Product Comparison: Canon VIXIA HF G20 vs Panasonic HC-X920

Advertiser Disclosure

This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Please be advised that the operator of this site accepts advertising compensation from certain companies that appear on the site, and such compensation impacts the location and order in which the companies (and/or their products) are presented, and in some cases may also impact the scoring that is assigned to them. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. In fact, Company/product listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement by the site operator. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. More info

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

Check Price

Best Pick

Panasonic HC-X920 3D Ready HD 3MOS Digital Camcorder

Check Price

General Specifications

Brand

Canon

Panasonic

Model

VIXIA HF G20

HC-X920K

Origin

Japan

About the Product

True video enthusiasts and advanced amateurs will find their inspirational match in the new VIXIA HF G20. Designed to rival pro-level camcorders in image quality, it's equipped with a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens with 8-bladed iris for stunning quality video and soft, beautiful background blur. The camcorder's Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor provides extraordinary flexibility with extended dynamic range, enhanced gradation, and significantly more light capture for 20% improved low-light performance

The 3MOS System Pro is comprised of the F1.5 LEICA Dicomar Lens, the 3MOS BSI Sensor, and Crystal Engine Pro II. In addition to the excellent color reproduction and high-resolution images that the 3MOS system is known for, the new 3MOS System Pro delivers greatly enhanced image quality, particularly in images shot in dimly lit situations.

Key Specs

Sensor Resolution

2.07 MP

20.4 MP

Sensor Type

CMOS

3MOS BSI

Maximum Frame Rate

24 fps

60 fps

Video Resolution

1080 p

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

Video quality at low light is perfect. Video quality at normal light is perfect. Video quality in night light is perfect.
The color is great as is the low light performance, this camera really is fantastic for those that just want excellent quality home videos in an easy to use package.
It doesn't have the 60p recording and a couple other pro-level features, but it does home videos very, very well.
It doesn't have 60P, why why why!!! so when my 9 yrs daughter was very excited after seeing the cam and turning her face left-right-left, I notice on my TV (HDTV) that moving face is leaving behind the blur effect and not very smooth movement ....I kept the setting on 24P.
The video quality is relatively low. Looking back now I wish I would've not get this and safe the money to get a DJI drone. This video camera is not useful. It cannot replace the video quality of an iPhone.

Panasonic HC-X920 3D Ready HD 3MOS Digital Camcorder

Sony just made a 1.0 inch CMOS sensor for this camera, which is what makes it stand out above all, but this Panasonic camera has 3 (three) large sensors (one for each color)!
Panasonic is the only manufacturer I know that offers the 3 light sensor option, that professionals prefer, while offering it at consumer pricing. This new investment did not disappoint. Its an excellent camera with the manual controls I need to frame the right shot.
The three sensors are great and generally produce excellent picture quality, but I wish Panasonic made a 3-sensor camera with its newly improved sensors and “HDR” – High Dynamic Range video. I'd love a hybrid of these innovative functions.
Outside of that it is a great video camera and takes beautiful 1920 X 1080 video and you can shoot at that resolution in 60 frames a second for improved slow motion when editing if desired. I just wish it had MORE optical zoom for wild life shooting.
I had thought the 3MOS sensors were supposed to help provide better video quality but unfortunately this camcorder is garbage.

Size & Weight

Height

3.1 in.

2.32 in.

Width

3.0 in.

2.87 in.

Depth

6.3 in.

3.23 in.

Weight

22.4 oz.

6.7 oz.

Imaging

Optical Zoom

10 x

12 x

Digital Zoom

200 x

700 x

Aperture

f/1.8 (W) - 2.8 (T)

F/1.5 (W) - 2.8 (T)

Image Stabilization

Optical

Optical & Digital

Face Detection

Yes

Low Light/High Sensitivity

Yes

Image File Format(s)

MPEG4-AVC / H.264

AVCHD, MP4, JPEG

What customers say about "Imaging"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

Photo (still image photos) - with remote you can enjoy...Camera doesn't have separate button for photo but LCD panel has the same.
It's much better for that than any dslr I've used. The image stabilizer is very helpful. I have compared it to my dslr footage and it is MUCH more stable meaning you probably don't need a shoulder rig.
This is a great home video camera for family recordings. The image stabilization is the most amazing feature on this camera, but the facial tracking focus is really cool too and our second favorite thing.
The quality of the lens and the manual focus are great for long distance and low light. I record a lot of indoor stage performances and it is perfect no matter where I sit.
The video is crystal clear, sound is good and zoom is great.

Panasonic HC-X920 3D Ready HD 3MOS Digital Camcorder

It has fantastic imaging. Very sharp and vivid. Works great in low light but noise does increase a bit.
The camcorder has excellent image stabilization and wonderful low light capability.
Great low light images down to candle light levels
The Panasonic image app is little creapy. If you are shooting remote and if the WIfi breaks what will you do. Moreover when you play the video with the Image app the quality is lost , ofcourse it has go to do with Router speed. But despite my router is fast enough dont get a quality.
The Image Stabilization worked better then the other cameras I tested It was very comfortable to hold while filming and zooming in and out.

Display

Display Type

TFT LCD

Touch Screen

Yes

Aspect Ratio

16:9

Screen Size

3.5 in.

Touch Screen
Screen Size

What customers say about "Display"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

It also has an eye piece in addition to the large screen, which is handy when the light from the screen is a distraction.
The touch screen is better than my other model as well as the access to the SD cards.
You can touch the screen and the focus will track whatever the object was, very nice for crowds or varying object distances.
LCD panel is good...but finger prints/dirt is annoying...I can't put screen protector like my smart phones
Seems good overall, touchscreen is a pain to deal with though.
Good images and format. But the features of the camera could be improved. Too many menus within menus and hard to scroll and press. And finger pressing smears up the LCD screen.

Panasonic HC-X920 3D Ready HD 3MOS Digital Camcorder

Large LCD screen is so bright that you technically do not need viewfinder even on the bright sunny day - that's a PLUS
The screen is also programmable to where you can dim the light which is great as well.
Touch screen is super handy, the ability to connect to my phone is awesome.
Using a LCD screen in sunlight is a losing battle.
Trying to look into the lcd screen in bright sunlight just doesn't work. You can't see it (on any camera).

Features

Slow Motion Recording

Yes

HDR Mode

Action Camera

Night Recording

Yes

Wind Noise Reduction

Yes

Shock Resistant

Water Resistant

Extras

Pre-Rec function, Touch & Track technology, Intelligent Image Stabilisation (IS), Audio Scene Select function, RGB primary color filter

Amazing 3MOS BSI Ultrafine HD Video Quality, Bright Leica F1.5 12X Optics, Remote WiFi mobile device tether plus Ustream sharing, Two way remote home monitor networking

Microphone Type

5.1ch Surround, Zoom, Focus and Stereo Microphone

What customers say about "Features"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

Multiple setting (Auto, Manual, Cinema), so good for professional....Not for my use though...I just shoot for and with family...not a professional.
View finder is cute and almost great (though not like EOS 7D).
The cinematic features and modes are outstanding. They also match pixel per pixel...it makes so much sense when you watch it over and over again on any HD television.
The options for audio complete this amazing camera and add limitless creativity to the creation of a pro caliber film.
I was not able to control the manual focus ring...don't understand how much value add it has.

Panasonic HC-X920 3D Ready HD 3MOS Digital Camcorder

The pre-record is a huge benefit and works perfect. For investigators it's essential in my book.
Final note, don't bother with the auto video leveling feature. It's neat but more of a gimmick. Instead turn on the on-screen leveling guides and just pay attention to what you're doing.
The live video feature + control and home surveillance app do not work well, with no real-time video, and video frozen up constantly.
Camera menus have big fonts, making them very easy to read.
With all of the various adjustable features, especially on the video side, Panasonic missed one important feature. There is no ability to mute the recorded audio.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi Enabled

Yes

Microphone Input

Yes

Tripod/Monopod Mountable

Yes

Output(s)

Mini-HDMI (Type C), USB 2.0, 3.5 mm 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio output only), Component video, Composite video/audio

Mini-HDMI (Type C), USB 2.0, Headphone, A/V

What customers say about "Connectivity"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

Remote Controller is great to play/shoot the video/image.
The camcorder comes with accessories in the box, such as the HDMI cable, the lens cap for lighting, also AV cords for you to plug the device into a TV or monitor.
The usb interface is slow for dumping video to a computer.
It would be nice to be able to plug the camera into my computer directly via USB and access my clips, but this is a minor inconvenience.
The USB connection on the camcorder is *very* flaky. It works only occasionally, which means transferring video to a computer is a huge pain.

Panasonic HC-X920 3D Ready HD 3MOS Digital Camcorder

I tried WiFi feature once at home, pretty cool, but it's not practical to use on vacation.
Wi-Fi works great also. I can set up my camera and then walk away utilizing my phone or tablet.
DNLA mode is really nice. Once you have Wi-Fi setup, you can put the camera in DNLA server mode. Then other devices can connect and play the videos stored on the camera.
Not sure why there is no remote. If you connect this to TV with HDMI without a remote how can you fast forward?
I have had problems getting the WiFi functions to stay connected but that feature has a low priority for my intended uses.

Power

AC Adapter Compatible

Yes

Battery Model

Canon BP-808 Li-ion rechargeable battery

Rechargeable Battery Pack

Charging Interface(s)

USB

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

Certifications