Amazing video quality

Category: Review on Canon IVIS HV20 MiniDV Camcorder

Posted by: 11-Feb-2008

Strengths: video quality

Weaknesses: some people think the menus and navigation are not perfect. I personally don't have anything to compare it with but I quite like what I have

Well, I started my research a month ago and I picked Canon HV-20 for its image quality. My expectations were fulfilled when I got my hands on the camera. The HD image is outstanding. I play it back on a Pioneer 50" plasma TV and I cannot see any difference between a professional HD footage and what I play back from my camera.

One thing a HD movie enthusiast must be prepared for is the amount of data HD requires. You will need a lot of hard disk space (I bought 750GB drive) and a reasonably modern and fast computer to be able to edit your movie. You will also need a fire wire card (not all PCs have it by default, I had to get one for $40) to capture your movie from the camera.

Of course, once you download and edit your movie, you'll want to play it back. You can play it back on a computer any time. If you want play it on a HD TV, there are several options. I stream those using Netgear EVA8000 media device. Your other option is to burn it onto a Blu-Ray disk. I've never done it so I cannot say much.

Tips: for more accurate colors use manual white balance. It's quick and it makes a difference for those who like the colors to be perfect.