perfect camcorder with professional advantages

pros: best picture quality with image stabilisation and low light capable and 15 x zoom.

cons: file format is avchd : compressed form that reduce image details. cmos sensor density is low that reduce picture quality comparing to other prof quality camera.

Canaon Vixia HF 20 Complex HD Video Camera

I wanted an HD video camera to record my son's soccer matches and to use when I travel. I have a Blu Ray player and a DVD burner on my computer but no Blu Ray burner, so the idea of playing AVCHD DVDs on my Blu Ray player was appealing.

It took a good deal of effort to figure out how to author those AVCHD DVDs and I found that a little bit frustrating. I first started writing software over 40 years ago, so I consider my self an expert. It took me two days to figure this out. In an effort to help others, I'm including the simplest procedure that enabled me to create an AVCDH DVD on my older Windows XP Pro machine with a DVD writer that would play on my Sony BDP-S560 Blu Ray player.

The procedure below requires downloading two software packages. I make no claims as to whether or not these are virus free or safe to use. I use them with no adverse effects, but each user should make their own decision based on their own judgment and risk tolerance. If you are a complete novice to computing then you probably will need help with the process below. For example, I don't go through the step by step process of how to download and install software or how to copy files from one location to another. The instructions need to be followed carefully and exactly.

To Transfer Video from the Canon Vixia Camcorder to an AVCHD DVD
for playback on a Blu-Ray player.

Software Required:
1. multiAVCHD
2. ImgBurn

Steps to transfer the video and create an AVCHD DVD

1. Plug the camcorder into the computer
a. Plug the camcorder into its power supply
b. Turn on the camcorder
c. Set the camcorder to playback mode
d. Plug the camcorder into the computer using the USB cable

2. Copy the AVCHD folder from the camcorder to the computer

3. Start the multiAVCHD program
a. Click the "AVCHD/BDMV/DVD folders" button
b. Select the AVCHD item that was copied from the camcorder
i. The Title Properties window will open
- Click "No" when it asks if you want to create a slide show
- Wait for multiAVCHD to process the video clips
- A named list will appear; click on it
- Change the default title from AVCHD to something else
- Click the "OK" button in the Title Properties window
c. Set the destination path in the lower left panel
d. Click the Start button
i. The Destination and Playback type window will open
A. Use the pull-down menu in the top section to select Canon Vixia
B. Select the AVCHD Relaxed button
- wait for the encoding to complete

4. Start the ImgBurn program
a. Select Write files/folders to disc
b. Make sure that the "Verify" box is NOT checked
c. Make sure that the "Auto" box is checked
d. Select the folder icon and navigate to the location where
multiAVCHD saved the proceessed AVCHD folder per the destination path
e. Insert a blank DVD into the DVD drive
i. The folder to disk icon will light up when the DVD is ready
f. Click the folder to disk icon to burn the DVD

Very good camcorder, resolution, ease of use, features

I bought this new camcorder from eBay. I am so happy and satisfied. Everything is good about it. It is small size so i can carry it in my pocket..yes really. Resolution is crystal clear, Very easy to use, i can connect it with TV, laptop which is what i wanted. Also it has lot of modes. Also it is not costly like sony.

Great camera

Great Camera/camcorder combo, takes brilliant HD pictures and the same quality with videos. Love everything about it! Highly recommended

Absoulity the Best!!

I am a professional camera man. I could not believe I could get this camera for such a low price. I received it prompley and it works like a dream. Canon is the best period. I recommend this to any body wanting the best quality of HD video. Thank you Jeff