Digital Photography

Canon HV30: A CLOSER LOOK

The Canon HV30 is the replacement model for the much celebrated HV20, winner of our 2007 Camcorder of the Year award, along with three other awards. 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.

Canon also realize that tape-based (HDV) high definition camcorders are on their last legs. HDD and solid state memory are taking precedence, and it wouldn't be surprising if this is the last time their consumer HDV line receives any significant upgrades. The real question is this: should you hunt for a cheap HV20, or for the slightly improved HV30, or ditch tape altogether and move onto non-linear media?

The Front

Since the HV30 is essentially an HV20 after a bath in glossy black paint, you can expect the same architecture up front.

The lens has a 43mm filter diameter to accommodate that killer fish-eye or telephoto lens. An automatic lens enclosure engages when the HV30 is turned on or off, but don't stick your fingers near the lens unless you know what you're doing-the inner mechanics are frail and will not appreciate rowdy handling.
To the left of the lens is a vertical panel containing a built-in flash, Instant AF sensor, and LED video light. Don't expect the most even lighting when using the flash-its off-center placement may cast a slight shadow on the subject. Also, the video light is not as strong as some Panasonic video lights we've seen in the past. You can expect the power of a penlight keychain, and that's about it.

The Right Side

The right side of the HV30 is one big slab of tape hatch. Remember how the HV20 looked remarkably similar to last year's Sony HDR-HC7? Well, the HV30 and recently announced Sony HDR-HC9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1128.56) are almost identical twins from this angle. Like the HV20, the HV30's tape hatch responds rapidly, saving you precious seconds at Six Flags.

Toward the rear you'll find two switches-the Auto/P mode switch and the Tape/Memory Card switch. These controls are on the small side and difficult to access. Toward the lens end is a rugged plastic port enclosure that houses the Mic, AV/Headphone, and Component-out jacks. Be sure to configure the AV jack correctly before using headphones, or else a Hell's Chorus of feedback will bombard your ears.

The HV30's hand strap is no match for the HDR-HC9's. It lacks adequate padding, is constructed of a synthetic plastic, and is anchored too low on the camcorder. Therefore, the HV30 will have a tendency to flop to the side at an odd angle unless you tighten the hand strap to the nines. The HDR-HC9's hand strap is constructed of a breathable mesh material and cushy padding-the difference is substantial, especially on a 99 degree July day.

The Back

This angle really exposes the HV30's stout, rotund backside. The first item on the menu is, of course, the deplorable viewfinder. Canon couldn't have amended this grave fault by adding the ability to pivot up or extend outward? Shooters are stuck burying their faces in the unforgiving hard plastic. Maybe the next HV model will be the lucky one. The dioptric adjuster is located on the bottom lip.

Below the viewfinder is the battery chamber, which houses the included BP-2L24H rechargeable battery. Canon tunneled deep into the frame to accommodate larger packs and slim down the backside, which is a plus. Though even sitting flush with the back end, the battery is millimeters away from the viewfinder, which is an unfortunate design flaw. To the right of the battery is a rubberized vertical panel shrouding the FireWire and HDMI terminals. The port cover is burly, but hard to snap back into place. The DC-in terminal sits just below.

To the far right, starting from the top, is the easily accessible Mode Dial. Next in line is the rear-mounted joystick, tip from Panasonic that has been serving Canon well for the last couple of years. On the downside, the HV30's Joystick is a bit malnourished and finicky. The alien-like Record Start/Stop button accompanies the Function button bene ath the Joystick. Both are easy to reach and the Function button is especially convenient for on-the-fly adjustments.