They definitely talk about recording in 'Full HD':

'Der HV30 speichert Full HD 1080i im HDV-Format auf MiniDV-Band.'

The German website slashcam.com shows these specs for recording for the PAL version, based on specs which they have received from Canon Germany:

MiniDV 720 x 576/50i
HDV 1920 x 1080/50i
HDV 1920 x 1080/25p

I'm curious about the Pal version since it won't have 30p, there is not a lot of difference, between that and the HV20

But if they rewrite the HDV spec so it can record 1920x1080 - that's cool

PAL specs are in English here
http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/prod...hv30/index.asp

doesnt the hv20 say the same thing though? to my knowledge there is no way to get full 1920 on a mini dv tape.

According to Canon's own press release on the HV20...

"The 1/2.7" CMOS image sensor acquires image information at 1920 x 1080"

http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedat...0131_hv20.html

Just because it captures 1920 doesn't mean that it writes it all to tape. If the HV30 is HDV then it will be recording 1440 to tape no matter how a press release plays with words.

Hmm, not so sure about the "Full HD 1920" thing. That holds true for their new AVCHD flash memory camcorders (HF10 and HF100), those new AVCHD cams record 1920, but *not* the HV30 as there has been no change to the HDV spec that I'm aware of. I believe the German site may be in error. I'll check with my contacts at Canon USA for a clarification right away.

Remember what happens at the image sensor is not the same as what happens at the recording stage... these cams (HV 10 / 20 / 30) have a 1920 sensor but HDV records 1440.

Hmmmm... maybe the German translation ist wrong.

This is the english version of the PAL's version press release:

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Prod...HV30/index.asp

It talks, like the US-press-release, just about a 'Full HD sensor'. No word about Full HD recording. :(

from http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Prod...HV30/index.asp

"these components integrate seamlessly to deliver superb HDV1080i (High Definition Video) images, recorded to tape."

I would assume the HV30 replaces the HV20, wonder if this is a correct assumption.

It is a replacement but you'll see both offered for sale (when the HV30 ships in Februrary) until the remaining HV20 stock is depleted (which shouldn't take long).

You are absolutely right. I have checked with my sources at Canon USA and the official answer is that there has been no change to the HDV specification. Like the HV10 and HV20 that came before it, the VIXIA HV30 has a 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensor and is writing HDV at 1440 x 1080 to tape. Hope this puts a wild and inaccurate rumor to rest,

This was the obvious play from Canon. With the way things are going when they bring out next years models AVCHD will probably be so far along they might not have an HDV model at all. There doesn't seem to be much point to messing with success in probably the format's last year or two as a consumer technology.

It'll still be in the pro space. What I'd really like to see is a slightly beefed up hv30 in a nicer larger body, but still smaller than a canon a1 with manual features and a focus/zoom ring, like a bigger version of the sony a1u for around 1600-1800 bucks.

Given the limitations of the H.264 codec, isn't it likely that as the constraint of writing to tape is removed, some new codecs offering higher resolution and bitrates will emerge in prosumer camcorders?

The reason to stay with HV30 is because of your continuing desire to store footage on tape. Otherwise you go to VIXIA HF10--- assuming we get comparable image capability and AVCHD editing capabilities are comparable.

For me, although tape is inconvenient, its still the most reliable storage. Your raw footage is preserved, in a semi accessable format, and you can capture it over and over again, within limits, without fear of degradation.

HV30 is pretty in black, but it seems to me that if we start seeing close out sales on the HV20, and I am in the market for a second or 3rd camera like this, I would not hesitate to go with the HV20.

Cineform is working on getting their codec on silicon. Putting that in an affordable camera would be pretty slick, I'm not holding my breath.

Or just use Cineform's portable recorder (if they can get it out the door).

Honestly, if and when Cineform comes out with their portable recorder, then for me, with my HV20, there would be no reason to upgrade to a new camera.