First Look: Canon VIXIA HV30 HDV Camcorder

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Look what Mr. FedEx decided to deliver today: the brand new Canon VIXIA HV30 HDV camcorder. It has nearly the same internals as the HV20 we reviewed in February, but also has a few new things added to it. We’re a big fan of the new black design, we think it makes the camera look even more prosumer-oriented.

They also improved the zoom slider by enlarging it quite a bit, making it easier to handle. Inside, the HV30 now has the ability to shoot in 30P Progressive Mode. It’s designed to make uploading to sites like YouTube easier, where frame rates are cut down in half to 15fps. The HV30 also supports the Canon BP-2L24H extended battery which is not compatible with the HV30.

The older HV20 is still available for lower prices, which makes the HV30 a so-so upgrade. We expect the same excellent video quality that the HV20 delivered or even better, but we haven’t had the chance to test it out just yet. Keep an eye out for our full review in April.