Canon 4905B005 VIXIA HF R20 8GB Flash Memory Camcorder, 3.28 Megapixel, 20x Optical/400x Digital Zoom, Red

2017-12-25T19:00:00

The biggest cons are the poor battery life and the headaches trying to down and save videos. I'd recommend an extra battery and an external charger, neither of which are cheap. Also, it's a nuisance downloading videos unless you use the bloated canon software. My favourite aspects of the video camera are the great quality of video and the option for two external memory (SD cards. I find I use it for a year or two taking videos of my children before the memory gets full.

MVid

Originally posted at

2013-11-08T19:00:00

I'm young and I've never had a camcorder before, just Canon power shots. And let me tell you, power shots are terrible for video, terrible. I wanted to get this for a starter camcorder when I first got enthusiastic about film. I got it and immediately started using it for my projects. I'm kinda sad that it doesn't have a standard cold shoe mount, at least one without a power connection. The problem I'm currently facing is that when I use a 1/4" bolt to connect my camera to my DIY rig, the threading breaks. Overall, great starter, nothing more.

JCD

Originally posted at

2012-12-27T19:00:00

I bought this camera when it first came out. I bought an extra battery from a 3rd party and the when a batter charger came on the market bought it and it came with 2 non-intelligent batteries as back ups. So I have yet to run out of battery power even after hours of "filming". Excellent image quality but a bit of a learning curve for someone not used to touch screen controls. Sound not bad for an in camera mic but not good enough for what I wanted. So I bought a Rode mic for it that is much better and can be used as a desk top or on a boom or on an SLR flash bracket. Lots of recording room on the internal memory and the two additional memory card slots. I also bought a 3rd party ultra-wide angle that seriously expands its content inclusion. When you consider the price, the image quality, the option for smoothing out camera shake, good auto and endless manual controls, the small size and light weight, I think it a very good choice. Not TV production quality but then who would expect it. And found it easy to both connect to my iMac or MacBook to download either directly from the camera or removing the card and using a USB card reader. Not a single problem. Even faster if you have a card reader built into your computer. I too have dropped it a couple of time onto tile floors Ouch! Not a scratch and not degradation of recording quality. Amazing low light quality. I have shot in candle light quite successfully. I have used iMovie 2011 and it imports very successfully with no problems.

PHD

Originally posted at

2012-09-08T20:00:00

I have had problems trying to download videos ever since I purchased this camera. It is dificult to use and no help available on line. The only thing I like about the camcorder is that it is lightweight.

Smyrnafishers

Originally posted at

2012-06-18T20:00:00

I have used this Camcorder now for about 8mo., and am very pleased. The HD is excellent and you have an option of 5 Quality settings. You have in camera storage + 2 SD card slots,(use 16GB class 10 minimum, for best results). the low light is OK, it could be improved, but at what cost?. I also like the fact that it has audio in/out, + full computer&HD outputs. I record musical performances, so I use an external mic for better sound. The built in mic is above average. the LCD screen is very good in all aspects. Must remove from automatic to fully use menu. Like most people the battery could be improved, especially in the $$$Cost area(a fair price would in the $45 area), you have to have 2, if you use the Zoom a lot, it's a power robber, other wise it will last about 70-80 min. for the price I think it's Very Good

DaveK

Originally posted at

2012-03-30T20:00:00

I purchased this camcorder back in Dec.2011, basically to use it for documentary projects at film school. The funny thing is that the R20 shoots HD video better than some of the $2000 camcorders that the school issues out (camcorders, not the DSLR's). Another aspect to mention would be it's surprising durability. I unfortunately made the mistake of letting some friends borrow the R20 and it's been dropped three times (once from 3 ft. onto a tile floor), left out in a cold car for a few hours, and has had a few jacks ripped out from people tripping over cables linking into it... but the little guy still records perfect. The only thing that I have to complain about the R20 is that the battery life is very short, and it's almost required for you to buy an extra battery/charger ($$$)...but aside from that this camcorder is still great, and I would definitely buy it again.

ShootitB&W

Originally posted at

2012-03-26T20:00:00

It has poor battery life. Very poor. Bad battery life.

Blackfish

Originally posted at

2012-02-18T19:00:00

As someone who does a lot of still photography and videography in the medical field, this camera is supurb for the price and features. One of the best features I like is that it is an affordable camera with an external mic input. That is a great feature for video taping presentations. Also, the fact that you can use two SD cards for extra long recording time, and the camera will "transfer" HD to SD internally. These features are extremely handy and usually available only in high end cameras. I will probably purchase one or two more of these cameras. The only downside is that I had to purchase some extra after market batteries because the batteries are way over priced.

Lennyinfla

Originally posted at

2011-12-25T19:00:00

I need a camera for my work. This was a good recommendation by the staff and they helped me learn to use it within minutes.

Amyg

2011-10-03T21:00:00

File format is AVCHD. Can only use DVD-R or DVD-DL to write to disk. Dual Layer very hard to find in stores , only +R/+R DL. The Pixela software is not easy to use when adding titles or cutting/pasting video clips together. Needs more work, I do not have a substitute right now. Thought I saw somewhere on the web, it is best to use AVCHD with Intel Mac.

Robert E.

2011-09-13T20:00:00

I have had this camera for about 2 weeks and this camera is great! The inly real problem I've had is that in low light it docent look so good but over all its a great camera for the price

Cameradude

Originally posted at

2011-09-03T21:00:00

This is my first HD camera. I have been shooting sports with a Canon XL2 for the last 3 years. The VIXIA HF R20 is great for the price and features. However, I am very disappointed in the battery life and cost. The replacement batteries can sell for $70-$100. But with that price the best I have seen is about an hour shooting time. For High School games I need 3 batteries to get through 4 quarters and half-time show. At times I have wanted to go back to my XL2, but for the HD quaility I am pleased. The pros of the VIXIA HF R20 out weight the cons though! And its great when shooting under the lights at the stadium.

Hart V.

2011-09-02T20:00:00

i use this camera mainly for skate vids ad its the best I've had, its the most affordable and blows other cameras in the price range away

john

Originally posted at