I'm just so happy and excited to announce that I've just ordered an HV-20 for real cheap in Canada. Yes, it's not as cheap as in the US, but then again if I buy it in the US then I won't have any warranty whatsoever (and shipping ain't cheap either).

I got the camera with 3 blank tapes and a head cleaner for only CAD$1279.99 !!! :) :) :) :)

Good luck David....let us know how you like it. :)

Where did you get it for such a good price?
I paid $1349 from Aden last week.... and no tapes...

Ken, I will definitely do so!

mkaplan, I bought mine from Amazing Photo in Markham (905-947-8998). I deal with Mr Leung. I've been buying all my (photo) pro gears for the past 5 years (at least). I even bought my A1 and XA2 from him (CAD$525 on Canadian release date for the A1 and CAD$830 for the XA2). Just mention my name and I'm sure he'll give you the same price.

PS: he is an authorized dealer.

Nic cam David. Looks like it's back to #1 on my list since JVC didn't quite deliver the goods with the HD7.

Let us know how it performs for you. I'm reading a lot of rave reviews so I think you'll be happy.

Good price, David. Does it already include taxes?

that's the price before taxes.

I think I'm going to sell my HV20...nice picture, but I just can't get over the build quality. I shake my head every time I look at it.

blackbill, what other option do you have? There is no camcorder at that price range with the same IQ but with a better built. Yes it does look and feel like a toy but the quality is more than enough to make up for it, IMO

I don't know... I want to have a careful look at the HC7. I don't think the picture quality is QUITE as good... but I'm quite satisfied with my HC3... good picture, good quality build, good options... and the HC7 is supposed to top the HC3. So logically speaking, if I'm satisfied the the HC3 then I SHOULD be satisfied with the HC7??!

I don't know... I want to have a careful look at the HC7. I don't think the picture quality is QUITE as good... but I'm quite satisfied with my HC3... good picture, good quality build, good options... and the HC7 is supposed to top the HC3. So logically speaking, if I'm satisfied the the HC3 then I SHOULD be satisfied with the HC7??!

What are camcorders for again, taking video or serving as doorstops? Just kidding with ya :) Although I can always have that consumer camcorder elitist feeling because it sure seems like the picture quality of the Canon HV20 is king at this price point.

blackbill, what other option do you have? There is no camcorder at that price range with the same IQ but with a better built. Yes it does look and feel like a toy but the quality is more than enough to make up for it, IMO

You are correct David. If your #1 priority is picture quality, the HV20 is the best option. It's amazing to read new owner posts on the HV20 over at other websites. The universal raves over picture quality are truly unusual. Yes, some do speak of the wish for better build quality, but inevitably everyone (with the exception of blackbill honestly) is so thrilled with the picture quality, that every other issue pales by comparison. Heck, when I can honestly say that I prefer the HDV picture quality to my 3-chip Sony FX7 HDV camcorder, that says something! And trust me, the FX7 is a great camera! :)

but inevitably everyone (with the exception of blackbill honestly) is so thrilled with the picture quality, that every other issue pales by comparison.

This is PROBABLY true... but what can I say...

From my perspective... it's a matter of overall balance. The HV20 has great picture... no doubt about it. But I find it lacking in other areas... there is no record indicator light on the front, no ir pickup on the back so controlling it remotely from the rear is not easy, you can't adjust white balance on the fly... in fact manual control of this cam is a bit limited... the list of personal peeves goes on. But the final straw (for me anyway) was the "self adjusting" hand strap. This is a $1100 machine and I have had to put electric tape on the hand strap to keep it from adjusting itself.

Personally speaking, If I compare my HC3 (baring in mind that the HC3 is last year's model) to my HV20, the HV20 most certainly has a clearer picture, and even sound (with the built in mics), but the HV20 is missing that balance between features, build quality... yadda, yadda.

Personally speaking, If I compare my HC3 (baring in mind that the HC3 is last year's model) to my HV20, the HV20 most certainly has a clearer picture, and even sound (with the built in mics), but the HV20 is missing that balance between features, build quality... yadda, yadda.

Balance, Smalance... ;) Give me the most beautiful HD video available at this price point in the palm of my hand :D

If you want a balance between the same PQ of HV20 and its smallness in your palm go with an HV10.

This is PROBABLY true... but what can I say...

From my perspective... it's a matter of overall balance. The HV20 has great picture... no doubt about it. But I find it lacking in other areas... there is no record indicator light on the front, no ir pickup on the back so controlling it remotely from the rear is not easy, you can't adjust white balance on the fly... in fact manual control of this cam is a bit limited... the list of personal peeves goes on. But the final straw (for me anyway) was the "self adjusting" hand strap. This is a $1100 machine and I have had to put electric tape on the hand strap to keep it from adjusting itself.



It's funny, I turn off the front indicator record light on every single cam I've ever owned! People are just too weirded out by that damn light. I actually like that the record light faces ME and not the subject! Each to his own eh? ;)

I do agree about white balance on the fly, that is an oversight. Frankly I would rarely use that since changing WB on the fly is quite jarring to watch, but I would have liked the choice anyway. A small nitpick in my book.

I disagree about manual controls. There are many more than people think on this cam....more than most cams in this price range have in fact. People are finding more ways to adjust this thing every day. If you go on the DV info site, you'll find people amazed by the amount of manual control.

The strap thing is weird. You must have gorilla hands blackbill. I've never had an issue with that.

But hey, if you're the only guy in the world that returns the HV20 because it's not right for you, then so be it. You need something that works for you.

Balance, Smalance... ;) Give me the most beautiful HD video available at this price point in the palm of my hand :D

And that is indeed the way every other person feels that has posted on the camcorder sites I've gone to. I just couldn't agree more. :)

If you want a balance between the same PQ of HV20 and its smallness in your palm go with an HV10.

Godobe, if you thought blackbill came up with a list of issues he had with the HV20, I can guarantee you he will have a longer list with the HV10. But I do agree with you. I honestly think he is simply more comfortable being in the Sony camp. I know many people that will only buy a Sony TV regardless. It's what you're comfortable with I guess.

My buying decisions for displays, camcorders, HD DVD players etc. is based soley on picture quality. I was not crazy about the upright design of the HV10, but I knew very well this thing had the best picture quality out there. There would have to be some major reason for me to choose something I knew had lesser picture quality. Fortunately this hasn't happened to me yet! ;)

If you want a balance between the same PQ of HV20 and its smallness in your palm go with an HV10.
Thanks,
but I hate the HV10 even worse. I want to have a look at the HC7.

Godobe, I told you so! :D

Blackbill, I bet you'll wind up with the HC7! ;)

You are right Ken, we all know where blackbill is going to go. You have to admire his brand loyalty! or he might be working for Sony at some capacity or owning too many Sony stocks. :D

Sony used to be the only show in town when it comes to comsumer/prosumer HD cams. I am glad we now have many choices. Competition is always good. I know I would be cheering if Sony comes out with an HD cam that trounces the HV10/HV20.

Godobe, right again! If Sony did come up with a cam that trounced Canon's picture quality, I'd be fighting with you to be the first to get it!!! ;)

Well, I hate to disappoint but it really has very little to do with brand loyalty... if that was the case, then I would be going canon all the way... Truth be told, I like the canon name much better than I do Sony... Most of my computer peripherals are canon.

But more to the point, I don't spend this kind of money for sony, or for canon, or any other name for that matter... I spend it for me.


As for the HV10...there are LOTS of people that refused to buy it in spite of the PQ... why do you think the HV20 looks the way it does!?

For those interested in a better deal, a store in downtown Chinatown (Sun Photo on Spadina Ave) may be able to beat that price. I was quoted $1200 plus taxes. There is no free tapes but they are not worth $80.

For those interested in a better deal, a store in downtown Chinatown (Sun Photo on Spadina Ave) may be able to beat that price. I was quoted $1200 plus taxes. There is no free tapes but they are not worth $80.


Wow, that's a very good price! Just make sure you don't get grey-market product (some stores, for example Aden, mix their stock between fully-legit and grey-market product. I experience that once with Aden and a buddy of mine experienced that too)

Nope the product is ordered straight from Canon Canada.

good then! Another source for reasonably priced gears!