Originally Posted by Duane Steiner (Post 648127)

In regards to the HV20 missing a LANC port, how easy is it to use the zoom controls on the LCD screen with the camera on a tripod/monopod?

Originally Posted by Duane Steiner (Post 648127)

In regards to the HV20 missing a LANC port, how easy is it to use the zoom controls on the LCD screen with the camera on a tripod/monopod?

Originally Posted by Art Willig (Post 648156)

Sure you can...but have you seen the remote? It's like 20 buttons crammed on a little stick. Most consumer cams don't include the focus feature either. This is why the pro's rig is setup with a properly positioned and simplified controller to get studio-like movement.

Originally Posted by Doug Thome (Post 648171)

I only read the first page and got the gist of what I think is going on.

The internet is a powerful marketing tool and it can be used against others also. I'll reserve judgement till a known credible poster makes a detailed review.

This counter marketing happens all the time on BBs.

Originally Posted by Doug Thome (Post 648171)

I only read the first page and got the gist of what I think is going on.

The internet is a powerful marketing tool and it can be used against others also. I'll reserve judgement till a known credible poster makes a detailed review.

This counter marketing happens all the time on BBs.

Originally Posted by Robert Ducon (Post 648196)

Doug, the rest of the thread is pretty positive. Don't judge till you read the rest - this is one of the most sensible forums I've ever seen on the net. Very well monitored. Kudos to DVinfo!

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd (Post 648234)

Well I think it's obvious that the title of the thread should be changed. No doubt the original poster returned the HV20 after one hour, but the reason was not "due to bad autofocus design." It was instead perhaps due to unrealistic expectations or unfamiliarity with how the camcorder is designed to operate. I'll come up with some suitable revision for a more appropriate thread title.

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd (Post 648234)

Well I think it's obvious that the title of the thread should be changed. No doubt the original poster returned the HV20 after one hour, but the reason was not "due to bad autofocus design." It was instead perhaps due to unrealistic expectations or unfamiliarity with how the camcorder is designed to operate. I'll come up with some suitable revision for a more appropriate thread title.

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd (Post 648357)

Thread title changed from "Returning HV20 after 1 hour due to bad autofocus design" to "Returning HV20 after 1 hour." We know for a fact that the "Returning HV20 after 1 hour" part is true. The "bad autofocus design" part is an obfuscation. There is nothing wrong with the autofocus design on the HV20, and it is highly unlikely that there was anything at all wrong with this particular HV20. Hope this helps,

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd (Post 648234)

Well I think it's obvious that the title of the thread should be changed. No doubt the original poster returned the HV20 after one hour, but the reason was not "due to bad autofocus design." It was instead perhaps due to unrealistic expectations or unfamiliarity with how the camcorder is designed to operate. I'll come up with some suitable revision for a more appropriate thread title.

Originally Posted by Alan Dunkel (Post 649371)

Mike, The default instant auto focus us just that, way fast, in this case calling it instant isn't much of a stretch. If the center of the image is small, like a squirrel, it will hunt if the camera person is shaky with the camera or the squirrel moves, not so with a larger subject or a steady hand. It is a very useful auto foucs feature, you can even simulate a rack focus with it, it snaps to that fast, it is unlike any other auto focus I've used and a great tool. I did change mine to regular ( not instant ) in the menu and it works like any consumer auto focus. I've been using that setting, but when going with manual focus I set back to the instant mode and can go to that or manual quickly that way without the menu. To each his own, but there are no issues with HV20 focus. None at all, now like any auto focus when you get in low light performance of the auto focus degrades, I'd suggest going manual and using the focus assist on the LCD when lighting dims. The HV20 image does do well in lower light, at least in 24p mode, which took me by surprise. I'm in no way saying it is a night vision device, you need light, but it does well in that regard for a basic consumer camera. My plan is to use an external monitor for narrative work, but that is due to the addition of the Brevis35 on front and a Nikon 50mm. In that configuration I will focus using a 720p monitor, not needed for the camera on its own though.
Thanks, Alan

Originally Posted by Pat Reddy (Post 649611)

I have tried using these features. Manual focus and exposure functions work quite well. It's fun to us Av mode and see how changing the aperture affects depth of field.

Originally Posted by Pat Reddy (Post 649611)

Sadly, the Rode Videomic is picking up the whine of the camera, even when I attach it to a bracket off to the side of the camera.

Originally Posted by Leila Alkadi (Post 649804)

Same here... I kept my Rode Videomic when I sold my GL2(and replaced it with XH A1). I planned on using the Videomic for a smaller companion camcorder, which turned out to be the HV20... unfortunately, I experience the same problem... I ordered a Canon DM-50 and it should be here in a couple of day. It's no Videomic, but perhaps it will not pick up as much camera noise, no?

Originally Posted by Elmer Lang (Post 659089)

How did that DM-50 work out? Getting good audio or are you picking up the motor whine and zoom?