Canon Ivis HV20 Camcorder

This camcorder uses dv and hdv formats to record with onto a mini dv tape. dv is very good at standard def but hdv is not a good format for hidef. First off hdv is mpeg2 so it will suffer from block problems in picture. I am not sure of the bit rate of hdv on this camera but it will not be over 15. standard def in dv mode is the full 25 bit rate which makes for a better picture. Also the audio will be mpeg2 which is the same as mp3 at 128mbits. This will mean that the acquisition of your pictures and sound will be of a low quality although in hidef (ish). The whole hdv format is a compromise full stop. There are new hard drive and dvd camcorders which record in mpeg4 avchd but they will have the same problems as hdv because they record in a lowered bit rate normally 15 or less and not the full 25. If you want a camcorder that gives excellent pictures and full pcm sound then get a panasonic. nvgs 300 nvgs 320 nvgs 500 and they're all cheaper than any of the canon or sony hdv format cameras. Something very important is to have an external mic socket and a headphone socket. A lot of camcorders don't have a headphone socket on them which is madness, you wouldn't buy a camcorder or camera without a view finder or or screen.

Join a forum and download the footage from the HV20 online.

*it* *is* *astonishing*

This little camera is causing a buzz of excitement. People are using it for some serious projects, including low-budget features. One trick is to attach a 35mm lens from an SLR camera for cinematic depth of field.