I'm wondering about the difference between the two. Pretty much identical other than the bit rate? If you have a hard drive failure, can you still use flash memory? Can you not use the hard drive if you can use flash memory? Does the hard drive make noise at all?

The main thing is that I found the HG20 basically the same price as the HF10 but really wanted flash memory.

I do not believe you can record in flash card with HG20. HG20 is a harddrive base camcorder and the flash card is ONLY for use in still photo and is not for recording. If the hard drive fail, you will need to get it repair or buy another one.

HF10 is a flash card base camcorder, it records video and shoot photo store in the same card.

Sorry but that's incorrect. The HG20 does indeed have the capability to record HD video to the flash memory card, not just still photos. From the HG20 product page at Canon USA: "the Canon VIXIA HG20 Hard Disk Drive Camcorder... also is a dual system camcorder, with the capability of also recording video and still images to an SDHC card as well."

Source: Canon Consumer Camcorders - VIXIA High Definition Camcorders (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=177&modelid=17382)

Hope this helps,

Chris.

Indeed you are correct. Thanks for correcting me. I opology to the poster.

Chris,

The HG20 records to either its internal hard drive or to SD flash cards. Unfortunately, it will not record to both simultaneously. I have an HG21 which is identical to the HG20 except that the 21 has a hard drive with more capacity and includes a viewfinder. The hard drive makes no sound. However, I only use the built-in stereo mics for synchronizing purposes when used as a second camera or I connect an external mic or mic wireless receiver when it is the primary camera.

I like having 120GB of storage always at hand as I know I'll never run out. And while I carry SD cards, I don't use them.

Dave