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Canon’s HV20 HDV is a high-def camcorder with a 2.96 megapixel CMOS image sensor, 10x optical zoom, DIGIC DV II image processor, Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization, 24p Cinema Mode, a 2.7 inch screen and HDMI ports. Trusted Reviews writes that “After a slow start with HDV, Canon is back on the form it had when the market was predominated by DV. Not only does the company now produce the best professional HDV camcorder currently available, the HX-A1, it has the most successfully realised HDV model for serious consumers as well. The HV20 may not have every feature the semi-professional might want, but it has the most important ones on offer, with excellent image quality to match.”

CNET writes “Despite our handful of gripes, the HV20 will likely be a big seller for Canon. We wouldn’t be surprised if it’s among the top-selling nonbudget camcorders this year, especially if retailers drop the price to less than $1,000. The HV20’s stunning high-definition video and comfortable operation make it a great choice for nonprofessional, HD-happy videographers.”

CamcorderInfo reports ” The Canon HV20 is that rare camcorder that bursts onto the scene, and sets a new standard in its niche. This is not a perfect camcorder by any means, but it has an intelligently assembled set of features that make it a viable tool for professionals, as well as a stellar point-and-shooter for enthusiasts stepping up to HDV. The camcorder’s physical handling is just mediocre, and most people will find the top-end cams from Sony, Panasonic, and JVC rest more comfortably in their hand. Some basic controls are awkwardly placed, and the zoom rocker feels like a first draft that somehow made it into production. The HV20’s manual control suite is also far from the most robust, or independently adjustable on the market. Unlike Canon, the aforementioned manufacturers offer independent iris and shutter speed control on their HD cams, and Panasonic adds gain control to the mix.

What the Canon has that these other contenders do not is a manual control suite and interface that was designed from the ground up with the shooter in mind. A handful of key image controls are always quickly accessible in any Recording Program mode, including: focus via the dial; exposure, audio levels, End Search, iris (Av mode) and shutter speed (Tv mode) via the joystick; and white balance, Recording Program settings, and Image Effects at the top level of the menu. The HV20 adds Focus Assist at the touch of a button, which combines peaking and magnification, and makes manually focusing an HD image (on a 2.7” screen!) feasible. Once you’ve learned your way around the control interface, you’ll find controlling your image is nearly as fast as on a full-bore prosumer cam. You’re operating in a confined space on the HV20, and options are more limited, but the important features are eminently usable. Sony seems to have missed the forest for the trees by equipping the HC7 with great handling - and a terrific feature set that’s a pain in the neck to actually use.”