Thank you. I haven't done any measurements but for all my current shooting requirements I have found the Duracell DRC827 has sufficient power and is cheap enough to buy another if needed.
It seems more like a "Run-n-Gun" type camcorder... great for low budget documentaries or even when the shooter is moving around a lot. Thank you for pointing out these "quirks"
Got it sorted - Bought an SD card and copied the built in content onto the card in slot B. Then put the card in a cheapo USB card reader which showed up straight away in iMovie - A pain, but in the end a cinch. Thanks for your help. - Given that there are many Mac users who shoot video, it is so short sighted on Canon to ignore us like they do!!!
I think it's more of an Apple issue than a Canon one really. Why not just shoot direct to the card instead of the internal memory and avoid the tedious copying part of the process?!
Yes, motion will look smoother generally with interlaced footage, especially when played back on a TV (eg via DVD or Blu-ray). I'm no FCP expert, unfortunately, but am sure that "somewhere" in the render settings will be the deinterlace / progressive option. It may not be available *during* edit, just when rendering out the final file. As regards the sound, I'm baffled. Is the sound at the correct level when played back on the camcorder itself? ie is it just in FCP that the issue occurs?
Hmm, wrote Canon and asked them if they had any comments on this issue. This is their answer: "Thank you for contacting Canon product support regarding the zoom and focus of the VIXIA HF G30. All of our Canon USA camcorders, including the VIXIA HF G30, have the capability of simultaneous focus and zoom. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with the VIXIA HF G30. Thank you for choosing Canon." Odd since I linked to this video showing it.
Yes the 'i' means interlaced but don't worry about that - if you're shooting for eventual delivery to a video DVD then this is the format you should use. It doesn't matter that it shows up as interlaced when editing, that would still be correct for final DVD Video. If you then want to render a file for viewing on a computer then you would tick the 'deinterlace' box (alternately set to 'progressive') when exporting the file from Final Cut.
At least they replied. I've sent Canon a query about the G30 / XA20 batteries and no response except an automated email... But it is odd and I'm not the only one to see the issue; someone else commented on it on one of my videos here, so it's not as if my camcorder's faulty.
I don't quite understand what you mean by "lost" and "a significant amount". Can you explain more specifically what happens. Does the volume level decrease? Does the sound stutter and break up? Regarding the interlace issue, see my previous reply plus, as you have established, you can also shoot in 30p to ensure no interlacing.
Hahaha, thanks for the comment about my accent! I can't make a recommendation without knowing what your intended use is. The G30 certainly has more features but it's quite a lot more expensive too (and slightly larger, which might be a factor). I'd say, if the G25/20 does what you need a camcorder to do then get it, if spending more on the G30 wouldn't get you any benefits for your kind of shooting. But if 50p/60p, WiFi, 20x zoom and the other tweaks are important, then yes, get G30.
Thank you so much for making these videos. I found the extreme detail of your videos of the HF G20 extremely helpful. Very well done my friend. Cheers.
Hi, 1) There's a button marked "Disp/Battery Info" next to the SD Card slots, this turns off the display icons in 2 stages. 2) To make a backup, you need two SD cards, it doesn't work with internal memory and one card. Press FUNC then MENU then the middle 'filmstrip' icon; scroll down to 'rec media for movies' and select it; select Card A then press 'Double Slot Rec'. 3) I'm not a Mac expert but Final Cut X or Adobe Premiere should be able to import the files I think. Possibly even iMovie?
Another great video looking for your future additions. Has this camera got night mode? And if so, is it any good? I film a lot of bands and the light level in venues greatly changes often.
Very informative. I'm a bit surprised that you cannot zoom AND focus at the same time. That's almost a deal breaker for me when the G30 hits the stores. Very sad indeed.
Yes, sort of good for run-n-gun. Certainly very portable and with the lens ring and scroll wheel on the back, reasonably quick to set focus / exposure for any given situation. On the other hand, the poor response of the touchscreen - you have to really push it - means any other adjustments (audio, turning zebras on and off, getting to the WFM as described) is fiddly and frustrating. I wouldn't normally use autofocus but I have to say the face recognition for AF is very impressive too.
The support plate will come with the tripod so it will depend on what tripod you buy. That in turn very much depends on how big your budget is! You can buy some very cheap tripods and go right up to hundreds or thousands of pounds for broadcast-quality gear. I have a Libec TH-DV950. It's a basic semi-pro tripod; it does the job and is about the right size and weight but it's not very adjustable for dampening. My suggestion for a more costly, pro tripod would be the Sachtler Ace.
Hi, thank you for the review series! I like this camera and i'm about to buy it. What tripod would you recomment for this. Or, what are dimensions of the support plate?
It's weird isn't it? The old Canon XHA1 (I think) had the same issue. I don't know yet if the G30/XA20 models have the same restriction as they have an all-new lens assembly.
I just spotted this on the web: "A Timeline (Compound Clip/Project) can only be a broadcast standard, so you can't manually set it to Prog/Interlaced. That has to be done in the Browser first, then set up a Compound Clip/Project to automatically conform to the first video clip dropped into it" That sounds to me like all timelines are set to Interlaced (which shouldn't be considered a problem for editing). When you export though, there must be deinterlace somewhere...?
nictheartist This is going to take a long answer... ;-) DSLRs and camcorders really are chalk and cheese in many respects. Camcorders are far better for ergonomics, which is important if you're filming live events (weddings, news, some documentary work etc) but they're not good in low light and don't offer the "shallow depth of field" look, at least, not without a lot of care. DSLRs generally offer that nice filmic look and have good performance in dim locations, but their ergonomics generally suck for video - they are, after all, stills cameras with video added on. And their audio is terrible. So you might use a DSLR when you've got plenty of time to sort out your shot / select a lens and don't need to adjust things on the fly eg some interviews, corporate work, drama etc, and if you don't mind mucking about with separate sound recording. I'm generalising of course - there are people who use DSLRs for events work but it takes practice and expertise to be good. Focussing on a DSLR needs skill and whilst some rely on autofocus this is a risky strategy - it only takes one moment for the camera to lose focus and hunt for it again to have ruined a shot. In good light, the images from an HF-G25 are perfectly decent and so you *could* use it professionally as long as you know its limits. If the footage is for broadcast, you might find the broadcasters have different opinions on whether they accept it as it's certainly not "broadcast spec" but if the pictures are something they want, I guarantee they'll take them!! It's also an easy camcorder to use "run and gun" as you have that manual focus control and thumbwheel for exposure. Does that help? Generally, for "pro" use, you would be looking at spending rather more, if I'm honest.
As usually you have done an interesting review about this camcorder. What about the duration of battery? It seems to me this camcorder is "greedy" of energy.
When I playback using a monitor, the sound is out of sync with the talent. It's in sync in the editor but not while playing back from the camera into the external monitor. Any suggestion?
What LANC did you use? I was about to get one of these cameras til I saw your video and I MUST have LANC and I need Autofocus to work ( shooting sports). I was wondering if maybe a LANC that has focus control as well as zoom might work? Or maybe deep in the crazy Canon menu system is there a way to set it?
Hi, thank you for your video series - really informative. - I have recently bought the Legria HF G25. I am somewhat a novice, but mistakenly thought that I would be able to plug it straight into my iMac to download via the USB cable. But it doesn't even show up on the Mac's finder window, so downloading recorded content cannot begin to start. Can you point me in the right direction on this please
Well that is exactly how it should work (and does on a PC!) but Macs are a bit of a law unto themselves sometimes, especially when it comes to plugging in USB devices and expecting to see them... I haven't got the box handy but remind me, does the camcorder come with any kind of installation disc which could have a Mac driver on it..?
UKAirscape There is a disc, but it's only for Windows users. Macs tend not to require 'drivers' these days - Apple tend to market them as "just works" - or not as in this case. The camcorder screen is warning me not to disconnect either the power source, or the USB. But there is no indication on the iMac that it is even connected. I seem to have hit either a brick wall, or glass ceiling!!!
Yeah I know Apple loves to tout that line but - for example - the Sony SxS card readers used with their pro line of XDCAM EX cameras (PMW-200 etc) need a Mac driver otherwise it doesn't see the device or card when you plug it in, so I was wondering if you had a similar issue. I did a little research though and it seems the Canon may not present itself to the computer as a mass storage device therefore it doesn't show up in Finder. You may discover. however, that it *does* appear in your video editing program as a source device (what edit software will you be using?). Another quick thing to check is that you have switched the camcorder to "playback" mode NOT recording mode otherwise it won't appear. Failing that, the workaround is to take the memory card out and stick that into an SD card reader (does an iMac have one of those built in?) in which case it will show up.
Hmmmm ... there is an option called "Output Onscreen Displays" in the menus. When this is set to OFF, I believe the camcorder outputs only the video signal - though I have NOT actually tried this.
hi, you can tell this camera to change the shutter speed and aperture in manual mode while recording? read say that just before the recording but not during. Prompt
Just in case it helps you: when i click on the link to buy the camera battery it sends me to the UK site. I'm stateside, so don't know if it would be practical for me to buy through that link. Thanks.
Hi On one of your great informative videos you mentioned about ND grads kicking in to keep the sweat spot. What F stop / aperture is the sweat spot on the Legria? Im thinking F4 maybe the sweat spot because after that the NDs kick in. I shoot manual at PS25 and like to keep the shutter to 1/50 but my second questions is in bright conditions to get a correct exposure the Aperture can go as low as F8 with Grad. OK I could increase the shutter but that could introduce the jitters ... What do you suggest ? Thanks in advance
Andrew Weller On most (camcorder) lenses as far as I know (and I stand to be corrected) the sweet spot is generally around f3 to f5. Trying to expose correctly with these little camcorders in bright light is not easy because you have to close the iris down so far if you don't want to adjust shutter (as indeed I don't). The only solution is to buy a variable ND filter to put on the lens and dial it in when needed.
Thanks for sharing this, I have one question is the G25 and the G20 the same camera? It seem my country only have the G25, any differences? I know the G20 have webcam function and I want that, do you know if the G25 have that also? Thanks for the video and your help.
+UKAirscape Ok, thanks for the reply, then it should have webcam function. I heard about some using it, not sure you need something extra though. Do you recommend this camera otherwise picture and such or are there better options with webcam funtion then?
They are not directly comparable camcorders as they're aimed at very different markets. The Sony is more of a film-maker's camcorder due to its sensor and shallow depth of field capabilities. Also, the HF-G25 won't do 50p, if that's what you're after, although it will do 25p at 1080 resolution.
You're kidding, right? That's a fairly standard-sized plate for any halfway decent tripod. I don't count those awful sub-£100 tripods you can get on the high street as proper kit. Both my Sachtler and Vinten tripods as well as the Libec in this video have plates at least this big.
all right! im just saying that my two tripod plates are half as big as that one. but of course if you´re plate is the same size, that must be the standard size then!
Larger (by which I mean more solidly built and heftier rather than mere height) pro tripods (compared to the toys you get a local camera shops) in my experience tend to have appropriately larger plates.
***** Not professionally. Not as a regular, day-to-day cameraman's (or woman's) camera. But if you got the shot on one of these and the news organisations wanted that footage, they'd take it. Heck, they take mobile phone and GoPro footage if it's images they want...
I totally agree with what your saying, but any cam with that form factor, is going to be a problem with that size plate. Any shooter with requirements of having more manual control out board on the cam, needs to move into the pro line. Again, a good review, but those issues wouldn't stop me from buying a cam like that, for that kind of money. It's a consumer camera.
Oh, the plate size? I see what you mean. Well, I'd argue that any lesser tripod than that one is really a toy. Even that tripod is "entry level" at best and that's being generous. Not everyone who wants a degree of manual control can afford to step up to proper pro gear. But I do hear what you're saying and you're right that the niggles shouldn't put people off; I liked my G25 a lot and the XA20 that I had afterwards. Cheers.
thanks for the video, I just have a quick question. I am trying to stream the camera straight to a projector using a mini hdmi to vga converter and when i go to the menu the control for hdmi and hdmi 1080p output are flashing every few seconds and the projector is not displayng the image. I would appreciate any help you could offer.
Hi! i would like to ask how can i use this camera on mi macbook pro to see what i record at the same time i´m recording? i´m new to this and can´t seem to find much help with their support side
It's not going to be easy to do that. The HFG25 does not have WiFi so you'd have to take a cabled output from the camera (eg HDMI) into the Macbook and that would require some kind of convertor (HDMI to USB3 or Thunderbolt if your Macbook has those ports)
Hi! thanks for the answer, i do have those cables and i have also ordered a transend (am i spelling that right? ) card so i can try both ways and see if it works:-)
It'll be more than just cables. The HDMI to USB convertor will have to have some capture electronics inside it; it's not as simple as changing the connector type. It's "Transcend"! Not sure what you mean by try both ways though...?
Having bought one of these models I have quickly found out it drops 5 frames of video when it makes a new file usually after 11 mins of recorded video. Not great when you want to sync up with external recording. If anyone knows a fix that would be great. I suspect it's down to the Fat 32 file format and the way the firmware operates.
***** It's almost certainly not actually dropping the frames, they're there in the footage but whichever software you're using to stitch the files back together is not correctly reassembling them. It's a very common issue with 2GB (I think) AVCHD files and relates partly to the filesystem as you suggest. Best remedy is use your editing software's AVCHD import rather than just dragging the files off the card into your timeline; if that's what you're already doing and it's got the issue then your software may not understand how to reassemble AVCHD split files properly.
I am looking for a monitor for this camera, are you doing a review on the Aputure Portable Professional Video Cameras Monitor? What's your thoughts on this so far?
A purely upbeat review would be pointless. Besides if you've already decided you want to buy it, just buy it! Incidentally, there are several other videos on this channel looking at positive aspects of the camcorder.
First off, why would you use a tripod that's rated for a 20lbs. Cam?lol Second of all, why be so critical about a cam at this price point. It's like buying a hot dog and complaining that it doesn't taste like a steak. Other than that, it's a very good, extensive review. Most of these quirks aren't really defects, just annoying little quirks. In my opinion, anyone buying this cam at this price point, is going to point and shoot in smart auto, which works rather well. Slap a decent mic on it and it's a great little cam.
+Patrick Nigh First off, because I happened to have that tripod handy. Second because whatever the price point, it's still reasonable to point out aspects of a device that people might find annoying or frustrating. Many people have bought this camcorder precisely because it can be taken off pure auto and gives you the option of decent (for a consumer grade item) manual controls.
Just got this Cannon, and your videos about it are a major help. Big, big thanks to you.
Glad to hear it. Cheers
Thank you very much for this video. it will be very helpful in my decision which camera to buy
Thank you. I haven't done any measurements but for all my current shooting requirements I have found the Duracell DRC827 has sufficient power and is cheap enough to buy another if needed.
It seems more like a "Run-n-Gun" type camcorder... great for low budget documentaries or even when the shooter is moving around a lot. Thank you for pointing out these "quirks"
Got it sorted - Bought an SD card and copied the built in content onto the card in slot B. Then put the card in a cheapo USB card reader which showed up straight away in iMovie - A pain, but in the end a cinch. Thanks for your help. - Given that there are many Mac users who shoot video, it is so short sighted on Canon to ignore us like they do!!!
I think it's more of an Apple issue than a Canon one really. Why not just shoot direct to the card instead of the internal memory and avoid the tedious copying part of the process?!
Yes, motion will look smoother generally with interlaced footage, especially when played back on a TV (eg via DVD or Blu-ray).
I'm no FCP expert, unfortunately, but am sure that "somewhere" in the render settings will be the deinterlace / progressive option. It may not be available *during* edit, just when rendering out the final file.
As regards the sound, I'm baffled. Is the sound at the correct level when played back on the camcorder itself? ie is it just in FCP that the issue occurs?
Hmm, wrote Canon and asked them if they had any comments on this issue. This is their answer:
"Thank you for contacting Canon product support regarding the zoom and focus of the VIXIA HF G30.
All of our Canon USA camcorders, including the VIXIA HF G30, have the capability of simultaneous focus and zoom.
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with the VIXIA HF G30. Thank you for choosing Canon."
Odd since I linked to this video showing it.
Yes the 'i' means interlaced but don't worry about that - if you're shooting for eventual delivery to a video DVD then this is the format you should use. It doesn't matter that it shows up as interlaced when editing, that would still be correct for final DVD Video.
If you then want to render a file for viewing on a computer then you would tick the 'deinterlace' box (alternately set to 'progressive') when exporting the file from Final Cut.
At least they replied. I've sent Canon a query about the G30 / XA20 batteries and no response except an automated email...
But it is odd and I'm not the only one to see the issue; someone else commented on it on one of my videos here, so it's not as if my camcorder's faulty.
I don't quite understand what you mean by "lost" and "a significant amount". Can you explain more specifically what happens. Does the volume level decrease? Does the sound stutter and break up?
Regarding the interlace issue, see my previous reply plus, as you have established, you can also shoot in 30p to ensure no interlacing.
Hahaha, thanks for the comment about my accent!
I can't make a recommendation without knowing what your intended use is. The G30 certainly has more features but it's quite a lot more expensive too (and slightly larger, which might be a factor).
I'd say, if the G25/20 does what you need a camcorder to do then get it, if spending more on the G30 wouldn't get you any benefits for your kind of shooting.
But if 50p/60p, WiFi, 20x zoom and the other tweaks are important, then yes, get G30.
Thank you so much for making these videos. I found the extreme detail of your videos of the HF G20 extremely helpful. Very well done my friend. Cheers.
Thank you. Very pleased you like them. Cheers
Hi,
1) There's a button marked "Disp/Battery Info" next to the SD Card slots, this turns off the display icons in 2 stages.
2) To make a backup, you need two SD cards, it doesn't work with internal memory and one card. Press FUNC then MENU then the middle 'filmstrip' icon; scroll down to 'rec media for movies' and select it; select Card A then press 'Double Slot Rec'.
3) I'm not a Mac expert but Final Cut X or Adobe Premiere should be able to import the files I think. Possibly even iMovie?
Another great video looking for your future additions. Has this camera got night mode? And if so, is it any good? I film a lot of bands and the light level in venues greatly changes often.
Due to having a 2 megapixel sensor low light level video is very good I have found.
Very informative. I'm a bit surprised that you cannot zoom AND focus at the same time. That's almost a deal breaker for me when the G30 hits the stores. Very sad indeed.
Yes, sort of good for run-n-gun. Certainly very portable and with the lens ring and scroll wheel on the back, reasonably quick to set focus / exposure for any given situation.
On the other hand, the poor response of the touchscreen - you have to really push it - means any other adjustments (audio, turning zebras on and off, getting to the WFM as described) is fiddly and frustrating.
I wouldn't normally use autofocus but I have to say the face recognition for AF is very impressive too.
The support plate will come with the tripod so it will depend on what tripod you buy. That in turn very much depends on how big your budget is! You can buy some very cheap tripods and go right up to hundreds or thousands of pounds for broadcast-quality gear.
I have a Libec TH-DV950. It's a basic semi-pro tripod; it does the job and is about the right size and weight but it's not very adjustable for dampening. My suggestion for a more costly, pro tripod would be the Sachtler Ace.
Hi, thank you for the review series! I like this camera and i'm about to buy it. What tripod would you recomment for this. Or, what are dimensions of the support plate?
It's weird isn't it? The old Canon XHA1 (I think) had the same issue. I don't know yet if the G30/XA20 models have the same restriction as they have an all-new lens assembly.
Good luck; let me know how you get on! Enjoy your trip.
I just spotted this on the web: "A Timeline (Compound Clip/Project) can only be a broadcast standard, so you can't manually set it to Prog/Interlaced. That has to be done in the Browser first, then set up a Compound Clip/Project to automatically conform to the first video clip dropped into it"
That sounds to me like all timelines are set to Interlaced (which shouldn't be considered a problem for editing). When you export though, there must be deinterlace somewhere...?
How does this camcorder compare to, say, DSLR video? Would you use this professionally for run-and-gun type of work?
nictheartist This is going to take a long answer... ;-)
DSLRs and camcorders really are chalk and cheese in many respects. Camcorders are far better for ergonomics, which is important if you're filming live events (weddings, news, some documentary work etc) but they're not good in low light and don't offer the "shallow depth of field" look, at least, not without a lot of care.
DSLRs generally offer that nice filmic look and have good performance in dim locations, but their ergonomics generally suck for video - they are, after all, stills cameras with video added on. And their audio is terrible.
So you might use a DSLR when you've got plenty of time to sort out your shot / select a lens and don't need to adjust things on the fly eg some interviews, corporate work, drama etc, and if you don't mind mucking about with separate sound recording.
I'm generalising of course - there are people who use DSLRs for events work but it takes practice and expertise to be good. Focussing on a DSLR needs skill and whilst some rely on autofocus this is a risky strategy - it only takes one moment for the camera to lose focus and hunt for it again to have ruined a shot.
In good light, the images from an HF-G25 are perfectly decent and so you *could* use it professionally as long as you know its limits. If the footage is for broadcast, you might find the broadcasters have different opinions on whether they accept it as it's certainly not "broadcast spec" but if the pictures are something they want, I guarantee they'll take them!!
It's also an easy camcorder to use "run and gun" as you have that manual focus control and thumbwheel for exposure.
Does that help? Generally, for "pro" use, you would be looking at spending rather more, if I'm honest.
¿Time-lapse in the Canon Legria HF G25? ¿Intervalómetro?
As usually you have done an interesting review about this camcorder. What about the duration of battery? It seems to me this camcorder is "greedy" of energy.
When I playback using a monitor, the sound is out of sync with the talent. It's in sync in the editor but not while playing back from the camera into the external monitor. Any suggestion?
Playback or monitoring while recording?
What LANC did you use? I was about to get one of these cameras til I saw your video and I MUST have LANC and I need Autofocus to work ( shooting sports). I was wondering if maybe a LANC that has focus control as well as zoom might work? Or maybe deep in the crazy Canon menu system is there a way to set it?
I had a Manfrotto, the model number of which escapes me unfortunately. I'm not sure if focus control works from LANC, I never tried it, sorry.
Hi, thank you for your video series - really informative. - I have recently bought the Legria HF G25. I am somewhat a novice, but mistakenly thought that I would be able to plug it straight into my iMac to download via the USB cable. But it doesn't even show up on the Mac's finder window, so downloading recorded content cannot begin to start. Can you point me in the right direction on this please
Well that is exactly how it should work (and does on a PC!) but Macs are a bit of a law unto themselves sometimes, especially when it comes to plugging in USB devices and expecting to see them... I haven't got the box handy but remind me, does the camcorder come with any kind of installation disc which could have a Mac driver on it..?
UKAirscape There is a disc, but it's only for Windows users. Macs tend not to require 'drivers' these days - Apple tend to market them as "just works" - or not as in this case. The camcorder screen is warning me not to disconnect either the power source, or the USB. But there is no indication on the iMac that it is even connected. I seem to have hit either a brick wall, or glass ceiling!!!
Yeah I know Apple loves to tout that line but - for example - the Sony SxS card readers used with their pro line of XDCAM EX cameras (PMW-200 etc) need a Mac driver otherwise it doesn't see the device or card when you plug it in, so I was wondering if you had a similar issue.
I did a little research though and it seems the Canon may not present itself to the computer as a mass storage device therefore it doesn't show up in Finder. You may discover. however, that it *does* appear in your video editing program as a source device (what edit software will you be using?).
Another quick thing to check is that you have switched the camcorder to "playback" mode NOT recording mode otherwise it won't appear.
Failing that, the workaround is to take the memory card out and stick that into an SD card reader (does an iMac have one of those built in?) in which case it will show up.
Hmmmm ... there is an option called "Output Onscreen Displays" in the menus. When this is set to OFF, I believe the camcorder outputs only the video signal - though I have NOT actually tried this.
Indeed that is correct!
hi, you can tell this camera to change the shutter speed and aperture in manual mode while recording? read say that just before the recording but not during. Prompt
umka1m Yes you can.
I just found that comment, it was by user 'stando7' on the Configuration Menus video. He comments also that you can't focus and zoom simultaneously.
Just in case it helps you: when i click on the link to buy the camera battery it sends me to the UK site. I'm stateside, so don't know if it would be practical for me to buy through that link. Thanks.
Hi. Thanks for that, yes it's Amazon UK. I appreciate you trying it though, cheers.
Hi
On one of your great informative videos you mentioned about ND grads kicking in to keep the sweat spot. What F stop / aperture is the sweat spot on the Legria?
Im thinking F4 maybe the sweat spot because after that the NDs kick in. I shoot manual at PS25 and like to keep the shutter to 1/50 but my second questions is in bright conditions to get a correct exposure the Aperture can go as low as F8 with Grad. OK I could increase the shutter but that could introduce the jitters ... What do you suggest ?
Thanks in advance
Andrew Weller On most (camcorder) lenses as far as I know (and I stand to be corrected) the sweet spot is generally around f3 to f5. Trying to expose correctly with these little camcorders in bright light is not easy because you have to close the iris down so far if you don't want to adjust shutter (as indeed I don't). The only solution is to buy a variable ND filter to put on the lens and dial it in when needed.
I want to livestream with this cam. Is the HDMI output "clean"? I cannot find this information.
thanks for taking that time.... I appreciate your info
Pleased to have helped. Cheers
Thanks for sharing this, I have one question is the G25 and the G20 the same camera? It seem my country only have the G25, any differences? I know the G20 have webcam function and I want that, do you know if the G25 have that also? Thanks for the video and your help.
They are the same, just different names in different countries. I'm not aware of any webcam functionality.
+UKAirscape Ok, thanks for the reply, then it should have webcam function. I heard about some using it, not sure you need something extra though. Do you recommend this camera otherwise picture and such or are there better options with webcam funtion then?
would this be as good as Sony NEX-VG20EH as i am looking to make a low budget film. for video 1080p and good sound has to be light and easy to move
699.99 vs 1000.23
They are not directly comparable camcorders as they're aimed at very different markets. The Sony is more of a film-maker's camcorder due to its sensor and shallow depth of field capabilities. Also, the HF-G25 won't do 50p, if that's what you're after, although it will do 25p at 1080 resolution.
wait. that means that I cannot use standard microphone (the one without battery) ???
Not sure what you're saying. What do you mean by "this means"? Which bit are you referring to? And what is your definition of "standard microphone"?
Dude... That's a HUGE tripod plate!
You're kidding, right? That's a fairly standard-sized plate for any halfway decent tripod. I don't count those awful sub-£100 tripods you can get on the high street as proper kit. Both my Sachtler and Vinten tripods as well as the Libec in this video have plates at least this big.
all right! im just saying that my two tripod plates are half as big as that one. but of course if you´re plate is the same size, that must be the standard size then!
Haha. I think you should buy a bigger tripod! Size matters!
the plate dosent have anything to do about how big the tropod is?
Larger (by which I mean more solidly built and heftier rather than mere height) pro tripods (compared to the toys you get a local camera shops) in my experience tend to have appropriately larger plates.
Night mode - you mean infra red? No, it hasn't. The XA10 (the 'pro' version of the HFG10) does have infra red and the impending XA20/25 models do.
Does this Camera really make the grade when it comes to TV news?
***** Not professionally. Not as a regular, day-to-day cameraman's (or woman's) camera. But if you got the shot on one of these and the news organisations wanted that footage, they'd take it. Heck, they take mobile phone and GoPro footage if it's images they want...
I'm thinking of buying this. Would you rather recommend waiting for the G30? Ps. your accent is awesome :)
I totally agree with what your saying, but any cam with that form factor, is going to be a problem with that size plate. Any shooter with requirements of having more manual control out board on the cam, needs to move into the pro line. Again, a good review, but those issues wouldn't stop me from buying a cam like that, for that kind of money. It's a consumer camera.
Oh, the plate size? I see what you mean. Well, I'd argue that any lesser tripod than that one is really a toy. Even that tripod is "entry level" at best and that's being generous. Not everyone who wants a degree of manual control can afford to step up to proper pro gear. But I do hear what you're saying and you're right that the niggles shouldn't put people off; I liked my G25 a lot and the XA20 that I had afterwards. Cheers.
thanks for the video, I just have a quick question. I am trying to stream the camera straight to a projector using a mini hdmi to vga converter and when i go to the menu the control for hdmi and hdmi 1080p output are flashing every few seconds and the projector is not displayng the image. I would appreciate any help you could offer.
To clarify, this is the menu on the camcorder or the projector?
+UKAirscape hey, sorry for the confusion, it is the camera menu
Hi . Is there a video on the settings on the HF G40 or are they the same as the 25 & 30.
No G40 video, I don't have one. Should be much the same though.
UKAirscape Thanks for reply . Like your videos very much.
Thanks
can you attach a polaroid filter onto it?
Polaroid or polarising? Either I imagine, if it has the correct screw thread size.
+UKAirscape ok thanks!
Hi! i would like to ask how can i use this camera on mi macbook pro to see what i record at the same time i´m recording? i´m new to this and can´t seem to find much help with their support side
It's not going to be easy to do that. The HFG25 does not have WiFi so you'd have to take a cabled output from the camera (eg HDMI) into the Macbook and that would require some kind of convertor (HDMI to USB3 or Thunderbolt if your Macbook has those ports)
Hi! thanks for the answer, i do have those cables and i have also ordered a transend (am i spelling that right? ) card so i can try both ways and see if it works:-)
It'll be more than just cables. The HDMI to USB convertor will have to have some capture electronics inside it; it's not as simple as changing the connector type.
It's "Transcend"!
Not sure what you mean by try both ways though...?
i felt i was spelling smt wrong!! hehe i mean try both with the cable and te card and see if any of those work, i will be on that today, wish me luck!
Having bought one of these models I have quickly found out it drops 5 frames of video when it makes a new file usually after 11 mins of recorded video. Not great when you want to sync up with external recording. If anyone knows a fix that would be great. I suspect it's down to the Fat 32 file format and the way the firmware operates.
***** It's almost certainly not actually dropping the frames, they're there in the footage but whichever software you're using to stitch the files back together is not correctly reassembling them. It's a very common issue with 2GB (I think) AVCHD files and relates partly to the filesystem as you suggest.
Best remedy is use your editing software's AVCHD import rather than just dragging the files off the card into your timeline; if that's what you're already doing and it's got the issue then your software may not understand how to reassemble AVCHD split files properly.
I will take a further look....thanks
User school boy error: My import method in Edius 7 was wrongly executed. Done correctly and it stitches the files together.
***** Yes, Edius is an excellent program that should handle it fine. Glad you got it sorted.
I am looking for a monitor for this camera, are you doing a review on the Aputure Portable Professional Video Cameras Monitor? What's your thoughts on this so far?
Great. Thank you. I will call them.
Thanks good value
... I was hoping to see a video where I could see why I should buy it and not why not...
A purely upbeat review would be pointless. Besides if you've already decided you want to buy it, just buy it! Incidentally, there are several other videos on this channel looking at positive aspects of the camcorder.
I did not decide if I wanted to buy it or not yet, thanks for worrying! Your advice is absolutely what I did yesterday night ;)
Thank you for the review. I'm in
First off, why would you use a tripod that's rated for a 20lbs. Cam?lol Second of all, why be so critical about a cam at this price point. It's like buying a hot dog and complaining that it doesn't taste like a steak. Other than that, it's a very good, extensive review. Most of these quirks aren't really defects, just annoying little quirks. In my opinion, anyone buying this cam at this price point, is going to point and shoot in smart auto, which works rather well. Slap a decent mic on it and it's a great little cam.
+Patrick Nigh First off, because I happened to have that tripod handy. Second because whatever the price point, it's still reasonable to point out aspects of a device that people might find annoying or frustrating. Many people have bought this camcorder precisely because it can be taken off pure auto and gives you the option of decent (for a consumer grade item) manual controls.
I like your voice; you're a proper television-sounding man, if you know what I mean! :o) x
Thank you!
I know = I should have bought a SONY
The Canon's a great camera. Sonys have their own set of weird issues, just look at my review of the CX900.