• Amazon Sales Rank: #198 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Canon
• Model: HV30
• Dimensions: 5.51″ h x 5.55″ w x 8.78″ l, 1.20 pounds
• Display size: 2.7
• Included Software: Yes

From the Manufacturer

For tech-savvy, sophisticated and discerning videographers who demand a first-rate quality camcorder, Canon’s HV30 enables them to capture the ultimate in HD video and still photo quality. The HV30 offers the unparalleled combination of a 10x HD Video lens, a 2.96-megapixel CMOS image sensor, and a DIGIC DV II processor, all packaged in an elegant HDV camcorder.

Featuring Canon’s exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and the new 2.7-inch multi-angle Vivid LCD acreen to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast, your shooting possibilities are now boundless. Beyond that, you can capture amazing HD detail and color reproduction while achieving critical focus with Instant AF. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24p Cinema Mode or choose 30p Progressive Mode to capture fast action with optimization for the web. With HD and SD recording modes, you can make the move to HD while retaining compatibility with standard definition equipment. The HV30 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you’ve come to expect from a Canon camcorder.
Vixia HV30 Highlights

HDV format The HV30 records true 1080 resolution, high-definiton video. The HV30 is capable of recording and playing back HD images using MiniDV cassette tapes.

Canon Full HD CMOS image sensor (1920×1080) The HV30 features a 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 1920×1080 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.

The HV30 comes equipped with a 10x HD video lens

10x HD video lens The HV30 comes equipped with a 10x HD video lens. An aspherical lens is used to help achieve low aberration and high resolution, the HV30 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.

RGB Primary Color Filter Whether you’re shooting video or photos, you will appreciate the HV30’s stunning, high-definition image production. For rich, accurate color, the HV30 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.

Genuine Canon Optics With more than 70 years of expertise in manufacturing lenses for professional broadcast and photography, The Canon names represents optical excellence. That’s why Canon’s expertise in designing lenses for photography and broadcast television goes into every camcorder lens we make.

DIGIC DV II image processor DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology designed specifically for HD. 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. Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the HV30 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.

Canon SuperRange OIS combines vector and gyro detection method

SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer The HV30 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.

30p Progressive Mode 30p Progressive Mode is a progressive format that delivers clarity for fast-action subjects and is the perfect frame rate for the web. 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.

2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD The HV30 is equipped with a Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. This newly-designed 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

Instant AF (Auto Focus) Instant AF is Canon’s new and advanced autofocus system. 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.

HDMI terminal The HDMI terminal transports high definition video signal with audio in one cable to your HD television. The new standard in HD connection.

Achieve a professional ‘film look’ with 24p cinema mode

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 to 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 frame rate changes to 24p — the same frame rate as movie film
2. The HV30 changes the color and tonal characteristics to make you feel like you are watching a movie in the theatre.

Advanced Accessory Shoe terminal The Advanced Accessory Shoe allows the use of additional accessories such as a video light and directional microphone.

Built-in electronic 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.

Program AE Mode The HV30 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 capture While shooting an HD movie, you can simultaneously capture a 2-megapixel photo to a memory card by simply pressing the photo button. It’s perfect for anytime you don’t want to miss a moment.

Built-in video light Increase your low-light capabilities even further by shooting with the HV30. Featuring a Video light, the HV30 enables you shoot subjects in color in low-light at distances up to 4.9 feet away.

Microphone terminal with audio level control The HV30 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.

Headphone Terminal The audio/video terminal doubles as a headphone terminal for monitoring sound while recording.

Focus Assist function When shooting 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 and peaking (for emphasizing image contours) are displayed. Not to worry, this is automatically cancelled when recording is started.

Level Shot and Grid Markers It’s easy to keep your HV30 level for more professional-looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot to the marker and you know your camcorder is level. Also, the Grid marker is very convenient for setting up the special balance in your shots. 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 a miniSD card (2.07-megapixel photos at 16:9).

Advanced Photo Features

Histogram display

• 9-point Ai-AF mode
• Record 3 MP photos to a MiniSD card
• Simultaneous photo recording (at 2 megapixels)
• Photo grab
• Histogram display
• Built-in flash
• Easy Print/Share button
• Auto Exposure Bracketing
• Metering Modes (Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average, Spot)

Photo grab With this professional level feature, capture photos during playback. With one push of a button you can “grab” a 2-megapixel 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 HV30’s Ai-AF function will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus.

Built-in Flash

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 HV30 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.

1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty Canon’s camcorder limited warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers’ warranties expire

Customer Reviews

What I Consider A Deal-Breaker Issue.
Everything you read about this camera is true. I owned one for a couple of days and the picture was extraordinary… the camera was a breeze to use…

And then I turned up the audio. Whoa. What’s that humming?!

Now, I had seen plenty of reviews (even on the older HV20) warning of a little tape noise in the audio. I own two other Mini DV cameras, and you do hear a little bit of the mechnism working. But this is different. It’s disruptive. And I’m not alone in my thinking here. Do some digging and you’ll find a few other reviews cropping up online with this complaint now.

If audio’s not a big deal to you, or you plan on using extrenal mics, I’d say this is still an insanely great camera for you. But if you’re getting it to grab baby’s precious moments or anything like that, I have to strongly warn against getting this due to the tape noise in the audio. I consider it a deal-breaker.

On the upside, I’d like to note that I got a great deal on this camera using one of Amazon’s partners on here, Butterfly Photo, and they were prompt, courteous, and easy to deal with when I returned the camera. Recommended. I’ll likely be using them again to order my new camera (gonna give the HF100 a try instead… possibly an ever-so-slightly less perfect picture quality, but most reviewers are saying no moving parts = prestine audio and for me that makes it a far better overall final product.)

A great camcorder
This is a great camcorder. I’m filming in 30p mode to upload video online, and I’m extrememly happy with the results. I’m using Final Cut Express 4 with no setup or capture problems – great compatibility with my Mac Pro. I attached a Canon VL-10Li II on-camera video light (it’s a big light) and a good-quality, sturdy plastic lens hood I bought on e-bay. The hot-shoe cover is attached to the camera and is not detachable. Many owners complained about losing the cover with the HV20, but the cover gets in the way of my video light, so I’m thinking about cutting the attachment. The camcorder has all the ease and variety of functions for an intermediate videographer like me. My favorite functions: quick white balance setting; grid lines on the display; great instant auto-focus; allows for attachments like an on-camera light or microphone and filter lenses; manual focus option. I’m very, very happy with this camcorder after shopping and comparing different ones during the last few months.

Great camcorder!
I’ve had the HV30 for about 1 week now, and so far I think it’s great.
I previously used the Sony TRV38, another very capable camcorder. The HV30 comes in a slick, black color and is slightly smaller than my Sony TRV38.

I have three young kids, so I take tons of video mostly indoors. The HV30 has very good low light capability. There’s some grain in the darker videos, and the shutter speed also slows (you can see the stuttering movement in the video when taking in very low light). However, you can still see faces clearly. One cool thing I like about this camera is that it has a manual controlled LED light that can add about 3 feet of light when it’s too dark. Sony has that 0 lux Night Shot that works in complete darkness, but the colors change to green and black and makes the eyes look scary. I prefer the LED light feature on the HV30 over Sony’s Night Shot.

You can select from 5 different shooting modes:
1. DV (regular)
2. DV (wide screen)
3. HDV (high definition – wide screen by default)
4. HDV 24P (cinema mode)
5. HDV 30P (progressive mode)

Although I don’t have a high definition TV yet, the colors in every mode looked great on my regular TV. The 24P and 30P modes give the video a “movie look and feel” (thus the name cinema mode), and this is cool just to have. I look forward to shooting something all in 24P or 30P and showing the DVD to family/friends. I’m sure they’ll be amazed that my home videos don’t “look” like home videos…..and this is all due to the camcorder modes.

You can take photos using the HV30 (saves onto mini SD card). You can use the camcorder as a stand-along digital camera (3 megapixels), and there’s even a flash on the camcorder for the digital camera. You can also take still photos while you’re recording video. I use this to take photos while recording only because it’s a nice little extra thing to have. The pictures are not all that great but not bad either. It’s definitely a bonus that both video and still pictures are built into this one camera. I would still recommend a dedicated digital camera to take better quality still photos.

I backup all my videos to DVD because it’s easier to watch that way. I prefer the miniDV tapes because it stores “pure” video and information like the time and date. I just started doing a little video editing using Sony Vegas software….and that seems to be a nice software package. The final video on the resulting DVD looks great.

I thought I would stick with Sony products, but so far I am enjoying the Canon HV30 and have no regrets.

I will probably be adding more to this review as I use the camera more.

Update April 7, 2008
Still liking the camcorder because of the 24P and 30P modes. You can really see that difference in the images compared to regular mode. Your video editing software must support HDV (high definition video) in order for you to edit any high definition stuff. Sony Vegas Movie Studio doesn’t have it, but the Vegas Movie Studio Platinum edition DOES have it. Make sure to buy the right software if you’re going to do editing.

I noticed that the sound is a little soft. Maybe there’s a setting for this, but another possible reason is that the Canon’s HV30’s microphones are on the top of the camcorder facing up compared the my Sony TRV38’s microphones on the front facing forward. This does not bother me too much.

There’s an automatic lens cap which makes protecting the lens very convenient. No more fussing with a lens cap or having it dangle in your videos.

The package does not include a neck strap…you would think Canon would throw in a strap for a $900 camcorder. I bought a regular Canon strap at a local shop for $18. I think this is worth to have to keep the camcorder secure.

The battery is a cheap one and keeps a charge for about an hour or less. Since a miniDV tape is 1 hour, it would be prudent to get a better battery just to be safe. Canon makes an extended battery for about $60.

Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
From Canon
Price: Too low to display

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by Electronic Express

30 new or used available from $950.00

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