Canon Vixia HV30

• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 21 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 9 stars

  Best sub $1000 HD camcorder

  by johnpainter on May 21, 2008

  Pros: Sharp HD images, ease of use, 24p + Cine Mode = looks like a movie, cost

  Cons: Rolling shutter when panning fast, ok on-board mic

  Summary: The HV30 which is basically last years HV20 but with a black exterior and with 30p recording, is one sweet camera.
  
  I've been using it for a couple weeks
  
  ...

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  Summary: The HV30 which is basically last years HV20 but with a black exterior and with 30p recording, is one sweet camera.
  
  I've been using it for a couple weeks now and have found it to have a quick learning curve though it definitely has a lot of settings you need to learn to get the most out of it. But a little time put into learning can give you this http://www.vimeo.com/1032356 which is excellent video for dedicated family point and shoot stuff or entry level prosumer video.
  
  The onboard mic is like most onboard mic's so I got a Rode videomic and the two give you excellent video and excellent audio.
  
  I'm certain with time learning how to use the cameras settings and learning FCE my video skills will improve.
  
  The biggest issue with the HV30 is the rolling shutter, which is the term used to describe a wobble effect you can some times see in an image when the camera is panned quickly and not mounted to a tripod. This issue is not unique to the HV30, each of the high end consumer HD video cameras have some sort of similar issue, e.g. the JVC GZHD7 which I also use clearly has OIS problems when shooting off hand on telephoto. The solution is to mount it to a good tripod and even distant shots are excellent. However the HD7 is almost two times the cost of the HV30. And though the HD7 works fine with a Mac, it is not as seamless as the HV30.
  
  Overall the HV30 is an excellent value if you're looking to get into HD video.

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  9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  This is the One!!!

  by bubbaseal12 on September 18, 2008

  Pros: Amazing HD quality, 24p, great preprogramed scene settings, small, light, sturdy, great ergonomics

  Cons: The manual focus is a bit small and in a bad spot and the viewfinder could use some work but who really cares when you have such a nice lcd screen!

  Summary: You really have to hand it to Canon. They took the HV20, the 2007 camcorder of the year, and only one year later made it even better in the form ...

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  Summary: You really have to hand it to Canon. They took the HV20, the 2007 camcorder of the year, and only one year later made it even better in the form of the HV30.
  
  When looking for a new camcorder I did two things first. I turned away from all the other non mini-dv devices such as the hard drive models or the flash drive ones and decided to stay with the hd mini-dv tapes. The second thing I did was turn to the most reputable camera company on the market, Canon!
  
  The reason I don't like the hard drive models or flash drive models is due to archiving. With the tapes, when you are finished filming and editing you can label it and store it forever. With a hard drive you have to spend some serious money to store all your footage, and even if money is not the question, look at the reliability of hard drives. Do you really want your priceless footage to be lost because of a computer or hard drive crash?
  
  So here is the part you really want. What is this camera like... If I could describe it in one word it would be Awesome! My main camera is the Canon XL H1S, hands down the best prosumer camera available. This HV30 is one of the nicest, easy to use, high quality cameras that I have ever seen... and remember that you can find this for well under $1,000.00.
  
  When I first took it out of the box I was very impressed by the way it looks. A combination of matte and glossy black looks very professional which is always a plus when you are filming. It is rather light, although it does not feel at all cheap. It is very well built. The LCD screen is crystal clear and its quality really makes up for the fact that the viewfinder is horrible to use! Equiped with a hide-away accessory shoe on top, it is ready for your professional lights or mics, out of the box. It also has a very nice automic lense cover which is perfect for those of us who lose lense covers.
  
  When you power this beauty up you will appreciate it easy to navigate menu as much as its easy to use toggle joystick which is under your right thumb while holding it. I have only filmed a few hours of video with this so far, however it has provided me with some of the clearest, most professional film I have seen, especially for something in this size and price range.
  
  The instant auto focus works laser fast, infact when you move the camera around you rarely see the camera trying to focus, it just already is. It has amazing low light capability and even has an LED lamp in the front for basic illumination.
  
  This camera has a lot of pre programed settings, for example one for fireworks, beach, snow, etc.. but you also have a lot of options to control everything manually and even in auto mode you get amazing picture! The 24p is amazing, especially compared to similar cameras I have tried. Teamed up with Cine mode you will acheive very "movie" like films.
  
  It can hold a 2g mini sd card for still pictures, which it takes with amazing clarity. The coolest feature has to be that you can take a still picture while filming a video, which is pretty unique.
  
  All in all, this camera really lives up to the Canon name. I have used many cameras and I would have to say that this one is the most fun I have used and for a very reasonable price. I truly believe that this camera does the job of cameras 3 times its price and size.
  
  I would say this camera is perfect for anyone from making home movies all the way to professional documentaries.

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  6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 8 stars

  Very nice, but a little on the pricey side

  by grf1222 on May 1, 2008

  Pros: Great picture, iMovie HD compatible

  Cons: Cumbersome controls

  Summary: I have had this camera for about one week. I bought it largely based on the CNET review and because I wanted an MiniDV camera that would be fully compatable ...

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  Summary: I have had this camera for about one week. I bought it largely based on the CNET review and because I wanted an MiniDV camera that would be fully compatable with iMovie HD. As expected, this camera works flawlessly with iMovie HD. I am really impressed with the picture quality. Some of the features are a little cumbersome to use. For example, there is no dedicated fader button, so you have to use the joystiq to navigate an on-screen menu. This isn't difficult, it just takes a little experience to get fully comfortable. Although the camera is a bit on the pricey side, I am happy with my purchase and would recommend this camera to others.

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  6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 8 stars

  Great camcorder but needs HD software

  by stingray469 on March 20, 2008

  Pros: Excellent HD video

  Cons: No HD Video software

  Summary: Terrific HD Video but hit a wall trying to get the video out of the camera and onto my computer...to edit the video. If you just want to play ...

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  Summary: Terrific HD Video but hit a wall trying to get the video out of the camera and onto my computer...to edit the video. If you just want to play it on your HD TV get an hdmi cable and its easy. But disappointed Canon didn't include editing software for video (HD). Also beware of online camera stores with low prices....went through 4 before I could buy one. Take the 3 or 4 lowest priced stores and don't even both talking to them. Most are rude and obnoxious.
  CNET should to a feature on these jerks.

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  4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Best Camera for movie images but.........

  by George*W*Bush on June 9, 2008

  Pros: Good image quality, nice black design

  Cons: The Focus ring is annoying

  Summary: The camera does what a $3,000 cameras do with ease. The only annoying thing about it is the design. I bought it in Mar 2008 when it first came ...

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  Summary: The camera does what a $3,000 cameras do with ease. The only annoying thing about it is the design. I bought it in Mar 2008 when it first came out, never had any problems. I use Adobe PPro CS3 to import footages, i cant stand Vegas .
  The design is horrible, the LCD screen doesnt even flip all the way, doesnt reverse when flipped. The Focus ring is annoying should've been bigger and placed around the main lens, kinda like the JVC GZ-HD7

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  4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 7 stars

  Great camera, maybe a little overrated.

  by prohobbyist on March 8, 2009

  Pros: Good video qualtiy, feature laden, nice lens, easy editing for people who can't handle AVCHD yet, and good manual controls.

  Cons: Cheap feel, poor low light quality, tapes.

  Summary: The sharp HD video of this camera make up for the cheap plastic feel of the body. The manual controls including 24p mode and mic input make this camera well ...

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  Summary: The sharp HD video of this camera make up for the cheap plastic feel of the body. The manual controls including 24p mode and mic input make this camera well suited for -very- low budget film makers. Unfortunately the quality suffers in low quality as grain goes through the roof but if you know what you're doing the manual controls can alleviate much of this.
  
  Regarding the tapes; I know these have been a favorite of professionals for years but lets face it, they are obsolete. Archiving video files from SD cards is not as hard as some might think and the advantages of fast transfer and high capacity totally outweigh any percieved drawbacks. So why get an HV30 and deal with tapes when you could get something like an HF100 or the newer HF200 and save $150 in the process?

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Powerful little camcorder.

  by kurt450 on August 12, 2009

  Pros: The low light performance of this camcorder exceeded my expectations. The 24PF mode is great a creating a cinematic look, and the Cine mode gives you plenty of room for color grading. The miniDV format is also good for archiving your footage.

  Cons: Flimsy tape door (but can be fixed), manual focus is a little bit annoying to use.

  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 8 stars

  Easily the best HD camera available for picture quality

  by on October 30, 2008

  Pros: Unbeatable Picture quality, Mic input & headphones jack, Standard sized HDMI ouput, Fantastic low light performance particularly when used in Cinema mode, .Has hot shoe for attaching a light or mic.

  Cons: Records to tape not hard drive - but is easier to edit than AVCHD HHD camcorders. Tape door feels flimsy. The built in camera light isn't very good. Camera Audio is ok, but tape machine noise is audible. (use exteranal mic for for pro sound).

  Summary: You'd have to spend A LOT more money to beat the picture quality of a HV20 or HV30. So if you can put up with the tape format, its ...

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  Summary: You'd have to spend A LOT more money to beat the picture quality of a HV20 or HV30. So if you can put up with the tape format, its money well spent.
  
  I use two of these cameras in conjunction with an external mic (Rode Video Mic) and external Sony light to film weddings. I've shown my finished DVD's to pro camera users who usually find it hard to believe that my footage was taken with a prosumer camera. Just google HV20 and you'll see that the world is raving about this camera.
  Also check out www.hv20.com

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Fantastic image quality and operation

  by casperson.4 on March 19, 2008

  Pros: Picture quality, sound reproduction, accessory shoe, minidv w/hd

  Cons: size is a little small if you have large hands

  Summary: This is my first hd camcorder and I am glad I waited for this one. I am normally a Sony fanatic, and was either going to buy this or the ...

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  Summary: This is my first hd camcorder and I am glad I waited for this one. I am normally a Sony fanatic, and was either going to buy this or the sony hdr-hc9. I went with the Canon due to the previous version HV20 being so highly regarded. The HV30 is only minorly upgraded but is carries over all the great qualities from the prior version. The black look is terrific. Overall, the quality of the picture is phenominal. You can record in multiple hd modes to suit your style. I am just starting to get into editing the video and can't wait to blow away my family with gorgeous video. Spectacular camcorder for both point and shoot and those wanting to be more hands on with the settings. You owe it to yourself to try this HDV camcorder.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Great HDV camera

  by ChromeXenon on December 29, 2010

  Pros: - Video quality
  - Low light performance
  - Electronic view finder and LCD
  - HDV video editing compatibility

  Cons: - Full 1080p CMOS senson, but limited to 1440x1080i due to HDV format
  - Tape door could be better designed

  Summary: I got this camera last year from Future Shop in Canada on clearance for $300, so I couldn't pass up the deal. I will likely buy a flash bases ...

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  Summary: I got this camera last year from Future Shop in Canada on clearance for $300, so I couldn't pass up the deal. I will likely buy a flash bases Canon this coming year as I'd prefer a smaller design and quicker video importing.
  
  Bottom line, the Canon HV30 is a very solid HDV camcorder with top notch HD video quality.

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