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General Features
Mini DV Camcorder Features
Digital Still Camera Features
Software Requirements
Specifications
General Features
HDV 1080i:
The Canon HV20 camcorder
captures true 1080i High Definition resolution video in 16:9 format, using MiniDV
cassette tapes. The HV20's true 16:9 widescreen HD image is made for your new HD
widescreen TV. At the same time, the HV20 gives you the flexibility to record in
SD (standard definition) mode, too. That means you can enjoy the ultimate in HD
video and photo quality, and still shoot SD video for viewing on your non-HD
equipment
True
HD CMOS Sensor (1920 x 1080) Image Sensor: The 1/2.7"-inch CMOS sensor
(2,960,000 gross-pixels) reproduces high-resolution images at 1920 x 1080 resolution
with full HD information in video images. The HV20's CMOS's high color
resolution and advanced color reproduction gives brilliant results. It is also
unique in featuring Canon's proprietary noise reduction technologies for crisp,
sharp images. Low noise technology also means that even in dimly lit scenes, the
signal from each pixel is as pure as possible, with minimal noise or other
aberrations. As an added benefit, the CMOS sensor provides
outstanding image capture in low light conditions. The camcorders effect gross
pixel count is determined by what mode the HV20 is used in.
- 16:9 Movies:
approximately 2,070,000
- 4:3 Movies:
approximately 1,550,000
- 16:9 Still Images:
approximately 2,070,000
- 4:3 Still Images:
approximately 2,760,000
RGB Primary Color
Filter With Bayer Pattern: The HV20 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter with
Bayer Pattern that separates light into
red, green and blue color components. This results in vibrant images with deep,
rich, accurate color and natural-looking tones. In addition, the Bayer pattern delivers sharp, high
definition image without creating false colors.
Digic DV II: Designed specifically for HD, DIGIC DV II
ensures optimal image quality. It also ensures optimal image quality for still
images, even though video and still images have different color requirements.
The DIGIC DV ll image processing produces video with improved color
reproduction; especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses
a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction for
high definition images that are crystal clear. Plus, DIGIC DV ll features
improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the HV20. You can shoot
five (3.1 Megapixel) still images per second, and enjoy faster processing of your
images to your memory card (1.4x normal card; 2.5x Hi Speed card). It also helps
lower power consumption for longer battery life.
High Definition Video
Lens: The HV20 comes with a High Definition video lens with a 10x Optical
zoom and 2000x total digital zoom. The digital zoom can bet set to either 40x or
200x. The HV20 allows you to select one of 3 pre-set zoom speeds for
smooth, steady, professional looking zooms or you can choose the variable speed
option that depends on how you operate the zoom. Press gently for a low zoom or
press harder for faster zooms. The HD lens's
super spectra coating technology results in images with minimal flare and
ghosting. Plus, the HD lens' aspheric design reduces aberration and increases
resolution, ensuring crisp, sharp video and enhancing the HD image quality. It
gradation ND system gives you better exposures in bright shooting situations.
The camcorder's built-in electronic lens cover means you never have to go looking for
your lens cover again. Turn your camcorder on and the lens cover automatically
opens; turn it off, and the cover closes.
Super-Range Optical
Image Stabilization: The HV20's stabilization design corrects camcorder
shake instantly. Canon's Super-Range OIS corrects for a wide range of
camcorder motion: the fast vibration you'd experience while recording from a
moving car; the medium-speed motion of hand-held recording; and the slower
motion of body sway. In
addition, optical stabilization keeps your shot steady without a loss in image
quality. You can also use it for taking sharper, clearer digital photographs
with your HV20.
2.7" Widescreen LCD
Screen: The HV20 features a 2.7" TFT, color widescreen LCD screen (211,000
pixels) to make it easy to compose and review your shots. The bright screen lets
you see exactly what your camcorder is recording, and what your widescreen TV
will display later. You can rotate the LCD screen 90-degrees downward and
180-degrees toward the lens allowing the subject to monitor the LCD screen. The
LCD screen also features a backlight that you can set to either normal or
bright. The LCD Screen's frame contains zoom, playback and focus assist controls
for added convenience.
Viewfinder:
The
camcorder also features a 0.27" TFT color viewfinder (123,000 pixels) to
use to save battery life or when it is just to bright outside to use the LCD
screen.
Instant AF (Auto Focus): The Instant AF
feature uses an external sensor, in combination with the HV20's autofocus
system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in
low light conditions. This system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus
"hunting." The benefits of Instant AF are especially seen in high brightness,
and night shooting situations. With Instant AF, it's possible to capture fast,
accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.
Manual
Focus: The HV20 features a manual focus in situations where the Autofocus
may not work well, such as recording reflective surfaces, subjects with low
contrast or without vertical lines, fast moving subjects, through wet windows or
night scenes.
Infinity
Focus: Use this function when you wish to focus on faraway subjects such as
mountains or fireworks.
Exposure
Mode: The Canon HV20 allows you to select from the following exposure modes.
- Manual:
allows you to adjust the exposure manually to correct underexposed or
overexposed subjects
- Auto Mode:
the camcorder adjusts the focus, exposure and other settings automatically,
allowing you to just point and shoot.
- Program AE:
the camcorder automatically adjust the aperture and shutter speed to obtain
the optimal exposure for the subject
- Shutter-Priority
AE: the camcorder automatically sets the appropriate aperture value
while you set the shutter speed
- Aperture Priority
AE: the camcorder automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed while
you set the aperture value
- Cine
Mode: gives a cinematic look to your video recordings
- Special Scene Recording
Modes: The HV20 features the following Preset Scene Recording Modes to match
special conditions.
- Portrait:
camcorder uses a large aperture, achieving a focus on the subject while
blurring other distracting details
- Sports: use
this mode to record sports scenes or fast moving events
- Night:
use
this mode to record in low-light conditions
- Snow:
use this
mode to record in bright ski resorts, it prevents the subject from being
underexposed
- Beach: use
this mode to record on a sunny beach, it prevent the subject from being
underexposed
- Sunset: use
this mode to record sunsets in vibrant colors
- Spotlight:
use
this mode to record spotlight scenes
- Fireworks: use
this mode to record fireworks
Auto
Backlight Correction: With this feature turned on, you can have the
camcorder automatically correct for the backlight with the press of a single
button when shooting subject with a strong light source behind them.
Auto Slow
Shutter: In this mode, the camcorder automatically uses slow shutter speeds
to obtain brighter recordings in places with insufficient lighting.
White Balance: The
camcorder's auto white balance system compensates for a wide range of lighting
conditions. The white balance can also be set manually or by using one of the
six preset modes: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent or Fluorescent
H.
Image Effects: The
HV20 allows you to record with the following saturation and contrast color
effects:
-
Vivid:
emphasizes the contrast and color saturation to record in crisp colors
-
Neutral: tones
down the contrast and color saturation to record in neutral hues
-
Low Sharpening:
records subjects with softened outlines
-
Soft Skin Detail: softens the details in the skin tone area for a more complimentary
appearance
-
Custom: allows
you to adjust the brightness, contrast, color depth, and sharpness of the image
Level Markers: The
Level Marker feature allows you to easily keep your camera level for more
professional looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a
horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Line up any horizontal lines in
your shot, such as the horizon, to the marker and you can be sure your camcorder
is level.
Grid Markers: The HV20's Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot
accurately, according to the grid in your viewfinder. You can even choose from
two different colors for the grid. This ensures that you see the grid, no matter
what the background color of your shot.
Assist
Functions: You can use the Assist Functions to make sure you adjust the
focus and exposure correctly for your video or still images. The camcorder
features the following assist functions.
- Zebra:
a striped pattern will appear over areas of the picture that are overexposed
(too bright)
-
Peaking: the silhouettes of objects in the picture will be emphasized in
order to allow you to focus manually more easily
Bright Ultra Video Light:
The HV20 uses an
ultra bright video light to allow you to shoot subjects in color in low light up
to 4.9 feet away.
Advance Accessory Shoe Terminal:
Another pro-level
feature of the HV20 is the Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal on the camcorder
which allows you to attach extras such as a video light, flash or directional
microphone without additional wires or batteries to raise the production value
of the video you shoot.
Wireless Remote
Control: The wireless remote control lets you operate your HV20 from a
distance, so you won't be left out of the picture. It is also very useful for
playback of your video and helpful when you have the camcorder stationed on a
tri-pod.
Self-Timer: This feature allows the camcorder to start recording after a
10-second or 2-second (using wireless remote) countdown.
Magnify Playback: During playback, movies and
still images can be magnified up to 5 times. You can also select the area of the
screen to be magnified.
On Screen Display: When this function is
set to "On" the camcorder's on-screen displays will appear also on the screen of
a connected TV or monitor.
Multi-Language Menu Display:
The camcorder features 17 different menu language displays to choose from. You
can select from languages such as English, French, Spanish or German.
Power Save: In order to save
power when the camcorder is powered by a battery pack it will automatically shut
off if left without an operation for 5 minutes.
Mini DV
Camcorder Features
Recording Format: The HV20 records in 1080i or in a standard DV mode onto a miniDV tape.
The HV20 allows you to choose between recording in HDV or DV standards. You can
choose from the following standards.
- HDV: high
definition video at 1080i specification with 16:9 aspect ratio
- HDV (PF24): high
definition video at 1080i specifications for recording with a progressive
frame rate of 24 fps
- DV Wide: standard definition digital video with 16:9 aspect ratio
DV Normal:
standard definition digital video with 4:3 aspect ratio
DV Record Modes:
In the DV mode you can choose between two recording modes.
- (SP) Standard
Play: for best recording quality in DV mode
- (LP) Long Play:
recording in LP mode extends the available recording time on the tape
1.5 times
DV Audio:
The camcorder allows you to select between two DV audio modes.
- 16bit:
records sound at the highest quality
- 12bit:
used to dub audio or add a music track later with an external device
24p Cinema Mode:
24p Cinema Mode enables you
to achieve a professional "film-look" with your recorded video. You can change
the camcorder's frame rate to 24p, which provides the same frame rate as movie
film. In addition, you can use the HV20's CINE setting, which changes the color
and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a movie shown in a
theater. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or
independently.
Wind Screen: The
camcorder automatically reduces the background sound of wind when recording
outdoors when Wind Screen is turned "On".
Last Scene Locator:
After playing back a tape, you can use this function to locate the end of the
last scene recorded on the tape in order to continue recording from that point
so you are not recording over previously recorded video you want to keep.
Playback Standards:
You can choose for the camera to automatically playback either HDV or DV
recorded material or you can choose for it to only play back one or the other.
Built-In Speaker:
The camcorder plays the video's sound with it's built-in speaker. You can adjust
the audio recording level for the built-in speaker or for an external
microphone. You can display the audio level indicator while recording or playing
back the tape. When you're using the viewfinder for playback, you can connect a
pair of headphones to listen to the sound. You can also use the headphones to
check the audio level while recording.
Playback Modes: The camera uses the following special playback modes - Fast Playback, Reverse
Playback, 1 Frame Reverse/Advance, Frame-by-Frame Playback, Slow Playback, and Double Speed Playback.
During these playback modes there is no sound.
Marker: If you
wish to return to a particular scene later, mark the point with the zero set
memory and the tape will stop at that point when you rewind for fast forward the
tape.
Date Search: You
can locate video on the tape by searching changes in the date and time.
TV Type: You can select between a 4:3 aspect ratio or a 16:9 aspect ratio for
the video out based on your television's aspect ration.
HDMI Out Terminal:
The HV20 makes sharing
your High Definition video on your HD television even easier by utilizing an
HDMI output terminal. HDMI uses only a single cable to connect your camcorder to
your TV for the highest quality playback of digital video and audio. HDMI cable
is not supplied.
Component Out
Terminal: The camera also comes supplied with a Component video cable that is
used to view video from the HV20 on to your TV. You can select the output of the
Component Out Terminal to display either 1080i or 480i depending on what
standard you recorded in and the capability of your TV.
Audio Out: You can
select the audio track to use during the playback of a tape with audio dubbed
over the recording. You can choose from the following.
- Stereo1: original sound only
- Stereo2: dubbed audio only
- Mix/Fixed:
mixed audio with the original sound and dubbed audio at the same level
- Mix/Var: mixed audio where
the balance between the original sound and the dubbed audio can be adjusted
Faders: You can
select one of the following faders:
- Fade Trigger: When you
start recording, the scene gradually fades in from a black screen. When you
stop recording, it gradually fades out.
- Wipe: When you start
recording, the picture begins as a thin vertical line in the center of the
screen which gradually expands sideways until it fills the whole of the
screen. When you end a scene, the image is wiped from both sides of the
screen.
Analog to Digital
Converter: The analog to digital convert
lets you share and
record video you have stored on analog videotapes. Simply feed the analog signal
from your TV, VCR or analog camcorder to your HV20 to convert the signal to
digital for recording on DV tape. Or use your HV20 as a signal converter by
connecting it between an analog device and another digital device.
Video Streaming:
You can edit and share
video with the HV20 through your PC. Once you're connected to your computer, DV
streaming and ultra-fast transfer of movies is simple. The HV20 uses the Firewire IEEE 1394 protocol connection so there's no loss of picture or audio
quality in the process.
Digital Still Camera
Features
Still Image Recording:
The HDV camcorder
is also a high performance digital camera capable of capturing stunning 3.1
Megapixel photos in a 4:3 aspect ratio or a 2.07 Megapixel photo in a 16:9
aspect ratio. You can record in the following still image sizes - L: 2048 x 1536
(4:3), LW: 1920 x 1080 (16:9), M: 1440 x 1080 (4:3), or S: 640 x 480 (4:3).
MiniSD
Memory Card Compatible: The HV20 allows you to store digital photos on an optional miniSD Memory Card (sold separately). The miniSD Card offers the
benefit of high-capacity storage in a very small size.
Still Capture from Tape: The HV20 even lets you
capture a still image from an already recorded movie. While playing the movie in
your camcorder, simply press the photo button to capture a 2.07 Megapixel still
frame on a miniSD card from your miniDV tape. The still image can be recorded at
a 16:9 aspect ratio with either 848 x 480 (SW) pixels or 1920 x 1080 (LW)
pixels.
Simultaneous Photo Recording: The HV20 can record HD video and capture a 2 Megapixel photo to a memory card simultaneously.
During Simultaneous Photo Recording the still image can be recorded at a 16:9
aspect ratio with 848 x 480 (SW) pixels or 1920 x 1080 (LW) pixels.
Histogram
Display: The HV20 comes with a Histogram Display. The display allows you to
see the brightness information of your still images, so you can adjust your
exposures as you shoot.
Auto
Intelligent Auto Focus: Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and
gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the
frame, the HV20's Ai-AF will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the
screen to help bring images into sharp focus. When the Focus Priority is
activated, the camcorder records a still image only after the focus has been
adjusted automatically. You can select from the following Auto Focus Priority
modes.
-
ON/AiAF: depending on the
shooting conditions, one or more AF frames out of the nine frames
available are automatically selected and the focus is fixed on them
-
ON/Center: in this mode, a
single focusing frame appears in the center of the screen and the focus is
automatically fixed on it. This is convenient for making sure the focus is
exactly where you want it.
-
Off: this option is used if
you wish to record a still images as soon as you press the Photo button
The Drive
Mode: This feature allows you to choose between Single or Continuous
Shooting and Exposure Bracketing. You can catch every instant of a moving object
with continuous shooting or use the exposure bracketing to record the same
picture in 3 levels of exposure in order to choose the picture you like best.
You can choose from the following options.
-
Single: records a single still image
-
Continuous Shooting: records 3 images per second (2.1 images per second
with flash)
-
Hi-Speed Continuous Shooting: records 5 images per second
-
Auto
Exposure Bracketing: records a still image in 3 different exposures
(dark, normal, light in 1/2 EV steps), allowing you to choose the shot you
like best
Note: The maximum number of shots in Continuous Shooting mode is 60
images.
Flash Modes: You
can use the built-in flash for recording still images in dark places. You can
choose from the following modes:
-
Auto: flash
fires automatically according to the brightness of the subject
-
Red-eye Reduction,
Auto: flash fires automatically according to the brightness of the
subject and the assist lamp lights up to reduce the red-eye effect
-
Flash On:
flash always fires
-
Flash Off: flash does not fire
Light Metering Modes: The camcorder measure the light reflected from the subject in order to
calculate the optimal exposure settings. You can select from the following metering modes:
-
Evaluative
Metering: used for standard conditions. The area within the frame is
divided into several zones and light is measured based on subject position,
brightness, direct light, and backlighting.
-
Center-Weighted
Averaging: averages the exposure from the entire frame but places more
weight on the subject at the center
-
Spot:
measures the area within the spot AE point frame
Digital Effects: You can select from
the following effects:
- Black and White: makes the
image black and white
- Sepia: makes a monochrome
image with a brownish tint
- Art: adds a paint-like
effect, called solarization, to the image
Review: You can select the time to display a still
image after it has been recorded to Off, 2 seconds, 4 seconds, 6 seconds, 8
seconds or 10 seconds.
Playback Modes: You can view your still images as a Slideshow or in an
Index Screen.
Image Jump: You can jump ahead to a specific image without having to
browse all images one by one. You can jump ahead 10 to 100 images.
Protect
Sill Images: You can protect sill images from accidental erasure.
USB 2.0 Connection:
The camcorder features a USB 2.0 full speed terminal for fast transfer of
photos.
Print and
Share Button: Print & Share allows you to simply connect your camcorder
directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the
supplied USB cable. Then, with a simple touch of the Print & Share button, print
directly from your HV20 without going through a computer. Print & Share also makes it easy to transfer your
still images to your computer. Simply connect your HV20 and your computer, press
the Print & Share button and your photos are downloaded to your computer.
PictBridge Printing
Capability: PictBridge is a standard that allows you to connect a PictBridge compliant
camera directly to a PictBridge compliant printer and make prints, regardless of
brand.
Exif Print (Exif 2.2): The Canon
HV20 conforms to "Exif Print",
a worldwide standard. Vital camera settings (such as: exposure mode, white
balance, exposure time) and scene data are recorded to the image file when it is
captured. Printers compatible with "Exif Print" are able to use this information
to produce high quality photographs, exactly the way they were intended at the
time of capture. This intelligent communication process also allows the printer
to correct for poor lighting or mistakes, resulting in photos which can be even
better than the originals.
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
Settings: On the memory card, you can select which image or images you want
to print and how many copies you want. This is convenient for printing images
all at once on a Canon Direct Print function compliant printer or printing at
participating photo labs. You can set print orders for up to 998 still images.
Software Requirements
Supplied Software:
The supplied Digital Video Solutions Disk (Version 24.0) contains the
following programs that allow you to download and organize the camcorder's
still images to your Windows PC or Macintosh Computer:
Digital Video
Software System Requirements:
| |
Windows |
Macintosh |
|
Operating System |
Windows 98
(Second Edition)
Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me)
Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4)
Windows XP Home Edition or Professional (Service Pack 1 or 2)
Note: Proper operation is not guaranteed on an OS that has
been upgraded from a previous version. |
Mac OS X
(Version 10.2/10.3/10.4 |
|
Computer Model |
Computers that come with
above OS preinstalled and have built-in USB ports |
|
CPU |
Pentium 500
MHz or better |
PowerPC G3/G4/G5 |
|
RAM |
Windows
98/Windows Me: 128 MB or more
Windows 2000/Windows XP: 256 MB or more |
256 MB or more |
|
Interface |
USB; only
preinstalled operating systems with built-in USB ports |
Built in USB ports |
|
Free Hard Disk Space |
|
Canon
Utilities:
|
|
Display |
1024 x 768
pixels/High-Color (16-bit) or better |
1024 x 768
pixels/32,000 colors or better |
Video Transfer: You can transfer recordings to a computer
using the HDV/DV terminal of the camcorder. Your computer will need the
following equipment and meet the following system requirements.
Note: The standard of the video transferred depends
on the standard of the original recording and the compatibility of your
video editing software.
Specifications
Number of still images
that can be recorded on a memory card:
|
Image Size |
Image Quality |
Number of Images |
|
32MB SD Card |
128MB
SD Card |
512MB
SD card |
|
LW 1920 x 1080 |
Super Fine |
20 |
90 |
350 |
|
Fine |
30 |
135 |
525 |
|
Normal |
60 |
265 |
1040 |
|
L 2048 x 1535 |
Super Fine |
10 |
60 |
235 |
|
Fine |
20 |
85 |
350 |
|
Normal |
40 |
180 |
700 |
|
M 1440 x 1080 |
Super Fine |
25 |
120 |
470 |
|
Fine |
40 |
180 |
700 |
|
Normal |
80 |
350 |
1370 |
|
SW 848 x 480 |
Super Fine |
105 |
455 |
1775 |
|
Fine |
155 |
650 |
2515 |
|
Normal |
310 |
1300 |
5030 |
|
S 640 x 480 |
Super Fine |
140 |
600 |
2320 |
|
Fine |
205 |
865 |
3355 |
|
Normal |
375 |
1560 |
6040 |
Battery Charging,
Recording, and Playback Times:
| Camera
Mode |
View
Mode |
Battery Pack |
| NB-2LH |
BP-2L13 (supplied) |
BP-2L14 |
| HDV
Maximum Recording Time |
Viewfinder |
70 minutes |
120 minutes |
150 minutes |
| LCD Normal |
65 minutes |
115 minutes |
140 minutes |
| LCD Bright |
65 minutes |
110 minutes |
135 minutes |
| HDV
Typical Recording Time |
Viewfinder |
40 minutes |
75 minutes
|
85 minutes |
| LCD Normal |
35 minutes |
70 minutes |
80 minutes |
| LCD Bright |
35 minutes |
65 minutes |
80 minutes |
| DV
Maximum Recording Time |
Viewfinder |
80 minutes |
140 minutes |
165 minutes |
| LCD Normal |
75 minutes |
135 minutes |
155 minutes |
| LCD Bright |
75 minutes |
125 minutes |
150 minutes |
| DV
Typical Recording Time |
Viewfinder |
45 minutes |
80 minutes |
95 minutes |
| LCD Normal |
45 minutes |
75 minutes |
90 minutes |
| LCD Bright |
40 minutes |
75 minutes |
85 minutes |
| HDV Playback Time |
LCD |
85 minutes |
145 minutes |
175 minutes |
| DV Playback Time |
LCD |
95 minutes |
165 minutes |
195 minutes |
| Charging Time |
N/A |
130 minutes |
200 minutes |
225 minutes |
