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2009-06-10T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Camera !

picture quality is great. light weight. easy to use. sound better than the hf10 i previously had. still would recommed an external microphone if subject is going to be more then 20 feet away and talking softly, otherwise the microphone picks up decently.

picture p.

2009-06-10T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

First impressions: the device is amazing. Quality of vid is excellent. The camera is easy to start using. However, the included ImageMixer 3SE "Editor" software doesn't let you save the video (transcode) to any other format besides H.264 m2ts. Now I have to spend more money on software just to get basic AVI, Quicktime, WMV files. Given that m2ts/H.264 is not a common desktop video format, Canon's included SW should provide "save as something useful" ability along with a codec for normal media players like Windows Media Player and Quicktime -- better yet, they should bundle it with a useful video editor program.For [$] (street price), I expect the HDMI cable to be included. I paid $60 for the Canon part that should have been included 'cause it's a non-standard mini HDMI connector. The kit includes the component video cable but not the HDMI mini.The filter threads are plastic which is pretty scary given that you need a conversion lens for reasonable field of view indoors. (read below).The field of view (FOV) is about 45 degrees with the zoom lens fully wide. This is inadequate for shooting indoors or up close to people which is mostly what I do -- I bought the WD-H37II wide-converter lens which makes the thing useful indoors with about a 60 deg FOV. The conversion lens is a lovely piece of glass, however, the lens is huge as compared to the front of the camera's lens. The converter lens obscures the microphone, light and flash and this heavy lens is now attached via plastic threads -- this is not confidence inspiring. My pocket digicam can zoom wide enough so why can't an [$] camcorder basic lens.As for confusing screen messages: When you connect the USB cable to your computer, it tells "connect the compact power adaptor". When you do, you get a "PC Connection" message that says "Do not disconnect the USB cable or the power source while the camcorder is connected to a computer. Cannot turn off the camcorder or change the operating mode." That's not a typo - it's what it says. However, none of the controls work and you're left to guess that you should just unplug the USB cable and the sky will not fall down. Later, I discovered it behaves differently depending on the mode selected (dual, photo or video). It will connect without the power cord if you have photo mode select but not video -- a little odd.The AWB auto white balance is horrible if you are taking still photos using the flash indoors - a heavy orange cast results -- like a nightmare at the tanning salon but not a big deal as the snapshot feature is a bonus, IMO.In a nutshell, the video quality is amazing but impossible to work with effectively until you buy some more after-market software. The ergonomics are very good (even for a switch-hitting lefty). I would like to see shorter focal length zoom (who cares about long telephoto zoom? -- wider is much more useful, IMO) and metal filter threads holding stuff onto the face of the unit. My recommendation is really "Yes" with caveats above, and is based on video quality and ergonomics. Not having a wide enough zoom is my biggest gripe.

DAVID M.

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Canon VIXIA HF20 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder - SKU#1621775 Specifications

  • Standard Definition or High Definition

    High Definition

  • Television System

    NTSC

  • Video Recording system

    MPEG4-AVC / H.264

  • Image Sensor

    1/4" CMOS, RGB Primary Color Filter

  • Total Pixels

    Approx. 3.89 Megapixels

  • Effective Pixels

    Video: Approx. 2.99 Megapixels
    (2304 x 1296) / Still Image: 16:9: Approx. 2.99 Megapixels
    (2304 x 1296), 4:3 Approx. 3.31 Megapixels (2100 x 1575)

  • Maximum recording time

    32GB internal Flash drive
    LP (5 Mbps) 12 hours 15 minutes
    SP (7 Mbps) 9 hours 35 minutes
    XP+ (12 Mbps) 5 hours 45 minutes
    FXP (17 Mbps) 4 hours 10 minutes - Allows 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording
    MXP (24 Mbps) 2 hours 55 minutes - Allows 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording

  • Zoom Ratio

    15x Optical / 300x Digital

  • Focal Length

    f=4.1- 61.5mm (35mm equivalent: 39.5 - 592.5mm)

  • Zoom Speed

    Variable / 3 Fixed Zoom Speeds

  • Max. F/Stop

    f/1.8-3.2

  • Focusing System

    Instant AF, Face Priority AF, TTL (through the lens)

  • Manual Exposure

    Yes

  • Programmed AE

    AUTO, P, Av, TV, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks

  • Max Shutter Speed

    Movie: 1/2000
    Still image: 1/500

  • Minimum Focusing Distance

    10mm (wide) / 1m (tele)

  • White Balance

    Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Manual

  • Frame Rate

    60i, 24p Progressive (records at 60i), 30p Progressive (records at 60i)

  • Minimum Illumination

    0.4 lx (Night mode)

  • Image Stabilization

    SuperRange Optical (lens shift)

  • Filter Diameter

    37mm

  • LCD Screen

    2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid widescreen color LCD (Approx. 211,000 dots)

  • Flash

    Built-in

  • Recording Media

    Internal Flash drive (32GB) or SDHC Memory Card

  • USB Terminal

    USB 2.0 Hi-Speed

  • Video Terminal

    component (output), composite (output)

  • Audio

    Dolby Digital 2 channels (AC-3 2 ch)

  • Accessory Shoe

    Mini Advanced

  • Supplied Video Editing Software

    Pixela ImageMixer 3SE

  • HDMI Terminal

    HDMI Mini Connector (output), CEC and x.v. Color

  • Microphone Terminal

    3.5 mm stereo mini-jack

  • AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal

    3.5 mm 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio output only)

  • Dimensions

    (W X H X D) 2.8" x 2.4" x 4.9" (70 x 62 x 124mm)

  • Weight

    12.0 oz. (340g) (not including lens and battery pack)

  • Weight (fully loaded)

    14.1 oz. (400g)

  • Warranty

    Canon 1 year parts and labor limited warranty

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About Canon VIXIA HF20 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder - SKU#1621775

FEATURED REVIEWS

Great Camera !

By picture p.

picture quality is great. light weight. easy to use. sound better than the hf10 i previously had. still would recommed an external microphone if subject is going to be more then 20 feet away and talking softly, otherwise the microphone picks up decently.

The Canon VIxIA HF20 delivers brilliant video and photos through a Canon exclusive 3.89 Megapixel CMOS image sensor and the latest version of the advanced image processor, DIGIC DV III. It is ultra lightweight - the smallest and lightest HD camcorder and brings the ease and convenience of Flash Memory. This technology, the same used in advanced laptop computers, MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones, allows the VIxIA HF20 to record to both its large 32GB internal memory for over 12 hours of crisp, high definition video as well as to a removable SDHC card.

The VIxIA HF20 allows you to record at up to 24Mbps, the highest bitrate in AVCHD format, for the highest quality image. The VIxIA HF20's Canon Exclusive features - such as the Genuine Canon 15x HD video lens, Genuine Canon Face Detection, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and a host of new control and creative options - makes the Flash Memory camcorder unmistakably Canon.

Canon VIXIA HF20 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder - SKU#1621775 Features

  • The VIXIA HF20 stand out in the category of Flash Memory camcorders with its Dual Memory capability. You can capture video on both the camcorder's internal 32 GB Flash Memory as well as directly to an SDHC Memory Card.
  • Measuring only 2.8" wide, 2.4" high and 4.9" deep and weighing in at only 12.0 ounces, it combines considerable video storage capacity and advanced features in a small, convenient to carry body.
  • The VIXIA HF20 comes with an outstanding High Definition video lens - a Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens. It's the lens you need to record long shots of your child on the soccer field, wide shots of beautiful landscapes and everything in-between.
  • The VIXIA HF20 captures stunning High Definition video through its Canon designed and manufactured 3.89 Megapixel HD CMOS image sensor, similar to the CMOS image sensors in Canon's EOS Series Digital SLR cameras.
  • The VIXIA HF20 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter with Bayer Placement Pattern that separates light into red, green and blue color components. This results in vibrant images with deep, rich, accurate color and natural-looking tones similar to what you'd obtain from 3CCD camcorders.
  • DIGIC DV III is Canon's most advanced HD image processor ever, helping to deliver enhanced image quality, true color production for both video and photos and a sophisticated noise reduction system for exceptional low-light performance.
  • It is also the high-speed engine which powers a variety of Canon technologies including Genuine Canon Face Detection and Advanced Auto Exposure system.
  • Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor allows continuous shooting of digital photos with the VIXIA HF20.
  • The Canon VIXIA HF20 not only captures images in Full HD, but records and outputs at 1920 x 1080 as well, so you get Full HD from lens to screen.
  • The 24Mbps recording capability of the VIXIA HF20 gives you the highest quality AVCHD video possible. Video shot by the VIXIA HF20 of fast-moving sporting events, multi-color butterflies on a variegated leaf or the shading of a brilliant sunset will be remarkable.
  • Canon's innovative SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization combines gyro and image-sensors to give image stabilization through a wider range of camera motions.
  • The VIXIA HF20 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary Instant AF focusing system which offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy
  • The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's auto focus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions.
  • 24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional "film-look." You can change the camcorder's frame capture rate to 24p (recorded at 60i), which provides the appearance of the same frame rate as movie film.
  • The 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD on the VIXIA HF20 lets you see more of what your camcorder is recording. Using a hard coat Anti-Reflection surface and improved color reproduction, the scene in the viewfinder is a more accurate indication of what you're capturing in the camcorder.
  • The VIXIA HF20 Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe on the camcorder allows you to attach available Canon optional accessories, such as the VL-5 accessory video light or DM-100 directional stereo microphone.
  • The Pre-record feature places your VIXIA HF20 in a stand-by "pre-roll" mode. When you press the shooting button while in Pre-record, the VIXIA HF20 automatically records 3 seconds of the action which occurred prior to your pressing of the button.
  • The VIXIA HF20 3.3 Megapixel Digital Camera delivers high quality still photos.
  • Includes Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software
  • The Built-in Electronic Lens Cover means you never have to go looking for your lens cover again. Turn your camcorder on and the lens cover automatically opens. Turn it off and the cover closes.
  • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Terminal for ultra-fast transfer of movies and photos.
  • Compatible Optional Accessories available including the Wide Converter WD-H37II, Tele Converter TL-H37, Video Flash Light VFL-2 and High Capacity Battery Pack BP-827.
  • Wireless Remote Control lets you operate your VIXIA HF20 from a distance, so you don't have to be left out of the picture.

What's in the box:

  • Canon VIXIA HF20 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder
  • Battery Pack BP-809
  • Compact Power Adapter CA-570
  • Power Cord
  • Wireless Controller WL-D88
  • Component Cable CTC-100/S
  • USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
  • Digital Video Solution Disk
  • 2x Pixela Video Editing Software (2.2/2.4)
  • Original Box
  • Item Note: Missing Stereo Video Cable STV-250N; Wrist Strap