Wednesday, 27 June 2007 - Sydney, 30 April 2007 -
Building on more than 70 years of leadership in camera and lens development, Canon has once again revolutionised the consumer imaging industry with the launch of the Canon HV20; a High Definition (HD) consumer camera with unrivalled image quality.


Integrating a True Progressive HD CMOS (1920x1080) sensor, the Canon HV20 offers genuine HD capabilities to the home moviemaker with a choice of interlaced or progressive (25PF) output, dramatically setting itself apart from competitors. In addition to professional-grade HD CMOS sensor, the HV20 features Canon's superior lens technology including 10x Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer and Instant Auto Focus (AF), ensuring optimum capture of crisp HD video. With superb technology and leading edge image capture, the Canon HV20 is a camera enthusiasts and professionals alike can brag about.

"By integrating True Progressive technology with Canon's unrivalled HD lens quality, we are setting a new benchmark for the best consumer HD video possible," said Tamara Hohnberg, Product Manager, Consumer Imaging Products Group, Canon Australia. "As the HD revolution approaches, the launch of the HV20 is a significant advancement for consumer enthusiasts and solidifies Canon's presence in the HD consumer market."

Professional Results Made Easy
Featuring a True Progressive HD (1920 x 1080) CMOS imaging sensor, the Canon HV20 provides consumers with outstanding professional quality reproduction of HD movies and still photos. As part of the advanced technology, the HD CMOS incorporates a RGB Bayer filter to deliver vivid, crisp images with accurate colour reproduction, as well as gapless lens technology for superb low light conditions. Additionally, its On Chip Noise Reduction ensures improved sensitivity for crystal-clear image quality.

To further inspire savvy videographers, the Canon HV20 offers 13 shooting modes, including the new CINE Mode. For aspiring film makers looking to add a dramatic edge to their video, CINE Mode ensures colour and tonal ranges are rendered in a way that closely emulates the traditional look and feel of film, bringing footage to life with a truly cinematic experience.

Superior Technology and Lens Quality for Optimum HD Footage
When shooting in HD it is critical to have sharp focus. In order to support these increased requirements for recording, the Canon HV20 includes the Instant AF system, which dramatically improves autofocus speed and accuracy. The benefits are especially apparent in high brightness and low-light conditions. Camera operators can enjoy fast, accurate focusing, even when following a fast-moving subject.

The Canon HV20 also features a 10x genuine Canon HD Video Lens (43mm diameter lens) and Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer to ensure the best capture to support HDTV quality. Canon's unique Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer helps correct camera shake almost instantly, even when shooting fast moving subjects, as well as compensating for hand-held sway and breathing.

The Brains of the Camera
Carrying on the tradition of the popular Canon HV10, the HV20 showcases DiG!C DV II - unique technology that allows for exceptional processing of progressive HD. The improved DiG!C DV II delivers outstanding detail, rich colour reproduction and wide tonal range - essential for brilliant HD filming.

Canon's Intelligent Design Tradition
Providing greater filming stability, the HV20 features a horizontal design with finger-tip access to external buttons. In addition to the HV20's horizontal design, the camera incorporates an array of new and sought-after features and enhancements that offer greater creative control and easier connectivity. These features include:

Built-in video light

Advanced Accessory Shoe: Providing more power with external video lights or external video flash lights.

Microphone and headphone jacks

Stereo sound - complete with manual audio control and four channel audio playback

HDMI terminal for quick and easy one-cable transport of the High Definition video signal to a HDTV

Analogue-to-digital conversion of footage from an external standard definition source

The HV20 also operates as a digital still camera featuring:

9 Point AF

3.1 Megapixel resolution for high-quality images

Simultaneous photo shooting to Mini SD, without interrupting filming to tape

Continuous Shooting with 4 frames per second

Built-in flash for low light situations with red eye reduction

PictBridge capabilities to print directly to a compatible printer, without a computer

Accessories

Video Flash Light

Video Light

Tele Converter lens

Wide Angle Converter Lens

Filter Set

Long Life Battery Pack

Pricing and Availability
The Canon HV20 (RRP $1,999.00) will be available from May through Canon dealers nationally. For more information customers can contact Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit the website at canon.com.au.

Media Requests:
For additional information, press release or product review requests, please contact the Hill & Knowlton team at canon@hillandknowlton.com.au