Visit our Business Solutions website >>

Canon Optura 20 Mini DV Camcorder

Canon Optura 20 Mini DV Camcorder
alaScore 72

84 reviews

Apr, 2024

alaTest has collected and analyzed 84 reviews of Canon Optura 20 Mini DV Camcorder. The average rating for this product is 3.1/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. People really like the size and price. The usability and image quality are also mentioned favorably. Many are critical about the viewfinder and durability.

portability, image quality, usability, price, size

reliability, durability, viewfinder

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Canon Optura 20 Mini DV Camcorder is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 72/100 = Good quality.

See all Canon Camcorders

Review analysis

(Based on 84 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Showing 84 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

Disclaimer:

Below is a list of reviews for this or similar products. If you think this grouping is wrong please click here to flag.
Read more on our FAQ’s page.
Showing 1 - 81 of 84 Show Reviews: in English

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Canon Optura 20 Mini DV Camcorder

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 71 user reviews of Canon Optura 20 Mini DV Camcorder from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 2.9/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. Reviewers really like the battery and size. The usability and image quality also get good feedback, whereas some have doubts about the durability and reliability. Opinions are divided on the price.

portability, image quality, usability, size, battery

reliability, durability

49% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : Jan Ozer (pcmag.com)

Canon Optura 20

 

For the mini digital camcorders we tested and rated in this roundup, image quality remains the one area where manufacturers still need to do the most work. And it's the single most important factor to consider when buying one. Our Editors' Choice...

Oct, 2003

Expert review by : D. Eric Franks (videomaker.com)

Canon Optura 20 Mini DV Camcorder and S830D Photo Printer Review

 

The gradual and incremental pace of improvements in consumer Mini DV camcorders can mask how far we've come in the last seven years. When we take a step back and look at the state of the industry, we suddenly notice that the quality to price ratio of...

Ergonomic handling, Quality still features, Integrated photo printing

Bottom-loading tape, Default 12-bit audio, Strange 16:9 mode

The 1280x960 resolution is merely adequate for printing still images, but Canon really has a nice option for printing directly from the camera to their S830D printer ($300), which we also tested. The camera connects directly to the printer via a USB...

Aug, 2003

Expert review by : D. Eric Franks (videomaker.com)

Canon Optura 20

 

Ergonomic handling, Quality still features, Integrated photo printing

Bottom-loading tape, Default 12-bit audio, Strange 16:9 mode

Aug, 2003

Consumer review (ciao.com)

Canon Releases Optura 10 and Optura 20 Camcorders

 

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), continues to provide consumers with the highest quality and easy-to-use DV camcorders to help capture life's moments with greater creative flexibility at affordable pricepoints with the...

Good

node

Mar, 2009

Consumer review (epinions.com)

good Video, worst Camera

 

It's video is pretty good: - image quality (from home-use perspective) - ease of use I think its low-light performance is not too good - but the "good ones" aren't much better either. (Sony video claims to work well at 0lux; I have a Sony DFS707 ...

good video

EXTREMELY painful d-camera photo manipulation

Sep, 2004

Consumer review (epinions.com)

A high-end camera for a mid-range price!

 

After having created my first home DVD movie with my Canon Optura 20, I can honestly say that I am extremely pleased with this camera’s incredible value in terms of features, ease of use, feel, and especially the video quality. Although slightly ...

Near-broadcast quality video, ease of use, accessory hot shoe, large LCD, excellent features.

Bottom-loading tape, non-extendable view finder, larger than pocket-size.

Jul, 2004

Consumer review (epinions.com)

Way better than a Sony anything ...

 

After much deliberation I recently decided on the Canon Optura 20 and it has been everything I wanted. I've been pleasantly surprised by many of the features. When I first went exploring the menu, one of the first things I found that ticked the ...

Quality stills, lightweight, BIG SCREEN

No green "nightshot" mode

Jun, 2004

Consumer review (epinions.com)

Canon Optura 20: Easy, Functional, and Fun!

 

After consulting with a few professional video editors, my options in mini-DV land were incredibly diminished. Turns out that Canon and Sony are the two best brands of cameras. However, Canon manages to do the same thing as Sony for $100’s cheaper....

Very simple to use, connect, and "fiddle" with...

The battery could be better, but I know this one is better than most...

Feb, 2004

Consumer review (epinions.com)

PIECE OF JUNK!!!!!!!!! BUY SOMETHING ELSE

 

This camera is a piece of junk, do not buy it. I had 3, yes, 3 defective ones, or maybe Canon just doesn't care about the loud grinding motor noise when recording and during playback. Yes, some cameras have a little motor noise, but this one was ...

NONE

That I trusted Canon as a name and bought it.

Jan, 2004

Consumer review (epinions.com)

Motor noise ruins that great camera !

 

This is a great camera for the price. The visual quality is awesome for a one-chip cam. It has all the bells and whistles you ever gonna need. I particularly like the fact that you can make lots of manual adjustments if you wish (white balance - ...

Great picture, lots of manual settings, comfortable to handle

Motor noise picked up by built in mic ; 16:9 feature useless when shooting

Jan, 2004
1
2

Price comparison for Canon Optura 20 Mini DV Camcorder

No prices for this product