Canon has announced the HV30, this year’s consumer HDV model and the replacement of the popular HV20. Wisely deciding not to fix what wasn’t broken, Canon chose to upgrade a select set of features to enhance the user experience when compared to the HV30’s predecessor. Besides the new black color, the Canon HV30 will now not only shoot in 24p, but in 30p, as well. The widescreen LCD stays the same size at 2.7″, but is upgraded for a wider viewing angle.

Also added is the capability to use Canon’s BP-2L24H high-capacity battery pack, and it appears that Canon has also upgraded the zoom rocker, probably the aspect most complained about on the HV20.

As for the rest of the camcorder, the Canon HV30 retains the same 1/2.7″ CMOS imager, body design, and button placement. Look for the HV30 in late February for $999. Orders are being taken at Amazon.com.