Manage updates with the Download AppCanon Vixia HG20
Manufacturer: Canon Part number: 3085B001
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Like its cousin, the flash-based HF11, Canon's Vixia HG20 delivers excellent HD video quality and performance albeit in a slightly larger, heavier package. However, you do get more storage space and a lower price.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Canon Vixia HG20 price range: $1,499.90
- Reviewed by: Joshua Goldman and Lori Grunin
- Edited by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 09/28/2008
- Released on: 09/15/2008
The good: Excellent video quality; 60GB hard drive; attractive, understated design.
The bad: Wind filter not as dependable as previous Canon models; manual focus pretty useless.
The bottom line: Like its cousin, the flash-based HF11, Canon's Vixia HG20 delivers excellent HD video quality and performance albeit in a slightly larger, heavier package. However, you do get more storage space and a lower price.
User reviews
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A flat out amazing camera!
by rascallydute on May 18, 2009
Pros: - amazing picture quality
- good microphone
- easy to navigate menu
- straight up sexy camera
- lots of storageCons: - no light/nightvision (i think)
- takes mediocre picturesSummary: this camera is awesome. the footage it takes is crystal clear and the microphone catches audio very well. i plan on buying a light, mic, and tripod and will have ...
Summary: this camera is awesome. the footage it takes is crystal clear and the microphone catches audio very well. i plan on buying a light, mic, and tripod and will have a very professional set up for under a grand. well done canon, well done.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Pic; 24 mbps is a dead end format, so far.
by thosmartin on April 22, 2009
Pros: There's a lot to love about this camera: great picture, easy to use, excellent features, very long recording time, very nice zoom for the price point. I've recorded on both the 60 gig HDD and a SDHC flash card and everything works great.
Cons: The highest resolution is a total dead end. The Pixela Image Mixer 3 is all but useless. To move 24 mbps (high res) to a DVD for archiving it must first convert to a lower resolution 18 mbps. This is a very slow process.
Summary: It's great that this camera has such high-resolution capabilities. But what's the point if you can't do anything with them? Oh, right, you could go out and ...
Summary: It's great that this camera has such high-resolution capabilities. But what's the point if you can't do anything with them? Oh, right, you could go out and buy a bevy of 1.5 terabite hard drives to hook up to your computer. That would work. But many of us would like the capability to store 24 mbps images more cost effectively on DVDs. Apparently this can't be done.
And how about a serious video editing program that can actually work with these images? I've been planning to buy an Imac with Final Cut Express but have to look hard and long at its ability to deal directly with this camera's output. So I guess that's the upside of all this, I will explore future purchases very carefully to ensure compatibility.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Buy. Awesome Quality
by BigRiz78 on April 13, 2009
Pros: Hard Drive based. Easy to use and shot with. Video quality is stunning. HD makes it very easy to just cut the camera on and shot.
Cons: Only one, extra batteries are very expensive still haven't gotten one yet.
Summary: It's a great camera, that i would recommend not only to beginners but professionals as well. I also work with a sony z5u and the quality compared to the ...
Summary: It's a great camera, that i would recommend not only to beginners but professionals as well. I also work with a sony z5u and the quality compared to the sony is close.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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AVOID this Camera due to the Poor Bundled Software.
by smartcookiezeke on April 2, 2009
Pros: If you just want to watch the built-in monitor, or plug it into an AV Device such as an HD Television set, then it's a Nice Camera.
For Editing on your Computer, forget it. The Software is HORRIBLE.Cons: BAD SOFTWARE.
No Online Manuals, User Guides, or Support for the Software.
Canon says, "We cannot Help you with the Software" (!)
What was Canon thinking when they bundled the Camera with this mess?Summary: DO NOT BUY This Camera unless Canon drops the Pixela ImageMixer Software.
The Software Program has a confusing interface and is very difficult to navigate or understand.
There are no ...Summary: DO NOT BUY This Camera unless Canon drops the Pixela ImageMixer Software.
Also, it won't work with my 64 Bit Laptop - only the 32 Bit Desktop.
The Software Program has a confusing interface and is very difficult to navigate or understand.
There are no help folders or help files on the Menu Bar when the Program Opens (it says "Help", but that button takes you to the Pixella Website, which has No Information other than a one-page product overview).
An Internet Search for Manuals, Guides, User Help comes up empty. Pixella's Website is a wasteland, void of information.
The Frustration of spending DAYS trying to learn this software is a reason to Avoid Purchasing this Camera.
*** Canon says, "Sorry, we cannot help you with the Software that came with OUR Camera." ***
Updated on Apr 2, 2009
Shame on you, Canon!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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HD GOODNESS
by canonhg20funshots on February 27, 2009
Pros: Great hd for the price
Cons: software is useless, still pics fair, batteries? you better look on e bay and buy a few! but it still is a really nice camera
Summary: yes buy one right now , but shop for it and look for a good price like I did..
B&H was a good place 300 cheaper than most1 shop ...Summary: yes buy one right now , but shop for it and look for a good price like I did..
B&H was a good place 300 cheaper than most1 shop wisely but this is a noce hd vid box for the price. you'll see when you make your first vid and make a dvd and watch on a hd tv.....1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Camera!
by twilhite on February 9, 2009
Pros: Stabilizer is the best I've ever seen - better than proconsumer cameras. Zoomed all the way out with my shaky hand, it's looks like a still in the view finder. Excellent video picture. VU audio meter in the viewfinder (an on/off option) is sweet.
Cons: Battery that comes with the camera has a very short life; It appears the battery drains if left on the camera, although the battery is fully charged. Cannot change the battery out when mounted on a tripod. Release on bottom.
Summary: This is a terrific camera. The quality is excellent. Very intuitive menu that is easily maneuvered with the joy stick on the viewfinder. The stabilizer is superb. I've never ...
Summary: This is a terrific camera. The quality is excellent. Very intuitive menu that is easily maneuvered with the joy stick on the viewfinder. The stabilizer is superb. I've never seen one so good, even on prosumer cameras. On-camera microphone good. I don't like where the inputs are or the little rubber tabs that close off the ports when not used - but it is a very small camera - so where are you going to put jacks? The battery cannot be changed out when the camera is mounted on a tripod - the battery release latch is under the tripod mount. That's a big bummer. The battery that ships with the camera will shoot for about an hour - with moderate use of the zoom - my "moderate use" was my son's YMCA basketball game. The video is incredibly clear - Edits fine in Adobe Premiere CS4 - dual core laptop running Vista. Plug camera into computer and it shows up just like an external hard drive (which it is). Files transfer via USB very quickly. I can see where in the sunshine it would be difficult to see the monitor - but that's not a deal breaker either - cannot see spending several hundred for the model up that has a viewfinder. Overall, very well pleased and would recommend it highly. Biggest beefs - but not deal breakers: short battery life on ship battery; battery release in wrong place for tripod mount; Little rubber port covers are aggravating when things are plugged in - the rubber tabs are sort of in the way; Incredible video camera with mic jack. Stabilizer simply amazing. Oh - one last thing - the still shot button is on top of the camera - how I find myself holding the camera - which is often at waste level, the still shot button on top of the camera should have been the 'record' button or be the record button when it's in the video mode and the still shot button when it's in still shot mode. (the record button is on the back of the camera and when the camera is gripped with fingers through the grip handle, record is a thumb button - activated with one's thumb. Not always is my camera at eye level which I shoot. Again, not a deal breaker - just not smart engineering - top button should have been an alternate record - just as the Canon XL-2 has one on top, one near the grip. I ordered my Camera from Amazon and saved about $400 from the local big box store. Got a heck of a deal. Very well pleased overall. If I had to make the decision all over, I'd go with this camera again.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I see a lot of potiential in this camcorder
by jeffrey68 on January 21, 2009
Pros: Pros....While I just bought this camera and I have only used the standard settings so far the picture quality appears to be outstanding on our flat screen tv. I am a visual person so we should get along well. Can't wait to try the highest setting.
Cons: That's easy... the enclosed software. I eventually gave up after 2 days and bought what I will explain below. The battery could be a little undersized too. Looking in the catalog I noticed the standard battery isn't even offered.
Summary: Regarding software, when I could finally download movie clips to use in my old software (I had to convert them first) I discovered I could not get any sound. I ...
Summary: Regarding software, when I could finally download movie clips to use in my old software (I had to convert them first) I discovered I could not get any sound. I understand that the dolby sound was preventing this. I finally bought Adobe elements 7 with premier elements to edit the clips. This was a good choice, lots of features and I got elements bundled in to upgrade my older elements program - awsome. Still, I my computer could not recognize my camcorder when I enabled it. I used the old software to import the clips from the camera then pulled them from a common folder. Maybe eventually I will get this figured out. For me, I don't see this as an issue. I love the whole process of editing and look forward to shooting auto racing events and other creative projects.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great HD cam Under 500$$ !!!!
by zoli818 on November 22, 2008
Pros: video,sharpens, auto focus,ease of use, 486$$ <-----
Cons: Battery life, NO View finder lame..ALL good Camcorders have them,....Why No usb cover?
Summary: Over All its a Great machine specially for 486$ !!!
Summary: Over All its a Great machine specially for 486$ !!!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Copying video from camcorder to computer is painful
by DeepakKolapkar on November 7, 2009
Pros: I got this cmaera about 25 days from today. I used for lots of recording different events. Overall the performance looks good
Cons: Copying video recordings from camcorder to computer is painful. Installing software CDs that comes with camcorder are of no use. I have to purchase additional 3rd party software worth $50 to get this video files from camcorder to computer.
Summary: In my usage for last 20-25 days, overall the camcorder is ok except the copying of videos to computer.
Summary: In my usage for last 20-25 days, overall the camcorder is ok except the copying of videos to computer.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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can't transfer photos or video to my computer
by bhibino on September 19, 2009
Pros: I like the picture quality but it remains on my camcorder
Cons: I am in the software biz. I have uploaded all the disks, updated the drivers, read forums on the official and unofficial websites and still can't get the computer to recognize the camcorder. I have a quadcore, a video card, etc.
Summary: Beautiful pix and videos but if it is not easy to upload to your computer, then what good is it?
Summary: Beautiful pix and videos but if it is not easy to upload to your computer, then what good is it?
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Canon
- Part number: 3085B001
- Description: Continuing Canon's industry-leading reputation for technology and product quality, Canon's latest high definition camcorders deliver the optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance found in the photographic and broadcast television lenses. With Canon Exclusives, you get more advanced features, enabling to more easily take your video to a higher level than ever possible before. Canon VIXIA HG20 Hard Disk Drive Camcorder combines the ease of recording video directly onto an internal hard disk drive with the advanced AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format. Its 60GB Hard Disk Drive allows you to record up to 22 hours and 55 minutes of crisp, high definition video (LP Mode). It also is a dual system camcorder, with the capability of also recording video and still images to an SDHC card as well. The VIXIA HG20 boasts 1920 x 1080 Full HD, and has a CODEC capable of recording 24Mbps - the highest AVCHD bitrate - through Canon's own Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. Other exclusives are Genuine Canon 12x HD video lens, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant AutoFocus and a host of other advanced features including an HDMI Connector. Enhanced and simplified controls give you more choices and easier operation. Remarkable image reproduction and advanced features are yours in this compact AVCHD Format Hard Disk Drive camcorder which easily goes along with you, wherever you are, to capture those unforgettable moments in life- in true HD.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Camcorder - 1080p
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 3.3 megapixels
- Effective Video Resolution 2.07 megapixels
- Digital Zoom 200 x
- Effective Photo Resolution 2.76
- Total Pixels 3.3 megapixels
- Camcorder Media Type Hard disk drive,
Flash card - Optical Sensor Size 1/3.2"
- Optical Sensor Type CMOS
- Min Illumination 0.2 lux
- Digital Video Format AVCHD
- Image Stabilizer Optical (SuperRange)
- Min Shutter Speed 1/2 sec
- Image Processor DIGIC DV II
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Shooting modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Snow,
Beach,
Sports mode,
Night mode,
Sunset,
Spotlight,
Fireworks,
Portrait mode - Auto Focus Points (Zones) Qty 9
- White Balance Automatic,
Presets,
Custom - White Balance Presets Fluorescent,
Cloudy,
Daylight,
Fluorescent light (warm white),
Tungsten light,
Shade - Exposure Modes Program,
Automatic,
Shutter-priority,
Manual,
Aperture-priority - Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Image Recording Format JPEG
- Flash Modes Auto mode,
Red-eye reduction - Widescreen Video Capture Yes
- AV Interfaces HDMI,
Composite video/audio Lens System
- Type 12 x x Zoom lens - 4.8 mm - 57 mm - F/1.8-3.0
- Lens aperture F/1.8-3.0
- Features Built-in lens shield
- Optical Zoom 12 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 4.8 mm
- Max focal length 57 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Filter Size 37 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic - Min Focus Range 0.4 in
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Additional Features Accessories hot shoe ,
RGB primary color filter,
Progressive scanning,
Backlight compensation,
Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording,
Histogram display,
Takes photos while movie recording,
PictBridge support,
USB 2.0 compatibility,
Direct print - Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Software Drivers & Utilities,
PIXELA Image Mixer - Included Accessories IR remote control,
Component video cable,
USB cable,
Power adapter,
Audio / video cable Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type 2.7 in LCD display
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x HDMI,
1 x USB,
1 x Headphones,
1 x Microphone,
1 x Composite video/audio output,
1 x Component video output Memory / Storage
- Media type Hard disk drive ,
Flash card - Memory Card Slot SD card
- Internal Storage 60 GB Hard disk drive
- Image Storage JPEG 2048 x 1536,
JPEG 1920 x 1080,
JPEG 1440 x 1080,
JPEG 848 x 480,
JPEG 640 x 480 System Requirements for PC Connection
- Peripheral Devices USB port,
CD-ROM drive
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
- Microphone technology Electret condenser
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Power
- Battery type - Lithium ion
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Rotating
- Resolution 211,000 pixels
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Physical Characteristics
- Width 3.1 in
- Depth 5.4 in
- Height 3 in
- Weight 16.4 oz
Product series
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Manufacturer: Canon
Specs: CMOS,
Built-in flash,
16.4 oz,
5.4 in,
3 in,
12 x x Zoom lens - 4.8 mm - 57 mm - F/1.8-3.0,
Canon VIXIA HG20 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive,
- Flash card,
3.1 in
Accessories
- Sony LCE X3TH - case for camcorder (34881135)344.95
- Porta-Brace Quick-Draw Camera Case CC-210-PW - case for camcorder (31039932)399.00
- Sony SPK HCH - marine case for camcorder (35266605)299.00 - 299.99
- CANON XL1S VIDEO CAMCORDER CASE (7032423)399.99
- JVC KA-551U tripod adapter (32090695)295.00
- KATA PRO Video Collection CCC-10-A - carrying bag for camcorder (34400943)325.00
- KATA PRO Video Collection CCC-1A - case for camcorder (34931653)299.00
- Panasonic P2HD-CASE - carrying bag for camcorder (33921985)363.95
- Panasonic SHAN-TM700 - tripod adapter (31027498)249.95 - 399.95
- Porta-Brace Polar Bear Insulated Case POL-3 - case for camcorder (31030134)381.05 - 406.01
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Canon products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Canon
- Address:
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042 - Phone: 516-328-5000
- Email: mediacontact@cusa.canon.com
