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"From a novice: I'm a bit underwhelmed" on by gilhouse
Pros: looks better than a mini-dv
Cons: should I be overwhelmed for $1000?
Summary: WARNING: The following comes from a video-layman, and camcorder novice. I've only used crappy mini-dv cameras for under $400 in the past. This is my first HD camera, and my first camera for over $400.
I got an HV20 from Ritz Camera on Friday in Portland, Oregon. I have 10 days to decide whether to keep it, or not. I liked their return policy better than Circuit City or Best Buy
Perhaps because of my inexperience and lack of an HDTV, I was a bit underwhelmed. The first shots I took were indoors at night with low lighting. The footage didn't look much different from regular consumer camcorders.
But the next day I did a test in a classroom with flourescent lighting. I filmed the same subject standing in the same location with my old mini-dv and the HV20, put the footage side by side on my powerbook (using iMovie) and the difference was obvious. The color and saturation was more vibrant, and the detail a bit clearer with the HV20.
But still, I thought... $1100 and it's only THAT much better?
AND - I was disappointed that the much-vaunted 24P mode didn't show me any difference in quality, either. And yes, you can't really move the camera around when it's in 24P mode: it will show ghost trails and stuttering effects.
I realize I probably need to playback footage on a HDTV to see the real difference.
Anyway, this being my first HD camera, some other things I learned: importing HD footage takes about 4 times as long. The computer (I use iMovie exclusively) imports at 1/4 to 1/2 of real-time. iMovie does state that for you ("Importing at 1/4 speed").
After a few hours of using it, I did notice the awkwardness of design and discomfort in my hand. But I don't think that's enough of a reason to return it.
I'm open to feedback.
Thanks
-Matt -
"awsome camera!" on by sohail khan_13
Pros: Easy to use and 24 fps. Great Quality.
Cons: The view finder is at a tight spot.
Summary: Its better than sony hdr-ch7.
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"Good - but stupid simple mistake" on by Janne 2
Pros: Picture quality, handling
Cons: Wideangle, no 24 h time format
Summary: Have had the camera for one day only. Seems good regarding quality and handling. But has a really stupid and irritating error for those living outside of 12 h (AM/PM)time zones. There is no possibility to enter a 24 h format. For this type of quality camera it is an error which seems like a joke.
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"can't capture with canon hv20" on by UrbanCowboy84
Pros: I can watch it on tv
Cons: Can't capture video
Summary: is it possible to actually capture something, anything with this camera? I can't successfully capture with HDVsplit which is what is recommended, I have tried Premiere and that won't work either.
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"One of the best Camcorder in 2007" on by UMCP
Pros: Affordable, Excellent Video, HDMI output, improved battery, light weight
Cons: Canon decided to go with Mini SD instead SD card, Why? Low Light performance was ok, but not great.
Summary: I purchased this Camcorder yesterday at place I work for 830 dollars. Yes, that's right. I have an employee discount. I could have purchased the Sony HC7, but the problem is... that camcorder still costs more than 1000 dollars with my employee discount. I am really happy with my choice. This camcorder takes great videos, and performace was very solid. I realy like the overall design of this camcorder. It's light weight, and compact. Thx you canon.
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