The specs are not clear. Does anybody know if this camcorder can use the mini SDHC cards that are available in 4gb capacity?

Does anybody know if this camera can use the Mini SDHC cards that are available in sizes up to 4gb?

The Canon HG10 manual states it can only use "miniSD" cards and that cards up to 2 GB were tested.



Rich

For those interested, Canon's product walk-through can be found here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVWFN8qL7zc

I called Canon to speak with a tech about the possibility of a firmware update to the HG10 correcting the usability problem vis-�*-vis the possible collision between AVCHD and 24p and promptly got shot on the tarmac. The tech repeatedly told me that there wasn't a possibility of updating the firmware to correct the problem because, as far as he knew, the problem didn't exist.

I attempted to refer him to reviews such as this one so that he could see that it was common knowledge that this was a systemic problem with the HG10, aside from whatever individual problems I might be having. He didn't bother to go look at the review but simply stated that Canon couldn't be held responsible for what other people put on their websites. Apparently, according to Canon, the HG10 is just like Mary Poppins: Practically Perfect in Every Way.

I own almost exclusively Canon equipment with the only exceptions being some accessories. I must say that as a general rule, within the current state of capability of technology, it is been my experience that Canon generally makes a superior, reliable product. But I'm forced to say that many of their company policies as reflected by the behavior of their technicians when supporting the consumer over the phone, suck.

I have come to realize that I have recently been buying Canon equipment simply because of the "comfort and familiarity" factor. My HG10 support experience has broken that magic spell.

Personally, I find myself quite comfortable with flawed equipment when I know that the manufacturer is upfront about any issues the equipment may have. If the company acknowledges the existence of the problem, clearly explains the nature of the problem, assures me that they're working on the problem and gives me a reasonably accurate prediction about when a solution will be provided, I find that I can be quite patient. As far as that goes, I will even purchase products with known defects with the expectation that those defects will be resolved in due course, everything else being equal.

I feel that such an attitude is reasonable due to the fact that so much of the functionality of current equipment is provided by firmware. I often see significant product performance improvement with a simple firmware update. I have come to take this as common practice. Companies that handle this aspect of the manufacturer-product-consumer interrelationship well get my patronage and a little loyalty. Those that fritter this opportunity away at my expense can go to... well... you know.

As a consumer, I have little to no confidence in Canon as a company because of their tendency to play games like this. The HG10 goes back and I will be waiting to see what Sony does this year. Looks like the old clunker gets another year's reprieve.

Does anyone know how you connect the HG-10 to your hi def TV? Does is come with a HDMI cable for this purpose? If not will any HDMI work?

Thanks

Joe

Good review on the HG10 but I have to disagree with the last comment about the "dimwitted design flaw." The review fails to mention that when you pull the viewfinder out the hot shoe cover does feature a tab or groove carved at the end of the cover right underneath the "S" Advanced Accessory Shoe logo.

I don't get CCInfo obsession with shoe covers. To me, keep it simple, without cover, like a still camera. JVC still uses this design, I applaud JVC for that. Covering the shoe is just waste of money to me. But I'd rather prefer an untethered cover to tethered one. Really, a camera with an external mic attached looks really stupid with a shoe cover hanging off. Yep, the HG10 cover is easily removed with viewfinder pulled out. Same with batteries on many camcorders, they can be removed only with the viewfinder tilted up.

The reviewer wrote that, "The hot shoe located on top is covered by a plastic shield that is not attached to the body of the HG10. It is also very tricky to open—you have to dig your fingernails underneath the side grooves and hope for the best. Once you do manage to open it, it will pop out and fly over the moon, so the probability of losing that piece is high." This is not true. The reviewer obviously did not read the instruction manual where it directs that the viewfinder be extended to expose an area of the hot shoe where it is easy to get a thumb underneath and a finger on top of the removable cover. Held in this manner, there is no chance that it is going to "fly over the moon." Snapping the cover back on is a simple matter with four firm retention points. As for not being attached to the body of the HG10, I cannot imagine wanting that cover flopping around on the camera body while in use. If it was attached too closely, it would get in the way of the attachments that I wanted to place on the camera.