Canon intros first consumer HD camcorder, the iVIS HV10

After having teased us with the powerful-but-expensive XH G1 and XH A1 high definition prosumer camcorders, Canon has now brought that same 1080i goodness to the the little guy with its first consumer-oriented HD model, the iVIS HV10. Recording onto standard miniDV cassettes using the HDV format, the Optura-like HV10 features a 1/2.7-inch CMOS able to capture 2,048 x 1,536 stills, 10x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD display, and miniSD slot for storing photos. Compared to Sony's HDR-HC3 this device certainly holds its own, as its optical image stabilization trumps the Sony's electronic version, and its maximum video capture resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 is higher than the competition's 1,440 x 1,080 -- though the HC3 sports an HDMI output, while the HV10 does not. Best of all, its 150,000 Yen ($1,300) pricetag will set you back about $400 less than the HC3 when this model (in either black or silver) debuts next month in Japan; the US release, however, is still up in the air.

[Via CamcorderInfo, Akihabara News, and Impress]

[Jim @ Aug 2nd 2006 10:24AM]

So then what exactly IS the out? Any USB2 or firewire?

[David @ Aug 2nd 2006 10:49AM]

from the product page, it looks like it has firewire and USB ports. Not sure if the USB is just for the miniSD card or for video also.

[Wry Cooter @ Aug 2nd 2006 1:10PM]

how much recording time on a mini dv 60?

[WhetWurm @ Aug 2nd 2006 2:15PM]

It looks like it's US-bound as well... the US site lists it coming in September: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=177&modelid=14059

Huzzah!

[Zach @ Aug 2nd 2006 2:36PM]

It will be available in the US market as the Canon HV10 in September for $1299 US.

[Ian @ Aug 2nd 2006 3:40PM]

Reccording time on a DV60 tape is....60 minutes. The bitrate is exactly teh same as DV, except it is MPEG2 instead of DV.

I own the Sony unit, but will not upgrade until these knuckleheads offer some progressive options.

[Lee @ Aug 2nd 2006 9:03PM]

Last I checked, an HC-3 is $1180 @ Amazon

[Kalmbach @ Aug 3rd 2006 4:06AM]

So... even Engadget is a victim of tricky marketing =)
You really should mention that HDV only supports a resolution of 1440x1080. The image is squeezed to 4:3 wether you like it or not.

[GhostDoggy @ Aug 3rd 2006 5:10AM]

Why an interlaced CMOS resolution? I thought fixed-pixel capture and siplay devices were inherently progressive, not interlaced. Even HD=DVD and Blu-ray movies are mastered to the disk as progressive sources.

I am doubtful the electronics are capable of capturing 1920x1080P or 1440x1080P. That's too bad, because is you decide to edit something other than content its a deinterlacing game with potential deinterlacing artifacts.

[Andrew @ Aug 3rd 2006 9:49AM]

Cool HD Camcorder

[E @ Aug 3rd 2006 4:37PM]

In HD mode the camera will probably only record in 16:9 format - you get 4:3 when you down-convert via fire-wire or S-Vid. My guess is component out for HDTV viewing if it doesn't have HDMI/DVI - that's what the Sony HDV camcorder I have uses.

[TJ @ Aug 9th 2006 3:25AM]

This is a great web site. I'm learning a lot here. What I would like is a 3ccd High Def cam with a 20x optical lens that captures at least 2 hours of highest quality video to a micro drive or flash drive [no tapes or mini dvds] in a data format that can be easily uploaded to computer, edited, and burned to DVD without losing quality. Oh, and it has to be small [palm sized as opposed to shoulder mount] with a 2.7 inch display and a veiwfinder and cost under $1000 [including the extra batteries]. Is this possible yet? All of the technology is available....

[paul irwin @ Aug 23rd 2006 12:14PM]

"and its maximum video capture resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 is higher than the competition's 1,440 x 1,080"

ahem... HDV video is 1440x1080. so the actual resolution CAN'T be higher than 1440x1080. the chips could maybe...

[umijin @ Sep 11th 2006 9:24PM]

I played with one in a big electronics retailer here in Tokyo. It's very nice. The unit handles well, and picture is crisp. The Sony HC3 was also easy to use, but a bit heavier. I can see the Canon becoming very popular in the point and shoot crowd.

BTW, the HC3 is still outselling the Canon HV10 in Japan at this point according to the retailer.

[steve @ Oct 23rd 2006 10:55AM]

how is the sound when recording with this camera?
Everyone keeps talking about the video, and no mention on the sound quality. i have seen sample video, non with talking poeple.video is great.
but can one use it to make a documentary?

[justin @ Jan 26th 2007 12:17PM]

is it PAL compatible ?

[Rune @ Mar 4th 2007 6:17AM]

My sister just bought a HV10 and I want one too.
Having played extensively with one, and read all about it, I can tell you the CMOS chip is 1920x1080i square pixels, but the video is then resampled into 1440x1080i non-square pixels. It means you still get 16x9 but the horisontal resolution is somewhat lower, and the pixels are not square.
It is available in Europe as a PAL version.
The lowlight performance is much better than expected after reading the review over at camcorderinfo.com. The video at night indoors with normal lighting is crisp and clean and noise free. Maybe they tested a pre-production unit, I don't know, but the video quality at low light is fine.
Only thing I don't like about this camera is it lacks headset and mic jacks and HDMI out.