Canon HV20 High Definition MiniDV Camcorder

Check out the Flip

2008-05-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

We love the Canon HV20 - that's no secret. But if you're on a budget and want a cool, point and click camcorder which can hold an hours worth of full VGA quality film, check out the Flip Camera which is new to the UK after being a smash hit in the US.

Canon HV20 Soft Case

2008-04-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

The best soft case for the Canon HV20 is probablu the Canon SC-2000, which is designed to meet the requirements of nearly all current Canon camcorders. It is a professional quality carrying case and has compartments for filters, battery backs etc.

Canon SC-2000 New Soft Case (Fits All Current Camcorders except XL1S & XM2)

Connect HV20 to PC

2008-04-14T02:24:00.000-07:00

The Canon HV20 comes with a USB cable which will allow you to connect your HV20 to a PC and download your still images.

To download footage from MiniDV to your PC, you will need a Firewire (also known as IEEE 1394 or Sony iLink) cable, and a Firewire port on your computer. Firewire ports come in two sizes - 4 pin (small) and 6 pin (a little bit bigger than USB). There is a 4 pin connector on the HV20, so the cable you need will be 4pin at one end and either 4pin or 6pin at the other end depending on what connector you have on your computer.

A fair number of PCs won't have a Firewire port at all (they are much more common on Macs) so you may need to buy a Firewire card and add it to your PC. We recommend this bundle from Amazon that includes the PCI Firewire card, and the cable which connects your HV20 to the card, and some video editing software - all 3 available at the time of writing for £9.99

Canon HV20 Memory Card

2008-04-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

The Canon HV20 has a slot for MiniSD cards, which still images can be stored on. If you want to get a MiniSD card for your Canon HV20, we recommend the SanDisk 2gb MiniSD card from myMemory.co.uk

HV20 Directional Stereo Microphone

2008-04-14T02:13:00.000-07:00

This Canon Directional Stereo Microphone connects to the advanced accessory shoe on top of the Canon HV20 and allows for great sound pickup, with wind protection built in. The DM-50 draws power from the camera so no additional power source is required.

Find out more about the Canon DM-50 Directional Stereo Mic.

Canon HV20 Accessory Kit

2008-04-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

This useful accessory kit for Canon MiniDV camcorders includes:

Luxury soft carrying case
Battery Pack
60 Minute Mini DV tape

Unboxing the Canon HV20

2008-04-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Video of the Canon HV20 being unboxed for the first time!

Canon HV20 Overview

2007-09-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Cool overview of the Canon Hv20 and its features from a "normal" user.

Demonstration of HD with Canon HV20

2007-09-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple demonstration of the Canon Hv20's High Definition capabilities.

Incredible outdoors footage from the HV20

2007-09-19T03:03:00.000-07:00

Check out this brilliant outdoor footage of Ants. The creator had a lot of fun with it in post production too, by the looks of it.

SimplyDV give the HV20 Top Marks

2007-09-15T03:07:00.000-07:00

SimplyDV.co.uk has reviewed the Canon HV20 and given it top marks - a stunning 5 out of 5. They conclude their review by saying:

the ability to shoot and share both HDV and DV in such great quality coupled with excellent value for money makes this a winner.

Read the full review here.

Amazing Cinematography with the Canon HV20

2007-09-04T02:55:00.000-07:00

Check this amazing demonstration of the Canon HV20, made by someone obviously very talented.

Camcorderinfo.com's Canon HV20 Review

2007-08-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Canon HV20 is that rare camcorder that bursts onto the scene, and sets a new standard in its niche.

So says the highly exhaustive review of the Canon Hv20 as carried out by the respected website, Camcorderinfo.com. If you're still weighing up the pros and cons of the HV20, check out the review and find out about its performance, format info, connectivity, portablity and guide to all the model's controls.

Canon HV20 Specification and Feature List

2007-07-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Product Description

1920x1080 True HD CMOS
Canon CMOS is integral to EOS, the professionals' D-SLR camera system of choice. This expertise has been transferred to video with a 2.96 Megapixel Canon HD CMOS sensor, capturing true 1920x1080 resolution. Record superb HDV1080i movies to MiniDV tape.

Instant AF
Focusing errors are more noticeable with HD resolution. Instant AF is a hybrid AF system that achieves precise auto focus at accelerated speed.

Precision 10x optical zoom lens
The 10x optical zoom lens, engineered for HD quality, incorporates Canon's Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS): an advanced stabilisation system that is better able to compensate for camera shake across the frequency range.

DIGIC DV II for HD
The DIGIC DV II processor is optimised for HD. Advanced noise reduction technology helps deliver superb images with vivid colours.

Cinema-style 25P shooting
Recording 1080/50i movies, the HV20 is Canon's first HD camcorder designed for home moviemaking, that also features switchable frame rates for videos with a truly cinematic touch. True 25P progressive shooting is possible using the HDV PF25 mode. Dedicated CINE image mode also helps to reproduce the look and feel of film.

Advanced photography
The HV20 offers advanced digital photography features. Storing photos to MiniSD card, a one-push histogram display lets you monitor brightness levels to ensure correct exposure. With DIGIC DV II, a 2.07 Megapixel photo can be taken while a video is being recorded.

HDMI
Using the HV20's HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, it's easy to transfer movies to a compatible HD-Ready TV with no loss in quality. Alternatively, connect the camcorder to a compatible computer to transfer footage for editing.

Built-in LED video light and flash
The HV20 has a built-in LED video light - continue recording even in poorly lit conditions. A dedicated flash for stills is also provided.

Analogue-to-digital conversion
Via AV input, home movies can be transferred to digital tape for safekeeping.

Mic input, Advanced Accessory Shoe and PictBridge
Capture superior quality audio with a mic input connection and manual audio controls. With an Advanced Accessory shoe, a range of peripherals can be easily attached to the camcorder. PictBridge allows you to print a photograph in a matter of seconds using the camcorder's Direct Print button.

Canon True HD CMOS with HDMI - superb quality complete convenience HDV1080i recording with a 1920x1080 Canon True HD CMOS sensor Instant AF DIGIC DV II and full connectivity: easily connected to an HD ready TV set via HDMI to watch your movies in full quality.

Number of Pixels Gross (K): 2.96 Megapixels

Microphone Terminal: Yes

LCD: Size (inch): 2.7 LCD

Maximum aperture: Movie - f1.8 to f3.0 Stills - f2.8 to f3.0

DV:Yes in/out

Minimum Focusing Distance: 10mm

USB: Yes

16:9 Wide (Full): Approx 43.6 - 436mm

Optical Zoom: 10x

Digital Zoom: 200x / 40x (selectable)

Image Stabilizer:Super Range Optical IS

Built in Flash:Yes

Memory Stick Compatibility:Takes Mini SD Cards

Supplied Accessories:Wireless controller and battery Compact power adapter AC cable Stereo video cable and Interface cable set Component Cable Battery pack Terminal cover Software Instruction manual Leaflets.

Battery Type:Lithium-ion

Warranty:1 years warranty