Apparently dropped LANC on the G20, the G10 had it. Bummer, no more able to use Sony LANC controllers.

Yes I know of the av/LANC cable, very tempted with your 3D recommendation as I know you rank that camera highly. FYI, quite a few of the 2011 Sony cameras were disabled from LANC and Av at the same time, ok for years prior and after. Silly Sony.

Yep that was the one I was referring too :-)

Not much interest in G20, maybe the 50/60i is the put off?

The r40 is so good for the money. That zoom range is incredible. I love walking in the streets recording people from far away without them knowing. Very voyueristic Im starting to have many camera bodies but camcorders have a special place in my heart, so easy to operate.

Canon VIXIA HF G30

• http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hf_g30

• Canon 20x HD Video Lens (35mm equivalent: 26.8mm-576mm) with 8-Blade Circular Aperture

• Manual Focus Ring
• 1080/60p recording in MP4 (35 Mbps) and AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps) for high-quality capture of moving subjects; Slow- and Fast-Motion recording; plus Native 24p recording.
• Built-in Wi-Fi® technology (Dual Band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz) allows you to wirelessly share your images and video or send to a PC. Upload virtually anywhere on your iOS® device with the free Canon Movie Uploader app* and Wi-Fi® Remote enables remote control of camcorder settings and operations.
• Canon 2.91 Megapixel HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor and new DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor provide high sensitivity and wide dynamic range for exceptional imaging performance.
• 3.5-inch OLED Touch Panel Display (approx. 1,230,000 dots) and joystick offer fast and easy control, plus a Tilt Electronic Viewfinder (approx. 1,560,000 dots).
• Two memory card slots (SDHC/SDXC compatible) while Relay Recording offers extended recording time. Dual Recording allows simultaneous movie recording in MP4 and AVCHD formats. Built-in downconversion creates MP4 files for easy sharing on the web.
• SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization (with Dynamic Image Stabilization) features five-axis correction that corrects a full range of motion.
• High-capacity battery included.
• Linear PCM audio recording and Audio Scene Select enable easy operation and setup for outstanding audio.
• Compatible with optional Canon WM-V1 Wireless Microphone.
• Advanced Display Features allow you to obtain an exceptional level of image control.
• A Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe expands the versatility of the camcorder.
• retail price of $1,699.99.

Professional-Level Optics

The newly designed 20x wide-angle (35mm equivalent: 26.8mm - 536mm) f/1.8 HD Video Lens has been designed to offer advanced amateur videographers wide-angle and powerful zooming without compromising quality. The new lens was built using the same Hi-UD (Hi Index Ultra Low Dispersion) technology found in Canon's XF professional camcorder line, helping to reduce chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range. A new 8-blade circular aperture on the lens utilizes the same technology found in Canon's popular EF series of lenses, which helps create a more natural, smoother out-of-focus area than previous G-Series models. In addition to the lens, the VIXIA HF G30 camcorder features a dedicated manual focus ring as well as a custom key, a feature commonly found in professional level video products. While utilizing the manual focus ring, shooters can switch between the focus and zoom feature when using the Focus/Zoom Selection Switch located at the back of the camera. Precise adjustments are right at a user's fingertip with the ring, allowing users to create videos quickly and smoothly.

The size of the new HD CMOS PRO Image Sensor was increased 1/2.84-inch over the previous sensor, answering the demand for performance from the newly designed lens. The new image sensor, combined with the new DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, work together offering high sensitivity and wide dynamic range, while providing images with low noise, more depth, and enhancing vibration control. The SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization feature includes a new Dynamic Mode. This mode helps to substantially reduce image distortion, even when shooting while walking, resulting in steady video.

Convenient Shooting

The new VIXIA HF G30 camcorder features a variety of improvements over the prior G-Series models designed to help enhance the overall shooting experience and inspire users to capture creative content from virtually anywhere. For the first time in the G-series lineup, both 1080/60p MP4 (35Mbps) and AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps) recording are available through the newly introduced Dual Recording feature. Now, users can experience great output flexibility, whether sharing short clips with friends and family or editing a more in-depth video. The VIXIA HF G30 camcorder also supports cinematic recording at Native 24p, allowing for maximum resolution and high image quality, and the easy to use pull-down conversion helps prevent loss of image quality. For added convenience, two SD memory card slots are available, while the Relay Recording feature automatically continues to record on the second SD memory card1 once the first one becomes full.

Operation is intuitive and seamless with the new vividly brilliant 3.5-inch Organic LED Touch Panel Display that utilizes Electrostatic technology. This newly integrated technology allows users to control focus, exposure, and track shooting subjects with the simple swipe or touch of the screen - similar to the experience found on a smartphone or tablet.

The new seesaw-style zoom mirrors the design of professional-grade camcorders and offers improved ease-of-use over prior G-Series models. The VIXIA HF G30 camcorder features a Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe as well as a cold shoe, allowing users to add external microphones or additional lighting. In addition, the audio jack includes headphone and microphone terminals. The VIXIA HF G30 camcorder is compatible with the optional Canon WM-V1 Wireless Microphone, and optional GP-E2 GPS Receiver. The GP-E2 can be connected to the camcorder using a USB cable, providing location and time information of your recording, which can be a very useful tool for editing and archiving purposes.

Advanced Wireless Connectivity

For shooting situations that make capturing the perfect shot difficult, the VIXIA HF G30 camcorder's new Wi-Fi Remote feature allows users to control the camcorder remotely and change settings via a versatile web browser when using your tablet, smartphone or PC. With the dual band wireless support (5GHz and 2.4GHz), users can select from two wireless frequencies to help improve signal strength in areas with increased signal interference.

No matter the level of user, consumers recognize the need and convenience of uploading and sharing their video quickly. While using the Movie Uploader app, you can connect the camcorder to an iOS tablet or smartphone, available for free download in the Apple App store, allowing users to view, save or even upload videos previously recorded on the camcorder without the hassle of cables or wires.

Professional Controls and Shooting Assist Functions

The VIXIA HF G30 camcorder has been packed with several professional features to give the user a level of comfort and operability. The VIXIA HF G30 camcorder includes advanced features like manual color temperature adjustment (2,000K-15,000K in 100K increments), color bars with test tone, manual shutter speed and aperture control, a built-in Remote Control Terminal (which supports LANC protocol). Despite its compact body the VIXIA HF G30 camcorder features the new 0.24-inch high-resolution (1.56-million-dot) angle-adjustable color viewfinder (CVF) with a large-sized eyecup. The CVF can be tilted at a 45-degree angle, improving operation during low-angle shooting. The new zoom lever inherits the same level of zoom operation as found in professional level cameras, allowing for the shooter to quickly zoom in and out, and respond to almost any shooting scenario.

Pricing and Availability

The VIXIA HF G30 camcorder is currently scheduled to be available in June with an estimated For more information about the VIXIA HF G30 camcorder and a full list of product specifications, visit http://www.usa.canon.com/camcorder.

I wonder what the bitrate is in native 24p mode.

Focal Length: 3.67-73.4mm (35mm equivalent: 26.8-576 mm without Dynamic IS; 28.8-576mm with Dynamic IS) Max. F/Stop: f/1.8-2.8 So on the wide end, it is not ultra fast, but on the long end it is 2.8. That's still a pretty serious piece of glass. And you get a bit more mileage with IS turned off. Use the extra px.

At 1:50 or so there is a huge difference in aliasing between 24 and 28 mbsec. Look at the stair stepping on the diagonal lines. It is hard to tell anything from the test however.

G30 firmware released - http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/camcorders/high_definition_camcorders/vixia_hf_g30#DriversAndSoftware