The Canon HV20 HD Camcorder incorporates professional-level HD video in a horizontal design.
Integrating Canon's renowned optics and imaging technology, including a 10x HD video zoom lens with Super Range Optical Image Stabilization and a Canon True HD 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensor, the HV20 HD Camcorder records true 1080 high definition video. A cinematic look and feel can be achieved through the camera's 24p cinema mode.
An advanced accessory shoe accomodates such additional components as select external video lights or directional microphones. The camcorder features microphone and headphone input terminals with manual level control for professional quality audio recording and a 24p cinema mode - found previously only on professional video equipment - that offers the frame rate of motion pictures and imparts a film-like look to the video. The HV20 HD Camcorder features an HDMI terminal for one-cable transport of the high definition video signal to a HDTV.
Canon has created a 2.96 megapixel CMOS image sensor for the HV20 HD Camcorder. The 1/2.7" CMOS image sensor acquires image information at 1920 x 1080, reproducing life-like HD movies and photos. The CMOS sensor incorporates an RGB Primary Color Filter with a Bayer placement that delivers sharp, high definition image with vibrant, accurate color reproduction without creating false colors. The HD camcorder's CMOS sensor provides good image capture in low light.
The aspherical design of the 10x HD video zoom lens helps to achieve low chromatic aberration and high resolution while Canon's Super Spectra lens coating lowers incidence of flare and ghosting.
The Instant AF focusing system uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's autofocus system, to help decrease focus time.
Canon's Super Range Optical Image Stabilization helps correct camera shake almost instantly even when the camera is hand-held and in motion or the zoom is held at a long focal length. Employing both gyro and vector detection methods in order to pick up the widest range of vibrations, the lens shift type OIS compensates for a greater degree of camera shake while avoiding the loss of image quality typical in electronic image stabilization.
Canon's brilliant video and still image processor, the DIGIC DV II, is the brains behind the HV20 HD Camcorder. The DIGIC DV II image processor is the next generation of Canon's exclusive signal processing technology. In addition to recognizing the different color requirements of video and photos, and processing both to their optimal level of quality, DIGIC DV II processes video with improved color reproduction and dramatically reduces noise in low light.
The HV20 HD Camcorder's 24p Cinema Mode enables aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional "film-look." The camcorder's frame rate can be changed to 24p, which provides the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, the HV20's CINE setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evokes the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater, settings that can be used together or independently.
As a digital still camera, the HV20 HD Camcorder excels with all of Canon's best digital camera features. Users can accurately focus their shots with nine-point autofocus and then take vibrant 3.1 megapixel images to a miniSD card. While simultaneously recording HD video to tape, the HV20 HD Camcorder can capture two megapixel photos to card, or these two megapixel images can later be extracted from the video.
The kit on sale in April for $1099 includes a compact power adapter, a wireless remote control, energy efficient BP-2L13 battery pack, stereo video cable, a USB cable, and component video cable.