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Note: this camcorder was first sold in Jan 2007. There may be newer versions available.
Canon HV20 High Definition Camcorder
Canon HV20 High Definition Camcorder
F
HQ Grade: F
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of camcorders.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 5 out of 5
"Nothing is out there better than this video camera"
  • 4 out of 5
"Canon HV20 great for travel"
See rating based on 331 user reviews
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Question Possibly Answered (3 points for the best answer)
Ky Cai (KyCai) 0 pts
April 5, 2008 10:51 PM
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Going for safari in Africa, Want to buy the best midrange camcorder? using mac for editing.

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This question is also associated with Canon HV10.

Answers This question has replies but the author has not yet indicated whether it's answered after a long time. Can you answer the question, or post a clarifying follow-up?
Aditya D (Adhere) 7462 pts
April 8, 2008 3:31 PM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
I would definitely go with a Canon or a Sony, they tend to be more expensive, but are definitely worth the money. If you wanted a slightly lesser lens for a cheaper price (you lose picture quality but its a better buy for your money) take a look at Panasonic and JVC. Look at the relative camcorders in your price range, and if you have any other questions feel free to ask.
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Ky Cai (KyCai) 0 pts
April 8, 2008 7:04 PM
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can you please advice me the best of the midrange of Canon and Sony? My budget is between $600-$800 Should I go for HDD or Mini-DV? loved to do some editing of good quality picture.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
April 9, 2008 2:23 PM
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Go with miniDV. With the extremes in temperature and probably humidity, not to mention the bone jaring effects of riding in a safari vehicle, a miniDV camcorder will handle those much better than a HDD camera, IMNSHO. If you could swing a few hundred more (okay, maybe just $100), I'd take a hard look at Canon's HV20. Best in it's class in my opinion. Slightly down from that is the HV10.
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Ky Cai (KyCai) 0 pts
April 10, 2008 10:13 AM
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I want to correct my budget, I am willing to spend now between $1200-$1500.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
April 10, 2008 4:04 PM
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Well, the HV20 is right in there with room to spare.
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kbartel (artbart) 25 pts
July 7, 2009 11:51 AM
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I took my Canon HV20 on safari in Kenya. It was really great. Don't bother to take a tripod--take a bean bag instead to put on the roof of your safari van for camera stabilization. And take a directional shotgun microphone, or a zoom mic. You will want lots of HD tape, you won't find anywhere to buy tape or batteries. Take extra batteries and chargers, but also take a converter for the foreign wattage. I found some very nice flat chargers that took no space at all.
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