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Canon VIXIA HG20 AVCHD 60 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom
From Canon
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #40 in Camera & Photo
- Brand: Canon
- Model: 3085B001AA
- Dimensions: 3.40 pounds
- Display size: 2.7
- Included Software: Yes
Features
- 24Mbps offers the highest bit rate in AVCHD for High Definition video - enabling improved color reproduction and tonality
- Record up to 22 hours of High Definition video to a 60 GB Hard Disk Drive
- Includes a genuine Canon 12x High Definition video lens
- Comes with a 3.3 megapixel full HD CMOS sensor (1920 x 1080) and a DIGIC DV II image processor
- Features Canon's SuperRange optical image stabilizer
Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
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The HG20 offers the unparalleled combination of Canon’s exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, Instant AF for accurate focusing that’s critical when shooting in HD, and a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings. The HG20 features the latest HD technology, excellence in Canon optics and engineering in a compact, sleek design that delivers the high level of performance you’ve come to expect from Canon.
Canon HG20 Highlights
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For the first time from Canon comes a large-capacity hard disk drive camcorder. HG20 enables extended high definition videos to be recorded. There is no longer any fear of missing those precious scenes when replacing recording media. Enjoy the great convenience of no longer needing to purchase and carry recording media. And with the ability to record up to 22 hours of video without having to empty your camcorders’ hard drive; you can keep the action going for much longer than ever before.
Genuine Canon 12x High Definition Video Lens
The HG20 comes equipped with a 12x HD Video lens. An aspherical lens is used to help achieve low aberration and high resolution. The lens also features super spectra coating technology which lowers flare and ghosting. A gradation ND system is used for better exposure in bright shooting situations. This lens design creates true HD image quality.
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Whether you're shooting video or photos, you will appreciate the HG20 stunning, high-definition image production. For rich, accurate color, the HG20 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter. It separates light into red, green, and blue color components, resulting in vibrant images with natural-looking tones similar to what you’d obtain from 3CCD camcorders.
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The HG20 features a newly developed; Canon manufactured HD CMOS Image Sensor. Similar to its use in Canon's EOS Series Digital SLR Cameras, the CMOS Sensor reproduces high resolution images as true HD movies. Canon's HD CMOS Sensor acquires image information at 1920 x 1080 pixels. Canon’s HD CMOS Sensor also features on-chip noise reduction technology. This low noise technology feature means that even in dimly-lit scenes, the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal 'noise' or other aberrations.
DIGIC DV II Image Processor
DIGIC DV II is the latest generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology designed specifically for HD. Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the HG20 produces video with improved color reproduction -- especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction -- for images that are crystal clear. Since video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV II HD digital signal processing ensures optimal image quality for both HD video and still images.
1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording
The Canon HG20 not only captures images in Full HD, but records and outputs 1920 x 1080 as well, so you get Full HD from lens to screen. Experience the ultimate in clarity and detail.
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Instant AF is Canon’s new and advanced autofocus system required for High Definition. Using a Hybrid Control system, the Instant AF makes it easy to focus on previously difficult subjects. It dramatically decreases the time it takes to achieve proper focus and increases accuracy especially in low-light and high-brightness situations.
SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
The HG20 features Canon’s SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Utilizing a Hybrid detection method (combining vector and gyro detection method) corrects camera shake instantly for steady shots. And unlike other optical stabilization systems, Canon's Super Range OIS covers a wide range of movements while preserving image quality. It is even effective while taking photos.
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Offers the highest bit rate in AVCHD for High Definition video that captures extraordinary lifelike tonal quality and exceptionally fine detail.
24p Cinema Mode
24p Cinema Mode is a feature demanded by professional filmmakers and previously, only available on pro-level camcorders. 24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring movie makers achieve a professional 'film-look'. This mode is actually two different features, which can be used independently, or together, depending on the user’s preference.
1. The captured frame rate changes to 24p -- the same frame rate as movie film.
2. The HG20 changes the color and tonal characteristics to make you feel like you are watching a movie in the theatre.
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30p Progressive mode is a progressive format that is the perfect frame rate for the web because it delivers clarity for fast-action subjects. Plus, it is ideal for displaying crisp images on your home theatre system or computer monitor. Before now 30p was exclusively featured on pro-level camcorders but Canon now offers the widest frame rate options for every videographer. (Note: Records in 60i onto memory card.)
Mini Advanced Accessory Terminal
The Advanced Accessory Shoe allows the use of additional accessories such as Canon's video light and directional microphone. Compared with Canon’s original Advanced Accessory Shoe, the new version is 50% smaller in size.
Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery
The remaining battery time is now indicated down to the minute, so you will never have to guess the recording time available.
3.1 Megapixel Photos
Built directly inside your HG20 is a fully functional digital camera, capable of capturing stunning 3.1 Megapixel photos. You have the option of storing these pictures directly to the internal Flash Memory or the optional SDHC memory card.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface Terminal)
HDMI Terminal transports high definition video signal with audio in one cable to your HD Television. The new standard in HD connection.
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The HG20 is equipped with a Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. This screen offers two key advantages for easy, flexible operation.
1. A wide viewing angle - view from any direction
2. A wide color range - provide robust, accurate color
Microphone Terminal with Audio Level Control
The HG20 features a microphone terminal for attaching an external microphone. The audio level can be manually adjusted for greater flexibility. A level meter is shown in the LCD screen.
One Touch Power Button
Power your camcorder with a touch of a button just like a digital camera.
Built-in Auto Lens Cover
A built-in electronic lens cover automatically opens when the camcorder is turned 'On' and closes when turned 'Off'. There is no dangling lens cover to lose.
Quick Start
Instead of powering your camcorder off between shots, simply close the LCD to activate the Quick Start function which puts the camcorder in stand-by mode. Quick Start considerably reduces the power consumption of the battery and allows the user to return to recording mode in less than a second, so you’ll never have to miss another special moment.
Program AE Mode
The HG20 gives you a choice of settings that automatically result in the best exposure for different conditions. Scene modes include: Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, and Fireworks. Each adjusts your camcorder's settings to compensate for different lighting conditions and different subjects.
Simultaneous Photo Shooting
While shooting an HD movie, you can simultaneously capture photos to a memory card by simply pressing the photo button. It's perfect for anytime you don't want to miss a moment.
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Increase your low-light capabilities even further by shooting with the HG20’s built-in video light. This light enables you to shoot subjects in low-light at distances up to 4.9 feet away.
Headphone Terminal
The audio/video terminal doubles as a headphone terminal for monitoring sound while recording.
Focus Assist function
When shooting in high definition, a properly focused subject is more critical than ever. With one push of the Focus Assist Button (during manual focus setting), video zoom (that enlarges the on-screen image of your subject) is displayed. Not to worry, this is automatically cancelled when recording is started.
It's easy to keep your HG20 level for more professional looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Then line up any horizontal lines in your shot to the marker and you know your camcorder is level. The Grid marker is also very convenient for setting up the special balance in your shots. And since background colors vary, you can select from two line colors to make the lines easily visible.
Smooth Zoom Control
With this innovative feature, you can always be sure of smooth, steady, professional looking zoom shots. Simply select one of three pre-set zoom speeds. You can also select variable so you can control the speed manually.
3.1 Megapixel Photos
Capture stunning 3.1 Megapixel photos in 4:3 aspect ratio to an SD card (2.07 megapixel at 16:9).
Photo Grab
With this professional level feature, capture photos during playback. With one push of a button you can 'grab a 2 Megapixel (1920 x 1080) still from your HD video footage. There is no need to worry about taking a photo while you’re shooting.
9 Point Ai-AF Mode
Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the HG20’s Ai-AF function will automatically select from 9 focus areas on screen to help bring images into sharp focus.
Built-in Flash
Capture superb images in low light and indoor photography settings.
Histogram Display
Commonly used in Canon’s line of digital SLR cameras, the HG20 features a Histogram Display. With just one push of a button, the brightness information of a still image is revealed. This allows you to monitor image quality so you can make adjustments to improve the next shots.
Print/Share Button
For fast and easy, one-touch printing of your photos at home, simply press the camcorder’s Print & Share Button. The button can also be used for one-touch downloading of your images to a computer.
One Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty
Canon’s one year camcorder limited warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers’ warranties expire.
Customer Reviews
Great HD Camcorder
You can not base your review of the camera only on the editing software that comes with the camera. All HD camera's come with just basic editing software which do not take advantage of hardware.
I purchased this camera 2 weeks ago, connect directly to my HD 65" and the picture is incredible. I use Vegas Pro and the editing is great, burn to DVD DL with Blue Ray format and the play back is just as great.
Great camera for the price. I do have one question. What was included within the box when you recieved your camera?
Editing Software Bad
Recently got the HG20. Am fairly pleased with the perform of the camera, so all is good there. Unfortunately, I'm not so happy with the editing software. It's incredibly basic, and has a lot of issues.
Initially I was having some issues with this software using my laptop (which I discovered is a tad under spec with having only a Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2GHz), so I installed it on a friend's new computer which is over spec'd with a Quad CPU processor and more than enough memory. The software requires at least a Core 2 Duo @ 2.13GHz. Thankfully, his system solved most of the blips I was originally seeing on my laptop, however, there were still many small pauses in the small editing screen playback feature. For example, if I put two different clips together, the playback feature worked fine up until it reached the second clip, after which the CPU went from being ~50% busy to 100% busy, which created many small pauses in the movie as the sound continues. When adding a transition between clips (such as a Fade into the second clip), or if I added words (Titler) to one of the clips, the CPU again jumped from ~50% to 100% busy and then many small pauses were seen. If you can live with this, the final saved version comes out fine once saved and created, but its not a nice program for making a movie requiring precision. To put this in more perspective, I've been using Windows Movie Maker for the past few months using the film footage from my digital camera, which I would say is a fairly basic program. However, Windows Movie Maker has a lot more options and freedom as compared to the HG20 software, called ImageMixer 3. What I've initially noticed that I'm not liking is that I cannot overlap text, and there's no 90-degree rotation option (although you may not want to do this with widescreen shots), and there's no features such as slowing or speeding up your footage. As a small example, Windows movie maker allows text that is fading away to be overlapped with text that is fading in so that you have a very quick transition between text. With ImageMixer 3, you have to wait for your first set of text completely fade away before you can have new set of text begin to fade in.
In summary, the very basic Windows Movie Maker is a much better editing software than the ImageMixer software designed for the HG20, which comes with a lot of pausing even with a sytem that has specs better than is required. If you buy this camera, which is good, you should consider trying to find something else to edit your movies with.
Has flaws but its quite good.
Great camera. The biggest flaw is not the 60 gb drive which is bigger than you will ever need, or the menu interface which is easy, intuitive and user friendly, the biggest flaw is the lack of the view finder on this camera. Big deal you say, its got a modern screen instead of a view finder, but that modern screen in really bright sunlight kinda washes out (like all those screens do) and might lead you to adjust the settings or force you to trust your autoexposure when you are taking those priceless outdoor shots. The hg 21 has the eye piece viewfinder which is a reliable indicator of what you are shooting in those conditions, but for the extra 300 USDs it's hard to justify. The AF is super in this camera, no distiguishable periods "out of focus" as you rapidly zoom in and out. Also the head set or yellow AV jack, is a must have. Ever record tons of footage and find out the only thing you can hear is the wind buffetting your microphone? Record wearing regular ipod type headphones and you don't have to review the footage to find out if you have the shot. Don't get a camcorder without that or the mic input which this camera has. Terrific simultaneous video record and still photo to the regular full size SD card, cool, works great. Requires class 4 SD card, the speedy type. I think the HG21 with the 120 gb has tons of storage, but it's overkill and takes longer to do a full hard drive clean than the 60gb hg20, but both have a quick clean function for the hard drive. Finally don't expect much from the packaged software if you really want to edit. Corel has pro x2 which works great for avchd. Last thing is the battery. It charges when the camera is pugged in and it works great. I was made to believe that this camera is useless without an external charger and tons of extra batteries, which is not true, 95 min is good. Or just stay plugged to the wall. As a guy who typically struggles with technology, I hope all my "research" helps some one else and as the owner of the hg20 this camera delivers and is simple for anyone to use.
| List Price: | $899.99 |
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