Questions already

[ucnerock]

So I just got my hv20 from Pictureline here in Salt Lake City, and I have a few questions.
With my rebel xt I dont ever use any of the setting on the bottom half of the dial, like portrait, or sports. I mainly use av or tv. So my first question is do any of you recommend using the preset setting or just use av and tv. Which brings me to my next question do they work the same on a video camera as they do an a still camera?
and my last question is is there a way to get rid of the hum that is in my recordings?
Thanks,
Landon

[Mal]

Hey there, ucnerock,
well, first off: congrats on your new cam! :hv20-smilie77:

Not having a cam in front of me right now, I can't go through the menu as easily as I could otherwise, but basically yes, the same principals apply to your XT as they do to your HV20; both being Canon should also make it a bit easier for you, I reckon, as you should be familiar with the way Canon "does things". But more on all this later today or tomorrow...

Regarding the HUM in the recording. Can you post a clip? Without hearing it my best guess is that you were using the built in mics, yes? If yes, it would be possible (almost likely) that the cam's mics are picking up the motor noise of the camcorder. This, unfortunately, is a VERY common problem with built-in mics from camcorders, and is not unique to this HV20, or even this small form-factor. In fact, the built-in mics are almost always to be avoided if you want pristine audio; and this is true even with much more expensive cams.

The only really good solution, therefore, is to get some EXTERNAL mics. You have several choices; Canon offers one that runs off the accessory shoe. However, I have not heard how good that is yet - my guess is not very good.
Next option would be to get a mic like the Rode Videomic (about $170):
http://www.rodemic.com/?pagename=Products&product=VideoMic
That can be plugged into the HV20 directly - BUT: it is quite big, and I haven't tested to see if the front of the mic will get in to the picture, if thye cam is on full wide.

The BEST option though, will be to run professional microphones, either on-camera (not so good) or off-camera (best!). Professional mics have a XLR connection, and will need an adapter/mixer/phantom power supply (such as the Beachtek DXA-6 - $250, or DXA-6VU - $360) to work with the HV20.
Some here have mics that cost more than the HV20!!
(Another option here is to run wireless mics, where the receiver is attached to the HV20).

So, to summarize:
- the on-cam built-in mics are not so good
- on-cam professional mics are better
- off-cam professional mics are best

Of course this all assumes that your hum you mentioned really is coming from the cam, and is not something completely different! :hv20-smilie51:

[robsherlock]

hi there, i just purchased a hv20... my xl1 is having problems so im wondering if i can take the mike from the xl1 and put it on the body of the hv20. also im wondering about the problems with myxl1 ... when it plays there is no sound and the top quarter of the screen has moved down to the bottom.

[Mal]

Can you tell us what the mic is you are using with your XL1? Brand/model?

As far as the Xl1 and its weird picture: not sure. Could it be that the heads out of alignment?
Did you try a cleaning tape (probably not going to fix such a problem, but maybe worth a shot).

[robsherlock]

the shot mike that comes with the xl1. i bougght that camera used so i just always assumed that the mike was the one that came with the camera. whats a good cordless lav mike. people say nady or seinheiser. i just want to record some clean sounding dialogue without fucking around with a bboom mike.