High performance and high capacity – two new HDD camcorders from Canon

United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 07 August, 2008: Canon announces the Canon HD Camcorder HG20 and Canon HD Camcorder HG21: two new AVCHD High Definition (HD) camcorders that record movies to high-capacity internal Hard Disk Drives (HDD). Successor models to the award-winning HG10, the HG20 offers 60GB capacity – enough for over 22 hours of movies – while the HG21 doubles available space to 120GB. In addition, both camcorders feature a new MXP recording mode – offering a maximum data rate of 24Mbps, the highest possible under the AVCHD format – as well as Canon’s Dual Recording system: the ability to record to internal hard drive or easy to share, removable SDHC card media. “The HG20 and HG21 represent the next evolution of Canon’s High Definition range,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Bringing a new level of recording quality to consumer AVCHD models, both camcorders make it easier for even more consumers to enjoy stunning 1920x1080 Full HD quality movies at home, on their HD TVs.”

The new HG series:

• Dual Recording: store movies and stills to internal HDD or removable SDHC memory cards
• Improved graphical user interface (GUI) makes it easier to manage footage in-camera
• 1920x1080 Full HD recording with five versatile video quality modes – with a maximum average data rate of 24Mbps, the highest currently available under the AVCHD standard
• Next generation Canon HD Camera System
• 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS
• Canon HD Video Lens with 12x optical zoom
• DIGIC DV II processor, optimised for HD
• Instant AF with Focus Assist, for super-fast and accurate auto focusing
• Simple to share: Pixela ImageMixer 3 SE software provides easy video management and editing and now includes Blu-ray disc authoring features
• Versatile system: new mini Advanced Accessory Shoe allows a range of accessories to be used; improved audio controls are available; HDMI and component outputs make it easy to connect to an HD TV; compatible with Canon’s DW-100 burner (available separately)
• Keep on shooting: low power consumption and new optional long life battery (BP-827)
• Range options: HG21 offers 120GB HDD, Multiangle Vivid LCD screen and Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)

Dual Recording
The HG20 and HG21 offer a flexible Dual Recording system, giving users a full range of storage options. A 60GB internal HDD allows the HG20 to store over 22 hours of HD movies; the HG21 has 120GB capacity, for over 45 hours. Alternatively, SDHC memory cards can be used. This media is ideal for sharing movies – video can be recorded directly to memory card or transferred from the HDD. Capacity is only limited by the size of the card.

To help users manage HD footage, both camcorders offer several key improvements. Once recording has finished, Scene Selection is easier thanks to a new user interface – now, up to 15 thumbnail images can be displayed on the screen at any one time. Individual scenes can also be split, allowing users to isolate the best moments from hours of footage and create simple playlists in-camera. These mini movies are ideal for transferring to memory card and sharing with friends and family.

1920x1080 Full HD
Both the HG20 and HG21 capture and record AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec for High Definition) video in 1920x1080 Full HD resolution. This is ideally matched to the resolution of Full HD TVs, resulting in the highest quality images. With five recording quality settings – MXP, FXP, XP, SP and LP – both models offer an increased maximum average data rate of 24Mbps;  this is the highest available in an AVCHD camcorder.2 Even at this highest quality setting, 11 hours of HD movies can be stored to the HG21’s HDD.

Canon HD Camera System
Both camcorders benefit from the next generation Canon HD Camera System.
Improved resolution and image quality is provided by Canon’s 3.3MP Full HD CMOS sensor: a Bayer placement RGB Primary Colour Filter minimises instances of false colours. A Canon HD Video Lens with 12x optical zoom provides an extended focal range, allowing distant subjects to be recorded in stunning clarity – the Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) ensures steady shooting even when using the camcorder handheld. Finally, the DIGIC DV II processor is designed to handle the large amounts of image data, as well as provide the refined colour reproduction, required for Full HD images.
Since Canon designs and manufactures all of these key components in-house, each is purpose-built to work perfectly with the others – resulting in optimum levels of performance and image quality.

Instant AF – absolute focus
Originally inherited from Canon’s professional range, Instant AF is Canon’s extremely fast, highly accurate auto focus system specially designed for HD shooting. This unique hybrid system means achieving absolute HD clarity is easy. To help achieve precise HD focusing manually, two types of Focus Assist tools are also available: Magnifying and Peaking.

Software – now with Blu-ray disc authoring features
New Pixela ImageMixer 3 SE software is provided to make managing, editing and sharing HD videos easier. Video files can be down-converted to make them suitable for playback on a range of devices: including the internet, iPod or DVD. New features include the ability to burn movies to Blu-ray discs (a single Dual Layer Blu-ray disc can hold up to 50GB of information).
Both camcorders are also compatible with the Canon DW-100: Canon’s standalone DVD burner, available to buy separately.

Expandable system
With an Easy mode available for anyone who wants to get started shooting straight away, the HG20 and HG21 also offer a range of advanced features that will appeal to more ambitious moviemakers – for example, those who are already using a tape-based HD camcorder and are looking to switch to an AVCHD model. Features include 25p Cinema Mode and a range of manual controls.

The mini Advanced Accessory Shoe is now compatible with an even wider range of dedicated accessories, including the DM-100 Microphone and the new VL-5 Video Light. A range of lens accessories is also available.  In addition to a microphone input connection, a headphone input jack allows audio to be closely monitored during recording. Manual audio controls (microphone attenuation function, audio level meters and audio level control) further increase the quality of sound recording.
For playback, HDMI and component output ports allow the camcorder to be connected directly to an HD TV. The HDMI connection supports the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) system, allowing the camcorder’s playback functions to be controlled via an external remote.

Extended Battery Life
As well as offering huge storage capacity, the HG20 and HG21 can also shoot for longer thanks to their extremely low power consumption. Using as little as 3.5W of power  – almost 50% less than some AVCHD HDD camcorders – these models are amongst the most efficient on the market. The optional, new BP-827 battery provides over five hours of recording on a single charge.  Canon’s Intelligent lithium-ion battery system displays remaining charge, accurate to the minute.

HG21 – range options
For the longest recording times, the HG21 offers increased HDD capacity: 120GB, providing enough storage space for over 45 hours of recording.  In addition, its
2.7" Multiangle Vivid LCD displays a wider colour gamut and also reduces glare, particularly useful in bright sunlight. An exceptionally wide 135-degree viewing angle makes it easier to review footage. An EVF is also available, offering an alternative style of shooting and requiring less power, extending battery life even further.
For more information visit www.canon-europe.com/hd

The HG20 & HG21 will be available from early September 2008.

Reader feedback:

Discuss this story: