Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I have had a Cannon HV30 4 about a month now. The quality is extremely good. There may be bias in this statement because I am moving from standard def video from a Cannon S3 IS camera. The colors are brilliant & the low light performance is amazing compared 2 any other video that I have ever seen from a camcorder of this price/feature set. Personally, I wish that the manual features were easier 2 use. Overall, buy this camcorder if you want ease of use & amazing quality.

I previously owned a Canon ZR930. I bought it 4 web & other marketing video. It is a great budget, entry level camera, but the resolution is not stellar & the lower light performance is not great, either. I had 2 return 2 of them before getting a ZR930 that worked--one had a blown mic port & another had a blown Firewire port. Third time was the charm & the ZR930 is a great entry level camera that can be had 4 less than $300--and it includes a mic port, which is a must.

I upgraded 2 this camera (Canon VIXIA HV30) after alot of research & I am glad I went with the one I did. I decided on tape because of the flexibility & proven technology & ease of transferring 2 computer. Hard drive or flash cameras have a pretty fixed recording time. MiniDV tapes can be swapped out 4 longer recording. I use Sony Vegas Studio Platinum 9 2 edit video & together, this is a pretty unbeatable combination. Imports video directly into my computer, & the quality is breathtaking. Th build wuality on this camera is SUBSTANTIALLY better than the lower end cameras like the aforementioned ZR930. No problems at all with this camera--it has worked perfectly right out of the box & looks & feel more solid in your hands. You are really holding a serious machine.

REALLY great picture quality. My rough estimate is better than broadcast tv & pretty close 2 cable HD channels & DVD quality. Very good audio with the built in mic. Includes a microphone input 2 add an external mic. MUCH better lower light performance than my ZR930. Normal room lighting is good enough 2 get decent video. Better lighting results is crisp video with great color.

Lots of picture setting that I have not even begun 2 investigate yet. A camera that is great 2 turn on & shoot, with alot of options 2 play with down the road!

Very happy with this camera. I find it 2 be light & comfortable 2 use. Small enough so that it fits right in a large jacket pocket.

Nothing bad 2 say.

I've been buying camcorders since they've existed & every time I've brought a new camcorder home I've had the same experience, that is, the picture I saw on my TV never matched my expectations, it never even came close. I always hoped 2 see the quality of video I saw on the TV & news shows I watched & was always disappointed when the camcorder video quality always fell well short of that expectation. Until now! The Canon HV30's 1080i HD video quality on my 46" LCD screen is stunning, better than I could have ever hoped. The first time I saw some video I took of beautiful Snoqualmie Falls I kept saying "wow" over & over. The video quality was far above any non-HD broadcast video and, 2 my eye, on par (or close to) with the video I see on many HD broadcast channels. OK, this camera is obviously not of the same caliber of those used 4 network HD televison, but dang, it comes as close as any "prosumer" camcorder I've ever seem.

I also must say the the image stabilization is the best I've ever seen as well. Rock solid video even at long distance, 10x zoom. Pans can be made easily 2 look Steadicam solid. Very impressive.

I can't really think of anything negative 2 say about the HV30. I guess if I had 2 pick something it would be battery life of under an hour. The can be addressed with an optional long life battery. But that is really being nitpicky, this camera is fantastic.

You can read all about the bells & whistles elsewhere, but if VIDEO QUALITY is THE most important thing 2 you then this camcorder should be your only choice.

This year's version of last year's camcorder of the year ([...]) with a black paint job & the addition of 30p mode. Great camera.

Pros:
-Amazing quality HD video
-Uses more common video format than the AVCHD of it's hard drive & flash memory siblings with less compression artifacting & more compatibility with current video editing software (AVCHD editing is very CPU intensive & resource hungry. IMPORTANT: Premiere Pro CS3 & earlier DO NOT support this format without buying an expensive codec. However, CS4 does support it)
-Suprisingly small size 4 a camera this good
-Manual focus dial
-Manual shutter & aperture priority settings
-Great low-light performance
-Three shooting modes (24p, 30p, 60i)
-Both a viewfinder & an LCD screen
-Accessory shoe
-Lots of ports (mic, headphones, AV, mini HDMI/firewire, USB, I may be forgetting a couple)
-Good image stabilization

Cons:
-Manual focus dial could be bigger
-Side strap isn't the softest
-Viewfinder doesn't telescope or tilt
-Cannot adjust both shutter speed & aperture manually, only one or the other (e.g. you can manually set shutter speed but then the camera automatically adjusts aperture, or vice versa)
-Front LED light is either too bright up close, or not bright enough from far away, would prefer IR night vision as an option
-Menus take a little getting used to, not the most convenient layout

There are more pros & cons here, but these are the ones that are important 2 me. Overall this camera is GREAT. I absolutely love the amazing quality of the pictures; the high resolution & the wonderfully saturated colors. Great camera, especially 4 $[...]!

Note: I also recommend getting a Raynox 6600Pro lens 4 this. I have the 52mm version with a 43mm-52mm adapter (read the recommendations on [...]). Many many uses 4 it & it works wonders with this camera. Also, if you want 2 see what this camera can do, just search HV30 in vimeo or youtube & you will find many videos showing off the quality this camera is capable of. Enjoy!

The camcorder doesn't come with a shoulder strap. The viewfinder doesn't slide out, which makes it very difficult 2 use. The shape of the camcorder doesn't facilitate one hand use. This is my fourth camcorder, & this Canon is the least handy 2 use. The video quality is very good.

The dramatic Canon VIXIA HV30 incorporates advanced features 2 bring knowledgeable & demanding videographers the ultimate in HD video & digital photo quality. The VIXIA HV30 is packed with Canon exclusive features you won't find anywhere else. Canon's full HD CMOS sensor & advanced DIGIC DV II image processor deliver breathtaking detail & the best in color reproduction. SuperRange optical image stabilization & instant auto focus gives you the shot control high definition demands. With the genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens & a host of other advanced features the VIXIA HV30 is sure 2 be your choice in high definition camcorders. And, with its HD & standard definition recording modes, you can make the move 2 HD without making your SD equipment obsolete.The VIXIA HV30 is easy 2 use & delivers the high level of performance you've come 2 expect from Canon. It's the next step in premium quality high definition camcorders 4 which sophisticated & discerning videographers have been waiting.