Head to head: Canon HV20 v Sony HDR-HC7

As you'd expect, the 1920 x 1080 HDV sequences are superb when shooting under controlled conditions in optimum light. Image detail coming off both models when viewed on a substantial HDTV display is very impressive indeed, even when viewing material in which objects (such as vehicles) are moving through the shot.

There's a distinct advantage to shooting in 25P mode if you plan to view on a largish HD LCD display via either HDMI or Component Digital connections, and that's where the Canon HV20 comes into its own.

Audio quality is good, too, despite the mic being upward facing on the HV20. Serious users will almost certainly want to avail themselves of the external mic jack, of course, but even so the standard stereo audio is fine when there's either no wind or very little. The intelligent accessory shoe on each model enables the use of optional 5.1 Surround mics, too.

Conclusion

You can't help but be impressed by the quality of video from both cameras. When shooting fully auto, the Canon did have the slight edge over the Sony, which tended to overcook the highlights slightly.

Under manual control, and even in lowish light, the Sony produces images that are slightly grainier than the Canon. Colour is generally superb on both models - especially in good lighting - as is manual controllability overall.

However, there's no doubt that the Canon has the slight edge. Not only is its manner of manually controlling functions slightly easier to use when recording, but the pictures produced by the HV20 have that certain edge.

It has to be said that this is a very subjective judgement, but on that level the Canon's pictures are beautifully resolved, crisp and well-balanced when viewed on a medium-sized HDTV screen. Not only does the cam's 25P utility give it an edge in respect of movement onscreen, but the pictures just look better to the untrained - not to mention the trained - eye.

The Canon, therefore, makes it to the finishing line first. But only just!