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Canon Vixia HF G20 Dual Flash Memory 32GB HD Camcorder

September 30, 2015 by  
Filed under Digital Camcorders

Canon VIXIA HF G20 32GB Dual Flash Memory HD Camcorder

Canon VIXIA HF G20 32GB Dual Flash Memory HD Camcorder (with lens hood)

Rated 4 1/2 Stars

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The Canon HF-G20 is Canon’s higher end consumer camcorder. Compact in size. Records video in full 1920 x 1080 Full HD (1080p). Records to SDHC/SDXC memory cards (camcorder has two memory card slots) or it records to its built-in 32GB flash drive. Relay Recording automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the next available SDHC/SDXC memory card when the internal drive is full. You can also copy video from your internal drive to your memory card(s). The 10x zoom HD Video Lens delivers excellent image quality and has new Dynamic SuperRange optical image stabilization (to keep video sharp in low light, or when holding the camcorder without a tripod). Included lens hood. Large 3.5-inch high resolution LCD screen. External Microphone Terminal with Manual Audio Level Control, Headphone Terminal, 2 megapixel photos and Digital DV III image processor. Included are advanced features such an updated large 1/3 inch HD CMOS Pro Imager (better for low light) provides a wide dynamic range, AVCHD H.264, and has a true 24p Cinema mode. (native 24p) and a 30p mode. External Microphone Jack for better sound options. The HF G20 records at up to 24mbps (the AVHCD best bit rate). At maximum quality , you can record about 2 hours and 55 minutes to its internal 32GB flash drive. More recording time is also available if you use SDHC memory cards after filling up the internal memory drive. Canon’s Instant AF focusing system greatly enhances auto focus speed and accuracy and decreases the time to lock in focus (even in low light).


Full HDThe HF-G20 has an HDMI Mini Connector (output) for best quality when hooking this camcorder directly to an HDTV. Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe to add an external light or microphone. Dedicated manual focus ring. Built-in video light. Features a new larger 3.5 inch LCD screen (with 922,000 pixels). Also included is a 0.24-inch color viewfinder (260,000 pixels). Remote Control Terminal (compatible with LANC protocol). Dolby Digital 2 channel (AC-3) stereo sound, or 5.1-channel (with optional Canon SM-V1 microphone). Cinema-Look Filter with 9 built-in filters.

Canon HF-G20 Dimensions: 3.0″ x 3.1″ x 6.3″ (1.4 pounds w/ battery).
Camcorder HD Recording Modes: 1080p @ 30fps, 1080p @ 24fps, 24p, 30p, 60i
Camcorder 10x Lens: 35mm equivalent: 30.4mm – 304mm f/1.8-2.8


Smart-Review Commentary: Canon’s top of the line camcorder just got better. The sensitivity of the Canon HF-G20’s HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor is approximately 20% better than the previous HF-G10 model. The 8 blade iris provides smoother background images. A new improved lens hood (which prevents light glare) is included as well as an improved larger eye cup, when using the camcorder’s EVF viewfinder. The Canon HF G20 uses SDHC/SDXC memory cards or its built-in 32gb memory for long recording times. The lens on this camcorder offers a wider 30.4mm field of view to get more of the scene indoors, and scenery shots outside. With its relay feature, it can record using its internal 32gb memory, and then automatically switch recording to its memory cards (there are two SDHC memory card slots). Double Slot Recording can record to two SD cards simultaneously as a safety backup. The lens and large 1/3-inch HD Pro imager are designed for low light performance. The Full HD CMOS Pro Imager uses fewer pixels, which are much larger and more light sensitive than the pixels of other camcorder sensors, which results in better video performance and dynamic range. The HF G20 is our one of our best performing consumer camcorders in low light.

Canon HF G20 Side View

Canon Vixia HF G20 Side View (Click to Enlarge)

A color viewfinder (EVF) is included. Viewfinders are disappearing on camcorders, so this is a nice feature to see, which can be used in strong sunlight when it is harder to see the LCD screen. The Touch & Track system on this camcorder keeps focus and exposure on any subject, no matter where it moves. Just choose your subject on the large 3.5-inch touchscreen. External Mic Jack for enhancing your sound options, and a Headphone Jack to monitor the audio. The Instant AF focusing system offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy. Great for sports. See our video at CES of the HF G20 below. The HF G20 is a SmartReview Top Pick.


Canon Vixia HFG20 Canon HF G20
32gb Dual Flash
Canon HF G40
2016 Camcorder
Canon XA30
2016 Pro Camcorder
    Camcorder Features

  • Full HD Recording
  • 10x Optical Zoom
  • Dual Flash Memory
  • External Mic & Headphone Jacks
  • Native 24p Mode
  • 30p Progressive Mode
  • HDMI Terminal for HDTV
  • Dual SDHC Memory Card Slots
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Large 1/3 inch imager
  • Color Viewfinder
  • High Resolution 3.5-inch LCD

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Related Article: Canon Vixia Camcorders Model Lineup and Comparison

Related Camcorder: Sony Handycam FDR-AX100 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

Related Article: Flash Memory Camcorder Roundup and Comparison


Accessories for the Canon HF G20

Canon Surround
Sound Microphone
Sandisk Extreme 32GB
SDHC Card
Sandisk Extreme 64GB
SDHC Card
Rode VideoMic
External Microphone


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