VIXIA HV20 vs HV30

[Ronnie]

I am condering purchasing one of these two camcorders. What features does the HV30 have that the HV20 does not that would interest a hobbiest?

[jackfalbey]

From camcorderinfo.com:

Canon has decided not to mess with a winning formula too much. The small list of upgrades includes a 30fps frame mode (in addition to 24p and 60i), an better zoom toggle, an improved LCD, and a black paint job.

Read the full review here:
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Ca ... 34401.htm#

[Steve Grisetti]

But do note that there are currently a lot of issues capturing the HV30 directly into Premiere Elements at present.

However, if you don't mind capturing with HDVsplit, Premiere Elements should do wonderful things with the captured files!

[Ronnie]

Thanks for your input. The 30p mode sounds kind of neat, but if that is the only performance difference, given the price difference and capture problems, things seem to swing in favor of the HV20,

[jackfalbey]

30p is really only good for internet/computer video. If you're going to be delivering your videos on DVD for playback on a TV, it isn't necessary. On the other hand, the zoom rocker on my HV20 is kind of difficult because it is so small... the HV30's bigger rocker seems to be easier to control the zoom speed, from what I've heard. I don't know if it's worth the price difference though.

[Bobby]

But do note that there are currently a lot of issues capturing the HV30 directly into Premiere Elements at present.

However, if you don't mind capturing with HDVsplit, Premiere Elements should do wonderful things with the captured files!

Steve, I believe the .mt2 is mpeg and the general belief is that PE does not work well with them. Is this format any different, or does PE in fact handle mpeg OK? Just wondering what I am going to be in for in the future when I start editing HD.

I did open one up and it seemed OK, but there were a couple of strange things. One of which - it would not render the timeline, just play it.

Thanks, Bob

[Chuck Engels]

Premiere Pro and Elements both handle the HDV MPEG files just finem, as opposed to SD MPEG formats.
I have imported over 600 clips captured with HDVSplit, all are working just fine in Premiere Pro.

[Bobby]

Premiere Pro and Elements both handle the HDV MPEG files just finem, as opposed to SD MPEG formats.
I have imported over 600 clips captured with HDVSplit, all are working just fine in Premiere Pro.

Great - thanks!

Bob