The Canon MVX30i holds up very well in the performance department. During testing, features simply worked as they were supposed to, with no notably frustrating moments. Once you master the control placement, the zoom offers smooth, consistent speed, whether attempting a slow or fast change in magnification. Electronic image stabilisation tempered typical hand jitters at all but the highest zoom settings, without noticeably degrading video quality.
The 64mm (2.5-inch) LCD offers a sharp, vibrant image, though it's lower in resolution than the one found on the MVX35i. Its smallish size didn't negatively affect typical shot framing, but precise manual focus was somewhat hard to achieve. The colour viewfinder is similarly sharp and bright, but it sits at a slight angle and doesn't allow for adjustment or extension.
Audio quality with the built-in stereo microphone was very good overall. However, the microphone's placement just above the viewfinder means it picks up the cameraperson's voice far better than the subject's. You can connect an external microphone; an optional adapter bracket lets you attach the external microphone directly to the camera.
The included battery pack emphasises size over capacity, and we were able to exhaust it in about 75 minutes of shooting and reviewing a combination of video and still photos. Larger-capacity batteries are available, though the placement of the battery on the left side of the unit may make the MVX30i awkward to carry if you attach a high-capacity cell.
Unfortunately, we also heard a bit of motor noise in quiet recordings, which may hamper your videos of sleeping babies and other silent subjects.
Image quality
Overall quality of video shot with the Canon MVX30i is excellent, with sharp images and vibrant, but not exaggerated, colours. The automatic white balance does an admirable job of adjusting for shifting lighting conditions, and shots with both bright and shadowed areas maintaining detail throughout. Low-light performance is an improvement over some other Canon models we've tested, with graininess evident in only very dim conditions.
But if you plan to shoot frequently in low light, we suggest you upgrade to the MVX35i for its video light. At the very least, use Night mode: don't leave it in autoexposure mode, which will result in the camcorder dropping to a very slow shutter speed and produce unusable video. With Night mode, the video is grainy, but definitely usable.
Still-image performance is a mixed bag. Images are generally sharper and more detailed than you typically get using a camcorder's photo functions, yet they still don't hold up to direct comparison with typical images from digital still cameras. Significant graininess is evident in throughout shots, particularly in areas of consistent colour and texture, such as walls or faces. Also, the MVX30i is more sensitive to movement of the photographer's hand than most digital still cameras, resulting in a higher-than-normal percentage of blurred shots.
Edited by: Lori Grunin
Additional editing by: Nick Hide
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Alex Spencer 24 August 2005
Good: Picture quality and features
Bad: Uncomfortable handling with zoom button in awkward place
Comment: This is my first camcorder and, overall, I am very impressed, especially with the picture quality. There are plenty of features which are easy to use and set out in a logical way.
Compared to some of the newer camcorders on the market, this one is not very small (you cannot easily carry it in your pocket for example), but it is light-weight (less than 0.5kg). The main problem I find with it is the handling - the strap does not seem particularly comfortable and the zoom button is not easy to reach.
I bought this camcorder for £500 from Comet online but there is £150 cash-back from manufacturer (until end of Aug 05), so it will only cost me £350! A good price for a high-spec machine.
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