The press release
Canon expands HD line-up with
powerful HDV1080i consumer camcorder – the HV20
United Kingdom, 31 January, 2007: Canon expands its High Definition Video (HDV) line-up with the introduction of a new consumer flagship model: the HDV1080i Canon HD Camcorder HV20. The new camcorder is a companion to the HV10 and features Canon’s high performance 2.96 Megapixel 1920x1080 True HD CMOS sensor. Providing full HD resolution capture for HDV1080i recording, the HV20 is also the first consumer HDV1080i camcorder to offer the option of genuine, cinema-like progressive recording.
The Canon HD Camera System – the combination of a True HD CMOS sensor, genuine Canon optics and the HD-optimised DIGIC DV II processor – is integral to the HV20’s design. While this combination of core Canon technologies sets new standards of performance for consumer HD, the HV20 provides unrivalled ease-of-use. With a Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) and Canon’s Instant AF system, for super accurate auto focusing at speed, the HV20 is the first Canon camcorder to feature an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection. HDMI is the most efficient way to connect a camcorder to a compatible TV or computer, making it easier to watch stunning HD home movies on the big screen.
“The HV20 represents a significant advance in home moviemaking, combining powerful True HD CMOS video capture with ultimate ease-of use,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Canon’s continued investment in advanced HD technologies raises the standard of HD recording in the home and takes our product line-up from strength to strength.”
Availability
The HV20 will be available from early April 2007.
The new HV20 features:
United Kingdom, 31 January, 2007: Canon expands its High Definition Video (HDV) line-up with the introduction of a new consumer flagship model: the HDV1080i Canon HD Camcorder HV20. The new camcorder is a companion to the HV10 and features Canon’s high performance 2.96 Megapixel 1920x1080 True HD CMOS sensor. Providing full HD resolution capture for HDV1080i recording, the HV20 is also the first consumer HDV1080i camcorder to offer the option of genuine, cinema-like progressive recording.
The Canon HD Camera System – the combination of a True HD CMOS sensor, genuine Canon optics and the HD-optimised DIGIC DV II processor – is integral to the HV20’s design. While this combination of core Canon technologies sets new standards of performance for consumer HD, the HV20 provides unrivalled ease-of-use. With a Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) and Canon’s Instant AF system, for super accurate auto focusing at speed, the HV20 is the first Canon camcorder to feature an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection. HDMI is the most efficient way to connect a camcorder to a compatible TV or computer, making it easier to watch stunning HD home movies on the big screen.
“The HV20 represents a significant advance in home moviemaking, combining powerful True HD CMOS video capture with ultimate ease-of use,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Canon’s continued investment in advanced HD technologies raises the standard of HD recording in the home and takes our product line-up from strength to strength.”
Availability
The HV20 will be available from early April 2007.
The new HV20 features:
§
2.96 Megapixel 1920x1080 True HD CMOS sensor
§ High performance Instant AF for super fine auto focusing at speed; manual focus with Focus Assist
§ Canon HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom and the Super Range OIS
§ DIGIC DV II processor, with additional advanced digital photography functionality
§ Cinema-style 25P progressive shooting, plus a dedicated CINE image mode
§ Complete convenience: HDMI terminal, mic input with manual audio controls and Advanced Accessory Shoe
§ High performance Instant AF for super fine auto focusing at speed; manual focus with Focus Assist
§ Canon HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom and the Super Range OIS
§ DIGIC DV II processor, with additional advanced digital photography functionality
§ Cinema-style 25P progressive shooting, plus a dedicated CINE image mode
§ Complete convenience: HDMI terminal, mic input with manual audio controls and Advanced Accessory Shoe
Bundled software and CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
The HV20 is bundled with a Canon DV solution disc containing ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Macintosh).
Canon ZoomBrowser and ImageBrowser (Macintosh) are software tools for easy image download, storage and retrieval. Image layout, printing and simple video clip management are also featured.
Camcorder ownership also entitles the purchaser to register for 100MB storage space on the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online gallery where images can be stored in albums and shared to selected friends and family.
Technologies explained
Canon 1920x1080 True HD CMOS
The HV20’s 2.96 Megapixel True HD CMOS imaging chip provides outstanding, full 1920x1080 HD capture with noise reduction technology incorporated on the chip itself. HDV remains the most reliable consumer HD format, popular with videomakers who want to transfer their footage to a computer for editing.
The compact design and low power requirements of HD CMOS have allowed Canon’s engineers to realise a highly practical and portable camcorder: the ergonomic barrel-shaped body is both comfortable and easy-to-use. The new HV20 complements the upright design of the HV10; taken together, the two models offer consumers the chance to choose the shooting style that suits them best.
Instant AF
The HV20 offers both manual and auto focus options. Canon’s Instant AF system provides super fast, highly accurate auto focus, specifically designed for the increased requirements of HD recording. Focus Assist aids users when focusing manually, making it easier for them to achieve absolute clarity.
10x optical zoom lens and Super Range OIS
Canon stands at the forefront of optical design and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of video lenses for broadcast. The HV20 has a precision 10x optical zoom lens specially engineered for HD, incorporating a graduated ND (Neutral Density) filter and Super Range OIS technology. This advanced IS system combines two types of detection methods, allowing the HV20 to better compensate for vibrations at both high and low frequency – such as the slight body movements associated with breathing that other IS systems often miss.
Super Range OIS is also effective for stills photography.
DIGIC DV II and digital photography
The DIGIC DV II processor is optimised for the increased requirements of HD imaging, incorporating advanced noise reduction technology for superbly sharp video. Colours are reproduced with the same vibrancy as they appear in real life.
DIGIC DV II also provides simultaneous video and 2.07 Megapixel photo capture to MiniSD memory card. Advanced digital photography functions are available, including a one-push histogram display, allowing brightness levels of digital photographs to be monitored with ease. A built-in flash and PictBridge direct printing are also part of the package.
Cinema-style 25P shooting
Uniquely for an HDV1080i consumer camcorder, the HV20 offers additional 25P (Progressive) shooting. Providing a look similar to the 24 frames per second rate of film, this is possible because HD CMOS can offer both progressive and interlaced readout. In conjunction with 25P shooting, a special CINE image mode is provided. Derived from Canon’s high-end XH series camcorders, cine gamma, cine matrix and other image variables are set to provide the look and feel of film during playback on a TV. (CINE mode can also be selected for 50i and standard DV PAL shooting.)
HDMI for complete convenience
The HV20 brings a new level of convenience to HD recording, combining powerful shooting options with a remarkable ease-of-use. The HV20 is the first Canon camcorder to feature an HDMI connection – a single cable can connect the camcorder to a HD-Ready TV, for high quality transfer of both audio and video signals. The camcorder can also be linked to a compatible computer via HDMI.
The HV20’s mic input connection features manual audio control, allowing superior quality audio to be captured according to the precise requirements of a movie project; a headphone socket allows sound quality to be closely monitored during recording. An advanced accessory shoe is compatible with a range of high quality peripherals, including video lights and flashes for still photography.
About Canon (UK) Limited
Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for the home and office environments.
Canon has a global philosophy of Kyosei - living and working together for the common good, which clearly demonstrates commitment to customers, staff and the environment shared by all.
Canon (UK) Ltd is the UK marketing and sales operation for the US$32 billion global company based in Tokyo, Japan. In the UK Canon employs around 2,000 people in various locations including Ireland and has achieved sales of £541m in 2005.
The main business focus for Canon (UK) Ltd is in two clearly defined market segments: Business Solutions covering both the office and professional printing environments (including: multifunctional printers, IT consultation, photocopiers, printers, large format printers, fax machines, document management hardware & software) and Consumer Imaging (input solutions: film and digital cameras, camcorders, binoculars and scanners; and output solutions: Ink Jet printers, fax machines, desktop multifunctionals and multimedia LCD projectors).
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