High Definition Video on Hard Disk Drive

Among their latest products is the Canon VIXIA HG20 Hard Disk Drive Camcorder. It combines the ease of recording video directly onto an internal Hard Disk Drive with the advanced AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format. Its 60GB Hard Disk Drive allows you to record up to 22 hours and 55 minutes of crisp, high definition video (LP Mode). It also is a dual system camcorder, with the capability of also recording video and still images to an SDHC card as well.

The VIXIA HG20 boasts 1920 x 1080 Full HD, and has a CODEC capable of recording 24Mbps -- the highest AVCHD bitrate --through Canon's own Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. Other exclusives are a new Genuine Canon 12x HD video lens, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant AutoFocus and a host of other advanced features including an HDMI™ Connector. Enhanced and simplified controls give you more choices and easier operation. Remarkable image reproduction and advanced features are yours in this compact AVCHD Format Hard Disk Drive camcorder which easily goes along with you, wherever you are, to capture those unforgettable moments in life- in true HD.

Key Features

60GB Hard Disk Drive

The VIXIA HG20 captures 1920 x 1080 high definition resolution video directly to a large capacity 60GB Hard Disk Drive. Hard Disk Drive recording is an especially convenient format if you plan to transfer your video to a computer for viewing, editing or sharing. It also has the added benefit of taking away any worries about not having enough recording media with you, so you're more likely to be able to capture all those future memories as they happen. With LP mode, while recording 1440 x 1080 resolution video you'll be able to record up to an astonishing 45 hours and 15 minutes of video. In addition, the VIXIA HG20 can record in MXP mode at 1920 x 1080 resolution. This gives the highest quality 24Mbps recording, with a full 11 hours and 5 minutes of superb video.

Hard Disk Drive recording also delivers true random-access play. It lets you view the scene you select instantly. You'll also have no fear of accidentally recording over footage you've already shot. Like a computer, the VIXIA HG20 automatically searches for blank space on the drive onto which to record. It's simple to delete unwanted footage and you can record as the action unfolds without worry.

	1920 x 1080 recording		1440 x 1080 recording
Memory capacity	MXP (app. 24 Mbps)	FXP (app. 17 Mbps)	XP+ (app. 12 Mbps)	SP (app. 7 Mbps)	LP (app. 5 Mbps)
HDD: 60GB	5 hours 30 min.	7 hours 50 min.	10 hours 50 min.	18 hours	22 hours 55 min.

Record HD Video Directly to SDHC Memory Cards

The VIXIA HG20 allows you to capture video to the camcorder's internal 60GB Hard Disk Drive as well as directly to an SDHC memory card.

Video stored on the internal memory can also be copied onto the memory card which can then be inserted into your computer or HDTV's card reader slot for immediate viewing. It is also possible to transfer video and still images recorded to the SDHC card to the internal Hard Disk Drive.

 

 

	1920 x 1080 recording		1440 x 1080 recording
Memory capacity	MXP (app. 24 Mbps)	FXP (app. 17 Mbps)	XP+ (app. 12 Mbps)	SP (app. 7 Mbps)	LP (app. 5 Mbps)
2 GB	10 min.	15 min.	20 min.	35 min.	45 min.
4 GB	20 min.	30 min.	40 min.	1 hour 10 min.	1 hour 30 min.
8 GB	40 min.	1 hour	1 hour 25 min.	2 hours 20 min.	3 hours
16 GB	1 hour 25 min.	2 hours 5 min.	2 hours 50 min.	4 hours 45 min.	6 hours 5 min.
32 GB	2 hours 55 min.	4 hours 10 min.	5 hours 45 min.	9 hours 35 min.	12 hours 15 min.
* 1920 x 1080 movie recording requires a Class 4 or higher memory card. For other recording formats, a Class 2 or higher card is recommended. Also, movie recording requires cards with 128MB of memory or more. Cards made by Toshiba, SanDisk or Matsushita are recommended. No particular restrictions apply for still images.

Genuine Canon 12x HD Video Lens

The VIXIA HG20 comes with an outstanding High Definition video lens - a Genuine Canon 12x HD lens. It's the tool 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 three pre-set zoom speeds, you always get smooth, steady, professional-looking zoom shots.

Super Spectra Coating technology results in images with minimal flare and ghosting. Plus, the lens' aspheric design reduces aberration and increases resolution, ensuring crisp, sharp video and enhancing the HD image quality. Not only that, but a gradation neutral density (ND) system gives you better exposures in bright shooting situations. In addition, for those times when you need to get a particular shot from a very long distance, this flexible lens also has a 200x digital zoom.

Canon Exclusive: 3.3 Megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor

The VIXIA HG20 captures 1920 x 1080 high definition video through its Canon designed and manufactured 1/3.2-inch 3.31 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor, similar to the CMOS image sensors in Canon's EOS Series Digital SLR cameras. The VIXIA HG20's CMOS image sensor provides high color resolution and advanced color reproduction for 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.

The VIXIA HG20 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter with Bayer Placement Pattern 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 3CCD camcorders. In addition, the Bayer Placement Pattern delivers sharp high definition images with true-to-life color reproduction. As an added benefit, the CMOS sensor provides outstanding image capture in low light conditions.

 

 

Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV II Image Processor

The DIGIC DV II Image Processor is just another one of Canon's advanced technologies that make the VIXIA HG20 an exceptional performer. Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the VIXIA HG20 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 with crystal clear audio.

Plus, DIGIC DV II features improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the VIXIA HG20. You can shoot five (3.1 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.

 

1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording

The VIXIA HG20 delivers 1920 x 1080 Full HD, from capture to recording to playback, thanks to Canon's own 3.3 Megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor, combined with the Genuine Canon 12x HD video lens and DIGIC DV II Image Processor. They ensure that the VIXIA HG20 will not only capture video in Full HD, it will record Full HD. It delivers superb, high quality, high definition video with vibrant color, crisp contrast and great detail- what you expect from Canon HD. You can also burn your HD video onto DVDs which play in AVCHD compatible Blu-ray disc players for the full home theater experience.*

Canon Exclusive: SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization

The high-resolution images of high definition video demand a steady hand. It's easier to get those clear, steady images with the VIXIA HG20, thanks to Canon's innovative SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization. It 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 SuperRange 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 handheld recording; and the slower motion of body sway. No matter what you're recording and how you're recording it, the VIXIA HG20's stabilization design corrects camcorder shake instantly. SuperRange OIS also delivers steady images when shooting at long focal lengths.

Canon Exclusive: Instant AF

Another critical objective when shooting in high definition is achieving a very sharp focus. The VIXIA HG20 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary Instant AF auto focusing system which offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional auto focus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's auto focus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." The benefits of Instant AF are especially seen in high brightness and night shooting situations. With Instant AF, it's possible to capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.

24p Cinema Mode

The VIXIA HG20 offers you more choices than ever before in selectable frame rates. You can choose between 60i, 30p and 24p to achieve just the look you want.

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 HG20's CINE setting, 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.

30p Progressive Mode

This is a unique feature that only Canon offers in the consumer camcorder market*. You would otherwise have to look to professional video cameras in order to have this sophisticated tool at your command. In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the VIXIA HG20 to capture video in 30p (30 progressive frames, recorded at 60i) which is particularly useful for footage to be used on the Internet. In addition, this setting gives enhanced quality to still images captured after recording. It's also excellent for action shots and sports.

Canon Exclusive: 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD

The 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD and the .27" EVF on the VIXIA HG20 let you see more of what your camcorder is recording. Using a hard coat Anti-Reflective surface and improved color reproduction, the scene in the LCD is more accurate to what you're capturing in the camcorder. An added benefit of this Canon Exclusive is the wider range of viewing angle possible with this new LCD screen. With less glare and deeper contrasts, a group of people can gather around it, seeing the image displayed more clearly than ever before.

Joystick Control

The joystick makes using the VIXIA HG20 camcorder easier than ever. Extra buttons have been eliminated, allowing you to access many functions from one convenient place. The joystick lets you control play, stop, fast forward and rewind functions during playback. Conveniently placed on the LCD panel area, it also controls exposure lock and exposure compensation during recording.

Variable Zoom Speed Lever

Another sure sign of amateur video is the unsteady zoom shot. But with the VIXIA HG20's zoom control lever, you can select one of three pre-set zoom speeds for smooth, steady, professional looking zooms. In addition, the zoom lever gives far greater control over your zoom than is possible with a traditional rocker switch.

Focus Assist Function

The image quality of high definition demands a properly focused subject. The Focus Assist feature on the VIXIA HG20 gives you sharp focus by zooming into your image to let you focus on a close up of your subject. It's the way professional videographers and photographers work manually. A Peaking function also helps, by emphasizing image contours. You can also use the Enlargement function to see your subject more clearly while composing your shot.

Level and Grid Markers

With the Level Marker feature, it's easy to keep your camera level for more professional looking video. 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 VIXIA HG20'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 is.

Quick Start

Never miss a quickly unfolding shot again. Push the Quick Start button between shots - it places the VIXIA HG20 in standby mode. When the action starts, push the Quick Start button again to begin recording in less than one second. You'll also help extend your battery life compared with leaving the camcorder in regular recording mode.

Low Light Performance

By increasing the sensitivity of the VIXIA HG20's HD CMOS image sensor and using improved fixed-pattern "noise" reduction technology, you can now shoot clearer, sharper video at very low light levels. When taken with a 1/30 sec. slow shutter, subjects can be shot at light levels as low as just 3 Lux. You won't be afraid to shoot indoors or in poorly lit outdoor locations again.

Program AE Mode

For the best exposure for various situations, the VIXIA HG20's Program AE mode will automatically adjust the settings to compensate for the conditions and subject. Choose from Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight and Fireworks. You won't have to guess if you're capturing all the action just the way you want it because the VIXIA HG20 will do it for you.

Built-in Electronic Lens Cover

Never worry about a lost lens cover or one that gets in your way when shooting. The built-in electronic lens cover on the VIXIA HG20 automatically opens when you turn the camcorder on and closes when you turn it off.

Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal

Shoot video like the professionals do, with the accessories that give you the best in audio and lighting. The VIXIA HG20's Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe provides the power for Canon optional accessories, such as the VL-5 accessory video light, or DM-100 directional stereo microphone- the things you need to bring your video to the next level.

Intelligent Lithium-ion Battery

The Intelligent Lithium-ion battery which powers the VIXIA HG20 is a major advance. It not only more accurately tracks remaining battery life, it also gives a display in minutes remaining. It will allow you to better plan your shooting, so you won't be caught out with a battery that suddenly goes from "half" to "empty." It is especially useful thanks to the long recording time capability of the VIXIA HG20- you'll be able to take full advantage of it and not miss any of the action you want to capture.

Simultaneous Photo Recording

With the VIXIA HG20, 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 email-ready digital photo to share with friends and family.

Built-in Flash

Your VIXIA HG20's built-in flash lets you capture superb photos indoors and in low light conditions. The VIXIA HG20 also features red-eye reduction.