Canon HV10 3.1MP High-Definition MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

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Product Details

• Item Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000H7MHFC
• Item model number: HV10
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,025 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)

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  Camera & Photo > Camcorders > Digital MiniDV

• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 16, 2006

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

Manufacturer Description The stylish Canon HV10 gives you the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality - in the world's smallest HDV camcorder. Its 10x optical zoom lens and 2.96 Megapixel CMOS image sensor ensure meticulous detail and superior color reproduction. And, with its HD and Standard Definition recording modes, you can make the move to HD without making your SD equipment obsolete.

The HV10 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon. It's the premium quality camcorder that sophisticated and discerning videographers have been waiting for.

Canon HV10 Highlights

Widescreen recording means that you get the big picture, every time

The image quality of HD The HV10 is the HD camcorder to go along with everything else in your HD world. It captures true 1080 high-definition resolution video in 16:9 format, using MiniDV cassette tapes. The HV10's true 16:9 widescreen HD image is made for your new HD widescreen TV. High definition and widescreen are the future. Be sure you invest in that future with Canon's HV10.

At the same time, the HV10 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.

Convenience in a compact size The HV10 is the world's smallest HDV camcorder. It's easy to take this ultra-compact camcorder wherever you go, because it weighs in at less than a pound and has a slim design. That means you always have both an HD camcorder and a high-quality digital still camera with you to capture the precious moments of your life.

Along with its compact size, the HV10 is designed for easy one-hand operation, with all of its controls within easy reach.

HD video lens Since 1934, Canon has been producing exceptional photographic lenses that are synonymous with unsurpassed optical performance. Because of Genuine Canon Optics, every Canon broadcast lens, 35mm film camera, digital camera and camcorder assures brilliant optical quality -- and the HV10 is no exception.

The HV10 comes with an outstanding high-definition video lens -- a 10x Genuine Canon Optical zoom. It's the lens you need to record long shots of your child on the soccer field, wide shots of beautiful landscapes, and everything in-between. And because it comes with five pre-set zoom speeds, you always get smooth, steady, professional looking zooms shots.

Super spectra coating technology results in images with minimal flare and ghosting. Plus, the new lens' aspheric design reduces aberration and increases resolution, ensuring crisp, sharp video and enhancing the HD image quality. Not only that, but a new gradation ND system gives you better exposures in bright shooting situations.

2.96-megapixel HD CMOS The HV10 is the first Canon camcorder to feature a Canon designed and manufactured CMOS image sensor. The CMOS image sensors in Canon's EOS Series digital SLR cameras result in outstanding digital photographs. In the HV10, the CMOS sensor reproduces high-resolution images at 1920 x 1080 resolution with full HD information in video images.

Compared to a CCD, the HV10'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. It's the ideal sensor for HD.

In addition, the HV10 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter that separates light into red, green and blue color components. This results in vibrant images with deep, rich, accurate color and natural-looking tones similar to what you'd obtain from 3 CCD camcorders.

DIGIC DV ll DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology. 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. DIGIC DV ll is just another of Canon's advanced technologies that make the HV10 an exceptional performer.

Thanks to DIGIC DV ll image processing, the HV10 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 HV10. You can shoot five (3-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.

Ensure a crisp, clear picture with Canon's optical image stabilizer

Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization The HV10 is the world's first consumer HD camcorder to feature Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Not only that, but Canon's innovative Super-Range OIS combines gyro- and image-sensors to give image stabilization through a wider range of camera motions. Some image stabilization systems correct one type of camera motion or vibration better than another. But 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. No matter what you're recording and how you're recording it, the HV10's stabilization design corrects camcorder shake instantly.

In addition, optical stabilization keeps your shot steady without a loss in image quality -- something that can't be said for electronic image stabilization. And image stabilization isn't just for video; you can even use it for taking sharper, clearer digital photographs with your HV10. Thanks to Canon's expertise, it's easy to eliminate one of the telltale signs of amateur video and photography.

Instant AF (Auto Focus) Since it is critical to achieve very sharp focus when shooting in high definition, the HV10 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary Instant AF focusing system. It offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional autofocus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's autofocus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This new system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." The benefits of Instant AF are especially seen in high brightness, and night shooting situations. It's even possible to capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.

Brilliant video

DIGIC DV II Thanks to DIGIC DV ll image processing, the HV10 produces video with improved color reproduction -- especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that uses two types of noise reduction, for high definition images that are crystal clear.

Variable zoom speed control Another sure sign of amateur video is the unsteady zoom shot. But with the HV10's zoom control, you simply select one of five pre-set zoom speeds for smooth, steady, professional looking zooms.

Level and grid markers With the level marker feature, it's easy to 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.

The HV10'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.

Low-light performance Some of the most magical shots are taken at the end of the day or long after the sun has set. You won't miss any of them, thanks to the HV10's bright Ultra Video Light. The light lets you shoot subjects in color in low light up to 4.9 feet away. So, whether it's a shot of your baby asleep, or your toddler blowing out the birthday candles, the HV10 captures all the special moments of your life.

Stunning digital photography

Canon's DoubleShot technology means your HDV camcorder is also a high performance digital camera capable of capturing stunning 3.1-megapixel photos in 4:3 aspect ratio to a miniSD card (2.07 megapixels at 16:9.) It's like having an HD digital video camcorder and digital still camera -- all rolled into one. What's more, the HV10's many advanced photo features make it a camera that rivals other state-of-the-art digital cameras. With DoubleShot, it's not just video and photos -- it's the best of both.

2.96-megapixel CMOS The same 2.96-megapixel CMOS image sensor that ensures sharp, vivid HD video also gives you brilliant digital photographs. Like the CMOS image sensors in Canon's EOS Series digital SLR cameras, the HV10's image sensor results in outstanding digital photographs. It gives an impressive resolution of 1920 x 1440 for sharp, crisp still images.

DIGIC DV II DIGIC DV ll features improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the HV10. You can shoot 5 (3-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).

Focus features Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the HV10's Ai-AF will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus.

Since it is critical to achieve very sharp focus when shooting in HD, the HV10 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary Instant AF focusing system. It offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional autofocus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's autofocus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This new system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." The benefits of Instant AF are especially seen in high brightness, and night shooting situations. Its even possible to capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.

And because a properly focused subject is more critical than ever with HD, the HV10 also features Focus Assist. With one push of the Focus Assist button (during manual focus setting), video zoom and peaking are displayed in order to emphasize image contours. This helps in capturing your subject in razor sharp focus. (When you start recording, this assistance is automatically cancelled.)

Auto exposure modes Like any good digital still camera, the HV10 lets you choose from a range of exposure modes. Auto mode automatically sets the exposure, letting you concentrate on your subject. AV (aperture priority) mode lets you control depth of field by letting you choose the aperture. TV (shutter priority) mode lets you select the shutter speed for sharp, action shots. In P (program) mode, the camcorder adjusts camera settings automatically.

Program AE mode Your life happens everywhere, so the HV10 gives you settings that automatically result in the best exposure settings for different conditions and different subjects. Portrait mode ensures shallow depth of field for a pleasing background to your shots of friends and family. Sports mode stops the action with faster shutter speeds. Night mode is designed to give you great shots after the sun goes down. Snow and Beach modes compensate for bright surroundings and give you the proper exposure on your subject. Sunset mode results in vibrant, well-exposed colors for one of the toughest subjects to capture. Use Spotlight mode when your child is on stage and in the spotlight -- literally -- and you want to make sure the exposure is right for them. And, Fireworks mode records brilliant images of another tough subject: the holiday fireworks display.

Simultaneous photo recording With the HV10, you can record HD video and capture a 2-megapixel photo to a memory card -- simultaneously. Simply press the photo button, and you've got an e-mail ready digital photo to share with friends and family.

Histogram display For the advanced digital photographer, the HV10 comes with a histogram display -- a feature found in Canon's line of digital SLR cameras. The display allows you to see the brightness information of your still images, so you can adjust your exposures as you shoot.

Level and grid markers With the level marker feature, it's easy to keep your camera level for more professional looking photographs. 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.

The HV10'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.

Still capture from tape The versatile HV10 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. It's another way the HV10 lets you enjoy and share your precious memories.

Built-in flash Your HV10's built-in flash lets you capture superb photos indoors and in low light conditions.

Edit and share your video You can edit and share video with the HV10. Once you’re connected to your computer, DV streaming and ultra-fast transfer of movies is a breeze. And because the HV10 uses the Firewire IEEE 1394 protocol, there’s no loss of picture or audio quality in the process. You’ll want to share your brilliant HD memories with friends and family, and the HV10 makes it fast and easy.

Share your photos

Transfer photos with the touch of a button

Print & Share Print & Share turns your HV10 into a photo lab in the palm of your hand. 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 HV10 without going through a computer. Print & Share also makes it easy to transfer your still images to your computer. Simply connect your HV10 and your computer, press the Print & Share button and your photos are downloaded to your computer.

miniSD memory card compatible The HV10 makes it easy to store digital photos and movie clips on an optional miniSD memory card. Popularly used in today's newest cell phones and half the size of a standard SD card, the miniSD Card offers the benefit of high-capacity storage in a very small size.

Additional Features

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.

2.7-inch widescreen LCD screen makes 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.

USB 2.0 full-speed terminal for fast transfer of photos.

Analog-digital converter lets you share the precious video memories you have stored on analog videotapes. Simply feed the analog signal from your TV, VCR or analog camcorder to your HV10 to convert the signal to digital for recording on DV tape. Or use your HV10 as a signal converter by connecting it between an analog device and another digital device.

Wireless remote control lets you operate your HV10 from a distance, so you won't be left out of the picture.

Windows XP compatible means you can connect your HV10 and your Windows XP computer with ease.

Product Description

Do you have or plan to have an HDTV at home? Now it's time to consider getting an HD camcorder. The stylish Canon HV10 gives you the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality - in the world's smallest HDV camcorder. Its 10x optical zoom lens and 2.96 Megapixel CMOS image sensor ensure meticulous detail and superior color reproduction. And, with its HD and Standard Definition recording modes, you can make the move to HD without making your SD equipment obsolete. If you're an expecting parent or an avid traveller, this video camcorder gives you the opportunity to record images in both 4:3 standard and 16:9 widescreen modes from 480 to 1080p display. The small size makes it easy to carry from one place to another. This camcorder is engineered for you and discretning videographers. It is the first consumer-level camcorder that features Canon's Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization to help deliver smooth, steady video, even at longer focal lengths. The system uses two detection methods (gyro and vector) to sense the widest range of vibrations from hand-held shake, to vibration from a moving vehicle. By using optical stabilization, it can compensate for a greater degree of camera shake and avoid any loss in image quality, unlike electronic image stabilizers. CMOS sensor assures single sensor HD and longer battery life. Unit Dimensions - 2.2 x 4.1 x 4.2 inch / Weight (not including lens and battery pack) - 0.97 lb The HV10 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon. It's the premium quality camcorder that sophisticated and discerning videographers have been waiting for.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

163 of 165 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, Pocketable HD Camcorder!! The future of HiDef!!, May 11, 2007

By	D. Chien "silverace" (CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Overview:
Running on the HDV MPEG-2 standard, the Canon HV10 allows many users of miniDV camcorders to continue using and playing their miniDV tapes they've recorded and have, while providing them with the added option of recording in either HD or regular mode onto MiniDV tapes. The HV10 has a slim, pocketable body, so it's very easy to take with you on long trips without feeling like you have a huge rock tied behind you to slow you down.

Minuses:
* No external light/mic jacks - buy the HV20 if you want these.
* No HDMI output - buy the HV20 if you want this.
* Can't change tapes if the camcorder is on a tripod - bottom load, again - buy the HV20 if you want this. But keep in mind that bottom load reduces the amount of dropout causing dust from falling into the tape transport bay (a good thing).
* Viewfinder is decent, but not the highest resolution viewfinder around - but I almost always use the LCD panel so it's not a big concern.
* No manual focus/aperture rings around the lens. You can adjust manual focus using the rear menu dial, but it's not the same as a 'professional' camcorder like the $5000+ Canon H1 series. (then again, almost no consumer level camcorder for <$1000 has this feature....)
* Low light, below 1 light bulb of 60w in a bedroom, will result in vertical lines appearing in the video if you do not use slow-shutter mode (which is on by default). Buy the HV20 if you want better super-low-light video. Otherwise, I'm not concerned because I don't film travel videos outside in such dark places - do you? I find myself filming in nicely lit places indoors and out, so video quality is great.

Pluses:
* Small, light, compact. The lightest, most compact HDV camcorder available today. I've tried the Panasonic, Sony, Canon, etc. and this is the lightest you can get today. It's also the only one that fits into my jacket pocket without a problem, and I can go all day long on trips using this camcorder without feeling like my arm has fallen off - it's light enough that fatigue doesn't settle in.

* 2MP 16:9 / 3MP 4:3 still photo mode
I love how I can push the photo snap button anytime I'm filming, and get a nice 2MP photo at the same time w/o interrupting my filming! It's so nice and my 4x6" prints come out looking saturated, colorful, and nice w/o much adjustment, if any. They really pop with color, and I'm very happy with the photo mode on this camcorder.
(I'm the type that looks at the individual pixels on prints, worry about the little things on digicams, but honestly, for what it is -- a camcorder camera photo -- I'm happy and satisfied with what I'm getting. Just keep in mind, you are not going to get the same as a 10+MP dSLR off any camcorder! For 4x6" prints, you will get a nice print.)
You can also capture still frames off the video as it's playing back, and make photos from these as well!
1GB MiniSD card will let you go for days on a trip and let you take 600+ photos w/o a problem. It's so wonderful how I can just keep taking snapshot after snapshot w/o worrying about running out of space!

* MiniDV tape.
Yes, there are camcorders with hard drives, flash drives, etc. but in the end, where are you going to archive HiDef videos? Right now, nobody knows if it's going to be HD DVD or BluRay that'll win out, so realistically, there is no 'standard' optical format that you can archive HiDef videos that'll stick around for a long time.
HD camcorders are good for those that have long filming times and will convert to DVDs later on the PC -but if you run out of room on a trip, without a PC, you're dead in the water; flash drives are great for sports, extreme activities and locations (think super cold, super hot) - but again, are limited by the small sizes of the cards (consumer camcorder-wise. Pro-level P2 Panasonics at $5000+ can go longer, but expensive..)
Tapes last a long time - most of us have VHS tapes from 10-20+ years ago that we can pop into the VCR and play today. miniDV tapes will last a long time in proper storage, and are the most ideal format for long-term archival storage of HiDef videos until some form of HiDef optical standard is decided upon.
Additionally, everyone has MiniDV tapes in all of the major travel spots - so when you're out of tape, you can easily buy more tapes!

* MPEG-2 HDV format.

Look around people. You see Sony/Panasonic pushing their AVCHD MPEG-4 format. Great, so what's the difference?

HDV uses the MPEG-2 format, same as on DVDs.
It records 1440x1080i format onto tapes, and uses the 1.33 aspect ratio on playback to fill a 1920x1080 HiDef monitor screen. (stretches it out slightly horizontally to fill the screen).

AVCHD uses MPEG-4 format, which is newer than MPEG-2.
It records into true 1920x1080 format, so it's a 1:1 ratio on playback.

MPEG-4 at the same bitrate as MPEG-2 can produce better images, theoretically, but every single Japanese consumer magazine review of the current (5/2007) AVCHD camcorders vs. the HDV camcorders finds... that the Canon HV10/20 series are among the very best out there, beating everything except the very latest Panasonic AVCHD flash drive, 3CCD, 1920x1080 camcorder that just came out (which has similar image quality as the HV10/20 series).

Thus, for now, there is no advantage of the AVCHD format for consumers image wise because HDV produces similar quality.

Also, playback of MPEG-2 HDV video takes far less computer power than MPEG-4 AVCHD playback. Try playing AVCHD on a 3Ghz P4 and you'll find it stuttering and praying it can keep up! (ie. on a computer that's not that old at all) HDV video has no trouble at all playing on a 3Ghz P4. Thus, AVCHD forces users to buy a new dual to 8 core PC just to edit, playback, view their videos w/o stuttering full-screen! (and I've tested quite a bit -- you can too! Download and try playing HDV vs AVCHD raw full screen videos. Nero Showtime, QuickTime, Windows Media Player, Media Player CLassic, etc. all can't make the AVCHD play smoothly on recent, older computers; HDV plays fine.)

* Editing

Oh, thankfully, the HV10 is NOT a AVCHD MPEG-4 camcorder! Why?
Because=== not one ===major video editing program today supports AVCHD video editing! Not Final Cut Pro, not Premiere, not Vegas Video, not Avid, etc!!!!

Thankfully, all of them support HDV MPEG-2 video editing, so unlike the sorry AVCHD camcorder buyers who can't make edits, HV10/HV20 owners can.

Videos drop right into Sony Vegas Video 7 w/o a problem, load up just like any regular DV video, and effects/edits happen just as smoothly! The workflow is identical for capture, editing and output, so it's a very, very smooth transition over to HDV.

(Vegas Video and it's counterparts from Sony are very nice editors to use. They've got lower end software for $100 that'll work nicely.)

Also, keep in mind that HDV requires less processor power to decode/encode vs AVCHD, so doing renders of the final edited video is faster using HDV source video vs. AVCHD.

* TV Output
Stunningly crisp. Honestly can't see why I'd even need HDMI, and composite/RCA does just fine for viewing the videos on HiDef & regular TVs. This is the stuff that you'd typically see off HiDef broadcasts, and you've just brought it home after buying the HV10!

* Reliable, FAAAST autofocus!
The dual AF (probably using infrared active focusing in addition to passive AF) is the best invention since swiss cheese! Beats the other camcorders on the market by far!!! Locks onto subjects in <1 second if not faster all the time, and it's really, really nice and reliable. No more annoying hunting or waiting for AF to lock like I used to worry about on my older camcorders.
Nothing is perfect, so you will still have the rare hunting/AF problem, but otherwise, I can't find anything better on the market from Sony, Panasonic, etc. No worries for me at all here=)

* Daylight viewable LCD panel
No LCD panel will retain the 100% quality under the harshest direct outdoor summer sunlight, but this panel does a darn good job indoors and out. You can always see something on the panel, and it works good for me. I'm not squinting or turning at all to see what's on the screen, so it's a nice panel.
Indoors, it's simply juicy colorful and playing back videos and photos look better than on my Sony T9 camera's screen!

---

So that said, the HV10 is well worth the $800 or so it's going for today (5/2007), and money well spent for anyone looking to buy the best available compact HiDef camcorder today. Other camcorders may have marginally better image quality (that Panasonic 3CCD 1920x1080p camcorder that just came out), but they certainly don't produce more than 1/2 a star on any Japnese consumer ranking, nor do they have the compact size and shape (and the Panasonic's LCD screen, AF reliability, and weight are just horrible vs. the Canon HV10). I had time to sit and play with all of the latest and greatest this week in Akihabara, and I still couldn't find anything better in a compact HiDef camcorder than my HV10 released last year. That's how good it is!
The only thing that'll beat a HV10? It's replacement, which I suspect will be out closer to Christmas this year (since most makers are on a twice-yearly or once a year release schedule for camcorders).

158 of 166 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Travel & Casual Use Video Camera, October 7, 2006

By	P. Vu (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Positives:
Works fast -- power off-on time, record start, autofocus are all very fast. Great white balance in daylight/well-lit situations -- better than the Sony FX1 and HC3. Excellent resolution and contrast. Unbelievably small size makes traveling easy -- you will end up taking the video camera everywhere with you instead of leaving it behind. Allows Contrast, Sharpness, Brightness, and Color Saturation picture adjustments to suit your style of video that is not available on the Sony HC3 (closest competing model that I compared with). Great automatic mode that will decrease the shutter speed to 1/30th of a second in order to improve low light video (great feature because it saves the user from having to go into semi-manual mode in order to get decent low-light footage). The Super Optical Stabilization works better than in most cameras, considering the small size/vertical orientation of the camcorder. Built-in light definitely improves picture quality when filming casual footage of friends/family -- without it, you would not see anything.

Negatives:
Slightly difficult to hold for those with large hands. Buttons are too small. Very Low light video is not just grainy and noisy, but has vertical bands in it also. Colors may appear more muted than on a 3CCD camcorder if the subject is not well-lit. White balance in low-light is poor, video quality improves significantly if manual white balance is used in those situations.

I also own a Sony HDR-FX1 HDV Video Camera and used that as a reasonable basis of comparison.

73 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent product with Canon Image quality, November 19, 2006

By	Max J. Pucher (Zug Switzerland) - See all my reviews

My place looks like a video store ... ;-)
I own several Sony HDV camcorders including the HC1 and the FX1 which are both excellent products. For photography I have however switched some time ago to Canon because of the color quality and use a EOS1 and Rebel XTI. When the HV10 came out I decided to give Canon a swirl on HD video. I was not disappointed. Canon has the edge (potentially a subtle one) on color reality on Sony. The resolution of the HV10 is actually higher.

I prefer the HV10 in terms of picture quality to the Sony HC1. Both cant match the FX1 in low light conditions because of the 3 CCDs. The HV10 is substantially smaller and easier to use. If the use of a wide-angle converter also produces the annoying darkened corners as on the HC1 I will still have to see. I recommend the use of the larger battery pack as the cute small one does not last one hour. Sony is much better there and always was.

PC editing hints for HD:
Dont forget that HD needs a dual-core processor for editing and enormous disk space. Get a few external USB 2.0 disks rather than storing to DVDs. Rather than big disks with extra power supplies I only use several USB bus powered disks. Reading from the one and editing to another disk gives you better performance.