What’s Inside the Canon Vixia HF20?
What makes Canon Vixia HF20 work so well? When it comes to the Canon name, you know that it’s quality through and through. Its hardware puts the other brands to shame. If you look at its connectivity, you will find that it is just as good. Unlike the older models of bulky camcorders, its sensor size is down to a 1/4-inch CMOS chip. This camera is truly unique because it doesn’t come with the oversized imaging equipment. All thanks to the Digic DV III processing, the inner mechanisms that enhance video performance, your output will be impressive. The Vixia performs at a bitrate of 24Mbps.
With the HF20, you won’t even need a substantial sensor to beat the competition. The Vixia has the ability to record full 1920 x 1080 high-definition video to 32GB of internal flash memory and SDHC cards as well. The video is interlaced so this means that you can record 30 frames of horizontal lines and another 30 frames of staggered horizontal lines that will be meshed and combined so you get videos at 60fps.
When you zoom in on specific subjects, it has a 15x optical zoom. Looking at its size, this is actually quite impressive. In fact, this is what makes the Vixia distinctive and different from the rest. Moreover, the Optical Image Stabilization performs remarkably well even when you use its zoom abilities to its maximum level. Look at the ports on the side because you see the standard plus the hot shoe and mic jack.
The Hardware and Connectivity
The Canon Vixia HF20’s hardware is top-notch. The connectivity is equally impressive. Canon successfully lessened the camcorder’s sensor size down to a 1/4-inch CMOS chip. This is actually what makes the camera unique because most other brands come with oversized imaging equipment. What makes Canon successful at this is the Digic DV III processing. The inner mechanisms enhance its video performance so that you get the best output. Another thing that also helped is the 24Mbps max bitrate.
There’s a certain magic to the HF20 and you can be sure that Canon will continue to deliver. With it, you won’t even need a massive sensor to be the best in the HD market. The Vixia is able to record full 1920 x 1080 high-definition video to 32GB of internal flash memory and SDHC cards as well. The video is interlaced. This means that you can record 30 frames of horizontal lines and another 30 frames of staggered horizontal lines. When meshed and combined, you get videos at 60fps.
When honing in on your subjects, it has a 15x optical zoom. When you look at its size, this is actually quite impressive. The video quality cannot be matched by the others out there. Moreover, the Optical Image Stabilization performs impressively well even when you access its full zoom.
With the ports available, the Vixia comes with the standard set that includes HDMI, Component, and USB. There’s also the hot shoe and mic jack. You can now mount the Vixia with an external shotgun mic. Simply amazing!
The Shooting Features
Despite its small size, the Canon Vixia HF20 still packs in a variety of wonderful image controls and modes. For those who consider themselves technologically inept, Canon will be easy to figure out and control. You will definitely feel more in control when you know you can maneuver your way easily within the menu system.
Look at the frame rates as well. No other brand offers three different rates on its HD camcorders. Aside from multiple frame rates, you also get to enjoy the independent shutter control. Then, you also get the Aperture control because the Vixia HF20 has an f/1.8 to f/8.0 range. When you look at its options, the white balance choices are plentiful. Nonetheless, the auto setting does a good enough job for those who want to shoot quickly and efficiently. It is able to focus on subjects seamlessly because you get the Focus Assist function. This means that the image is magnified within the entire LCD instead of just seeing it in a tiny box in the middle.
Canon is never short of amazing capabilities. Even the color options are plentiful and impressive. The Vixia HF20′s range of palettes supplemented by Cine Mode is sure to perform at its finest. When you access the Art Mode, you will be able to create a poster-like feel to your video clips. With its ability to capture still images at an amazing rate, you will be happy with what you see every time. Get the latest from Canon and you are sure to be pleased with your purchase.
The Menu Options
When you want the best interface and menu options, look no further than the Canon Vixia HF20. It is unbeatable and will remain to be. You know that Canon continues to make its loyal clients happy with what they offer. To start things off, you get an impressive 2.7-inch LCD to make sure everything is seen clearly and accurately. It’s definitely HD quality with the 211,000-pixel resolution. You get sharp pictures and crisp sounds. Indeed something to consider! When you are taking pictures and videos under the sun, it does a great job in redirecting glare so you can view you’re your shots at extreme angles.
The panel on its body offers a strip of large buttons so that you won’t have a hard time toggling between the 2 modes: Camera and Playback. Canon also comes with the increasingly popular joystick, a sort of tribute to the past. This means that you will be able to quickly and accurately take control of things in the middle of shooting. It also comes with the latest wave of menu systems that will impress you to no end. The graphics are smooth because the options are presented to you in an intuitive and easy-to-access arrangement. Look over its functions, and you will see myriad of useful options. See the shooting mode, image effects, and white balance control available for you. Do what you want with just a press of a button. Play back what you took and you will see that you are getting exactly what you want. Things just can’t get any better than this.
The Interface and Menu
The interface and menu on the Canon Vixia HF20 is considered to be one of the best. To start with, an impressive 2.7-inch LCD assures that you see everything clearly and accurately. Plus, the 211,000-pixel resolution provides a very sharp picture. This is definitely HD quality! When you are taking pictures and videos under the sun, it does its job in deflecting glare so you can view you’re your shots at extreme angles.
The panel offers a strip of large buttons so that you won’t have difficulty toggling between Camera and Playback modes. Because many products now feature the much-loved joystick, Canon also does the same thing. This means that you will be able to quickly and accurately take control of things. It also comes with the latest wave of menu systems. This is the best in its industry so far. You will see that the graphics are smooth because the options are presented to you in an intuitive and easy-to-access arrangement. Take a look at its functions, and you will see myriad of useful options. See the shooting mode, image effects and white balance control available for you with just the touch of your hands.
The main menu is the best in the HF20’s interface and is consisted of administrative options. Playing back the reel and looking at what you did will be excellent because you just can’t see anything better out there. Finding your way around it will be simple and fun because everything has been laid out for you to access easily.