Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder with HD CMOS Pro and 32GB Internal Flash Memory

Experience Pro-level Imaging

True video enthusiasts and advanced amateurs will find their inspirational match in the new VIXIA HF G20. Designed to rival pro-level camcorders in image quality, it’s equipped with a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens with 8-bladed iris for stunning quality video and soft, beautiful background blur. The camcorder’s Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor provides extraordinary flexibility with extended dynamic range, enhanced gradation, and significantly more light capture for 20% improved low-light performance†. You’ll record up to 12 hours of crisp HD video to a 32GB internal flash drive or simultaneously to 2 memory card slots (SDHC and fast, high-capacity SDXC). For extra assurance Relay Recording automatically switches recording to the SD memory cards when the internal drive is full – so you never miss a moment – the second card takes over automatically when the first becomes full. Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization keeps your video smooth and blur-free, even at the long end of the zoom, and Intelligent IS ensures effortless stabilization no matter what the shooting situation. The VIXIA HF G20 can deliver simultaneous output to both the Electronic Viewfinder with pro-style large eye cap, and the bright 3.5-inch Touch Panel LCD. For easy, high-quality shooting, Smart AUTO automatically recognizes and selects proper settings for 38 different scenes, and the camcorder’s rich array of manual functions and Professional Shooting Assist Functions bring a new level of control to your video. Your creativity is further supported with newly customizable Cinema-Look Filters to alter the mood and intensity of your video, and Touch Decoration options to add an element of fun and excitement.

† Compared with the 2011 Canon VIXIA HF G10 Camcorder.

Stunning Image Quality

Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens (35mm equivalent: 30.4mm – 304mm) with 8-Blade Iris delivers exceptional image quality with smooth backgrounds for professional-looking results

The VIXIA HF G20 features a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens which offers a 35mm equivalent of 30.4–304mm. It delivers unsurpassed image quality, the versatility of a wide angle of view and smooth and professional-looking background images thanks to a sophisticated 8-blade iris. The professional touch of a dedicated manual focus ring allows accurate and precise control. Combined with Canon’s Exclusive HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor, it captures video with stunning resolution, superb low-light performance, and a wide dynamic range.

Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor provides stunningly realistic color and sophisticated noise reduction for exceptional low-light performance. It is also the high-speed engine that powers a variety of Canon technologies including Smart Auto, Touch & Track, Genuine Canon Face Detection, and Cinema-Look Filters.

You will also find that exceptionally lifelike tone and detail are captured thanks to 24 Mbps Recording, which offers the highest bit rate in AVCHD. The VIXIA HF G20 not only captures images in Full HD, but records and outputs at 1920 x 1080 as well, so you get Full HD from lens to screen.

And with Tele Macro, the VIXIA HF G20 automatically zooms the lens to the telephoto end and sets the minimum object distance to approximately 1.3 feet (from 3.3 feet) giving you the opportunity to shoot spectacular close-ups with the dramatic look of shallow depth-of-field. Tele Macro is one of 38 scenes available in Smart Auto Mode.

Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor

Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor is a professional-level 1/3-inch native 1920 x 1080 image sensor which delivers outstanding video resolution, improved low-light performance^†, and a wide dynamic range

Incorporating a technology proven in Canon’s professional level camcorders, the HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor is a 1/3″ native 1920 x 1080 image sensor that delivers outstanding video resolution, superb low-light performance and a wide dynamic range. Unlike image sensors found in competitive consumer camcorders, the HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor uses fewer pixels, which are significantly larger and more sensitive, resulting in optimized video performance.

Outstanding Video Resolution (800 Vertical and 900 Horizontal TV Lines)

Since the effective number of pixels of HD CMOS Pro is equal to 1920 x 1080, resizing is eliminated, allowing Full HD video to be captured and recorded with professional precision.

Superb Low-Light Performance (1.2 lux)*

Because each individual pixel is larger and more sensitive, each is capable of capturing more light, allowing high quality video to be achieved even in dimly lit conditions. The sensitivity of the HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor is approximately 20% better than the HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor found in the 2011 VIXIA HF G10 camcorder.

Wide Dynamic Range

A larger pixel area also allows more light to be stored, resulting in 280% improvement in dynamic range for exceptional reproduction of both highlights and shadows.** Skin tones are captured in a finer gradation, and stable gamma and Auto Exposure control is also achieved resulting in a more ‘lifelike’ image.

^† 20% improved low-light performance compared to the Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor used in the Canon 2011 VIXIA HF G10 Camcorder.

* Rating measured with auto shutter speed of 1/30 second.

** This statistic is the result of comparisons with Canon’s HD CMOS Pro, versus Canon’s 2010 VIXIA HF S-series camcorders.

Dual Flash Memory

Record up to 12 hours of crisp high-definition video to a 32GB internal flash drive or directly to two memory card slots (SDHC/SDXC compatible); Relay Recording automatically switches video recording to the memory card when the internal drive becomes full

The VIXIA HF G20 allows you to record up to 12 hours of clear high definition video to a 32GB internal flash drive or to two SDXC-compatible memory card slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the SD memory cards when the memory becomes full. When the first memory card becomes full, the second automatically takes over, so there’s no need to worry about running out of recording time during a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime shot. With SDXC memory card compatibility, you’ll have card storage capacity from more than 32GB up to 2TB and ultra-fast data transfer speeds.

Shooting Steady in Any Situation

Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization

The VIXIA HF G20 features Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer for the image stabilization critical for high definition video. Canon developed its sophisticated SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to do the job easily and automatically, providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broad range of motion. Extra compensation is applied at wide-angle focal lengths to eliminate the unwanted shaking that is common when walking. The system corrects camera shake instantly, so even when you’re shooting handheld video at the long end of the zoom, the image is sharp, steady and smooth.

Intelligent IS

Intelligent IS makes it easy to shoot clear, sharply focused video, even in situations that typically cause camera shake. The Intelligent IS system analyzes the shooting situation for you, then automatically switches to the image stabilization method best able to produce sharp, steady video. Four IS systems cover the gamut of shooting situations. Dynamic IS corrects minor movement and the shaking caused by walking while shooting. Macro IS delivers perfectly steady close-up shots. Powered IS comes into play when you’re using the camcorder’s powerful zoom, correcting shake that can occur in telephoto shots. Tripod Mode stops IS when the camcorder is stationary.

Convenience of a Touch and View

3.5″ Touch Panel LCD Screen

You will see extraordinary detail with this large, stunning 922,000 dot screen, which also provides approximately 100% coverage of your shooting scene. It delivers brilliant color combined with touch panel control for faster and easier menu navigation. You’ll also have Touch & Track, which allows you to get precise focus and exposure on any subject – whether it’s people, pets, or vehicles, by selecting your choice right on the Touch Panel LCD. And the additional Touch Decoration feature allows you to decorate your video with interesting effects.

For your convenience, the VIXIA HF G20 is also equipped with a 0.24-inch, 260,000 dot color viewfinder which provides approximately 100% coverage, for use in shooting when very bright outdoor light conditions may make it difficult to see the LCD display.

Automatically Beautiful Video

Smart AUTO and Auto Tele Macro

Smart AUTO lets you capture clear, bright, well-focused video while the camcorder takes care of all the details. The system recognizes 38 shooting situations based on numerous factors, then automatically chooses the optimal settings for the situation. When you shoot a nearby subject in telephoto zoom mode, Auto Tele Macro gives your video the high-end artistic effect of a well-focused subject against a beautifully blurred background.

Professional Shooting Assist Functions

Shooting with Pro Features

To provide an exceptional level of control over the components of the video you shoot with the VIXIA HF G20, you will find a range of shooting assist functions normally only available to professional videographers.

Custom Key and Dial

A Custom Key and Dial feature allows you to assign functions to an easily accessible key and adjust the settings with a control dial. They include:
Tv/Av: Use the dial to adjust shutter speed (Tv mode) or aperture (Av mode), as needed. In this mode the key has no effect.

Manual exposure: When manual control is selected, the dial can adjust aperture, shutter speed, or gain. Select items to adjust, such as aperture or other settings, with the key.

Exposure Lock can be set on or off as can the AGC Limit.

Focus and Exposure Aids

To further enhance focusing capability the VIXIA HF G20 also features Focus Assist. It includes enlargement, which helps in capturing your subject in razor-sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject, which is automatically cancelled when you start recording. This is a feature normally found in professional broadcast-quality cameras. Also included is color peaking, which shows the shooting object’s focused areas in actual colors. With Canon’s Edge Monitor Focus Assist system, a green monitor is shown at the bottom of the LCD Display. The green waveform shows overall focus of the image, and the height rises to indicate the area in focus. Through this dynamic focus feedback, you can intuitively tune focus in a scene and quickly change the zone of focus.

Typically only found on expensive external units, the VIXIA HF G20 has a waveform monitor built right into the camera. The waveform monitor shows a detailed view of overall image brightness.

Enhanced zebra pattern (70% or 100%) indicates ‘blown out’ or high brightness areas to help you set the proper exposure.

Composition Aids

With the Level Marker feature, it’s easy to keep your camcorder level for more professional looking shooting. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot – such as the horizon – to the marker and you can be sure your camcorder is level.

The Grid Marker helps you compose your shot accurately, by referencing a grid in your viewfinder. Depending on the background color of your shot, you can choose between two different colors for better viewing contrast.

Advanced Control

The VIXIA HF G20 features full manual exposure, as well as aperture priority (Av), and shutter priority (Tv) modes.

Either color bars or color bars and test tone can be selected and recorded using a menu. The color bars comply with the SMPTE standard. -12 dB, -18 dB or -20 dB can be selected as the test tone.

The white balance control has six available presets settable through a variety of day and artificial light conditions (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent H, Fluorescent), as well as two manual white balance settings. Color temperature may also be manually set from 2,000K to 15,000K in 100K increments for more precise adjustment.

Gain may be manually set from 0 dB to 24 dB in 1 dB increments. Additionally, Auto Gain Control Limit allows you to set the maximum gain limit for the image sensor’s sensitivity. With this function, brightness and noise can be balanced as required, and image quality can be maximized in low-light situations.

The zoom speed, as controlled by the rocker and handle controls, is selectable, with a choice of variable or 16 fixed speeds, with fast/normal/slow settings for greater control while zooming in various situations.

Fun, Creative Ideas

Cinema-Look Filters

Other cinematic looks can be achieved through the use of Cinema-Look Filters. This feature offers a choice of nine varied built-in adjustable filters, which give the look of a variety of cinematic styles by compensating for the color, gamma and other aspects of the image’s quality. The looks can be previewed in the LCD display while shooting. Choose from:

The brightness of each filter can be adjusted low, medium or high, for even greater control. The color depth, softening, and contrast can also be adjusted for each filter, giving you even more convenience and versatility.

Touch Decoration

You’ll also be able to use the touch panel for Touch Decoration. This feature lets you superimpose select decorations onto the images on your LCD and then records the images, complete with the additions. You may add animation effects, handwritten and stamp messages or insert a still image to give your video a truly individual look.

Superb Audio in Any Situation

Increased Clarity, Adjustability

The VIXIA HF G20 camcorder’s audio is an excellent match for its pristine image quality. The microphone has updated elements that increase clarity at medium and low frequencies, so even faint sounds are recorded clearly. Three microphone positions let you adjust recording to suit the position of the zoom or your subjects: front for monaural recording; regular for normal stereo effect; and rear for a wider, more enhanced stereo effect. Frequency response characteristics can be adjusted for the scene with several options. You can balance all frequencies for normal recording, emphasize low frequencies for impactful live music recording, attenuate low frequencies to reduce ambient noise, emphasize mid frequencies to focus on voices, or emphasize low and high frequencies to record live music with balanced lows and highs.

Audio Scene Select

Audio Scene Select offers five modes that automatically optimize settings based on the recording situation, making it easy to record realistic, immersive audio in a range of situations.

Additional Features

Pro-style Lens Hood and Eye Cup

The VIXIA HF G20 camcorder comes standard with a large lens hood that shuts out unwanted flare from external light sources, and incorporates a lens barrier that eliminates the need for a lens cap. The hood can be attached even when using a Canon filter. The large, comfortable eye cup is the same as that used on Canon’s XA 10 professional model, and is designed to improve visibility by blocking out extra light.

100% View Ratio

The VIXIA HF G20 is designed with a 100% view ratio – excellent visibility that ensures you’ll get exactly the shot you want.

Versatile Display Features

Videographers with exacting needs will appreciate the VIXIA HF G20’s range of functions designed to assist in pinpoint focus adjustment and exposure control. Color peaking, zebra pattern, waveform/edge monitor, SMPTE color bars and an audio test tone are all available.

Pre REC

The Pre-Record feature places your VIXIA HF G20 camcorder in a stand-by “pre-roll” mode. With this feature the camcorder continuously records three seconds of video to memory before you even press the record button. When you start recording, the additional video is recorded too. It will be easier than ever to capture the moment when the bat hits the ball at the start of that home run.

Quick Start

The Quick Start function on the VIXIA HF G20 gets you up and shooting whenever a great scene happens. Simply open the LCD panel and the camcorder powers on.

Native 24p Progressive Mode

The VIXIA HF G20 features the Native 24p Progressive Mode, generally found only on Canon’s professional camcorders. The mode allows 24 frames per second to be captured and recorded (instead of the standard 60i) – a must for serious filmmaking work.

Story Creator

Story Creator assists you in the process of creating an organized and sophisticated video. Choose one of five different themes – Travel, Kids & Pets, Party, Ceremony, and Blog – and the camcorder provides a list of suggested scenes to shoot. After capturing your video, Story Creator helps you categorize and rate your scenes, making it easy to review, select and play back your favorites.

Video SnapShot

Video Snapshot allows you to capture the highlights of a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a family milestone with the same ease as taking photos. Simply record a series of short video clips – or select your favorite clips while in Playback Mode – and blend in your favorite background music to create an exciting movie that will grab everyone’s attention. Video Snapshot on the VIXIA HF G20 allows selectable recording time (2, 4, or 8 seconds). Additionally, audio from an external source such as an MP3 player can be played along with the Snapshot movie, and playback can be controlled from that source.

Instant AF

A critical objective when shooting in high definition is achieving the sharpest focus possible. The VIXIA HF G20 camcorder features Canon’s Instant AF focusing system, which offers a dramatic improvement in autofocus speed and accuracy, compared to traditional autofocus systems. The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon’s autofocus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low-light conditions. This system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus “hunting.” This is especially beneficial in high brightness or night shooting situations. In addition, with Instant AF it’s possible to capture fast, accurate focusing even when following a moving subject.

For those situations in which the super quick action of Instant AF might not be desirable, you also have the option of Medium AF, which is softer and smoother than Instant AF, but faster than would be possible with manual focusing.

Accessories Get the Most from Your Camcorder

Canon helps you get more out of your camcorder with a wide range of accessories that inspire your creativity and productivity alike. Canon’s optional WM-V1 Wireless Microphone allows you to record high-quality audio without wires from up to 164 feet away (50m), making it ideal for ceremonies and recitals. For the ultimate home theater experience, the optional 5.1-channel Surround Sound Microphone SM-V1 captures audio quality that matches the stunning realism of your HD video. Five distinct pickup sensors capture sound from all directions, making your home movies look and sound more lifelike than ever before. The optional Canon WD-H58W Wide Converter is optically matched for the VIXIA HF G20’s HD lens. It provides a magnification factor of 0.8x, increasing wide-angle capability to approximately 24mm (35mm equivalent).