Build quality of the HV20...

[Dave Draper]

Hey guys,

Just signed up. I was dabbling between the Sony HDR-HC7 and the Canon HV20, but am now leaning more towards the HV20 after seeing these two particular comparison clips...

Sony HDR-HC7 (http://www.archive.org/download/hc7_hv20/hc7_07.m2t.mpg)

Canon HV20 (http://www.archive.org/download/hc7_hv20/hv20_07.m2t.mpg)

It's rather obvious which one comes out on top. But my main concern now is the build quality of the HV20, as I have heard it's a little shoddy and feels like a very cheap, breakable toy. My last camcorder was a Sony DCR-TRV16E, and felt like a really solid, nicely weighted piece of equipment (like most of Sony's camcorders)... I'm just a little worried I'll be let down by the HV20 in that respect.

So, in closing, I was just wondering if anyone here could give me their opinion on the build quality of the HV20?

DD.

[white_2kgt]

It's basically just like all the other canon consumer cameras I've owned. I wouldn't really expect it to be covered in ballistic grade material, since it's something you take on vacation it should be lightweight.

[sp8ce07]

I found its portability to be a wonderful asset on a recent trip. I was able to easily bring it along golfing, on a boat out on the ocean, to several dinners and of course wandering about town. It was a perfect fit inside my little Lowepro Rezo 180 and I never had a problem with its build quality. With spare batteries and a few lenses I was good to go wherever and whenever.

[Rikki]

It feels like its cheap but it isnt.

Lets put it this way, I attached it to a mount in my car that I thought would hold. It didnt and from sitting on top of the mount it swung underneath when I went round a corner and smashed into my metal nitrous bottle while running. I expected a cracked plastic unit and screwed camcorder but alas not a scratch and it kept on recording!

[bluegrass]

Hey guys,

Just signed up. I was dabbling between the Sony HDR-HC7 and the Canon HV20, but am now leaning more towards the HV20 after seeing these two particular comparison clips...

Sony HDR-HC7 (http://www.archive.org/download/hc7_hv20/hc7_07.m2t.mpg)

Canon HV20 (http://www.archive.org/download/hc7_hv20/hv20_07.m2t.mpg)

It's rather obvious which one comes out on top. But my main concern now is the build quality of the HV20, as I have heard it's a little shoddy and feels like a very cheap, breakable toy. My last camcorder was a Sony DCR-TRV16E, and felt like a really solid, nicely weighted piece of equipment (like most of Sony's camcorders)... I'm just a little worried I'll be let down by the HV20 in that respect.

So, in closing, I was just wondering if anyone here could give me their opinion on the build quality of the HV20?

DD.

I'll have to politely disagree about the comaprison of Sony to Canon. I've looked and felt Sony equivalelent camcorders next to each other in the store and I found them to have the same consumer feel. That goes for all of the different consumer camcorders. I wouldn't let sturdiness of the HV20 as compared to the HC7 sway you. I would look at all the features and read reviews on each camera to see what people say. I don't believe I've read one person that has asked a similiar question on this forum saying that after doing research I've decided to purchase a Sony for such and such a reason.

[DaFireMedic]

I was up at Crater Lake in Oregon 2 months ago and had my HV20 sitting on the front seat of my truck (I have a large crew cab 4x4 pick up). My 9 yr old son went fishing through the cab for something and, much to my horror, knocked the camcorder out of the truck and onto the asphalt below (picture a slow motion "Nooooooooooooooo...."). A fall of about 4 feet to the asphalt, then bouncing a few times and ending up about 6 feet away from the truck.

Much to my relief, it has a scratch or two but otherwise no noticeable damage and no functional problems.

[Worley]

A lot of people say the camera feels/looks cheap, but I don't think it does. I've tried the Sony HC7 and (of course) the HV20, and preferred the HV20. The Sony felt too small to me, and I perceived it to be more of a cube whereas the HV20 felt curvy. It may not be, but the way the two fitted my hand, the Canon felt more natural.

I've not dropped it, yet, and don't intend to!

[Rikki]

I've not dropped it, yet

Oh go on, you know you wanna! :)

[Dave Draper]

Thanks for your replies, guys!

I hope to be able to try out both today in person.

DD.

[SmirkySmirker]

I love the look of the HV20, the HC7 may have that sleek polished look but the HV20 is more futuristic ^_^

[Sean Michael]

I have a Sony HC3 and an HV20. I give Sony a slight edge in build quality. It seems to have more metal in the case of the camera.

Earlier this year while shooting with the Sony I sprained my ankle. My HC3 fell a good 5-feet onto pavement...HARD. It's got some dents and scratches, but still works like a charm.

That said, the HV20 produces a surperior image....less noise, more sharpness, better lowlight performance. Plus (unlike the HC3) it's got a mic input. If I were buying today I'd get the Canon.

[Erik Bien]

Hey Sean,

Glad to see you over here! Hope you're still loving your Airstream (as soon as we get our portable storage locker emptied and outta the way the '57 will be back home with us -- alas, probably too late for a summer shakedown cruise, since my wife starts back at her teaching job at the end of the month.) :(

[Sean Michael]

hey Erik,

We are still loving the Airstream. We're cooling our heels (and tires) in the Seattle area for a while, visiting family. Pretty soon we'll start charting our course forward.

Glad to hear your '57 is on the way home! Even if you don't get a major shakedown cruise, hopefully you can manage a long weekend. :)