Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
The dramatic Canon VIXIA HV30 incorporates advanced features to bring knowledgeable and demanding videographers the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality. The VIXIA HV30 is packed with Canon exclusive features you won't find anywhere else. Canon's full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor deliver breathtaking detail and the best in color reproduction. SuperRange optical image stabilization and instant auto focus gives you the shot control high definition demands. With the genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens and a host of other advanced features the VIXIA HV30 is sure to be your choice in high definition camcorders. And, with its HD and standard definition recording modes, you can make the move to HD without making your SD equipment obsolete.The VIXIA HV30 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon. It's the next step in premium quality high definition camcorders for which sophisticated and discerning videographers have been waiting.
Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Accessories
 Canon BP-2L14 Battery for Canon HG, HV, ZR, Optura, and Elura Camcorders
Sony High Definition Minidv Videocassette (2-Pack)
Sony DVC-60 PR/5 Premium Minidv Videocassette (5-Pack)
Sony 5pk HD DVC MINIDV 63MIN VIDEO (DVM63HD) NEW
Canon Directional Stereo Mic (DM 50) for Camcorders with the Advanced Access Shoe
Canon CB-2LW Battery Charger for NB-2L and NB2LH Batteries
Canon WD-H43 0.7x Wide Angle Converter for HV20 & HV30 Camcorders
Canon BP-2L24H Battery Pack for the HG10, HV30, DC310, DC330, DC320 Camcorders
Belkin F3N401-06-ICE IEEE 1394 4-Pin/6-Pin 400 Mbps FireWire Cable (6 Feet)
Rode VIDEOMIC Directional Shotgun Mic w/Mount
Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Reviews
The led light is cool too, nice and bright. Amazing. You dont need HD miniDV for high def, normal ones work. The only downside if any, and im really prying here, would be that, unlike sony, there is no nightshot, nightvison that i could find. I bought got the HV30 on Amazon about a week ago and the camera was exactly what I hoped for. Its easy to use and sexy looking, small sleek. Keep in mind there are certain programs that dont let you edit HD video, but the ones I am sure of are Sony Vegas and Pinnacle Studio.
I play xbox regulary in HD and have a lot of knowledge when it comes to picture quality and all I have to say is holy $#it. Be sure you have a firewire cable and a firewire port on your computer for the DV and HDV. Be sure to check the system specification if you want to edit HD footage, you are gonna need a fairly buff computer. Its INCREDIBLE. When I first shot in HD I never thought it would turn out the way it did. however, it does shoot awesome inn low light and have the 24p and 30p which are stunning. so i say BUY IT
All in all - this is great camera, but if you want to use it to its full potential, then you will be paying your dues for the next 6 months. I can say that I now avoid 24p due to this problem - even on some TVs (which are meant to deal with this automatically) I can see interlace artifacts. Again, it is not a fault with the camera - but it is yet ANOTHER issue to learn all about. It comes with A LOT of hidden baggage. In full auto mode this camera shoots fantastic "local-news" style super sharp HD video - and if that's all you want then you will be one happy camper.
This can lead to a lot of hair pulling and anger management classes, and frustratingly sub par footage. This is not a fault with the camera, but you could say it was unexpected and unwanted baggage. I have a dual core E6600 and a P4 - they both can add an additional layer of judder to the footage, since they cannot play it smooth enough. This is generally caused by pans and movement with an uneven or variable rate. It has been a 5 month learning experience (with a pretty steep curve). The manual does not address any of these subtle (but vital to success) points.
This can get seriously weird. To properly assess the footage you must use a TV. Plus it gives me a headache. You might find yourself reading up on how frame rates and shutter speeds work to solve common judder and jitter problems with the HV30. Another important point is that you cannot faithfully assess this HDV footage on a PC.
However, the OIS is quite good when you are actually filming a static thing, but do not happen have a tripod in your pocket at that moment. My camera is also close to silent compared to the old ZR50MC - a big improvement. After 5 months I am thinking that life is too short for amateurs to deal with this. Hand held in general is really not a good idea. Also there are major performance differences for mp4 video playback between the current media players.
I had this work flow down to a fine art. You will need this website: hv20.com. Image stabiliser + any movement = Jittery Footage (bad). Something that plays/looks great in Quicktime will suck in VLC - yet more detailed trivia to be figured out. It has the potential in the right hands to film jaw droppingly good footage. I will not be selling my HV30 due to the time invested; but I will never ever be upgrading a camera again.
If somebody could do a 1 hour training video, or an idiots guide on how to use it, I think it would be a much more appealing product (with hindsight). The HV30 is deceptively powerful and complex camera. This is NOT a standard issue DV camcorder like the ZR50. The manual does not mention these very common problems. I have been taking family/travel DV for the last 5 years on a Canon ZR50MC, processing it on a PC and burning it to DVDs. That was unexpected. It is waaaay more powerful, and can get you into trouble much more easily.
Smooth/even rate of change is more important than slow - for example filming through a speeding car windscreen is low jitter. Jitter is when the edges of frame jump irregularly and potentially make the viewer feel somewhat seasick (not good). I use sensible settings in Vegas Pro for preview. However, if you want (like me) to dig into the progressive film modes (24p and 30p) things can get pretty weird, pretty quick. This film-ish HDV is somewhat prone to frame jitter / judder / shudder, MUCH more so than SDV. I replaced that (now worn out) camera with the HV30 about 5 months ago. It becomes difficult to focus on elements in the picture. Pans and movement must be very smooth, much more so than SDV.
Canon have included some pretty advanced features in the camera, but have omitted to explain the pros and cons of some of these features in the manual. This brings us to pulldown removal and interlacing. The manual does not mention it. I can say you almost always need a tripod or a steadicam to get good low jitter footage, with the optical image stabiliser (OIS) turned OFF.
Highly recommend this video camera. Not only do the videos come out amazing, but even the still pictures are great. My husband LOVES this camera.
I was attracted to this camera because most reviews suggested the video quality was very good. Lots of telephoto reach but I would prefer it the other way around. The image under my lighting looked washed out so I over rode the auto lighting minus two. Sounded great which had more to do with an external mike than the camcorder. The price is outrageous (in a good way). I shot the interview at 30p and cinema mode(vivid) which seemed to work nice. I am thinking I will have to do some rube goldberg adjustments to get what I want from this camcorder but so be it.
The only negative I might bring up is that the zoom is only around 48mm (35mm camera equivalent) at the wide end which makes basically a normal field of view. hard drives, processor, video card, etc. I've "played" with this camcorder for a month and did one serious shoot - a talking head interview miked with a lavalier mike. This camera is meant to be an extension of some of the work I do in that capacity. I use a new MAC and Final Cut Express to edit my stuff.
I fall into that category myself but here goes. The sound may suck with the camera's mike but I don't intend to use it much. With good technique I think I can produce videos that rival the models that cost 3-4K, particularly when you convert to quicktime or flash for the web. I used professional studio tungsten lighting. I'm a professional still photographer. It's a consumer camcorder with enough bells and whistles to make decent video if used carefully.
I notice that the Canon wide angle converter lens is.7x which would be around 34mm when attached. Still not extremely wide but so it goes. Also like the 30p & 24p and cinema mode and ability to use external microphone. If all I wanted was some family stuff to play back on my TV through the camera I wouldn't go with this camera probably would get one of the camcorders with a card and avchd format. I concur. I question the value of most reviewers who write something after a short experience with a product.
It looked very, very good for a camcorder at this price. The HD footage from this camera takes some horsepower to edit i.e. So far I'm happy with it. Am anxious to do more with it. Worked fine in this instance.
The HD quality is fantastic. Plus the 24p and 30p modes are nice. It's my first HD camera and I couldn't be more pleased with it.
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