I trust you all! :) Need recommendation!

[Ken Jarstad]

The HV30, as with almost all consumer-grade camcorders, has poor low-light capability compared to 1/3" 3-chip prosumer cams. In good lighting, the HV30 shoots absolutely beautiful video.

Last December I used my HV20 to video a skit in our church basement. They turned out all the lights and then used a hand-held, high intensity, rectangular shop light for the skit. The black areas in the HV20 have been described as "tight-grained" and therefore video noise is practically unnoticable. I have to say the reports on these camcorders are true. The high black to white contrast and great areas of black were not only acceptable - they were gorgeous! I'll bet these Canons give the prosumer units a good run for the money.

[Ted]

Jack, as always, I appreciate your going the extra mile!

Do you know of a good LCD hood? Or does the HV30 have a viewfinder and I won't need a hood for the LCD (for outside recording)?

Also, the battery you suggested... some reviews say it gets in the way of the HV20 viewfinder... I wonder if it would also hinder the HV30's viewfinder?

Also, you suggest a wide-angle... do you happen to know of anyplace on the web where I might see the difference between a wide-angle shot and a regular shot? (I'm a visual person I reckon! LOL)

I think I also need to get a filter and lens cap (if they make lens caps for the HV30)

Thanks again!

[Ted]

Along the lines of batteries,

what do you good folks think about this deal...

http://sterlingtek.com/twocanbeq.html

I've heard good things about Sterlingtek.

[jackfalbey]

Ted,

This should fit the HV30's LCD: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1 ... _Hood.html. The HV30 does have a viewfinder, but I find it much easier to use the LCD.

I don't know anything about SterlingTek batteries, but B&H carries Impact brand batteries and they are proven to be reliable on the HV30. The 2l14 is $35 and the 2l22 is $50. I get around 3 hours from the 2l22.

You can see wide-angle examples here: http://raynox.co.jp/comparison/video/co ... cr-6600pro
Raynox is a "discount" Chinese lens manufacturer, but the quality of their optics is surprisingly good. An extensive series of tests was conducted by some guys at hv20.com and the conclusion was that the Raynox 6600-series blew away the other brands. BTW, the "6600" is all that matters; Raynox's various letter designations just indicate a difference in exterior finish... the inner optics are identical. And you don't want to buy the 43mm lens even though it's a perfect fit for the HV30, because it causes vignetting. You'll want to buy a bigger size (I use the 58mm with a 43-58mm step-up ring) so you'll have a larger "sweet spot" when zooming through.

This UV filter will fit, and protect the lens and built-in lens hood: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/7 ... Glass.html

[Ted]

Thanks, Jack!

Here's a wishlist I created at B&H... let me know what you think.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/WishList/1B2F4736F6&BI=28

Sadly, the stock hood is out of stock. I have it so they'll notify me when it comes back in stock...but I'd hate to wait until it arrives to order the rest of the items...but then again I don't want to have to pay additional shipping.

I may check some local camera stores for that item.

Thanks again!

[jackfalbey]

Looks good, Ted, but you'll need one of these to mount the wide-angle lens to the camcorder: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... _43mm.html

[Ted]

Ah, yes... I had forgotten about the step-up. Thanks.

Any alternative to the stock hood? They're out of stock and I'm wondering if you know of out sites that may carry it.

Thanks again!

[VernonRobinson]

Along the lines of batteries,

what do you good folks think about this deal...

http://sterlingtek.com/twocanbeq.html

I've heard good things about Sterlingtek.

Sterlingtek has a great reputation. I use them in my Canon 30D. They work wonders at a fraction of what Canon wanted. Two thumbs up.

-Vernon

[Ted]

Hello Vernon,

Thanks for the affirmation about SterlingTek. You're right...their prices can't be beat!

I will probably lean towards them.

I am always nervous about hearing horror stories about purchasing non-Canon (is the correct term non-OEM?) batteries...for fear of them exploding.

But I'm guessing that's from companies who perhaps aren't the best at what they do.

[jackfalbey]

If Vernon approves of SterlingTek, that's good enough for me. Impact also has a great reputation with Canon camcorders, so either one would be a great choice.

B&H does have another brand of lens hood in stock http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1 ... ubber.html, but it's basically the same thing except more expensive. It's up to you if you want to wait or not...

[Ted]

Thanks for the link, Jack!

I thought about waiting, but then I won't be able to use the wide-angle lens if I wait...

I may also ask around at a local Ritz camera store...

Again, my thanks!

[jackfalbey]

If you will be using the wide-angle most of the time, you really won't need the 43mm lens hood since you'll have the Cavision LH-77 in place instead.

I would recommend adding a 72mm UV filter to the front of your Raynox 6600 to protect the glass from scratches and other damage...

[Ted]

If you will be using the wide-angle most of the time, you really won't need the 43mm lens hood since you'll have the Cavision LH-77 in place instead.

I would recommend adding a 72mm UV filter to the front of your Raynox 6600 to protect the glass from scratches and other damage...

Not sure if I'll always keep the wide-angle on...do most people keep them on?

What do you think about this 72 mm UV filter?


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1 ... ilter.html

It's the least expensive I can find on B&H.

[Bobby]

Filter: I usually use Hoya and have had good success with them. A little more than that generic brand, but who knows? The Hoya 72 is $31.50. You can also get the Canon brand for little more than that generic ($25), but I don't think that would necessarily be any better.

Bob

[jackfalbey]

Tiffen is a good brand as well...

The wide-angle is great when shooting subjects closer than 25 feet, or when shooting landscapes. You'll have to play with it and see when it works for your shooting style. I almost always have mine on.