Canon HV20

• HDV camcorder with 1/2.7-inch CMOS image sensor; 24p Cinema Mode
• High-definition 10x optical zoom lens; super-range optical image stabilizer
• Up to 3-megapixel stills, histogram display, built-in flash, and more
• 2.7-inch color widescreen LCD; color viewfinder
• HDMI terminal; advanced accessory shoe

The name Canon has always meant photographic and broadcast television cameras with optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance, and the latest in technological advancements. Canon's new High Definition video camcorders are no exception.

The stylish Canon HV20 gives you the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality with advanced features for the knowledgeable and demanding videographer. Its 10x optical zoom lens, 2.96 Megapixel CMOS image sensor and Canon's advanced DIGIC DV II image processor ensures meticulous detail and superior color reproduction. 24p Cinema Mode brings film-look options to the HV20 owner- as never before in this class. And, with its HD and Standard Definition recording modes, you can make the move to HD without making your SD equipment obsolete.

The HV20 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon. It's the premium quality High Definition camcorder that sophisticated and discerning videographers have been waiting for.

The Image Quality of HD


The HV20 is the HD camcorder to go along with everything else in your HD world. It captures true 1080 High Definition resolution video in 16:9 format, using MiniDV cassette tapes. The HV20's true 16:9 widescreen HD image is made for your new HD widescreen TV. High Definition and widescreen are the future. Be sure you invest in that future with Canon's HV20.

At the same time, the HV20 gives you the flexibility to record in SD (standard definition) mode, too. That means you can enjoy the ultimate in HD video and photo quality, and still shoot SD video for viewing on your non-HD equipment.

HD Video Lens


Since 1934, Canon has been producing exceptional photographic lenses that are synonymous with unsurpassed optical performance. Because of Genuine Canon Optics, every Canon broadcast lens, 35mm film camera, digital camera and camcorder assures brilliant optical quality -- and the HV20 is no exception.

The HV20 comes with an outstanding High Definition video lens -- a 10x Genuine Canon Optical zoom. It's the lens you need to record long shots of your child on the soccer field, wide shots of beautiful landscapes, and everything in-between. And because it comes with three pre-set zoom speeds, you always get smooth, steady, professional looking zoom shots.

Super spectra coating technology results in images with minimal flare and ghosting. Plus, the new lens' aspheric design reduces aberration and increases resolution, ensuring crisp, sharp video and enhancing the HD image quality. Not only that, but a new gradation ND system gives you better exposures in bright shooting situations.

True HD CMOS Sensor (1920 x 1080)


The HV20 is one of the first Canon camcorders to feature a Canon designed and manufactured CMOS image sensor. The CMOS image sensors in Canon's EOS Series Digital SLR cameras result in outstanding digital photographs. In the HV20, the CMOS sensor reproduces high-resolution images at 1920 x 1080 resolution with full HD information in video images.

Compared to a CCD, the HV20's CMOS's high color resolution and advanced color reproduction gives brilliant results. It is also unique in featuring Canon's proprietary noise reduction technologies for crisp, sharp images. Low noise technology also means that even in dimly lit scenes, the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible, with minimal noise or other aberrations. It's the ideal sensor for HD.

The HV20 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter with Bayer Pattern that separates light into red, green and blue color components. This results in vibrant images with deep, rich, accurate color and natural-looking tones similar to what you'd obtain from 3 CCD camcorders. In addition, the Bayer pattern that delivers sharp, high definition image without creating false colors. As an added benefit, the CMOS sensor provides outstanding image capture in low light conditions.

DIGIC DV II


DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology. Designed specifically for HD, DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality. It also ensures optimal image quality for still images, even though video and still images have different color requirements. DIGIC DV II is just another one of Canon's advanced technologies that make the HV20 an exceptional performer.

Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the HV20 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 high definition images that are crystal clear.



Plus, DIGIC DV II features improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the HV20. You can shoot five (3.1 Megapixel) still images per second, and enjoy faster processing of your images to your memory card (1.4x normal card; 2.5x Hi Speed card). It also helps lower power consumption for longer battery life.

Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization


Canon's innovative Super-Range OIS combines gyro- and image-sensors to give image stabilization through a wider range of camera motions. Some image stabilization systems correct one type of camera motion or vibration better than another. But Canon's Super-Range OIS corrects for a wide range of camcorder motion: the fast vibration you'd experience while recording from a moving car; the medium-speed motion of hand-held recording; and the slower motion of body sway. No matter what you're recording and how you're recording it, the HV20's stabilization design corrects camcorder shake instantly. Super-Range OIS also delivers steady images when shooting at long focal lengths.

In addition, optical stabilization keeps your shot steady without a loss in image quality -- something that can't be said for electronic image stabilization. And image stabilization isn't just for video; you can even use it for taking sharper, clearer digital photographs with your HV20. Thanks to Canon's expertise, it's easy to eliminate one of the telltale signs of amateur video and photography.

Instant AF (Auto Focus)


Since it is critical to achieve very sharp focus when shooting in High Definition, the HV20 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary Instant AF focusing system. It offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional autofocus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's autofocus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus hunting. The benefits of Instant AF are especially seen in high brightness and night shooting situations. With Instant AF, it's possible to capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.

Variable Zoom Speed Control
Another sure sign of amateur video is the unsteady zoom shot. But with the HV20's zoom control, you simply select one of three pre-set zoom speeds for smooth, steady, professional looking zooms.

Level and Grid Markers


With the Level Marker feature, it's easy to keep your camera level for more professional looking video. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot -- such as the horizon -- to the marker and you can be sure your camcorder is level.

The HV20's Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately, according to the grid in your viewfinder. You can even choose from two different colors for the grid. This ensures that you see the grid, no matter what the background color of your shot.

Low Light Performance


Some of the most magical shots are taken at the end of the day or long after the sun has set. You won't miss any of them, thanks to the HV20's bright Ultra Video Light. The light lets you shoot subjects in color in low light up to 4.9 feet away. So, whether it's a shot of a sleeping baby, or a dramatic skyline at night, the HV20 captures all the moments you want to record.

24p Cinema Mode
24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional film-look. You can change the camcorder's frame rate to 24p, which provides the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, you can use the HV20's CINE setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently

Stunning Digital Photography
Canon's advanced technology means your HD camcorder is also a high performance digital camera capable of capturing stunning 3.1 Megapixel photos in 4:3 aspect ratio to a miniSDTM card (2.07 Megapixels at 16:9.) It's like having an HD digital video camcorder and digital still camera -- all rolled into one. What's more, the HV20's many advanced photo features make it a camera that rivals other state-of-the-art digital cameras. With the HV20 you don't just get video and photos -- you get the best of both.

Edit and Share Your Video
You can edit and share your video with the HV20. Once you're connected to your computer, DV streaming and ultra-fast transfer of movies is a breeze. And because the HV20 uses the IEEE1394 protocol, there's no loss of picture or audio quality in the process. You'll want to share your brilliant HD memories with friends and family, and the HV20 makes it fast and easy.

HDMI and Accessory Shoe Terminals


With the HV20, sharing your High Definition video on your HD television is easier than ever. Only a single cable connects your camcorder to your TV for the highest quality playback (video and audio).

Another pro-level feature of the HV20 is the Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal on the camcorder. Attach extras such as a video light or directional microphone without additional wires or batteries to raise the production value of the video you shoot.

Share Your Photos
Your HV20 comes with a variety of features that make it simple to share your still photos.
Print & Share
Print & Share turns your HV20 into a photo lab in the palm of your hand. Simply connect your camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the supplied USB cable. Then, with a simple touch of the Print & Share button, print directly from your HV20 without going through a computer.
Print & Share also makes it easy to transfer your still images to your computer. Simply connect your HV20 and your computer, press the Print & Share button and your photos are downloaded to your computer.
miniSD Memory Card Compatible
The HV20 makes it easy to store digital photos on an optional miniSD Memory Card. Popularly used in today's newest cell phones and half the size of a standard SD card, the miniSD Card offers the benefit of high-capacity storage in a very small size.

Built-in Electronic Lens Cover means you never have to go looking for your lens cover again. Turn your camcorder on and the lens cover automatically opens. Turn it off, and the cover closes.

2.7 Widescreen LCD Screen makes it easy to compose and review your shots. The bright screen lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording, and what your widescreen TV will display later.

Playback of 60i/30F/24F/24p Video

USB 2.0 Full Speed Terminal for fast transfer of photos.

Analog-Digital Converter lets you share the precious video memories you have stored on analog videotapes. Simply feed the analog signal from your TV, VCR or analog camcorder to your HV20 to convert the signal to digital for recording on DV tape. Or use your HV20 as a signal converter by connecting it between an analog device and another digital device.

Wireless Remote Control lets you operate your HV20 from a distance, so you won't be left out of the picture.