edit was my big concern. Sony Vegas 7 or 8 is a decent editor and imports the HD format rather well. Adobe premiere also does a nice job, but it is expensive and does not do scene detection in HD mode. Scene detection will break up your video into smaller clips when it senses a change in scene. This makes editing easier.
Buy it and you will not be disappointed, I know I have no regrets."
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 13 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Canon has outdone itself!
09/09/2007
By Hitman
from Chicago, IL
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"Man, I have got to get this camera! I looked on YouTube to see the quality of it, and it was outstanding! Once I get it , I probably won't ever use standard definition, I'll always use it in 24P! Thanks, Canon, for lowering the price on a camcorder with this professional feature! I'm pretty sure, as you well know, that other companies will attempt to imitate, but for now, the HV20 is the best consumer camcorder out, hands down, PERIOD!!!!!!!"
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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HV20 for film and video production
09/09/2007
By SaintLouis
from St. Louis, MO
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"This camcorder has the best image quality in its price range. It is like a stripped down version a professional camcorder and once you learn how to work around its settings there is no reason why this camcorder could not be used in an indie film or even as a B-camera on a professional shoot. The only drawback is the consumer quality audio, but as any filmmaker knows, the audio is best captured on an external portable audio recorder. The HV20 records to miniDV tapes rather than hard drive. The advantage to this is that you can take it on a road trip with a few tapes and not have to worry about lugging around an external video drive or laptop as you would with a camcorder that records to hard drive. I am a little skiddish about buying camcorders with hard drives because I have had several bad experiences with hard drives going bad on me, plus as it is right now the compression that the hard drive camcorders use is either incompatible with current editing systems or creates a much lower image quality than what the HV20 produces."
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 15 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Good One to Choose
08/16/2007
By TheMostToys
from Clearwater, Florida
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"HD is stunning. Camera offers features that are not available in some others. Microphone jack so you can use other microphones. Only minor flaw is no Lanc control jack and the remote that is supplied only works from the front of the camera. It should work front and back for tripod use. Still images are excellent.
Very comfortable to hold and operate.
Buy yours today!"
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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Review 16 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Overhyped Camcorder.
08/16/2007
By skaarj
from Round Rock, TX
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"I researched camcorders for several weeks. I wanted to replace my aging Panasonic DV-51 (2001 model). I was excited to see all the great web reviews on the Canon HV20. However, none of the hype lived up to expectation.
The video playback after recording both outside massive light, and inside low light video was only a tad better than my 6 year old cheap Panasonic DV-51. However not a $1000 better. Playback was on a Sony KDF60XBR950. ( High Def 60 inch LCD projection) I tried the playback with HDMI, DVI, and component cables.
The 24p and cine modes were the most over hyped functions of the Canon HV20. The video shot in these modes did not live up to the hype. It is a nice feature. However, not worth a $1000. Also those interested in editing should search the difficulty in doing so with the 24p mode shot on the canon hv20.
The mic is set to pick up any and all sounds including the whine of the camcorder motor. The high pitched sound was extremely annoying during playback. The mic gain can only be controlled in manual program mode. However after switching back to auto mode the extremely annoying whine is heard. Fortunately you can set most of the auto function modes to auto while in manual program mode.
I could not recommend this camcorder to anyone upgrading their current miniDV model. However, if you are in the market for your first camcorder or replacing an old VHS camera or Betamovie than this is probably the best choice for $1000 range camcorder."
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
No
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Canon High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD Monitor
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Great High Definition Camera
08/16/2007
By HDjunky
from Los Angeles (Eagle Rock), CA
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"I had to do some re-search prior to purchasing this Camcorder. After hours of searching web-sites, and reviews from various magazines & Internet newsgroups, I have narrowed it to finally purchase this Canon HV20. Although I did wish it was 1080p to match my television, the 1080i was just as impressive. From what I have read, editing from a tape is better than editing from a Hard Drive since Sound is separately recorded. This is the ONLY camera on this price range and quality that offers optional 24p (picture rate similar to motion pictures) During playback, the movements are much smoother than the real time recording. Almost as if I was watching a Television show rather than a home video. I have tested this camera both indoors and outdoors. I was extremely happy when I filmed my daughter's stage performance in a stage lit performance art center auditorium. The vivid colors was ecstatic. With the correct camera setting on stage light. This camera will capture it all in High Definition. Other's that have seen the video thought that it was purchased from the performing art center. They could not believe I filmed it. I have used this also at night during the 4th of July fireworks. All I can say is "WOW". It captured all the details. We can clearly see the firework streaming up to the sky and exploding with vibrant colors. Filming during day light with lots of colors will show the true Hi-Def details of this camera. The trick is to read the manual and know the correct setting which is very easy to use and operate. One of the most important factor is the cable you use to connect the camera to a HDTV. I used & recommend HDMI. It worked perfectly.
I have also used tri-pods on stage performances and Boom Mic. This camera is equipped with powered accessory shoe where you can attach the zoom mic or light. Canon is known for their great lenses worldwide. Which is the more reason that you do not get the cheap no-name lenses and filters. I have purchased a Telephoto Canon lense and on my way to purchasing a Wide Angle soon.
I used the telephoto during my daughter's High School graduation. It can zoom so close you can see the facial details from a distance in High Definition.
With so many great features that this camera offers. I can honestly say that it is a great buy. For the price it is worth it. You pay for what you get. I do not even look at non-HD cameras anymore. Once you go High-Def. You will not want to go back to regular analog. Trust me! =)"
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Would you recommend this product to a friend?:
Yes
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