but from a casual user perspective this time (family camcorder):

Hopefully this will help someone in the same expertise range as me (which is definitely amateur):

Disclaimer: This is my first HD camcorder, so if you're interested in comparisons, this won't be the place - sorry. For reference, my last camcorder was a Canon Optura Xi.

Size:

- first impression out of the box - it's small!

Size score on scale of 1-10: 9 (I like a balance between compact yet big enough to be able to hold steady)

Build quality:

- second impression - what crappy build quality!
seriously, this thing looks like something you might find in clamshell packaging at a blue light special. First time I have ever seen Canon skimp on this aspect, and it is really noticeable. Just feels cheap, and looks it to boot.

The rubber cover for the HDMI slot doesn't fit well at all...I spent forever just trying to close it last night.

The handstrap is of the cheapest quality you can imagine...with a small little nylon strap running through it.

To be fair, I knew this model was getting slammed for build quality before I bought, so this really doesn't bother me that much. I expected it, and boy is it true what you read!

Fit and finish score: 2, maybe 3


The meat (video quality):

Wow...just wow. I couldn't stop smiling when I hooked up the cam to my kitchen LCD HDTV via HDMI (and it was soooo easy....just ONE cable for audio and video...so nice!)

I had tested a few situations - outdoors shade, outdoors sun, outdoor fast motion (2 yr old), outdoor still (old hound dog), indoors dark, indoors backlight, indoors fluroescent.

I won't bore you with each result, because I was impressed in all cases. Blown away is a better description. Jeebus this thing is impressive!

Meat score: 10? (I never give 10's...maybe 9.75)


24p vs 60i:

I personally didn't feel like the 24p setting did THAT much to improve the film like appearance as I was expecting. If it REALLY made it look like film, maybe I would use it in attempting some artistic shots, like mother with new baby or something, but as it is (remember this is my first day, so I could change my mind), I don't think the disadvantages of the jutter is worth it (and almost HAVING to have a tripod when using that mode). Plus, I am one of those who doesn't care for 24p, even in movies...the motion is horrible. Yes I know, it's "classic" and that is what the pro videographer tries to emulate in a lot of cases, I just don't care for it.

Low light:

Impressed. when switching to 24p to see the difference, it honestly looked like I just flicked on a "GAIN UP" switch on some of my previous cams.
24p was definitely noisier, or is that "film grain" BOTH modes looked great to me, but the nod goes to 60i for my tastes.

The little LED video light seemed very...blue too me. I was expecting a more neutral colored light, but as most people have already said, you would only use this in a pinch I guess. I need to play more with this to find out what the real advantages (or not) are.

Low light score: 8.5

Sound:

I didn't notice any overbearing motor noise (or any for that matter) but I didn't sit there with headphones plugged in listening for it either.

I thought sound quality was fine only based on experience with previous camcorders (better than the Xi I think)

Sound score: 7 (would be higher if we had surround like some models)

Overall score out of 10: 8.5 (9 if the build quality was better, or even good)

Take my notes with a grain of salt as I am a complete amateur when it comes to video, but I *am* very picky about fidelity in any A/V gear I buy - digital cameras, TV's, speakers, etc.

Highly recommended. I am extremely pleased so far. I would have gladly paid an extra $75 for higher quality exterior materials though (and better closures).

PS - I personally had no problem with the zoom rocker as others have...I found it perfect.

LOVED the joystick and its placement.

Did not like placement of REC button, as I had to readjust my hand/thumb to mash it (which is a pretty big deal if you think about it). I guess that issue will depend on your hand size and shape though...some people may find it's perfectly placed.

Thanks to all here for all the great reviews and comments, it really helped me a lot in deciding to buy.

Good summary, hope you enjoy it. As a fellow HV20 owner, I can't disagree that when I first held the camcorder I was a little surprised that the build didn't seem more stout than that, but I don't even think about it now. Having said that the gorgeous video that this thing produces just makes me want to "baby" this little guy that much more I guess :)

I believe the juttering in 24p is minimized once put into a true 24p timeframe during post processing. You have to rememeber that when you view back 24p on the camcorder it's still in a 60i timeframe. Anyone, correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe the juttering in 24p is minimized once put into a true 24p timeframe during post processing. You have to rememeber that when you view back 24p on the camcorder it's still in a 60i timeframe. Anyone, correct me if I'm wrong.

Ahhh, ok. Very interesting...I will have to try that.

Video isn't going to simply look like film without post processing usually, but did you at least have the film gamma curve on? I thought this cam was supposed to have gamma curve feature designed to emultate film. That combined with 24p it should have a more filmlike look, but post processing is when it really can be made to look more film like.

Video isn't going to simply look like film without post processing usually, but did you at least have the film gamma curve on? I thought this cam was supposed to have gamma curve feature designed to emultate film. That combined with 24p it should have a more filmlike look, but post processing is when it really can be made to look more film like.

Is the CINE function (or whatever it's called) the same as turning the "film gamma curve on"? If it is, no, I didn't try that yet. Plan to tonight.

rodeoclown,

I, like you, am a camcorder amateur. I agree with a lot of your impressions of the HV20. It's small, build quality could be better, etc. The SET button/joystick is a little flimsy on my camera but placement is excellent. As we familiarize ourselves with the camera I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun with it. The video quality is excellent though isn't it? Most of my test footage has been in daylight. No low light tests yet & we all know what kind of video footage we can take in low light...

Is the CINE function (or whatever it's called) the same as turning the "film gamma curve on"? If it is, no, I didn't try that yet. Plan to tonight.
Yes, the CINE mode is for a more 'Film Like' exposure curve. That combined with 24P is supposed to look more like watching a movie in a theater.