I've got my HV20 !!

[moira]

$1749 NZ but I wasn't about to haggle or wait for prices to drop. There were 5 left when I went to pick mine up ( it was the only one selectrix got in so I presume he was talking about canon NZ ). I should have known from all the posts here that theres a huge pre-order list. Ive read about the flimsy feel, the tape noise and various other negatives but I'm glad I'm a first time camcorder buyer,I can't compare it to anything. And its just perfect !! That joystick is a tad sensitive,it took me half an hour just to set the time and date but I'll get the hang of it.....soon. I took a tiny test video and Evie looks stunning as chihuahuas do.It was as the camera came out the box,I couldn't even find zoom..in my haste to get started. There's a lot to take in at the moment.......but I'm rapt

[Mal]

Wow, that's cool news, moira.
We've been following your journey in getting the HV20, and it's very neat to see you've got it now.

Of course, the journey JUST BEGAN!!!

[David Susilo]

congrats!

now you need the following:

1. steadytracker
2. wide angle adapter
3. use high quality tapes (does NOT have to be HDV tapes)
4. external mic
5. extra batteries (I suggest sterlingtek.com -- no I'm not affiliated with them)

[ozvena]

congrats!

now you want the following:

1. steadytracker
2. wide angle adapter
3. use high quality tapes (does NOT have to be HDV tapes)
4. external mic
5. extra batteries (I suggest sterlingtek.com -- no I'm not affiliated with them)

[sp8ce07]

what is steady tracker?

[moira]

Hey thanks everyone, to be honest I never thought I'd make it. I'd almost bought a panasonic GS500,then an HC7.......until the HV20 appeared on the distant horizon. So far Ive bought panasonicMQ tapes,a universal battery charger,a miniSD and today I bought a really neat little bag CaseLogic TBC5. I can fit the HV20 snuggly and pad up the divider with some tapes. Its not too bulky......in fact I think I could sneak it into my handbag and not look too much like a tourist all the time 43mm is an unusual size so my UV filter and cover should be here in a couple of days.
I won't need an external mic........I'm gonna sing.........now THAT'LL cut out any tape noise
Now say I get a steadytracker ( I googled that),an external mic and a wide-angle adapter............will they fit in my handbag LOL
Seriously though, I can see people starting out just point and shoot.........and then taking off......so who knows where I'll end up. Its really great fun.

[David Susilo]

what is steady tracker?

a cheap version of steadicam. It's surprisingly affordable and well built.

[SuperSean23]

congrats!

now you want the following:

1. steadytracker
2. wide angle adapter
3. use high quality tapes (does NOT have to be HDV tapes)
4. external mic
5. extra batteries (I suggest sterlingtek.com -- no I'm not affiliated with them)

Should have added that to my post about "must have" accessories!
good advice though Ozvena