Best Reviewed
HD Camcorders
- Best pocket HD camcorder Samsung HMX-W200 *Est. $145
- Best HD camcorder overall Canon Vixia HF G10 *Est. $1400
- Best budget HD camcorder Canon Vixia HF M40 *Est. $475
- 3D-capable camcorder Panasonic HDC-TM900 *Est. $990
Get info about new reports and updates
- Best video quality among all types of HD camcorders
- Easy to use and hold
- Allows for precise frame-by-frame editing
- Uses tapes
- A bit heavy
- One-hour recording time per tape
For stunning HD video, experts and users say you can't top the Canon Vixia HV30 -- but you will sacrifice some convenience. The HV30 delivers nearly pro-quality video because it records to tape in the older HDV format. That's also where the inconvenience comes in: Recording time is relatively short (about one hour per tape); you have to hook up the camcorder to your TV to play the tapes, and transferring video to a computer for editing is slow. The newer AVCHD-format camcorders don't have those problems, and testers find that a few of them are finally catching up to the HV30's video quality. Still, critics say that the video quality of the Canon Vixia HV30 is terrific, and that the tapes allow for total, frame-by-frame editing control, which is not yet available in AVCHD.
CamcorderInfo.com offers the definitive review of the Canon Vixia HV30, thoroughly testing every feature and comparing the camcorder with its closest competitors. The test at TrustedReviews.com, a British site, is nearly as thorough. Reviews at CNET and Laptop Magazine cover the important points about the Canon HV30 in a more concise way. Macworld's review is useful, even for non-Mac users, and Amazon.com is a good place to find out how owners like it.
| Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom | |
(112 reviews) In Stock. |
|
Our Sources
In this exhaustive multipage review, CamcorderInfo.com tests every aspect of the Canon Vixia HV30, comparing it directly with four of its closest competitors. The Canon HV30 is praised for its terrific image quality and features.
Review: Canon HV30 Camcorder Review, David Kender, Jan. 28, 2008
2. CNET
CNET's hands-on test concludes with a high rating for the Canon Vixia HV30, citing both its "excellent" video quality and "solid features."
Review: Canon Vixia HV30 Digital Camcorder, Lori Grunin, Feb. 25, 2008
3. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The Canon HV30 is an Editor's Choice at Laptop Magazine. The review is balanced and appropriately critical. Excellent video, features and low-light performance are highlights.
Review: Canon Vixia HV30, Russ Fischer, March 28, 2008
TrustedReviews.com, a British site that reviews a variety of tech products, puts the Canon Vixia HV30 on its Recommended list. "This could be the last great consumer-oriented HDV camcorder we see," editors say.
Review: Canon HV30, James Morris, June 14, 2008
Because Macs still have compatibility problems with some of the new tapeless camcorders, Macworld's brief review of the Canon HV30 (which still records to MiniDV tapes) is particularly helpful for Mac users. Video is "stellar" but handling is called "clumsy."
Review: Review: Canon Vixia HV30, Brian Chen, June 17, 2008
6. Amazon.com
The Canon HV30 averages 4.5 out of five stars from about 100 reviewers. Users largely agree with experts that the HV30 is user-friendly and produces great video. But several users say the built-in microphone picks up a lot of camera noise (some users recommend an external mic), and some find the record button is awkwardly placed.
Review: Canon VIXIA HV30 Camcorder Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com
HD Camcorders Runners Up:
4 picks by top review sites.
4 picks by top review sites.
4 picks including: Amazon.com, CamcorderInfo.com…
3 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
3 picks including: CamcorderInfo.com…
3 picks by top review sites.
3 picks including: Amazon.com, CamcorderInfo.com…
 |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Red (2nd Generation)
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
Sony HDR-TD10 High Definition 3D Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Dark Gray)
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
