Canon HG20 camcorder reviewc

type='html'>Canon HG20 camcorder with hard drive is a great choice for many users, and those advanced amateurs. The possibility of recording in Full HD resolution and fantastic quality, we must bear in mind, and built-in 60GB hard drive. The reputation of the manufacturer is seen by all fully justified.
Canon is one of the most famous names in the world of photography, but when comes to camcorders. For a long time started the transition to a digital format, and current models of water battle in the field of HD resolution. The model that we tested, HG20 is a successor of HG10 last year, with slightly altered design, and a few very important things that are new, such as for example, embedded hard disk capacity of 60GB. This camera supports 1080/60i, 30P and 24p mode and a lot of good manual control, which means it will probably be interesting to advanced users who prefer compared to Control.


Key Features 

Excellent combination of optics, sensors and processors for image processing
Full HD resolution (1920x1080, 24Mbps) over 22h is stored on hard disk

Fast and reliable auto focus
Optical Image Stabilization
Hard drive or memory card

Specification Canon HG20 

Sensor: 1/3.2 "CMOS
Optics and lens: 15x Optical, Digital 200x/40x, f = 4.8 - 57.6mm
LCD display: 2.7 "Widescreen LCD (211,000 pixels)
Recording media: 60GB internal memory, SDHC memory card
Quality: MXP (1920x1080, 24Mbps), FXP (1920x1080, 17Mbps), XP + (1440x1080, 12Mbps), SP (1440x1080, 7Mbps), LP (1440x1080, 5Mbps)
Photo: 1920x1080, 2048x1536, 1440x1080, 848x480, 640x480
Connectors: AV terminal, Component, HDMI, USB 2.0
Dimensions: 80 x 77 x 138mm

Weight: 465g


This camera may be slightly higher than the model that we have recently seen, as the result of an integrated 60GB hard drive. The other side is not bad, because the camera easier to hold (anyone with a little larger hands who kept some of the newer ultra-compact model will definitely surprise). A good grip will help and excellent, set belt. The front is the lens aperture (f/1.8-3.0, 4.8 - 57mm), flash (very large volume) and Instant Auto Focus sensor system. Below the lens is the stereo microphone, which is well positioned as not pick up noise from handling the camera. The right side is a large area (plastic with texture also plays a significant role in ergonomics), and two compartments below which are AV / Headphones, Mic and Component, and a separate mini-HDMI connector.


With the back of the battery are housed, Mode Dial to select mode (Video Record, Video Playback, Still Record, and Still Playback) and the Record button. There is a plastic cover under which the power connector (adapter supplied in the package). The good thing is that the battery protruding from the rear, so it will not detract visually or functionally. The top button is for shooting and zoom lever-key. Although the zoom is not the quietest we have seen, it is fast and accurate, so you get an excellent rating. Up and connector for external flash (unfortunately, pasuju only Canon flashes), which is located under the plastic cover that rotates to download.

The left camera is Wide 2.7 "LCD screen with 211,000 pixels resolution which is pretty good, which is very important because there is no classical optical sought. For navigation and control using a miniature joystick, and below the screen are five buttons (four for the control Played one function to access the menu). The camera body (the part that covers the LCD when it is made) are two more buttons, Easy (the Easy mode of activation is automatic) and disp / Batt key that fell off and screen and displays information about the battery. There is also a small speaker, mini-USB connector and a slot for SDHC memory cards.


The camera uses a 1/3.2 "CMOS sensor 3MP (identical model HF11), which is enough for great results. The colors and sharpness are the stronger side of the camcorder, so you will hardly find any any objections, offers, especially if compared with the competition, to ie models with hard drive. What can be said immediately that the weak performance by the excellent lighting and that the HG20 briljirati. In combination with a fairly precise automatic White Balance settings, it gives excellent results in a fairly wide range of situations. image stabilization works very good job, STIM, which will be the size and weight of cameras play a significant role (in the positive sense). The camera records video in AVCHD format (in maskimalno 24Mbps, which specify the new task of the competition), and only need to know that the video must be converted to AVI using additional software. There are 5 degrees of compression, and we will only say that the maximum quality, the 60GB hard drive fits 330min material, while the lowest can be saved 1375min.

Summary 

Bundles obtain the necessary cables (except of course the HDMI's), discs with accompanying software and small and very practical remote control. What you should know that the camera captures the material and SDHC cards without any restrictions. We liked the fact that there is a lot of manual settings, and they will be more adept and creative, and further affect image quality. One thing is certain, this camera offers many opportunities for the less experienced who just need to press the record button Easy. Image quality is such that it really has nothing to add or take away, except the conclusion that this model of the cameras with integrated drive the one that would at this point and choose.

Canon DC-311 E camcorder review

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Canon DC-311 E KIT is very good camcorder that records video directly to DVD media. Excellent image quality, advanced zoom and image stabilization are the most important things, and it is hard to find anything that could throw up this camera. Price is very affordable, which is just another reason to see this camcorder.
Canon has a very good advantage in the category of digital camcorders, and besides the excellent HD models that we have had the opportunity to test the order came and the models that use DVD media to record the material. These camcorders are much more favorable than HD models, so much more accessible and offer supreme functionality to those that are not too interested in finishing the computer, but just as easily capture the desired material. The main features are an excellent image quality, advanced zoom and the ability to a Dual Layer disc fit to 108 minutes of video.

Key Features 

Excellent quality of recorded material
It is possible to record up to 108 minutes on Dual Layer disc
Very high quality production
Ease of use
Bag and two DVD-R disc in the package

Specification 

Canon DC-311 E KIT
Sensor: 1 / 6 "CCD
Total pixels: 0.8MP
Maximum recording time: Single Layer 1.4GB - XP: 20min., SP: 30min., LP: 60min, Dual Layer: 2.8GB - XP: 36min., SP. 54min., LP: 108min
Optics and lens: 41x Advanced Zoom (41x Optical/2000x Digital), f = 2.6 - 96.2mm
Optical Viewfinder: Widescreen 0:35 "Color Viewfinder / (Approx 114.000 pixels)
LCD display: 2.7 "Widescreen LCD (approx. 112,000 pixels)
Recording media: DVD-R/-RW/-R DL, photos on SD / SDHC memory card

Connectors: 3.5mm 4 Pole Mini-jack AV Mini Terminal
Dimensions: 66 x 90 x 126mm

Weight: 380g (without batteries)
Canon DC-311 E KIT

The camera is pretty good quality, very compact and seems very robust. The hand is very good, and the belt that goes around the hand is very good quality and made of cloth, so it will not happen to nažulja hand after extended use. It is made of very good plastic, black and gray, with silver frame lens, so the color brown belt by the hand and fits perfect visually, but we assume that it will not be a problem. In addition to a stereo microphone on the front side can only be seen polugica to open the lens cover. On the left side, the biggest area occupies 2.7 "LCD display with a resolution of 112,000 pixels. This screen is slightly smaller resolution than the HD models we've seen, but still brilliant picture display, very good details and colors.


Canon DC-311 E to the side, the screen
The right side is a cover for the slot DVD drives, and the mechanism is quite precise and not too rambunctious. Insert or change discs is very simple and will not be a problem even users who never previously worked. Optical frame looking a little harder than we liked, and only a very good resolution viewfinder (EVF in question is that). Here we note that this camera shoots in Wide format, which means that the clips are in the right film, 16:9 format. The battery is placed in the standard position, the back side. The logical place of the wheel and the ignition and the camera mode dial and record button below the thumb. Mention Easy Mode, which allows students to literally a few seconds, start recording when the camera will automatically begin recording at the first free and accessible place on the media.


Canon DC-311 E keys and connectors
The camera has the ability to take pictures, and directly to SD / SDHC memory card. Zoom button works very well, precise and very fast, with variable speed zoom. Advanced Zoom system in addition to traditional optical and digital magnification introduced and Electronic Image Stabilizer and image stabilization that works well even when zoomed to the end. Quick Start and mention that practically allows the camera set to Standby mode and pause recording. The menu is logical and very fast, and navigation and control is done using a small joystick and two extra keys that are left of the LCD. The quality of the recorded material is excellent, even in poor lighting conditions, which is especially good. The picture is very sharp and excellent color and image stabilization is not only advertising but really a lot of influence that the images can not be smudged when a hand shake.

Summary 

The camera comes in the KIT package, with excellent carrying pouch and two blank DVD-R media. The whole package is very affordable cost, which will itself be interesting to those seeking just such a camera. Image quality is excellent, which is quite enough to Canon DC-311 deserve a recommendation.

Canon DM-HF100 mini digital camcorder review

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Canon DM-HF100 mini digital camcorder directly to a memory card captures video up to a maximum of full HD resolution. Very good quality, gives images that are worthy of any collection. It is very easy to use and has a fully automatic mode, but a lot of manual settings for advanced users. 

Latest Canon camcorder is interesting in many ways, and in addition to the compact dimensions, there are full HD resolution recording, and support for memory cards as well as media that record. As a new generation of compact cameras, HF100 brings miniature dimensions (though, not least that exist in the market) which was packed known optics and processor that provides impressive results. Whether you need a camera to record the interesting moments from your vacation or to taste as a director of an amateur film, the fact that such a small camera offers to record in HD and using a 24p film format will certainly be very interesting. 

Key Features 

Recording in full HD resolution (1980x1080) 

Extremely compact dimensions and low weight 

Very easy to use, custom amateurs 

Enough advanced options for those more adept 

Excellent quality 

The possibility of shooting in 24p and 30P mode 

Specification 

Canon DM-HF100 

Sensor: 1/3.2 "CMOS 

Effective pixels: 2.07 Megapixels (1920x1080) for the film, 2.76 Megapixels (1920x1440) 

Maximum recording time: up to 8 GB SDHC Memory Card LP (5 Mbps) 3h, SP (7 Mbps) 2h 20m, XP + (12 Mbps) 2h 25m, FXP (17 Mbps) 1H-Full HD (1920x1080) 

Optics and lens: 12x optički/200x digital zoom, f = 4.8-57mm 

Automatic and manual 

Shooting mode: Auto, Program, Av, Tv, CINEMA, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks 

Supported formats: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/30p 

Shutter speed: 1 / 2000, 1 / 500 (card) 

Minimum focal length: 10 mm (wide) / 1m (tele) 

White Balance: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Auto, Manual 

Image Stabilization: SuperRange Optical (lens shift) 

LCD display: 2.7 "Widescreen LCD (approx. 211,000 pixels) 

Recording media: SD / SDHC memory card 

Connectors: HDMI (supported 480i / 480p/1080i), 3.5mm 4 Pole Mini-jack AV Mini Terminal, 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack microphone and headphones input, component output, Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal to add an external flash 

Dimensions: 73x64x129mm 

Weight: 380g (without batteries) 

Canon DM-HF100 

This camera is the size that will allow you to fit in a pocket of the jacket, for example, and will be the perfect companion at any time. Made of high-quality plastic that even a little reminiscent of the metal, a combination of color is silver gray. Excellent lies in the hand and with a weight of 380g (without batteries) will be very convenient to carry anywhere, and what we liked to act very fast and robust without any crunch plastic (which always knows how to spoil the impression). Although Canon is not rushed to offer such a model, seems to be merely waited to offer probably the most complete camera. 

Although the dimensions do not usually go hand in ergonomics, this time it is not. The controls on this model are very well spaced and large enough that those with larger hands a little trouble be able to comfortably manage the camera. On the rear, next to the slot for the battery, which occupies the greater part of the rear area, there are two plastic cover that is a little harder to take off, and below which are main power connector and AV connectors. Caps are connected plastic with a camera, which is certainly a good thing, that would not happen to lose. Under the thumb exactly is the Start / Stop button for recording (with the recognizable red circles). 

On the right, again conveniently under the thumb wheel is a Mode that selects whether the video or photo shoots, plays video or viewing photos. This wheel may not perfectly correspond to those with little hand higher, but again, some compromises had to be made. Hand strap which is also the right of the solid comfortable, though it would be better if it covered a softer material that after a certain time would not have started to blister hands. Almost at the bottom, there is little cover on which the HDMI and USB label, and below which are logical HDMI and Mini USB connector. Immediately to the top is the cover under which the connector for external flash, or light. In addition to the ignition key, which is shifted to the left (and more to use left hand), above the Photo button, which is for shooting, but teeter Zoom key. 

The front of the camera, the lens is located next to the LED light for video recording, photo flash and auto focus sensor. Below the lens is the built-in stereo microphone. Almost the entire left side holds 2.7 "LCD screen with excellent resolution and very good and readable by the sun. Some of the controls are located near the screen, and so are the keys to play and manipulate video footage placed below the screen, a small joystick button to move the menu and options, all the way to the left of the screen. This is a good design for those who prefer to use both hands when you record, but those who are accustomed to doing everything with one hand and will probably be delighted. The good thing is that it takes very little time to man get used to this. the camera, below the screen, there is a slot for memory cards, the cover of the video connectors, integrated speaker and two additional buttons. 

The camera has a built-in optical image stabilization, called Optical SuperRange which will contribute to good recordings, and the maximum zumu or by users who do not have too many quiet hands. Format cameras record the AVCHD and records to SDHC memory cards, and a maximum of 1980x1080 resolution in compression of 17 Mbps. The 8GB card can fit up to an hour of material. It is possible to use fully automatic settings, but for those more advanced, there is a lot of options that can be manually adjustable. It is possible to record in 24p film and 30P recording mode or in normal 60i mode. Zoom cameras to great, variable speed and is very accurate and fast. Results are shooting great, and we must mention that in conditions worse visibility clips look great. 

Summary 

No doubt we can say that the HF100 an instant hit, that will surprise both amateurs, and those little more adept. Recordings that this camera captures are really very good, excellent sharpness and contrast, with the Canon recognizable good colors. It only takes a shop-quality memory card as a larger capacity, and the recording can begin. Price is high at first glance, but what you get is definitely not exaggerated. All the recommendations.

Canon HF21 SDR camcorder review

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In Japan, Canon has already introduced the successor to the highly popular camcorder SDR-HF20, the HF21. The manufacturer informed that the HF21, the videos in full high definition resolution captures the video format AVCHD uses and works with the highest possible data transfer rate of 24 Mbps. It also has a very large internal memory. It is - the latest trend on the camcorder and computer market in the following - a flash memory. This has a capacity of 64 gigabytes. In the so-called Long Play mode can be stored on the flash memory up to 24.5 hours video material. In addition, a card slot for an SD memory card.

Improved image stabilization and night mode
Canon has also been revised from the image stabilizer of the HF21. This is to protect the 15 times optical zoom lens, the more effective against shaky footage. The HF20 predecessor was criticized in a test only because of its mediocre performance in low light in the environment. The HF21 is equipped with a special program for night shots, so there is hope that this shortcoming is overcome. Moreover, the face should have been refined. In addition, the videographer with the mode''high-speed AF is'', ie a fast-sharp autofocus manner to respond to moving subjects.

Although the Canon HF21, HF21 or SDR was also called, initially introduced only in Japan, it might also appear in the foreseeable future on the German market. Judging by the first information, the HF21 may still surpass the very good HF20. But videos in high definition and AVCHD format is not suitable for every camcorder: The amount of data are significant and require a very good program for video editing and a very powerful computer.

PIXO C1 Universal Charger

This clever designed charger allows to charge Li-on batteries from almost any photo camera or camcorder. Just adjust two pins and insert the battery. The polarity is automatically dedtected and the battery is charged with all neccessary saftety protections. This seems to be a great alternative to the Canon charger, especially if you also have to charge Li-ion batteries from other devices. The street price is below 30 EUR. I don't own this charger but according to the manufacturer website it also charges "intelligent" or "smart" batteries. The C2 model additionally charges NiCd and NiMH batteries.

What settings do I use?

You can't do much wrong with the HF100 just make sure it's in FXP High Quality mode. If you want to shoot interlaced and you want to be on the safe side the "Easy" button isn't a bad idea.

If you're concerned of best possible motion capture of fast moving objects you may want to use 50i. I use PF25 exclusively and set the shutter speed in Tv mode to 1/50s because higher shutter speeds tend to show stuttering motion. Slower shutter speeds don't work well when the camcorder is handheld. It's the same as with photo cameras if the shutter speed gets too low you have to use a tripod.

At the moment I'm experimenting with Cinemode which looks promising. Here are some comments about this mode from different web forums:

"Cine mode uses a low contrast gamma - it gives more detail in shadows and highlights, creating a flatter looking image."

"Cinemode attempts to keep the shutter speed at 1/48 (NTSC) or 1/50 (PAL). If there's either too little or too much light to compensate with aperture, the shutter speed will be automatically adjusted. In very low light situations, some gain is applied too, but it tops out at 9dB."

"There's no manual control over shutter speed in cine mode."

"Cine mode turns off in-camera sharpening, so the resulting images are softer than with other modes. Generally, this is a good thing, because there are no halos caused by sharpening around edges. Most of the apparent sharpness can be applied back by sharpening in the edit, but unfortunately it also causes some real, unreversable loss in low contrast detail."

"The Cine mode on the HV30 matches the Canon XL A1's Cine V mode (Custom Preset #8)."

"The parameters of the Cine V preset are Gamma: Cine 1, Knee: Low, Black: Stretch, Sharpness: -4, Color Matrix: Cine 1, Color Gain: -20, Color Phase: +5, Red-Blue: -5, Green-Red: -5, Blue-Red: +5, and Red-Green: +12."

My experience with Cinemode so far is that in good light and with some contrast enhancement (and/or color correction) on the computer Cinemode gives very good results. It keeps gain low, stays around 1/50 shutter speed and rather opens the aperture to compensate for low light than increasing the gain. But again it needs enough light. You don't want this mode to go below 1/50s unless you shoot from a tripod.

Whatever you choose test it carefully first!

LYTECUP exposure control device

Canon HV20/HV30 users also have no manual control over gain, arperture and shutter speed. The LYTECUP^TM looks like a useful device. It seems to have a dimmable and diffused LED light source inside and allows to set arpertures and shutter speeds while keeping gain at zero.

I have no experience with this device but I think it would work just the same on the HF100. Maybe some adaption to the smaller lens diameter of the HF100 would be all that is needed. For someone experienced in electronics this could be an interesting DIY project using a LED, a diffuser, a battery, potentiometer, some capacitors, resistors and a NE555 integrated circuit to produce the pulse width modulation (PWM) for dimming the LED but its probably not worth the time if you can buy it readymade for a fair price.

You could use a light meter (expensive) or your point and shoot pocket camera to determine the correct exposure of a scene at a low ISO and 1/50 shutter speed. After this set the HF100 to Tv50 then set the correct arperture using the LYTECUP device. Some experiementing will be required though to find the corresponding ISO value of the "zero gain" HF100 setting.