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Canon Vixia HF20 Camcorder

The Canon HF20 is a 3.89MP 1/4 inch camcorder — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon Vixia HF20 Camcorder

Canon Vixia HF20 Camcorder

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Camcorder Overview — Canon HF20

The Canon Vixia HF20 is a consumer-grade Full HD camcorder built around a 1/4-inch sensor with 3.89MP resolution and powered by Canon's DIGIC DV III image processor. It records up to 1080p video at frame rates of 24fps and 30fps in the AVCHD format, giving footage a degree of flexibility for both standard and cinema-style projects. Two color profiles are available — Standard and Cinema — allowing shooters to tailor the look of their footage in-camera.

Optical image stabilization (OIS) is on board alongside a supplementary digital IS option, helping to smooth out handheld movement during recording. Storage is handled via SDHC cards as well as built-in internal storage, providing a backup option when cards are full or unavailable. The 2.7-inch LCD display with 230,000 dots serves as the primary monitoring solution, as no viewfinder is present.

Connectivity is well-rounded for a consumer camcorder, including Mini HDMI output, USB, a 3.5mm microphone input, and a 3.5mm headphone output — a notable inclusion at this level. Audio can be captured via the built-in microphone or an external mic through the dedicated input. The camcorder weighs 380g and measures 70 x 64 x 123mm, making it genuinely portable.

Battery type is Lithium-Ion with a rated life of up to 2 hours.

Key Features — Canon HF20

Full HD 1080p AVCHD Recording: Records video at 1920x1080 in the AVCHD format, delivering high-definition footage compatible with a wide range of editing software.

24fps and 30fps Frame Rates: Supports both 24fps and 30fps recording, giving shooters the option of a cinematic or standard video look.

DIGIC DV III Processor: Canon's dedicated video image processor handles encoding and noise reduction for smoother, more detailed footage.

Optical Image Stabilization: Lens-based OIS reduces camera shake during handheld recording, with an additional digital IS mode for more aggressive stabilization.

Dual Storage Options: Records to both SDHC cards and built-in internal storage, providing a convenient backup when cards are full or unavailable.

3.5mm Mic and Headphone Jacks: Dedicated external microphone input and headphone output allow for improved audio capture and real-time monitoring — uncommon at this consumer level.

Camcorder Specifications — Canon HF20

Canon HF20 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesVideo / Cinematography, Vlogging / YouTube, Event, Documentary
TypeOther
Sensor1/4 inch
Resolution3.89MP
ProcessorDIGIC DV III
AF SystemContrast Detection
Max Photo Resolution1920x1080
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame Rate30fps
Video Color ProfilesStandard, Cinema
Image StabilizationOptical (OIS)
Display2.7 inches LCD

Description — Canon HF20

The Canon Vixia HF20 is a compact consumer camcorder designed for Full HD video recording. At its core is a 1/4-inch, 3.89MP sensor paired with Canon's DIGIC DV III image processor, delivering 1080p AVCHD footage at 24fps or 30fps. Shooters can choose between Standard and Cinema color profiles to shape the look of their video directly in-camera. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is complemented by a digital IS option to help keep footage steady during handheld use.

Storage is flexible, with both SDHC card and built-in internal storage supported simultaneously. The 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot LCD serves as the primary monitor — no viewfinder is included. On the audio side, both a built-in microphone and a 3.5mm external mic input are available, along with a 3.5mm headphone output for live monitoring.

Output options include Mini HDMI and USB. The camcorder runs on a Lithium-Ion battery rated at up to 2 hours, and its plastic body weighs just 380g at 70 x 64 x 123mm — easy to carry for everyday shooting situations.

Pros — Canon HF20

  • ✓Records Full HD 1080p video in AVCHD format at both 24fps and 30fps
  • ✓Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce handheld camera shake
  • ✓Dual storage options — SDHC card slot plus built-in internal storage

Cons — Canon HF20

  • ✗No viewfinder — monitoring is limited to the 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot LCD display
  • ✗Small 1/4-inch sensor size may limit performance in challenging lighting conditions
  • ✗Maximum video frame rate is 30fps at 1080p — no higher frame rate options listed in specs

Resources & Downloads — Canon HF20

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon HF20

What video formats and frame rates does the Canon Vixia HF20 support?+
The HF20 records in AVCHD format at up to 1080p resolution. Supported frame rates are 24fps and 30fps, making it suitable for standard video and a cinematic 24fps look.
Can I use an external microphone with the Vixia HF20?+
Yes. The camcorder includes a 3.5mm microphone input alongside the built-in mic, so you can connect an external microphone for improved audio quality. A 3.5mm headphone output is also available for real-time audio monitoring.
Where does the Vixia HF20 store recorded footage?+
It supports two storage options: SDHC memory cards and built-in internal storage. Having both available means you can continue recording even if you run out of card space.
Does the HF20 have image stabilization?+
Yes, the HF20 features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to help reduce camera shake during handheld shooting. A digital IS mode is also available as an additional stabilization option.
Does the Canon Vixia HF20 have a viewfinder?+
No, the HF20 does not include a viewfinder. All framing and monitoring is done through the 2.7-inch LCD screen with 230,000-dot resolution.
What connections does the Vixia HF20 offer for playback and output?+
The camcorder includes Mini HDMI for HD output to a television or monitor, USB for data transfer, a 3.5mm mic input, and a 3.5mm headphone output.

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