Canon HV30 Reviews: Canon MiniDV storage camcorder

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Product Features

Optical Zoom Ratio	10
The amount by which the camera optics (lens) can bring the subject closer.
Media Format	SD Card
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
Media Format	MiniDV
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
Digital Zoom Ratio	200
Not to be confused with optical zoom, digital zoom enlarges a portion of the image thus simulating optical zoom. In doing so, some image quality is lost.
Image Stabilisation	Yes
If a photo is taken at a slow shutter speed, or at a long focal length, the effects of ‘hand shake’ will be amplified. Some cameras come with built-in image stabilisation which is designed to act against this to produce sharper images. It’s great for low light shots without a tripod, like at a gig.
Resolution (Pixels)	1920x1080
A camera sensor, that captures the photograph, is measured in pixels. The number given here is the horizontal amount of pixels followed by the vertical quantity of pixels. The more pixels a camera sensor has, the bigger and higher quality the image will be.
Manual Focus	Yes
Almost all modern cameras have autofocus. Manual focus allows you to override the autofocus and set the distance yourself. This is especially useful if your camera is struggling to focus in a low-light or confusing scene.
Dimensions (mm)	88x82x138
The size of the device in millimetres, in width x height x depth.
Battery Life in Hours	1.8
Battery life is important if you travel a lot. Long train journeys can be a pain if you don’t get more than 3 hours of life out of your laptop. It’s worth remembering that a lot of trains offer power sockets now so don’t be put off by a low battery life unless your lifestyle demands ultra portability.
Weight (g)	535
The weight of the product in grams.
Docking Station	No
A docking station, also known as a cradle, is used to rest your equipment whilst it charges and also allows transfer of data to a computer.
Monitor Resolution (pixels)	211000
Screen Size in Inches	2.7
Screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner.
16:9 Recording Format	Yes
USB Port	Yes
Socket for connecting devices such as a computers and other components
Remote Control	Yes
Waterproof	No
If your camcorder is waterproof you will be able to film under water which is perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Digital Still Photography	Yes
A Digital Still Photography function on a camcorder allows you to use the camcorder as if it was a digital camera. Camcorders with photo function often save to a separate memory card such as an SD Card.
Night Recording	Yes
Night Recording is a special mode that allows you to record in low light situations.

Also known as: HV30, Canon

Successor to the award-winning HV20, the HV30 derives all the benefits of the Canon HD Camera System – Canon HD Lens, Full HD CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV II processor – for outstanding HDV1080i images.

• Canon HD Camera System
• Instant AF
• 10x optical zoom lens with Super Range OIS
• Versatile range of connections and inputs
• Multiangle Vivid LCD
• True 25p shooting
• Extended shooting times
• Advanced photo features
• Analogue-to-digital conversion

The digital filmmaker’s camcorder – outstanding image quality and genuine versatility.

Canon HD Camera System
The HV30 inherits the HV20’s Canon HD Camera System – the unique combination of a genuine Canon HD Video Lens, a 2.96MP Full HD CMOS sensor and the DIGIC DV II processor. Designed and manufactured by Canon, these components integrate seamlessly to deliver superb HDV1080i (High Definition Video) images, recorded to tape.

Instant AF
Focusing in HD can be difficult, since even slight errors are noticeable. The HV30 employs a unique hybrid system called Instant AF for extremely fast, accurate auto focusing – making it easier to capture pin sharp HD pictures.

Canon HD Video Lens
A 10x optical zoom lens, specially engineered for HD video, inherits Canon’s extensive expertise in broadcast lens manufacture. With Canon’s Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer, all kinds of camera shake are compensated for.

Filmmaker’s system
An Advanced Accessory Shoe lets moviemakers adapt the camcorder to their needs – a range of peripherals can be added to suit any shooting situation. Manual audio controls allow sound recording to be finely controlled; an HDMI output jack is the quickest way to connect to a compatible HD TV or computer.

Multiangle Vivid LCD
The HV30 features Canon’s advanced 2.7” Multiangle Vivid LCD screen. Making it easier to monitor recording when shooting from particularly high or low angles, it has a wide 135-degree viewing angle. HCAR surface treatment ensures sharp images, a wider range of vibrant colours and reduced screen reflection.

Cinema-style 25p shooting
For ambitious moviemakers, the HV30 features true 25p (progressive) shooting. Allied to a dedicated CINE image mode, movies have the look and feel of film. 25p shooting also offers improved low-light performance, increasing shooting options even further.

Shoot for longer
The HV30 is compatible with Canon’s optional high capacity battery (BP-2L24H) – extending shooting times and cutting out the need to carry spares.

Advanced photography
Digital photos are stored to MiniSD card. Advanced photo features includes a one-push histogram display to monitor brightness levels. Split path processing allows simultaneous video and 2.07MP still capture. Print photos directly on PictBridge compatible printers.

Analogue-to-digital conversion
Via an AV input connection, analogue footage (including old home movies) can be transferred to digital tape for safekeeping.

• More info at Canon's website
• User manual