Canon VIXIA HF20 HD Dual Flash Memory with 32 GB Internal Memory and 15x Optical Zoom

The Facts: Ordered Canon VIXIA HF20 from Amazon seller J&R Music World on 1/16/2009 for $599 and received it on 1/18/2009. Camera was defective. (Appeared to be defective CMOS--about 50 vertical lines running through images on screen and recorded movies.) J&R authorized an exchange and received camera back on 2/2/2009. Did not hear from them, so I called to follow up a week later. a J&R rep said the camera had not been 'inspected' yet. Another week passed, did not hear from them, called to follow up and a J&R rep said the camera was defective and a replacement would be sent within 5-7 days. When I inquired on availability, another J&R rep told me that the Canon VIXIA HF20 has been discontinued! A Canon rep immediately disputed that claim, and many other merchants offer this model. It has now been one month since I paid J&R for this camera and I have not received a single communication from J&R on the status of the transaction, besides those that I initiated.

My Opinion: In the age of lightening-fast internet transactions (and lightening-fast potentially negative feedback), J&R is a horrible dealer. They clearly have no concern for the customer on the other end of their transaction and they clearly have no hesitation to bank my cash without telling me the status of my now-month-old purchase. I suspect that since I haven't seen this item advertised for this low of a price since, they may be trying to renegotiate the deal or they may be pulling the 'ol bait-and-switch. I became suspicious when my pictures of the defective images were not sufficient proof for this seller to send me a replacement immediately--why else would I go to the trouble to exchange a brand new camera?! Either way, this appears to be a shady operation, at least from this customer's experience.

Can't rate the camera yet. Obviously I got a defective unit. That could happen to any electronics manufacturer. If I ever get a second one, I'll rate the camera then.

cannon has out done everybody else using the avchd technology, easy to use format with optical zoom. Can't think of what else there is to incoporate in a camcorder for personal use.No moving parts to speak of and really fits in the palm of your hand. The best there is as of now,at a super price.

This camera, fits very well in your hand, the picture and video quality are excellent!

It comes with good amount of internal memory, plus you can add more memory trough it's SD slot.

It works very well in Mac OS X. iMovie detected inmediately as well as Final Cut Express.

I have been using my HF20 for a little over 2 months now. The picture quality is incredible.

Pros:
Picture quality
Small, light and compact
Built in light and flash
Very nice LCD display
Lot of connection option
Easy to copy from SD to built in memory and vice versa.
Build in still camera is okay.

Cons
Software, don't even try, just get Adobe, Pinnacle Studio or Vegas.
Battery charges on the unit, battery charger and cable are sub standard.
Need to play with option for indoor shooting, but if you spend the time you will find a setting that works for you.
No HDMI cable and it uses a mini hdmi connector.

Some thoughts.
HD Video is not for the faint hearted. If you really want / need it then be prepared to drop the cash for a PC that has some muscle, BIG muscle. It is light and small, a plus but also a minus, invest in a mono / tri-pod. shooting out of the hand is tough. The optical stabilization works well but it can only do so much.
Be organized. These files are big, make sure you have a system for copying / archiving / storing or you will run into issues with 4-10 GB files laying around everywhere

Great picture quality in well lit areas. Quality drops off in moderately to poorly lit rooms. Features are easy to use and the camera is very portable, almost fits into a vest pocket! I did buy a wide angle lens aftermarket as I often record people in close proximity. The other issue to be aware of is shake; the camera is so small it absorbs all your hand movements. Overall I am happy with it and would recommend it.