Canon VIXIA HF R20 Full HD Camcorder with 8GB Internal Flash Memory (Black)

by Canon

• 8GB internal flash drive and 2 SDXC-compatible memory card slots
• Genuine Canon HD video lens with 28x advanced zoom
• Canon 3.28-megapixel full HD CMOS image sensor
• Canon DIGIC DV III image processor
• Dynamic IS stabilizes a wide range of movements for smooth, steady video

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.2 x 5.2 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B004HW7E7E
• Item model number: R20-Black
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,742 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 1, 2011

Product Description

Color: Black

From the Manufacturer

The VIXIA HF R20 allows you to record up to 3 hours of crisp high definition video to an 8GB internal flash drive or to two SDXC-compatible memory card slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the next available SD memory card when the memory becomes full. No need then to worry about running out of recording time during a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime shot. With SDXC memory card compatibility, you’ll have card storage capacity from more than 32GB up to 2TB and ultra-fast data transfer speeds. You’ll also have the flexibility of copying video from your VIXIA HF R20’s internal drive to the removable SD memory cards. That makes it easy to insert the card into your computer or HDTV’s card reader and view your recorded footage immediately. Memory capacity MXP (app. 24Mbps) FXP (app. 17Mbps) XP+ (app. 12Mbps) SP (app. 7Mbps) LP (app. 5Mbps) 2GB 10 min. 15 min. 20 min. 35 min. 45 min. 4GB 20 min. 30 min. 40 min. 1 hour 10 min. 1 hour 30 min. 8GB* 40 min. 1 hour 1 hour 25 min. 2 hours 20 min. 3 hours 16GB 1 hour 25 min. 2 hours 5 min. 2 hours 50 min. 4 hours 45 min. 6 hours 5 min. 32GB 2 hours 55 min. 4 hours 10 min. 5 hours 45 min. 9 hours 35 min. 12 hours 15 min. 64GB 5 hours 55 min. 8 hours 20 min. 11 hours 30 min. 19 hours 10 min. 24 hours 30 min. * Size of internal memory in VIXIA HF R20. The maximum memory capacity and recording time can be substantially increased by the combination of the internal memory and the size of the SD or SDXC memory card chosen. For example, the VIXIA HF R20’s 8GB of internal memory, combined with two removable 64GB memory cards, would give 136GB in total memory capacity, and over 45 hours of recording time at LP setting. MXP and FXP modes record in 1920 x 1080 and require a Class 4 or higher SDHC or SDXC Card. The advantages of flash memory go beyond the added recording time. You'll also appreciate the quick response time, because there are no moving parts. Press the record button and your VIXIA HF R20 starts recording video faster than you've ever seen before. In addition, when you review, you'll have quick access to your footage. Another plus is the VIXIA HF R20's low power consumption rate, allowing your battery to last longer. It's just what you need so you don't miss that pivotal play on the field or the moment when they say "I do." Ultra-sleek, compact, and lightweight, the VIXIA HF R20 is, at approximately 9.5 ounces and 2.4” x 2.4” x 4.8”, a companion you’ll always keep handy while traveling or at home. While we certainly hope you keep your VIXIA HF R20 securely in your hand while shooting, if it happens to slip, or you accidentally knock it against something, you'll be happy to know that flash memory makes your camcorder more shock-resistant than other recording storage systems. It also minimizes the chance of data loss if you accidentally jolt or drop your camcorder.

Canon’s expertise in imaging technology is clearly seen in its superb EOS Digital SLR cameras. The VIXIA family of camcorders is also a part of this achievement with Canon’s own Full HD CMOS Image Sensor. It brings stunning high definition video quality with exceptional low light performance, capturing video at 1920 x 1080 resolution and with remarkable detail.

A Genuine Canon HD Video Lens with 28x Advanced Zoom delivers truly impressive image quality. Its aspherical lens minimizes spherical aberration, meaning sharper focus on your subject. With Advanced Zoom, you can seamlessly zoom both wide and long, retaining optical quality throughout the zoom range. The zoom is quiet, and optimized for flash camcorders. Together with the Canon Exclusive 3.2-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and Canon’s own DIGIC DV III Image Processor, this lens helps you capture high definition video and photos with astonishing detail, vivid color and enhanced reproduction of the full tonal range, including the most difficult purple and blue shades. With 24Mbps recording, video is captured at the highest bit rate in AVCHD. You get exceptionally lifelike tone and exacting detail.

With the Canon VIXIA HF R20, you can be sure that even on the move your video will be smooth, steady and professional looking. The Dynamic IS system provides continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broader range of motion. In comparison to conventional electronic image stabilization systems, extra compensation is applied at wide-angle focal lengths to eliminate unwanted vibration common when shooting while walking.

See exceptional detail with a sharp 230,000 dot screen delivering brilliant color together with touch panel control for faster and easier menu navigation. Touch Focus lets you tap the subject on the touch panel to shift the focus for recording. It’s that simple. You have Touch & Track, which allows you to get precise focus and exposure on any subject, people, vehicles, fast moving athletes and more, by selecting your choice right on the Touch Panel LCD. Touch Exposure adjusts the exposure on the area of your image where you touch and sets the brightness needed. You may also drag on the panel to adjust the level. While shooting, Touch Decoration can be activated via the Touch Panel LCD allowing you to superimpose and record a variety of fun and exciting images along with your video. Animations such as shooting stars, thought bubbles, and others, freehand drawing, stamps, and various decorative frames can be added to give your video an amusing and creative flair.

Smart Auto makes shooting great video easier than ever before. Using the power of Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor, the VIXIA HF R20 intelligently detects and analyzes faces, brightness, color, distance, and movement, then automatically selects the best settings for the scene. Whether you are capturing a sunset, a day at the beach, or a fast-paced soccer game, Smart Auto delivers exceptionally accurate results. And with new Tele Macro, the VIXIA HF R20 automatically zooms the lens to the telephoto end and sets the minimum object distance to approximately 1.3 feet (from 3.3 feet) giving you the opportunity to shoot spectacular close-ups with the dramatic look of shallow depth of field. Tele Macro is one of 38 scenes available in Smart Auto Mode.

The same high quality Face Detection technology used in Canon digital cameras is available in Canon high definition camcorders. Up to 35 faces can be tracked automatically, ensuring razor-sharp focus and natural, accurate exposure. Of the faces tracked, 9 detection frames can be displayed at one time. In fact, the system is so intelligent that it will recognize faces turned downwards or sideways. In addition, a specific face may be selected as the main subject for continuous tracking. This feature is convenient in searching for clips which feature that specific subject's face. In search and playback, use of the Face Index will display those frames with the chosen face as a thumbnail in each shot in which it appears. Your selected face can also be linked as a timeline to further identify footage containing your subject.

Advanced Video Snapshot allows you to capture the highlights of a once in a lifetime trip or a family milestone with the same ease as taking photos. Simply record a series of short video clips – or select your favorite clips while in Playback Mode – and blend in your favorite background music to create an exciting movie that will hold everyone’s attention. This version of Advanced Video Snapshot allows selectable recording time of 2, 4, or 8 seconds. Additionally, audio from an external source, such as an MP3 player, can be played along with the snapshot movie, and playback can be controlled from that source.

HD-to-SD Downconversion allows you to convert recorded high definition video to standard definition files while safely preserving the original HD video. These standard definition files make it even more convenient to edit or share video online. The video can be transferred to your computer via traditional methods – i.e. USB connection, card slot – or wirelessly to sharing sites with an Eye-Fi SD memory card. The VIXIA HF R20 is also compatible with the Eye-Fi SD memory card. It’s possible to wirelessly transfer video and photos to your computer, or upload them directly to online sharing sites (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Shutterfly, Flickr) in a few simple steps. Insert an Eye-Fi SD memory card into the SD card slot on the camcorder, configure your computer to select the target site and you’re ready to share your files with family, friends, and the world! Canon camcorders are not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions, including wireless transfer. In case of an issue with the Eye-Fi card, please consult with the card manufacturer. The use of Eye-Fi cards may not be approved in all regions, or from one region to another; please contact the card manufacturer for status of approval in the country/region of use. Canon makes no representations or warranties with respect to any third party accessory or product mentioned herein.

Since Canon is acknowledged as a world leading maker of digital cameras, it’s not surprising that the VIXIA HF R20, in addition to being a brilliant camcorder, is also a very capable digital camera. Once again, Canon delivers features and technology that advance convenience and capability. The VIXIA HF R20 comes with a Level Marker feature to keep your camera level for more professional-looking photos. The VIXIA HF R20'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 ensuring that you see the grid, no matter what the background color of your shot is. The versatile VIXIA HF R20 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 1920 x 1080 still image onto an SD card or to internal memory. Additionally, the VIXIA HF R20 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video. Now, better photos, filled with action and expressions, are easy to grab, print, post and share.

24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional "film-look." You can change the camcorder's frame capture rate to 24p (recorded at 60i), which provides the appearance of the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, you can use the VIXIA HF R20's CINE mode, 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. You would normally have to look to professional video cameras in order to find a sophisticated tool like 30p Progressive Mode at your command. In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the VIXIA HF R20 to capture video in 30p (30 progressive frames, recorded to 60i), which is particularly useful for footage to be used on the Internet. It’s also excellent for action and sports shots. In addition, this setting gives enhanced quality to photos captured after recording.

To maximize the usefulness and versatility of the VIXIA HF R20, you’ll find a range of terminals to extend the capabilities of your camcorder. Easy, one-cable connectivity to your HDTV is achieved through the VIXIA HF R20’s HDMI Terminal which also supports CEC and x.v.Color*. A Mini HDMI Cable is included with the camcorder. This camcorder also features 1080p output, converting 1080i video to 1080p through the HDMI terminal. A Microphone terminal with manual audio level control and a Headphone terminal provide exceptional audio adaptability. For the ultimate in flexibility, the VIXIA HF R20 is compatible with the optional Canon wireless microphone WM-V1**. Using a receiver which plugs into the microphone terminal, its audio can be captured from up to 164 ft. (50m) away. Use it to record audio from a distant subject, or as a transceiver to cue shooting from a third party. * x.v.Color is a trademark of the Sony Corporation. ** This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

Express Your Color Preference The VIXIA HF R20’s sleek, compact form can be had in your choice of three stunning colors, black, red or silver. Express your creative vision even before you begin to shoot and make this camcorder a fashion statement wherever you take it. Focus Assist To enhance focusing capability, the VIXIA HF R20 also features Focus Assist. This helps in capturing your subject in razor-sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject, which is automatically cancelled when you start recording. This is a feature normally found in professional broadcast-quality cameras. Filter Threads Filter threads on the lens of the VIXIA HF R20 give it compatibility with the Canon TL-H34 II tele-converter and WD-H34 II wide-converter. With these converters, you can expand the shooting range of the lens for greater creative options. Built-in Electronic Lens Cover The 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. It couldn’t be simpler. Intelligent Battery The Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery accurately indicates remaining battery time down to the minute. Quick Start Never miss a quickly unfolding shot again, as it’s possible to shoot the moment the LCD is opened. No worries about using up power with Quick Start – by keeping the LCD screen closed between shots, Quick Start allows you to save battery power so you get longer battery life. Pre-Record The Pre-Record feature places your VIXIA HF R20 in a stand-by "pre-roll" mode. With this feature the camcorder continuously records three seconds of video to memory before you even press the record button. When you start recording, the additional video is recorded too. It will be easier than ever to capture the moment when the bat hits the ball at the start of that home run. Pixela Video Browser Software is bundled with the VIXIA HF R20. You can easily perform a variety of functions, including AVCHD Editing in which you can trim, reorder, and combine scenes, as well as add music, titles, and transitions. This software also allows you to play your AVCHD movies on your computer and will let you share copies of your movie with friends and family through flash memory to hard drive copying. Transfer and store your movie onto your computer's hard drive with the software and easily convert your high definition video to standard definition video as well. This software will also assist you in converting video to the optimum resolution for transmission over the Internet. The bundled application is compatible with Windows XP (Service Pack 2 and 3), Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

Product Description

The Canon VIXIA HF R20 Flash Memory Camcorder is a perfect choice for those seeking ease of use, high performance function and good value. The VIXIA HF R20 has an 8GB internal flash drive, together with two SDXC-compatible memory card slots, Canon's Relay Recording, a 3.0" Touch Panel LCD and Smart Auto.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

308 of 313 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Stunning 1080p video, but a few flaws June 5, 2011

By L. Kirk TOP 500 REVIEWER

Color Name:Black|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

The Canon Vixia HF R20 is a basic HD (hi definition) flash memory camcorder that is capable of producing very high quality 1080p video in MPEG4-AVC/H.264 format, thanks to its 1/4.85-inch CMOS sensor and DIGIC DVIII processor. The unit is rated at 3.28 Megapixels (2.07 effective).

Canon positions this product as offering the ideal combination of price and performance for the budget-conscious consumer who wants Full HD 1920x1080 video.

The camcorder comes with 8GB of built-in flash memory, and accepts 2 additional SDXC memory cards, each of which can be up to 2 TB. Yes, that is terabytes. Suffice it to say, you can record a LOT of video on this unit if you make use of the expansion slots. The camcorder switches automatically from one storage device to another without interruption. Nice feature. With just the built-in memory, at highest quality, you can record 40 minutes of video. As inexpensive as flash memory is, there's no reason not to fill both slots with at least 16 GB SD cards in each ... 32 if you're feeling extravagant.

As a budget HD camcorder, the Vixia HF R20 seems a likely upgrade for pocket camcorder users. I shot indoor and outdoor video with this camcorder, and with a pocket camcorder that shoots 1080p video also. I viewed the Canon Vixia video first, and observed the quality, then watched the pocket camcorder video and made comparisons. I'll share comparisons at the end.

First, here are some Pros and Cons I observed while using the Vixia camcorder.

PROS:

Excellent 20x optical zoom lens produced very sharp video in adequate lighting. This means outdoor daytime, and bright indoor lighting.. There is a 28x "advanced" setting and 400x digital zoom. The advanced zoom is supposed to yield more zoom without compromising image quality. I'll stick to optical zoom myself, but it's a nice feature if you're into zooming.

Auto Exposure worked very well outdoors, exposing bright scenes and shaded ones very well, and smoothly transitioning between the two. Indoors, I was less thrilled, because even during the daytime indoors, the video seemed a wee bit contrasty.

Combined processor/lens/metering produced stunning outdoor video. Perfectly exposed, very sharp, vibrant color without being super saturated ... if this is the main way you use your camcorder, you would be completely satisfied with the product.

Opening the LCD doesn't turn on the camcorder. You have to press the on button too. However, once it's on, closing the LCD puts the device into a standby mode and shuts the automatic lens cover, so that opening the LCD again puts you into shooting mode in less than a second. While out and about, I recommend operating in this mode ... however it likely consumes extra battery, so be sure to power down completely when you're done shooting for the day.

3" touchscreen for settings and preview. It's a good size while maintaining the light weight of the device.

Face detection works well at acquiring faces. Even cat faces. Well implemented feature.

CONS:

No onboard light. There is no accessory attachment for adding light (you have to move up to the HF21 model for that), and unbelievably, there is not even a booster LED onboard. For a camcorder of this price, and for the quality of video it is capable of producing, this is just inexcusable. Even phones today have a LED for lighting. My $100 pocket camcorder has one. Seriously Canon? Because of this, indoors, even during daytime, the camcorder had a tendency to hunt for focus a bit, and indoor video was more contrasty than I like.

No viewfinder. While this adds cost, I have always found it very difficult to use LCD screens in the daylight for composing scenes. You have to move up to the HV40 to get a viewfinder. More than double the cost of this unit.

The image stabilization just didn't do that much. I tried both Auto and Dynamic modes. The jittery effect is most noticeable when zoomed in, so be aware of this.

Battery life seemed short to me. I shot video and looked through settings for no more than 1.25-1.5 hours.

So-So:

The GUI. Most of the settings are made on the touchscreen, and the menu system is easy to navigate without needing to go to the manual to figure everything out. Contrarily, there are actual buttons on the body of the camera opposite the LCD (record/play, video snap, auto/web, disp/battery info). Why the mix? I spent 10 minutes trying to find the playback button in the menu system, until I was forced to go to the manual to figure out how to playback video. Sheesh. It's 2011. Can't we be consistent with GUI design? Please?

Daylight and daytime indoor white balance was set properly by the camera, but under compact fluorescent light at night, the balance was very very warm.

Comparison with pocket camcorder:

Canon Vixia produces much sharper and clearer video. This is likely due to a larger sensor, better optics, and Canon's prowess at processing.

The Canon Vixia zooms in HD modes. The pocket camcorder does zoom, but only in SD modes.

Solid colors are noisier/grainier in the pocket camcorder.

That one little LED makes the video shot indoors better exposed on the pocket camcorder. It's just enough light to fill in the shadows.

Stabilization works better in the pocket camcorder. It seems very weak in the Canon Vixia.

Outdoors, the pocket camcorder video is a little washed out, and overall exposure is a little brighter.

The pocket camcorder is much worse at processing panning video. The video image gets semi-scrambled by the pocket camcorder ... the Vixia keeps up with video processing during panning scenes.

The pocket camcorder does not handle bright to dark (and vice versa) transitions as well as the Vixia does. It's smooth as silk with the Canon. Choppy exposure transition with the pocket camcorder.

BOTTOM LINE:

The Canon Vixia HF R20 is an easy-to-use, lightweight camcorder that produces stunning full HD (1080p) video on the easiest media of all to use, flash memory. It operates at full default, full auto settings for the novice, and allows many manual settings for more advanced camcorder users. It even lets you shoot 24p cinema-mode video. The strongest features of this camcorder are the lens, exposure, and image processing capabilities. Daytime and bright indoor video is excellent. However, Canon needlessly compromised the indoor capabilities of the camera by failing to include any onboard light. As well, the image stabilization could use some improvement, as zoomed video seemed needlessly jittery to me. Still, an entry level product cannot be at the pinnacle in every aspect of use, and Canon rightly focused its efforts on excellent quality video in what it judges as the most likely venues of usage. Battery life could be longer, so plan to have a spare (or two) on hand for a full day of shooting.

205 of 208 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Happy With Good Value; Not Perfection December 13, 2011

By M. R. Barnes

Color Name:Black

Length: 4:19 Mins

I've use the Vixia HF R20 to record this review. The built-in mic and external mics show the real life results. Mac owners should note the great info around here about dealing with the AVCHD files. Get a monopod/tripod and decent mic, and you'll be ready to play Spielberg!

79 of 81 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Warning: SHORT BATTERY LIFE July 11, 2011

By Gary Davis

Color Name:Black

For all the appeal of this small and proficient camera, the battery life is quite short, and the bottom-mounted battery doesn't allow for a larger battery to be used. And extra batteries are quite expensive! ($70 with no free shipping).

Yes, the internal memory + two SD slots will allow for hours and hours of continuous recording...from an AC power source! But the battery? The "mini instructions" that come with the camera suggest a typical recording time of 45 minutes. 45 minutes? I've NEVER had a camcorder with such short life on a new battery!

I've been testing, and the actual maximum continuous recording time, with no zooming or focusing, is about 75 minutes to an external SD card. Recording to the internal memory increases the recording time slightly, as does setting the viewscreen to 'extra dim' mode.

Conclusion: the extended recording time of the multi-memory system is completely wasted, as the battery will be the limiting factor for almost every user.

Other issues: I like the touch-screen, but it helps to have fingernails.
The flashing red "access" light on the back of the camera is really annoying.
Low-light performance is not as good as previous Canon camcorders.
The lens mount has threads for an accessory, and there's a mic jack and headphone jack option (unlike an otherwise attractive Panasonic competitor).
The camera defaults to recording on the internal memory, even after you put in a memory card, which is confusing.

The full instruction manual is included only on a CD disc; very annoying.

Haven't yet looked into the file format, but if, as suggested, it's non-standard, that would be quite a drawback.

Sad to say, I'll be returning this camera AND the Panasonic. Maybe by next year chip cameras in this price range will be worthwhile. This year (7/2011), not so much.

--Gary