Canon HV20 HDV Camcorder Reviewby John NeelyPublished on Mar 26, 2007 5:00 PM
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Audio (8.0)
In HDV mode, the HV20 records 16 bit MPEG-1 Layer 2 (MP2) audio, while in DV mode it records 16 or 12 bit PCM audio. This is the HDV audio conundrum: HDV video is four times the resolution of DV, but PCM is superior to MP2. MP3 audio (a compression of PCM) has a higher sound quality than MP2 because it has a greater scope of sub-bands that reduce the bit-rate while pumping up the clarity. MP2 utilizes frequency masking, which compares levels of frequency and drops the channels not discernibly perceptible to the human auditory system. The bottom line is that MP2 sound is like an unkempt, rusty old ’84 Pontiac while PCM sound is like a well-oiled, tuned up ’84 Pontiac. Not a monumental difference, but enough to drive the sound guy up the wall.
Aside from the yin and yang of HDV and DV audio, the HV20 is well equipped with a microphone jack, headphone jack, and Advanced accessory shoe. The combination of the HV20’s microphone jack and accessory shoe will delight low-budget filmmakers who crave stunning 24P HDV video and semi-pro level audio in one compact camcorder. Whereas the HC7 is stuck with Sony’s brand specific AIS that support only four different Sony microphones, the HV20 has a plethora of optional sound devices available, in addition to Canon’s external microphones. Adjusting sound levels on the HV20 is accomplished by pressing the center of the joystick and scrolling down to the mic level bar. It’s a snap. On the HC7, you must wade through Sony’s perilous forest of touch screen menu options before you can even locate the mic levels.
There is a windscreen setting for the HV20’s built-in microphone that, when turned on, works automatically with the camcorder to ensure more balanced sound. There is also a mic attenuator that makes sure the sound doesn’t peak. One noteworthy feature is the headphone volume level meter located in the administrative menu The HV20’s headphone jack is shared with the AV jack, so make sure the camcorder is in headphone mode rather than AV mode, or your ears will be greeted by an explosive swarm of irate queen bees.
Playback (4.5)
Tape offers few playback options compared to non-linear formats like DVD and HDD, so don’t expect much here. Thanks to the strip of playback buttons located horizontally at the base of the LCD panel, playing back footage is a snap. The flattened buttons are easier to access than the ones on the HC7 because they are more spread out. From left to right, the buttons include rewind, fast-forward, play/pause, and stop. In record mode, play/pause doubles as the start/stop button, and stop functions as the focus assist button. Playback volume is adjusted by pressing the center of the joystick and shifting right or left to control the volume, which is highly conducive to on-the-fly playback. Classics like end search and playback zoom are available and easy to find in the menu.
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The playback Function menu |
The playback admin menu |
In still mode, you can select the quality: super fine, fine, or normal, all at a resolution of 1920x1080. Digital effects are also available, and functions like slow (plays footage in slow motion) and zero set memory (allows you to return to a pre-marked position) are available on the wireless remote. These are pretty basic functions, and Canon has structured the playback on the HV20 to flounder in a pool of simplicity for the benefit of point-and-shooters.
Connectivity (10.0)
There are two main port covers on the HV20 and a hinged Mini SD card slot door. The ports located on the right side toward the lens end consist of the microphone jack, AV/headphone jack, and component terminal. A hefty rubberized cover fits well over the panel and is easy to open. The strip connecting the cover is a bit short, though, so you really have to peel it back to reveal the ports. The LANC jack on the HC7 is an added benefit for Sony fans, but will you really need it on a $1200 camcorder? In back, the HDMI and firewire terminals are housed by a flimsy rectangular cover that is a royal pain to close. The strip holding it in place is fairly thin and could snap easily. The round DC jack remains open in the back and is more prone to having a cable yanked out than a rectangular jack. The MiniSD card door is made of the same rubberized material as the port cover on the right side, so it definitely passes the test. It’s also easy to open and close. On top lies the accessory shoe, which is covered by a plastic shield-shaped piece that is not attached to the body. Why did Canon do this? Your guess is as good as ours.
One last feature that deserves mention is the HV20's analog to digital conversion capability. This allows you to pass an analog signal through the camcorder, and then output a converted digital signal via the FireWire terminal to a digital recording device. This is a very handy feature that appears on consumer camcorders from time to time, and enhances the appeal of this cam as a deck.
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