It makes noise!

[cowen]

I just received my HV20, and I gently pulled it out of the box to admire it. I was shocked by the sound it made when I pulled it out. Even when I gently rock the unit back and forth, the sound is unusually loud (there's no doubt the mic would pick this up when panning). I can't believe this is normal, is it? I haven't charged it yet, or put a tape in. Perhaps it's just the way the unit sounds when it's not on and loaded with tape and battery. Any input from anyone on this. I'm about to call Canon and see what's up....

[Mal]

Wait, if you are talking about the lens assembly when you rock it (tilt it) back and forth, then this is perfectly normal. There's certain cameras that do this, Sony has a few, Canon too, and Panasonic as well.
If you turn the cam on, this "sound" will go away.

[theoak]

From other forums, the sound you are hearing is the OIS (optical image stabiling) system. When you power the camera on, the OIS kicks in and the noice will go away.

[Mal]

Well, yes, but it's not necessarily the OIS; some Sony cams do it also, and they don't have OIS.

[cowen]

I actually returned that first HV20 that I had the noise problem with. After receiving my replacement, I found the exact same issue. However, I believe for the most part, it's not being picked up by the onboard mic. I was concerned because the noise is only when you pan fast. And, I plan on doing a little action sports recordings....so thus my concern.

All in all, after having it for a week or so, I'm very happy. I have yet to study the manual thoroughly, but will hopefully soon.

Happy film making