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8.3 out of 10

Canon VIXIA HV30

First seen: 19 january 2008

Information found in: from 79 sources in 25 countries.

Great Deal: $649.00

  • User Score (278)
    9.1 9.1 from 278 reviewers
  • Expert Score (8)
    8.5 8.5 from 8 reviewers
  • Design (5)
    7.9 7.9 from 5 reviewers
  • Value for money (5)
    9.1 9.1 from 5 reviewers
  • Features (2)
    8.1 8.1 from 2 reviewers
  • Ease of use (2)
    9.0 9.0 from 2 reviewers
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Pros & Cons

  • ease of use, very stylish, well designed, mini dv, phenominal quality
  • ok on board mic, low light video quality, not a lot, no lanc jack, low quality recordings

The dramatic Canon VIXIA HV30 is the latest in our offering of HD camcorders, incorporating advanced features to bring knowledgeable and demanding videographers the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality. The VIXIA HV30 is packed with features you won’t find anywhere else. Our own Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor deliver breathtaking detail and the best in color reproduction. SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant Auto …

Specifications

Digital Video

  • Power Consumption
    TBA
  • Image Sensor
    1/2.7" CMOS Sensor, RGB Primary Color Filter
  • Total Pixels
    Approx. 2.96 Megapixels
  • Effective Pixels
    HD/DV (16:9) mode: Approx 2.07 Megapixels (1920 x 1080) DV (4:3) mode: Approx 2.76 Megapixels (1440 x 1080)
  • Maximum Recording Time (with an 80-min. cassette)
    SP: 80 minutes, HDV, DV. LP: 120 minutes DV
  • Lens
    Zoom Ratio: 10x Optical/200x Digital Focal Length: f=6.1-61mm Zoom Speed: Variable/3 Fixed Zoom Speeds Max. F/Stop: f/1.8-3.0mm (when tapes are used) Filter Size: 43mm
  • Focusing System
    Instant AF, Through the Lens/Manual Focusing Possible
  • Manual Exposure
    Yes
  • Programmed AE
    Auto, Program, Av, Tv, CINE, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks
  • Supported Playback Modes
    1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/30F, 1080/24F, 1080/30p

Release Date

  • First seen
    19 January 2008

Canon VIXIA HV30

Canon VIXIA HV30 is a High Definition camcorder with built-in 2.7” multi-angle vivid widescreen LCD. Among of its main features include High Definition video lens, CMOS Sensor, DIGIC DVII, Super Range Optical Image Stabilization, Instant AF, Brilliant Video, 24p Cinema mode, 30p progressive Mode, and HDMI connectivity.

Features

The Canon VIXIA HV30 captures true 1080 High Definition resolution video in 16:9 format, using MiniDV cassette tapes. It lets user to choose either to …

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Canon VIXIA HV30

Canon VIXIA HV30 is a High Definition camcorder with built-in 2.7” multi-angle vivid widescreen LCD. Among of its main features include High Definition video lens, CMOS Sensor, DIGIC DVII, Super Range Optical Image Stabilization, Instant AF, Brilliant Video, 24p Cinema mode, 30p progressive Mode, and HDMI connectivity.

Features

The Canon VIXIA HV30 captures true 1080 High Definition resolution video in 16:9 format, using MiniDV cassette tapes. It lets user to choose either to record in High Definition or Standard Definition as well. Besides that, is built with a 10x HD Genuine Canon Optical zoom which built with high precision aspheric lens. It also features super spectra coating technology that results images with minimal flare and ghosting. the lens’ aspheric design reduces aberration and increases resolution, ensuring crisp, sharp video and enhancing the HD image quality. In addition, it is built with CMOS image sensor that delivers high quality image. The CMOS sensor is capable to produce high-resolution images at 1920 x 1080 resolution with full HD information in video images. Moreover, it comes with low noise technology that minimizes noise and other aberrations. It utilizes an RGB Primary Color Filter with Bayer Pattern that separates light into red, green and blue color components. It also delivers outstanding image in low light conditions. Additionally, it features DIGIC DVII with ensures optimal image quality for video and still images, as well as improved color reproduction. It allows continuous shooting of digital photographs and lets user to shoot five 3.1 megapixel still images per second and offers faster image processing. It features SuperRange OIS that is a combination of gyro- and image-sensors, which altogether correct r a wide range of camcorder motion. It comes with Instant AF (Auto Focus) that supports a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy. It is built with a 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD that features a hard coat AR surface and improved color reproduction. It offers variable zoom speed control that makes the camcorder suitable for amateur use. It features level and grid markers which let user to line up any horizontal lines, and lets user to compose shot accurately. Furthermore, it captures quality images even in low light. It features 24p Cinema Mode letting user to capture the same frame rate as movie film. With 30p progressive mode, it is useful for internet use footage. It also features Program AE mode.

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Review Summary

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  1. Reviewer: Macworld
    19 July 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    by Brian Chen , Macworld.com Like what we saw happen to VHS technology when the DVD became popular, MiniDV tapes are gradually becoming a technology of the past. Most camcorder manufacturers are turning to tapeless storage media, such as a hard drive, memory card or DVD storage. Despite this trend, Mac users still encounter compatibility issues with tapeless camcorders, which is why we feel it’s important to continue reviewing MiniDV camcorders, like Canon’s new... Read more

  2. Canon VIXIA HV30 Review

    Reviewer: ConnectReviews
    16 April 2008
    Overall 9
    9.0
     

    Overall, the Canon VIXIA HV30 is a somewhat lacking upgrade over the HV20 but those who are looking for a great HDV camcorder should take a look at the HV30. Find it today at Amazon.com for just under $880 bucks. Read more

  3. Reviewer: The Gadgeteer
    10 August 2009

    After viewing some remarkable sample footage from the Internet of the VIXIA HV30 HD Camcorder I had to get one of my own and try it out for myself and see if this camcorder was really as good as the footage I kept seeing. The Canon HV30 is a consumer camcorder which is the replacement model for the Canon HV20. The upgrades to this camcorder are the added 30P mode, an improved zoom toggle, a better LCD screen, a black glossy finish on the body frame and better support for... Read more

  4. Canon Vixia HV30 Digital Camcorder

    Reviewer: ComputerShopper
    16 June 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    Though not as cutting-edge as memory-card-based HD camcorders, the HV30 is particularly attractive if you're upgrading from a DV camcorder. Read more

  5. Canon Vixia HV30

    Reviewer: CNET
    25 February 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
    Design 8
    8.0
    Features 8
    8.0
    Performance 8
    8.0
     

    The bottom line: An extremely minor upgrade from the HV20, the Canon Vixia HV30 remains a quality HDV camcorder with a couple of performance issues. Read more

  1. Compact camcorder; Superb video quality

    Reviewer: ABT Electronics
    23 March 2009
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    I bought this camcorder because I want to record HD movies on miniDV. It is no better time to purchase one because the price has reduced in anticipation of the new Canon HV40 and other ADVHC camcorders in April. The new ones are [$] versus [$] for the current models. This camcorder is more than enough for capturing HD videos. The ability to record to miniDV tape is a plus because it usually takes a while before I have time to edit my movies. Comparing with solid state... Read more

  2. great camera

    Reviewer: Epinions
    21 July 2009
    Overall 10
    10
     

    this is a great camera. the hd it shoots looks stunning and the cinema mode makes it look like a real movie. i would really suggest this camera. Read more

  3. "Terrific Camera"

    Reviewer: CNET
    29 July 2009
    Overall 9
    9.0
     

    I bought this last year, but really didn't get a lot of use with it until I went to class reunion. The HD pictures are really incredible. I taped the reunion under florescent lighting after sunset, without any optional lighting and the results were fantastic. My only problem is that to get the best results at a gather of this sort, you really need a directional microphone, otherwise you get a lot of ambient noise. Read more

  4. another great product from Canon

    Reviewer: Abes of Maine
    15 February 2009
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    As a semi-pro photographer I've always been a "Canon guy", so after some research I decided to go for Canon for video too. And I don't regret a second. Compare to my old Sony camcorder it's like night and day. My only disappointment was that such a giant as Canon could have included some $20 firewire cable in the box as well as simple HD editing/capturing software to start with instead of a bundle of still photo programs which are pretty much useless with HV30 photo... Read more

  5. CANON VIXIA HV30

    Reviewer: PriceGrabber
    4 July 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    The cassette compartment cover, when in the closed position, feels a little loose. Before I made my decision to purchase the HV30, I went to several local electronics stores to check out the HV30 on display. The cassette compartment cover felt the same on all the camcorders I checked. Therefore, it must be a design issue. However, the cover serves its purpose and does not affect the camcorder’s performance. The FOCUS dial for manual focusing is too small and does not... Read more

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