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I'm going to keep this short because there are several longer reviews that you can read.Basically, if you want to get into some cheap indy filmmaking, or just want a good home movie camera, this is the one. You can get some great images with this camera if you know what you're doing.Oh, and 24p. Yes, it's got its flaws, but with some good accessories, you'll be golden.So get this, a Rode VideoMic, a new battery, maybe a lens hood, The DV Rebel's Guide, and you'll be all set. [.]. It shoots in 24p. Get one now.
Further more, while I understand that hard drive recording can be useful, I actually prefer tape, as I can grab inexpensive 3 packs (right here on amazon) and never have to worry about running out. I know that these are no longer on the open market, so my review is simply to explain why I think these are an excellent value on the used market.Bottom line is this - while they keep adding features and improving paper specs, I haven't seen any need to upgrade from my HV20. The feature set is excellent and picture quality is as good as any I've seen on a pro-sumer HD camera. I like to keep my archives available as well (as opposed to re-recording over everything and depending on my computer versions) and don't want to have to worry about dumping to another drive before taking new footage.Frankly, I know that everyone wants the latest and greatest - which this was, not so long ago. My opinion is that if you can grab a reasonably priced HV20 on the used market, you won't be unhappy.
But it doesn't help the motor noise problem. After 2 years with my HV20, I'm splurging on a new SDHC flash drive camera, because of all the HV20 motor noise, which ruins my video sound recordings. I love Canon & my HD video camcorder, and I bought all accessories from Day 1 including the DM-100 directional microphone. It may even be worse with the DM-100, I can't quite tell. If anyone has ideas to solve, please post.
Otherwise, this camera takes great images. The point is, if you are going to buy this camera (or even the HV30), YOU MUST BUY A MICROPHONE.
I went on vacation with it without testing it, and when I got home, I realized how poor the audio really was. I had read here that the built-in mic captured the sound of the tape winding in the camera, but I did NOT think it could possibly be as loud as it was.
I recently bought a refurbished Canon HV20. I just bought the "Azden ECZ-990 Super-Cardioid Shotgun Microphone" after considering some more expensive mics.
Also, often I'd be talking to someone literally two feet in front of the camera, and found people ten feet behind the camera were louder. Anyway, I realized that an external mic was absolutely necessary.
Don't make the mistake I did and doubt the reviews people have already written about how poor the internal mic is, you will be very disappointed with what you get. Low lighting can be a little tricky though.
This is my first refurbished product, the camera looks like new, come with all their accesories, works perfect, I own a SONY HVR-HD1000u and the hv20 blow away the sony, low light is a lot better in the canon and 24p option is a plus for me.The construction is a little bit crappy but the picture quality is stunning.Best Regards.
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