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Canon HV30 High Definition Camcorder (10 x Optical Zoom With 2.7 inch Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD)
 
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Canon HV30 High Definition Camcorder (10 x Optical Zoom With 2.7 inch Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD)

by Canon
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)

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There is a newer model of this item:
Canon LEGRIA HV40 High Definition Digital Camcorder - Black (10x Optical Zoom, 2.7 Inch Widescreen Colour LCD) Canon LEGRIA HV40 High Definition Digital Camcorder - Black (10x Optical Zoom, 2.7 Inch Widescreen Colour LCD) 3.8 out of 5 stars (11)
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Technical Details

  • Canon Mini DV camcorder with 1080i widescreen video capture
  • 10x Optical Zoom, Optical Image Stabiliser and automatic/manual focus
  • 2.7 inch LCD viewing display
  • Built in flash and microphone
  • Li-ion rechargeable battery included
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Product details

  • Product Dimensions: 13.8 x 8.8 x 8.2 cm ; 243 Kg
  • Boxed-product Weight: 1.8 Kg
  • Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
  • Item model number: 2681B006AA
  • ASIN: B0012GN76A
  • Date first available at Amazon.co.uk: 11 Mar 2008
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 11,228 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

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Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

Successor to the award-winning HV20, the HV30 derives all the benefits of the Canon HD Camera System - Canon HD Lens, Full HD CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV II processor - for outstanding HDV1080i images


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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Amazing Results! 30 Jan 2009
The image quality that can be achieved using this camcorder is absolutely amazing. Whether you are after a camcorder for family events and home use, or a budding amatuer filmmaker on a budget, this is definitely worth considering.

It has an array of options and settings, which includes a CINE (cinema) mode and the ability to shoot in 25fps (frames per second) these two settings combined help to imitate a "film look" to good effect.

The built-in microphone isn't great, but serves it's purpose if you have no other options. Ideally, it is worth purchasing a seperate microphone, even if you are a casual user. This will help to cut out some of the motor noise that is emitted from the camcorder, as well as improve audio quality. The Rode Videomic is a good choice as a budget option as it can be mounted onto the camcorder. For the budding filmmakers, a seperate boom on a pole is recommended.

There are also a few accessories available for this camcorder, including an official wide-angle lens released by Canon, as well as various filters and lens hoods that can attach to the front.

I would definitely recommend investing in a larger battery as the one provided only lasts approx. 40 minutes. I highly recommend buying only official Canon batteries.

The HV30 I purchased from Amazon also included the new firmware (software installed on the camcorder), which fixed the problems that previously occured when shooting in standard definition. If for any reason your camcorder does not have it, you can download it from the Canon website.

Finally, like all high definition mini DV camcorders, the HV30 can record high definition video onto a standard mini DV cassette, so it is not essential to purchase the more costly high definition cassettes unless you desire absolute perfection.

I highly recommend using Panasonic Mini DV's. Whatever brand you choose, it is generally considered wise to stick to the same brand of mini DV as mixing lubricants by two different manufacturers can create a deposit on tape heads.

I hope this review has helped a little, and good luck on choosing your camcorder. There are some excellent alternatives that use SD cards, etc., and all have their pros and cons. But if you're happy using the tape format, then this is the camcorder for you!
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
I do a lot of video weddings and bought this as a backup/2nd camera in September 08. Have found picture quality excellent in both DV or HDV; although best to set white balance manually under flourescent light as tends to be greenish otherwise. I don't know why one of the other reviewers has problems downloading footage to his computer; I have no problems, and no difficulty with the manual either. Although the built in video light looks tiny, it can really get you out of trouble if you're close to a subject in near darkness, and picture noise is really not too bad even in quite low light. I haven't actually noticed any problems with tape noise in quiet situations, and stills taken with the camera in card mode are excellent; although only 3.1 megapixels, the quality and size of the lens produces much better pics than I would have expected. Plenty of manual setting possibilities to tweak the picture if you want to, but I generally just shoot in full auto, and apart from under flourescent as mentioned above, always get excellent results. Was sceptical about zoom control slider at first sight, but in fact it is very easy to control and zoom smoothly and very slowly if preferred without accidently jerking it as can happen with an over sensitive trigger: a problem I have previously encountered with some quite high end Sony products. So I really do recommend this camera without reservation.
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Highly Recommended 30 May 2008
By onair
This camera really is great. I felt like ...Why spend a fortune on a high speed computer and memory to have the headache of AVCHD format when this tape version produces such good quality and is easy to archive. Its good to see Canon have not just followed other brands like sheep and really hope they continue with this range for a few more years.

There are a few small known issues the tape door and a slight motor noise but I can live with this.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Picture quality.
I've used one of these for near on two years. We're shooting a movie on it and the widescreen and cine settings are outstanding. Read more
Published on 30 Dec 2009 by Peter Montgomery
So far..
After buying a Sony HD camcorder which uses AVHCD, which hd material cannot be recorded on to convention dvd, I decided to go back to Canon and DV tape. Read more
Published on 3 July 2009 by Mr. Christopher D. Brown
Stunning
Bought this camera last month, as I'm starting my own video business. Simply stunning pictures, played back through my HD TV. Read more
Published on 17 Jun 2009 by K. Creedon
HV30
I have had this camera for a good few months now so I am in a position to write a review on it, first of all the picture, it is a beautiful fine and richly detailed realistic... Read more
Published on 21 May 2009 by G. Wade
Good camera, with a few niggles
I agree with what most other reviewers have said. This camcorder produces video of fantastic quality, especially when played through an HDTV. Read more
Published on 4 May 2009 by Stewart Johnston
Awesome Camera
I bought this camera on recommendation after spending a considerable amount of time reading reviews. Read more
Published on 3 May 2009 by Timelord
HV30 - Excellent Camera - Shame about the extra's.
Agree with the other reviews that this is an excellent camera. However I'm very dissapointed that Canon DO NOT supply:
* HD Cable. Read more
Published on 27 Dec 2008 by Mr. S. Newbury
Excellent
I bought this recently to film my wedding and honeymoon and the video quality is simply stunning. I played it back last night to family and friends and they just gasped at the... Read more
Published on 26 Dec 2008 by Well Read
Disappointing camera,compared to previous Canons I have owned.
As a confirmed Canon fan, I still did all the research and decided on the HV30. Reluctantly, I have to say, I am very disappointed. Read more
Published on 18 Dec 2008 by K. A. Williams
Canon HV30 review
Bought this camera after reading several reviews and have not been disappointed. The video is absolutely first class with excellent colour and sharpness. Read more
Published on 5 Nov 2008 by Steven John Crofts
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Canon and Sony compatibility 0 28 Nov 2008
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