As you are making a purchase decision, we suggest that you take the time to read some HV30 Canon Camcorder reviews in order to see what other consumers have to say about the product. Here are some user reviews to help you make your shopping decision:

I've been buying camcorders since they've existed and every time I've brought a new camcorder home I've had the same experience, that is, the picture I saw on my TV never matched my expectations, it never even came close. I always hoped to see the quality of video I saw on the TV and news shows I watched and was always disappointed when the camcorder video quality always fell well short of that expectation. Until now! The Canon HV30's 1080i HD video quality on my 46" LCD screen is stunning, better than I could have ever hoped. The first time I saw some video I took of beautiful Snoqualmie Falls I kept saying "wow" over and over. The video quality was far above any non-HD broadcast video and, to my eye, on par (or close to) with the video I see on many HD broadcast channels. OK, this camera is obviously not of the same caliber of those used for network HD televison, but dang, it comes as close as any "prosumer" camcorder I've ever seem.

I also must say the the image stabilization is the best I've ever seen as well. Rock solid video even at long distance, 10x zoom. Pans can be made easily to look Steadicam solid. Very impressive.

I can't really think of anything negative to say about the HV30. I guess if I had to pick something it would be battery life of under an hour. The can be addressed with an optional long life battery. But that is really being nitpicky, this camera is fantastic.

You can read all about the bells and whistles elsewhere, but if VIDEO QUALITY is THE most important thing to you then this camcorder should be your only choice.
-D. Nutt (HV30 Canon Camcorder user review from Amazon.com)

This is a great camcorder. I'm filming in 30p mode to upload video online, and I'm extrememly happy with the results. I'm using Final Cut Express 4 with no setup or capture problems - great compatibility with my Mac Pro. I attached a Canon VL-10Li II on-camera video light (it's a big light) and a good-quality, sturdy plastic lens hood I bought on e-bay. The hot-shoe cover is attached to the camera and is not detachable. Many owners complained about losing the cover with the HV20, but the cover gets in the way of my video light, so I'm thinking about cutting the attachment. The camcorder has all the ease and variety of functions for an intermediate videographer like me. My favorite functions: quick white balance setting; grid lines on the display; great instant auto-focus; allows for attachments like an on-camera light or microphone and filter lenses; manual focus option. I'm very, very happy with this camcorder after shopping and comparing different ones during the last few months.
-J. Chou (HV30 Canon Camcorder user review from Amazon.com)

This camera has performed above and beyond my expectations. As an amateur filmmaker I have been comtemplating purchasing a Panasonic AG-HVX200A which can cost upwards of $5000. I instead decided to save my money and buy the Canon HV30 at almost one-tenth of the price. I will start off saying that the image is amazing. The camera allows you to shoot both HD and SD (not sure why anyone would should Standard Def anymore), and it also gives you the option to shoot in 24P or 30P format. I recently shot a short in 24P and added the camera's "Cinema" mode, and the result was astonishing. Keep in mind, this is a a handycam, not a prosumer 3-chip camera. I also bought an external microphone, which I highly recommend. The camera has a built in sound meter that helps you monitor the sound for a more professional recording. I was also very pleased with the camera's manual functions. You can manually control most of the camera's basic functions including focus, exposure and white balance. Battery life is marginal, so I recommend purchasing some longer life batteries. Whether you just want to shoot your family vacations or begin your career as a filmmaker, the Canon HV30 has the versatility to handle it all, and at a very reasonable price to boot.
-C. Thomas (HV30 Canon Camcorder user review from Amazon.com)

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I love this camera, some reviewers say it can get complex to use especially with 24p. If you are not familiar with HD and you want to get the best results and quality you will have to do some research to learn how to use it correctly. It is worth it! Go to [...] and search for HV30 and you will see what people do with this camera, you will be amazed.
Video quality is really good and handling of the camera is also really good.
I use Adobe Premiere CS3 to edit and it runs smooth, I have a dual core with 2GB of RAM.
I haven't notice any noise coming from the camera when you are recording.

I'm really happy with my purchase.

Remember amazon has a 30-day price protection so be sure to check if the camera goes down in price. I bought mine for $748 and one week later (sept 28, 2008) it was at $688. Called amazon and they gave the difference back to my card. Today (sept 29, 2008) the price went up again. Just check for the next 30 days after purchase.
-JFLY (HV30 Canon Camcorder user review from Amazon.com)

I have used this camcorder several times now (sunlight, overcast and night lights) and I am very pleased with it's features and the quality of video playback on my 28" HD computer monitor as well as 32" and 47" LCD HD TV's. I have used standard MiniDV tapes (not expensive HD tapes) with excellent results. I even tested recording over a previous recording with good results. HD does really look better than real life! I am most happy with this unit.
-J. Penney (HV30 Canon Camcorder user review from Amazon.com)

I have had a Cannon HV30 for about a month now. The quality is extremely good. There may be bias in this statement because I am moving from standard def video from a Cannon S3 IS camera. The colors are brilliant and the low light performance is amazing compared to any other video that I have ever seen from a camcorder of this price/feature set. Personally, I wish that the manual features were easier to use. Overall, buy this camcorder if you want ease of use and amazing quality.
-O. Homan (HV30 Canon Camcorder user review from Amazon.com)

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