Hv 10/20 video output?
 

I'm moving into HD but want to know if the HV10/20 output video to an external monitor while in record mode. On my old digital camera I had video outs, but since the feed on these cameras is USB2.0 I'm not sure if these output data while recording the way the AV connections did. And even if they do output video from the USB connections, what form is it in, and what kind of monitor could I use to view the output ? I occasionally video performances and such and don't like having to squint at a 3 inch screen for hours at a time. I'm not a professional videographer so don't want to spend a ton of money on this, so would like to use some kind of cheapo 7-10" lcd screen. Any suggestions and info will be greatly appreciated...

Yes, it works fine. I shoot with a 35mm adapter to a cheapo Polaroid DVD player with AV in, and a flip function, and have manage to get decent footage.

Word of warning, ability to close focus is challenging when you are shooting in HD, but monitoring in SD.

Edit: In reading your post closer, I note you say the feed to these camera is USB. USB is only used on the still image side. Video ports to your computer through firewire, whether shooting in SD or HDV. As far as monitoring I was speaking of, I shoot to tape, and monitor through the AV output.

Thanks Chris, that's what I wanted to know. Didn't know the hv20 had av outputs. Do you know if the hv10 does also ?

No, haven't had that one in hand.

One thing about the AV output is that it is shared as Phone output. So if you select AV, you lose direct headphones, and have to pick it up from the display, if it accepts the audio in. On the DVD player I use, there is an ever so slight delay.

The HV10 also has AV output.

My suggestion would be to send the composite out to a 7" or so monitor mounted to the hotshoe. I use this setup when doing "run and gun" type things. Works pretty well. The monitor i use is the Xenarc 7" TSV. It takes a composite in and can do image flipping as well if you're using an adapter. It's powered by 12v so i use a battery belt that will run the thing for days.

Good little setup, but since composite sucks getting REAL precise focusing is still a little tricky.