Product ReviewsCanon VIXIA HF20 (32 GB) High Definition Flash Media Camcorder

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 DVDRead full review...

Canon HF20 -- Awesome Video Camera!

I bought the HF20 to replace my old Canon video camera (that I also purchased used on ebay 11 years ago). It's simply amazing to me how tiny the HF20 is. It fits easily into a suit coat pocket. I no longer have to drag around a big camera bag to school functions. And, the video quality, ease of use and features are awesome. I love the setting that captures video for 3 seconds before you hit record. That's an incredible feature when recording my kids' sporting events. I don't have to record the whole time. I can have the camera on the action, and when something good happens, just hit record then. What just happened makes the video. I also like having the big internal flash memory. I use a big SDHC card, but it's nice to know that I have that internal memory as a back-up. This is a great video camera. I am so happy I got it.Read full review...

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.Read full review...

Learn the video settings and forget the playback settings.

Good quality but the menu system is rather long. I would like to see an easier way to manually focus. The shutter speed and f stops are easy to set.

All in all I would not recommend this camera fro a beginner. Too much attention is given for playback, selecting clips and editing. This is better done in post.

Yet I like it. It is a good "B" camera.Read full review...

Canon VIXIA HF20

Easy to use, small, excellent picture quality. Standby feature very practical. Comes "on" very fast so you're ready to start shooting right away. On the downside: the battery doesn't last very long, but this is easily solved by buying a spare battery, which is small and easy to carry in your pocket. I would definetely recommend this camera.Read full review...

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.Read full review...

A lot of features put into a little camera.

I purchased this camcorder by accident. I wanted the model HF S20 instead, but this camcorder is super small. It has an internal memory, or you can use flash cards. It is a bit annoying switching between the two because you have to manually setup the camera to do that. Also, if you put in a card with a class higher than 6, it will not let us use some of the higher picture quality when recording. If this is your only camera you will love it. I have 4 camcorders for shooting videos for my work, and this just wasn't what I was expecting.Read full review...

I'm still somewhat of a novice

Oddly enough, I'm still a novice when it comes to camcorders. I basically them like I use the way I use mirrorless cameras. I just turn it on and shoot video. It works for me. Others probably could get more out of the camera, but I" okay with the camera as it is.Read full review...

camera

It wasnt the one I was looking for , It was broken , but the camera still worked . seem to have nice picture and easy to use .

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: tritvaulter02

Great camcorder

So far this is an excellent product. I love the large built in memory coupled with SD card capacity as well. And picture quality is awesome.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: 779694