Canon HV30 / HV30E Expert Reviews

alaTest has collected and analyzed 298 reviews from magazines and websites. Reviewers really like the control panel. The connectivity also impresses, but many are less positive about the design.

Control panel, Connectivity, Color, Image

Design, Battery, Viewfinder, Interface

Experts rate this product 82/100 and users 86/100. We analyzed these ratings, the product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders, the Canon HV30 / HV30E is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 96/100 = Excellent quality.

Don't look for any great advances here: the Canon Vixia HV30 is a very minor upgrade from the admittedly top-notch HV20. It has a sleeker-looking black body, introduces 30p progressive mode, and supports the high-capacity BP-2L24H lithium ion battery, ...

Tape housing feels a bit flimsy ; fixed eye-level viewfinder needs a better eye cup ; manual focus dial a bit loose

Of the camcorders we've recently reviewed, there is only one whose image quality can rival our Editors' Choice Sony HDR-SR11 Handycam, and it's the Canon Vixia HV30 ($899 direct). So why doesn't Canon merit our coveted award? Operating a tape-based ...

Excellent video quality. Good sound quality. Option to record in 24 progressive frames per second to create a film-like effect

Menus and backup can be a drag. Video-editing software is not included

The Canon Vixia HV30 delivers excellent video quality, though recording video to miniDV tape feels low-tech and slows down your operation.

Canon's tape-based Vixia HV30 camcorder ($1000 as of September 28, 2008) combines the aging medium with modern image processing to lay good-looking HDV video onto inexpensive MiniDV tapes.

Easy to archive and edit HDV footage Bright, colorful video quality

Bulky compared to tapeless camcorders Nonstandard accessory shoe

Unlike tapeless AVCHD camcorders, the HV30 moves HDV content linearly via FireWire instead of USB. Though not as slick as the random-access transfers on AVCHD models, the HV30's approach works with less-robust computers and a greater number of Windows ...

The HV30 is a good camera. It captures really good images for its category. And, even though it isn't tiny, it will fit nicely in a small bag or even an oversized coat pocket

Excellent image quality Lots of manual controls Good price for the feature set

Not very ergonomic Mic picks up vibration

Pretty pictures and good flexibility. Great consumer camera.

The dramatic Canon VIXIA HV30 incorporates advanced features to bring knowledgeable and demanding videographers the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality. The VIXIA HV30 is...

In a world where consumer Mini DV camcorders are being phased out, the HV30 is easily a top choice. The camcorder's impressive feature set and superb video quality should cater to both advanced and amateur video makers.

Shoots stellar high-definition video with vividly accurate colors, smooth motion ; includes microphone jack and accessory shoe ; user friendly

Awkward design makes for clumsy handling ; still images are slightly noisy

The camcorder is well designed, for the most part. The HV30's four-directional joystick is sturdy and sensitive, making it easy to navigate through the settings menu with your thumb. A convenient plastic cover protects the HV30's Firewire and HDMI ...

In a world where consumer Mini DV camcorders are being phased out, the HV30 is easily a top choice. The camcorder's impressive feature set and superb video quality should cater to both advanced and amateur video makers.

Canon's VIXIA HV30 is the latest HD video camcorder offered by Canon corp. While the Sony's new Sony HDR-TG1 is expensive luxury amateur camcorder, HV30 is a powerful tool designated for those who like to take full control over recorder material. As ...