Canon VIXIA HF S10 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder Review
Canon has a well-known and highly-regarded reputation for optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance and technological innovation, built on our legendary photographic and broadcast television lenses. Based on that experience, we bring the latest in high definition camcorders.
The Canon VIXIA HF S10 Dual Flash Memory camcorder is one such example.
The VIXIA HF S10 delivers brilliant video and photos through a new Canon exclusive 8.59 Megapixel CMOS image sensor and the latest version of our advanced image processor, DIGIC DV III. It combines lightweight, compact size and the ease and convenience of Flash Memory. This technology, the same used in advanced laptop computers, MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones, allows the VIXIA HF S10 to record to both its large 32GB internal memory, for up to 12 hours of crisp, high definition video, as well as to a removable SDHC card. You have extended available recording space and more flexibility in file transfer and playback.
Features Canon VIXIA HF S10 Camcoder
Dual Flash Memory: 32GB Internal Flash Drive & SDHC card slot
You can capture video on both the camcorder's internal 32GB Flash Memory as well as directly to an SDHC Memory Card.Video recorded to the internal Flash drive can also be copied onto a memory card which can then be inserted into your computer or HDTV's card reader slot for immediate viewing.
Genuine Canon 10x HD Video LensThe VIXIA HF S10 comes with an outstanding High Definition video lens - a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens. It's the lens you need to record long shots of your child on the soccer field, wide shots of beautiful landscapes, and everything in-between. And because it comes with four zoom speeds, three pre-set and one variable, you always get smooth, steady, professional-looking zoom shots.
Super Spectra Coating technology results in images with minimal flare and ghosting. Plus, the lens' aspheric design reduces aberration and increases resolution, ensuring crisp, sharp video and enhancing the HD image quality. Additionally, a gradation neutral density (ND) system gives you better exposures in bright shooting situations.A built-in 1.7x Digital Tele-converter provides an extended telephoto range, while still retaining the renowned Canon image quality. In addition, for those times when you need to get a particular shot from a very long distance, this flexible lens also has a 200x digital zoom.
Advanced Auto Exposure System
The VIXIA HF S10 has an Advanced AE System inspired by Canon's EOS DSLR cameras. It's designed to provide the most accurate exposure settings in a wide variety of lighting conditions. This enhanced Auto Exposure system, together with Face Detection and DIGIC DV III captures an expanded dynamic range.
30p Progressive Mode
This is a sophisticated tool for which you would otherwise have to look to professional video cameras in order to have at your command. In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the VIXIA HF S10 to capture video in 30p (30 progressive frames, recorded to 60i), which is particularly useful for footage to be used on the Internet. In addition, this setting gives enhanced quality to still images captured after recording. It's also excellent for action shots and sports.
Product Summary:
The good: Excellent video quality and performance; nicely designed interface; fast battery charging.
The bad: No eye-level viewfinder; expensive; lens cover rattles when closed.
The bottom line: An excellent flash-based prosumer HD camcorder, you may nevertheless pass on the Canon Vixia HF S10 because it lacks an eye-level viewfinder. And the identical--but cheaper, because it has no built-in memory--Vixia HF S100 may also be a better buy.
