Canon HF G70 Review

If you’re in the market for a compact camcorder that delivers stunning 4K video, fast AF, 20x optical zoom, and UVC streaming support, then you might be interested in the Canon HF G70. I’ve had the chance to put this camcorder to the test, and I’m here to share my thoughts and experiences with you. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear idea of whether this camcorder is the right fit for your needs.

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

1. The 4K sensor and DIGIC DV6 image processor deliver incredibly crisp and sharp UHD images, perfect for 4K televisions. I’ve been blown away by the image quality this camcorder produces.
2. The 20x optical zoom is a game-changer, allowing me to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity and detail.
3. The fast autofocus (AF) has been a lifesaver for capturing quick, on-the-go moments without any lag or blurriness.
4. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around for extended periods without feeling fatigued.
5. The UVC streaming support has been a fantastic feature, allowing me to easily stream my footage to various platforms without any hassle.

What Can Be Improved

1. While the image stabilization is decent, I found that it could be improved for smoother handheld filming, especially in dynamic or fast-moving situations.
2. The camera’s auto mode in daylight occasionally resulted in overexposed footage, requiring manual adjustments for optimal exposure.

Quick Verdict

Overall, the Canon HF G70 is a top-notch compact camcorder that delivers exceptional 4K video quality, fast autofocus, and versatile streaming support. It’s a fantastic choice for content creators, vloggers, and anyone looking to capture high-quality footage on the go. However, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision. If you’re interested in learning more about the Canon HF G70, you can check it out here.

Unboxing – What’s Inside?

I recently purchased a Canon HF G70 compact camcorder from Amazon to capture stunning 4K videos for my travel vlogs. The delivery was incredibly fast, and I received the product within 2 days of ordering.

Inside the box, I found a lens hood with barrier, Battery Pack BP-820, USB Power Adapter PD-E1, and an AC Cable.

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Model: LEGRIA
• Camcorder type: Video Camera
• Photo sensor technology: CMOS
• Optical zoom: 20x
• Screen size: 3.5 Inches
• Special feature: Touchscreen, Face Detection, Headphone Jack
• Colour: Black
• Flash memory type: SDHC
• Connectivity technology: USB, HDMI
• Item Weight: 740 Grams
• Product Dimensions L x W x H: 10.9 x 8.4 x 18.2 centimetres
• Package Weight: 1.71 Kilograms
• Package Dimensions L x W x H: 27.2 x 20.6 x 18.7 centimetres

User Guide

The user guide that came with the camcorder was extremely helpful in setting up the device and understanding its various features. It provided clear instructions on how to use the touchscreen, adjust the focus, and connect to other devices. You can find the user guide here.

Features – What We Found

Stunning 4K Video Quality

The Canon HF G70 is equipped with a 4K sensor and DIGIC DV6 image processor, allowing you to capture stunning, crisp UHD images that are perfect for 4K televisions. Whether you’re filming a special event or creating content for your vlog, the 4K video quality ensures that every detail is captured with clarity. Additionally, the 8-blade aperture creates cinema-style out-of-focus highlights, adding a professional touch to your videos.

Pro-tip: When filming in 4K, make sure to use a high-speed memory card to handle the large file sizes and maintain smooth recording without any dropouts.

Fast and Accurate Auto Focus (AF)

The fast AF feature of the Canon HF G70 allows you to effortlessly capture sharp and clear footage, even when filming fast-moving subjects. With 20x optical zoom, you can easily adjust the focus on your subjects without sacrificing image quality. Whether you’re shooting sports, wildlife, or any other dynamic scenes, the fast AF and optical zoom capabilities ensure that you never miss a moment. You can check out the product here.

UVC Streaming Support

The Canon HF G70 features UVC streaming support, allowing you to stream live video directly from the camcorder to a compatible device or platform. This is especially useful for content creators, educators, and professionals who need to broadcast live events or conduct remote interviews. With UVC streaming support, you can easily connect the camcorder to a computer or mobile device and stream high-quality video without the need for additional equipment or complicated setup.

3.5-inch LCD and Built-in EVF

With the 3.5-inch LCD screen, you can easily frame your shots and review your footage with clarity. Additionally, the built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) provides an alternative way to compose your shots, especially in bright outdoor conditions where the LCD screen may be difficult to see. Whether you prefer using the LCD or the EVF, the Canon HF G70 offers flexibility in how you view and capture your videos. Pro-tip: Use the EVF when filming in bright sunlight to ensure accurate framing and exposure.

Cinema-Style Out-of-Focus Highlights

The 8-blade aperture of the Canon HF G70 creates beautiful, cinema-style out-of-focus highlights, adding a professional and artistic touch to your videos. This feature enhances the visual appeal of your footage, especially when capturing scenes with various light sources or intricate backgrounds. The 8-blade aperture delivers smooth and circular bokeh, ensuring that your out-of-focus elements have a pleasing and natural appearance, elevating the overall quality of your video production.

Review and Scores

Our Score: 77.0

After using the Canon HF G70 for a few weeks, I have to say I am quite impressed with its performance. The 4K video quality is stunning, and the fast AF and 20x optical zoom allow me to capture detailed and sharp footage. I particularly appreciate the UVC streaming support, which has made it incredibly convenient for me to live stream my videos. The compact size and solid build of the camcorder make it very versatile, and the battery life has exceeded my expectations, lasting over 2 hours of continuous recording. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality compact camcorder for professional or personal use, I highly recommend the Canon HF G70.

The image stabilization, although not perfect, is surprisingly effective, even when using the 20x zoom. The ability to record in 4K at 150Mbps provides top-notch image quality, and the camera’s sensor and image processor deliver excellent performance. While the low-light capability may not be as good as some higher-end cameras, the Canon HF G70 still manages to produce impressive results in various lighting conditions. Overall, it’s a great option for those who want a compact and versatile video camera that offers professional-level features at a reasonable price.

For anyone with a limited budget or those who prefer the convenience of a standard camcorder, the Canon HF G70 is definitely worth considering. Its combination of high-quality video recording, fast autofocus, and compact design make it a reliable choice for both personal and professional use. I am very satisfied with my purchase and believe that this camcorder offers great value for its price.

Best combination

When you invest in the Canon HF G70 Compact Camcorder, you’re already opting for top-notch 4K video quality, fast autofocus, and an impressive 20x optical zoom. But to truly make the most of your filming experience, I highly suggest considering the Canon BP-828 High Capacity Battery Pack as an additional purchase.

Having a spare or replacement battery for your compatible camcorder is essential for uninterrupted filming sessions. Imagine being in the middle of capturing an important moment, only to realize that your camcorder’s battery is running low. With the Canon BP-828 High Capacity Battery Pack, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a backup power source readily available.

Still not sold? Checkout These Alternatives

When considering a compact camcorder for stunning 4K video, fast autofocus, and UVC streaming support, it’s important to explore all your options. While the Canon HF G70 is a great choice, there are other products that may better suit your needs.

1. Sony PXW-Z90V – Offers 4K HDR recording capabilities, fast hybrid autofocus, and a 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor. It’s well-suited for professionals looking for a compact solution without compromising on quality.
2. Panasonic AG-UX180 – Features a 1.0-type MOS sensor, 4K 24p recording, and a 20x optical zoom lens. It’s designed for high-quality video production with advanced optical performance.
3. JVC GY-HM250U – A 4K camcorder with live streaming capabilities, integrated graphics, and overlays directly in the camera, making it ideal for live events and web broadcasting.
4. Canon XA55/XA50 – Offers 4K UHD recording, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and a 15x optical zoom in a compact form factor. It’s a great alternative within the Canon lineup for those looking for similar features to the HF G70.
5. Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K – While not a traditional camcorder, this cinema camera offers 6K recording, EF lens mount, and dual native ISO up to 25,600. It’s suited for filmmakers looking for cinematic image quality.

When considering a camcorder, it’s important to weigh all your options and find the best fit for your needs. While the Canon HF G70 offers impressive features for professional videography, there are alternative products that may better suit your requirements.

For instance, if you’re looking for a camera with advanced autofocus and compact design, the Sony PXW-Z90V could be a more suitable option. Its fast hybrid autofocus system ensures sharp images, crucial for dynamic shooting environments.

Alternatively, if you prioritize optical zoom and sensor size for diverse shooting conditions, the Panasonic AG-UX180 offers a powerful zoom lens and large sensor, making it ideal for capturing high-quality video content.

For those interested in live streaming and integrated graphics, the JVC GY-HM250U provides unique features that allow for direct broadcasting and graphic overlays, enhancing live production capabilities.

Lastly, for filmmakers seeking cinematic quality, the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K offers high-resolution recording and a wide dynamic range, making it perfect for narrative film production.