videoguys
2008 January 12th, 11:05
Since we do not sell camcorders, it is very rare for us to actually put one in our Top 10 article. I have an HV20 and I LOVE it. Shoots fantastic images and I can edit the footage with all of my favorite NLEs. Here's what we said about it:
#10 - Canon HV20
What can I say – I love this camcorder. I think it is the perfect choice for prosumer videographers looking to migrate to HD. The picture quality is fantastic. While I have found that good lighting is more crucial than ever with HD footage, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the HV20 handles low light situations. With the price of a new HV20 falling below $800 at many on line dealers this holiday season, it left no doubt in my mind that it deserves a Videoguys' Top 10 award. We do not sell camcorders, but every few years a new camcorder comes along that opens up a new level of video production to our customers. With its awesome HD footage at a remarkable price point, the HV20 demanded a place on this year's list.
The HV20 allows you to shoot HD footage in 1080i format as well as Canon's 24p progressive. Even without the 24p support the HV20 would be an outstanding camcorder. You may be asking yourself "What is 24p?" In simple terms, it allows you to shoot HD footage that looks more like film. When you go to the movies, you watch the film at 24 frames per second (fps). In the US our television shows are broadcast using the NTSC standard which is 29.97 fps. While logic would dictate that more frames per second is better, many videographers will tell you that the 24 fps footage looks better. I happen to think both frame rates look great. If you are compressing your footage for the web you will find that footage that starts as 24p ends up compressing better. Why? One of the reasons is that it is very easy to compress down to 20 or 16 fps for the web since it is a clean fraction of 24. Progressive formats also allow the encoder to work more efficiently. The result is that web video producers will get the best possible compressed video footage from 24p footage.
Videoguys Top 10 New Products of 2007 (http://www.videoguys.com/2007best.htm)
Gary
#10 - Canon HV20
What can I say – I love this camcorder. I think it is the perfect choice for prosumer videographers looking to migrate to HD. The picture quality is fantastic. While I have found that good lighting is more crucial than ever with HD footage, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the HV20 handles low light situations. With the price of a new HV20 falling below $800 at many on line dealers this holiday season, it left no doubt in my mind that it deserves a Videoguys' Top 10 award. We do not sell camcorders, but every few years a new camcorder comes along that opens up a new level of video production to our customers. With its awesome HD footage at a remarkable price point, the HV20 demanded a place on this year's list.
The HV20 allows you to shoot HD footage in 1080i format as well as Canon's 24p progressive. Even without the 24p support the HV20 would be an outstanding camcorder. You may be asking yourself "What is 24p?" In simple terms, it allows you to shoot HD footage that looks more like film. When you go to the movies, you watch the film at 24 frames per second (fps). In the US our television shows are broadcast using the NTSC standard which is 29.97 fps. While logic would dictate that more frames per second is better, many videographers will tell you that the 24 fps footage looks better. I happen to think both frame rates look great. If you are compressing your footage for the web you will find that footage that starts as 24p ends up compressing better. Why? One of the reasons is that it is very easy to compress down to 20 or 16 fps for the web since it is a clean fraction of 24. Progressive formats also allow the encoder to work more efficiently. The result is that web video producers will get the best possible compressed video footage from 24p footage.
Videoguys Top 10 New Products of 2007 (http://www.videoguys.com/2007best.htm)
Gary