ive used both the hc7 and ive just taken delivery of a UK PAL HV20. Everybody went on about the "inferior" build quality of the HV20 against the Sonys, in reality the build quality of the Canon is perfectly fine. The ability to set the zoom toggle to a preset speed for nice slow zooms is a nice addition and for me goes a little way to putting right the ommission of the LANC port. At the end of the day and has been previously stated, and having used both camcorders, the Canon gives the better picture quality, and the 25p footage ive taken so far is simply beautiful. I like Sony camcorders, dont get me wrong, but the Canon is the best buy right now. Any features it lacks is made up for by the wonderfully rendered images.

You see what you want to see.

There are no issues with this camera, other than the fact that it records the best possible image in its price range.

If you want to spend more money on a camera that does less, but feels better... feel free. I'll enjoy the HV20 and I won't worry about the build since it really isn't a problem for most people on this board. I mean, has it hindered anyone by falling apart or something?

Nope.

Chat with you guys later, I'm off to the park with my daughter, and the HV20.
Hopefully it won't fall apart on the way there... ;)


Cheers,

Mike

I don't think anybody said anything about the cam falling apart??? Where are you getting this from? So many people want to take this out of context and I'm not sure why. We're not talking about fitting the A1 into a tiny package... we're not talking about cams falling apart. We're talking a slightly better quality exterior... things like this... not too hard to grasp is it?

That was the major complaint with the HV10 and they sure listened because it was completely changed in the HV20... of course this would not have happened if people did not state their dislike. If everybody swallows the HV20 asis, then there will be no change in the future will there??

Perhaps not, but the point I was making was to GET all those features in that many are asking, you WILL need a box the size of an A1. I think people miss that fact.

When you have consistently talked about 'poor build quality' it certainly gives the impression you are talking about a unit that seems to destined to fall apart in short order. As I've stated before, I agree that some Sonys 'feel' more substantial, but I've had those very same units fail mechanically. To me build quality implies LASTING mechanical quality and in the arena of camcorders that's simply not the case. Would you rather have a unit that 'feels' more solid or IS more solid as shown by its ability to go through time without mechanical failures? In other words 'feel' is superficial and nothing more....unless you can demonstrate a direct correlation between mechanical failure and 'feel'.

Second, nobody that I recall ever complained about the 'build quality' of the HV10. But yet you suggest that people did and then Canon listened and came out with the HV20. Am I to assume that you're saying the build quality is better in the HV20 then the HV10? Your reference to 'build quality' is very clear in your first paragraph which you then draw in when you mention that Canon changed this in the HV20.

The range of adjustability that the A1 possesses, individual buttons to control unique functions, focusing rings etc. etc. These are all things I've seen people hope for in many different threads. Chris already mentioned why Canon won't include LANC in a cam of this type, so if that's a biggie you need to shop outside the Canon family.

I'm not going to get drawn into this debate... if you guys are happy with the questionable design (for the lack of a more direct phrase) of the HV20 then all I have to say is that you are a little too easy to please.

I for one expect more for my money.... and I am entitled....if you want to lay down and settle... well that's your right too.

It's amazing to me that someone can so consistently knock the 'build quality' or 'questionable design' of this unit, but when asked to specifically reference actual tangible issues, he can't. And if you told my wife that in the area of video I was 'too easy to please', she would laugh you out of the room. It's hard to find someone more anal about this stuff than me.

It's amazing to me how ridiculous some of the posts are that I've had to take out of public view. Stubborn people need to realize that they can't change the minds of other stubborn people. Case closed,