Canon HV20 HDV Camcorder Review

-CA-570 Compact Power Adapter (incl. power cord)
-BP-2L13 Battery Pack
-WL-D87 Wireless Controller
-Lithium Button Battery CR2025 for Wireless Controller
-CTC-100/S Component Cable
-STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
-IFC-300PCU USB Cable
-DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK Software CD-ROM

An HDV/DV tape would have been nice. Owners of the HV20 will most likely need the added insurance during short film shoots, and the good news is that you can find a BP-2L14 online (the highest capacity battery available for the HV20) between $12-50.

Other Features (6.0)
24P Cinema Mode - 24P Cinema Mode is a 24P recording mode with gamma settings optimized to produce footage with a film-like look. 24P Cinema Mode actually combines two separate camcorder settings: 24P HDV, selected in the Rec/In Setup sub-menu, and Cine Mode, at the top level of the Program Recording mode menu. Both of these settings can be used independently, but Canon has branded them as 24P Cinema Mode when used together. It’s great as a way to instantly get a filmic look, but you’ll record an image with more detail and tonal range in plain old Program AE mode. When you transfer your masterpiece to 35mm film, the technicians will do a better job tweaking the colors in post than the HV20 will ever manage with its camcorder brain.

Video Light – Yes, you get a video light with the HV20. No, it’s not that great. In fact, you’d be better off with a Mag light.

Backlight Correction – The backlight correction instantly adjusts the backlight for subjects with a strong light source behind them. This is useful for excessively sunny shots.

Digital Effects – On the HV20, you get fade-t, wipe, black and white, sepia, and art (which is just a grainy solarization). Not a whole lot to offer here, and all of it can be achieved in post, along with hundreds of other effects.

Hot Accessory Shoe – The HV20’s hot shoe is compatible with a number of boom mics and lights, but we’d recommend a microphone without a doubt because you can externally light a project with ease. As long as you have your own crew.