HV20 a top or bottom loader?
 

With the Canon HV20, are the Mini cassetts loaded from the top or from the bottom?

I don't want to buy a bottom loader ever again.

Can't blame you for that. It's a top loader.

If you intend to use it on tripod a lot, most quick release plate will block the battery release lock. It's a pain you have to unscrew the tripod quick release in order to replace the battery.

It's possible to use a skinny object to release the battery without having to remove the plate. At the last Steadicam workshop we had a nail file velcroed to the dock for this purpose.

The "N" mounting hole on the Merlin will not block the battery release button, and works well w/ the WD-H43.

Can you give more information about the N mounting on the Merlin? any URL? Thanks

I've posted the settings I use on the "HV20 and Merlin" thread.

woow that sounds like a good gadget. I watched a video posted from the other thread. It really looks great!

However, I need to work on a tripod (as I operate multiple cameras just by myself). Someone posted a Sima quick release that won't block the Battery Release button. The piece add on top of whatever the tripod quick release is. It seems to work. I am about to buy that.

Just check the price, the Merlin cost $799 which is almost the price of the camcorder... ouch.