Canon VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
List Price: $899.99
Price: Click here to see the price
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Product Description
Now that you’ve upgraded your TV to an HDTV widescreen, doesn’t it make sense to consider a Hi-Def Camcorder? The Canon VIXIA HF100 captures videos at 1920×1080 for true 1080i display. There are no tapes or discs to concern yourself with. It has an SD SDHC slot for video storage. So let your videos fill your new TV screen. Use the VIXIA from Canon. DIGIC DV II Image Processor SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization Instant AF (Auto Focus) 2.7 Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD Superb Shooting Control 24p Cinema Mode / 30p Progressive Mode Stunning Digital Photography Focusing System – Instant AF, Through the Lens/Manual Focusing Possible Auto and Manual exposure modes; Programmed AE – Auto, Program, Av, Tv, CINEMA, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks Recording Media – SD/SDHC Memory Card (not supplied) Audio – Dolby Digital 2ch (AC-3 2 ch) HDMI Terminal Type C 480i/480p/1080I Format Supported Microphone Terminal – 3.5 mm Stereo Mini-jack Mini HDMI Terminal and Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe Dimensions (WxHxD) 2.9 x 2.5 x 5.1 in (73×64x129mm); Weight (not including lens and battery pack) 13.4 oz (380g)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #35 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Canon
• Model: HF100
• Dimensions: 2.50″ h x 2.90″ w x 5.10″ l, .84 pounds
• Display size: 2.7
• Included Software: Yes

Features

• Capture high-definition video to flash memory
• 12x optical zoom; SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
• 24p Cinema Mode; 30p Progressive Mode
• 2.7-inch widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD
• Simultaneous photo capture

From the Manufacturer

From Canon’s long history of optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance and technological innovation in photographic and broadcast television cameras comes the latest in high definition camcorders.

Now, with the light, compact Canon VIXIA HF100, you can have stunning AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format recording with the ease and numerous benefits of Flash Memory. It’s used in some of the world’s most innovative electronic products such as laptop computers, MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones.

Add to that the Canon VIXIA HF100’s Canon Exclusive features such as our own 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II Image Processor, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus, our 2.7-inch Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD and the Genuine Canon 12x HD video zoom lens and you have a Flash Memory camcorder that’s hard to beat.

AVCHD Flash Memory in a Compact Size The Canon VIXIA HF100 is one of Canon’s first AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format Flash Memory camcorders. AVCHD uses an MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) video codec, recording true 1080 High Definition resolution video. An advantage of the AVCHD format is that it captures twice as much video using less storage, which enhances the extended recording time possible with Flash Memory.

The advantages of Flash Memory go beyond the added recording time. You’ll also appreciate the quick response time, because it doesn’t have to wait for moving parts. Press the record button and your VIXIA HF100 starts recording video faster than you’ve ever seen before. In addition, when you review your footage, it will come up more quickly as well.

Another plus is the VIXIA HF100’s lower power consumption rate, allowing your battery to last longer. It’s just what you need so you don’t miss that pivotal play on the field or the moment when they say “I do”.

While we certainly hope you keep your VIXIA HF100 securely in your hand while shooting, if it happens to slip, or you accidentally knock it against something, you’ll be happy to know that Flash Memory makes your camcorder more shock resistant than other recording storage systems. It also minimizes the chance of data loss due to damage to your recording media or the moving parts in other camcorders.

Making this new technology even more convenient to use is the VIXIA HF100’s compact size and light weight. Measuring only 2.9-inches wide, 2.5-inches high and 5.1-inches deep, it combines big video storage capacity in a small, easy to carry body.

1920 x 1080 movie recording requires a Class 4 or higher memory card. For other recording formats, a Class 2 or higher card is recommended. Also, movie recording requires cards with 128 MB of memory or more. Cards made by Toshiba, SanDisk or Matsushita are recommended. No particular restrictions apply for still images.

Canon Full HD CMOS sensor (1920 x 1080) The HF100 features a newly developed, Canon manufactured HD CMOS Image Sensor. Similar to its use in Canon’s EOS series digital SLR cameras, the CMOS sensor reproduces high resolution images as true HD movies. Canon’s HD CMOS sensor acquires image information at 1920 x 1080 pixels. Canon’s HD CMOS sensor also features on-chip noise reduction technology. This low noise technology feature means that even in dimly-lit scenes, the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal “noise” or other aberrations.

Full HD Lens-to-Screen: 1920 x 1080 capture and recording The Canon HF10 not only captures images in Full HD, but records and outputs 1920 x 1080 as well, so you get full HD from lens to screen. Experience the ultimate in clarity and detail.

RGB Primary Color Filter Whether you’re shooting video or photos, you will appreciate the HF100’s stunning, high-definition image production. For rich, accurate color, the HF10 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter. It separates light into red, green, and blue color components, resulting in vibrant images with natural-looking tones similar to what you’d obtain from 3CCD camcorders.

Genuine Canon 12x HD video lens The HF100 comes equipped with a 12x HD video lens. An aspherical lens is used to help achieve low aberration and high resolution. The lens also features super spectra coating technology which lowers flare and ghosting. A gradation ND system is used for better exposure in bright shooting situations. This lens design creates true HD image quality.

DIGIC DV II image processor DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology designed specifically for HD. Since video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV II HD digital signal processing ensures optimal image quality for both HD video and still images. Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the HF100 produces video with improved color reproduction — especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction — for images that are crystal clear.

DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality

SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer The HF100 features Canon’s SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Utilizing a Hybrid detection method (combining vector and gyro detection method) corrects camera shake instantly for steady shots. And unlike other optical stabilization systems, Canon’s Super Range OIS covers a wide range of movements while preserving image quality. It is even effective while taking photos.

Use 24P mode to achieve a ‘cinema’ look

24p Cinema Mode 24p Cinema Mode is a feature demanded by professional filmmakers and previously available only on pro-level camcorders. 24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring movie makers achieve a professional “film-look.” This mode is actually two different features, which can be used independently, or together, depending on the user’s preference.
1. The frame rate changes to 24p — the same frame rate as movie film
2. The HF100 changes the color and tonal characteristics to make you feel like you are watching a movie in the theatre.

30p Progressive Mode 30p Progressive mode delivers clarity for fast-action subjects and is the perfect frame rate for the web. Plus, it is ideal for displaying crisp images on your home theatre system or computer monitor. Before now 30p was exclusively featured on pro-level camcorders but Canon now offers the widest frame rate options for every videographer.

2.7-inch widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD The HF100 is equipped with a Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. This newly designed screen offers two key advantages for easy, flexible operation.
1. A wide viewing angle – view from any direction
2. A wide color range – provides robust, accurate color

Instant AF (Auto Focus) Instant AF is Canon’s new and advanced autofocus system required for High Definition. Using a Hybrid Control system, the Instant AF makes it easy to focus on previously difficult subjects. It dramatically decreases the time it takes to achieve proper focus and increases accuracy especially in low-light and high-brightness situations.

Intelligent Lithium-ion battery The remaining battery time is now indicated down to the minute, so you will never have to guess the recording time available.

HDMI terminal The HDMI terminal transports high-definition video signal with audio in one cable to your HD television. The new standard in HD connection.

One-touch power button Power your camcorder with a touch of a button just like a digital camera.

Canon DVD burner compatible Take care or those precious moments shot with your HF100 by backing up your footage on the new Canon DW-100 DVD burner. This simple and easy to use burner eliminates the need for a pc but still guarantees the assurance of knowing your memories are preserved to an AVCHD disc. Additionally, the Canon DW-100 DVD burner can be used as an AVCHD player when connected to your HF10 camcorder.

Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe The Advanced Accessory Shoe allows the use of additional accessories such as a video light and directional microphone. Compared with the previous Advanced Accessory Shoe, the new version is 50 percent smaller in size.

Built-in electronic lens cover A built-in electronic lens cover automatically opens when the camcorder is turned On and closes when turned Off. There is no dangling lens cover to lose.

Quick Start Instead of powering off your camcorder between shots, simply press the Quick Start function to put the camcorder in stand-by mode. Quick Start considerably reduces the power consumption of the battery and allows the user to return to recording mode in less than a second, so you’ll never have to miss another special moment.

Program AE Mode The HF100 gives you a choice of settings that automatically result in the best exposure for different conditions. Scene modes include: Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, and Fireworks. Each adjusts your camcorder’s settings to compensate for different lighting conditions and different subjects.

Select from pre-set scene modes to get the best exposure

Built-in video light Increase your low-light capabilities even further by shooting with the HF100’s built-in video light. This light enables you shoot subjects in low-light at distances up to 4.9 feet away.

Microphone terminal with audio level control The HF100 features a microphone terminal for attaching an external microphone. The audio level can be manually adjusted for greater flexibility. A level meter is shown in the LCD screen.

Simultaneous photo capture While shooting an HD movie, you can simultaneously capture a 2-megapixel photo to a memory card by simply pressing the photo button. It’s perfect for anytime you don’t want to miss a moment.

Headphone terminal The audio/video terminal doubles as a headphone terminal for monitoring sound while recording.

Focus Assist function When shooting high-definition, a properly focused subject is more critical than ever. With one push of the Focus Assist button (during manual focus setting), video zoom and peaking (for emphasizing image contours) are displayed. Not to worry, this is automatically cancelled when recording is started.

Level Shot and Grid Markers It’s easy to keep your HF100 level for more professional-looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Then line up any horizontal lines in your shot to the marker and you know your camcorder is level. The Grid marker is also very convenient for setting up the special balance in your shots. And since background colors vary, you can select from two line colors to make the lines easily visible.

Smooth zoom control With this innovative feature, you can always be sure of smooth, steady, professional looking zoom shots. Simply select one of three pre-set zoom speeds. You can also select variable so you can control the speed manually.

3.1-megapixel photos Capture stunning 3.1-megapixel photos in 4:3 aspect ratio to a miniSD card (or 2.07-megapixel photos at 16:9).

Photo grab With this professional level feature, capture photos during playback. With one push of a button you can “grab” a 2-megapixel still picture from your HD video footage. There is no need to worry about taking a photo while you’re shooting.

9-point Ai-AF mode Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn’t in the center of the frame, the HF100’s Ai-AF function will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus.

Built-in flash Capture superb images in low light and indoor photography settings.

Histogram display Commonly used in Canon’s line of digital SLR cameras, the HF10 features a Histogram display. With just one push of a button, the brightness information of a still image is revealed. This allows you to monitor image quality so you can make adjustments to improve the next shots.

Print/Share button For fast and easy, one-touch printing of your photos at home, simply press the camcorder’s Print & Share Button. The button can also be used for one-touch downloading of your images to a computer.

One-year parts and labor limited warranty Canon’s camcorder limited warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers’ warranties expire.

Customer Reviews

A Capable HD Camcorder
This is my first camcorder. Before my purchase, I did some extensive researches on what camcorders to buy and most of the materials lead me to get a HD camcorder to be future proof. Further research throws up more confusion as you have a choice of recording medium for HD camcorders – DV, HDD, DVD, Flash memory. My initial choice was between Canon HV20 and Canon HG10. I like the Canon HV20 for the quality of the videos, ease of editing but do not like DV as I feel that it is probably going to be obsolete in a few years’ time. I like the idea of having a HDD in a camcorder for the convenience and ease of transfer of the recorded materials but noted that it may be susceptible to loss of recorded footage in the HDD due to vibrations or dropping the camera. While I proscratinate, my prayers were answered when Canon launched the HF10 and HF100. It uses flash memory which is more stable than HDD and in view of the falling prices of flash cards, is getting cheaper by the day. After reading the review on the HF10 in www.camcorderinfo.com, I was sold on the camcorder.

I bought the HF-100 instead of the HF-10 as I like the gun metal grey look and also with the price difference, you can buy a couple of 16G Class 6 SDHC Transend cards. I also do not like the glossy black of HF10 as it is a figure print magnet. Although I am residing in a country where the TV system is PAL, I do not mind the NTSC model from Amazon as it is much cheaper than what I get back home (about USD500 price difference) and nowadays most people own a multisystem LCD or plasma panel anyway. The only drawback is that there are certain pull down issues for NTSC models (which do not bother an amateur like me) and that the warranty is only valid in the US which I do not reside.

I have the opportunity to try out the camcorder and my initial thoughts are that it is very user friendly. In fact, I tried thre various functions of the camcorder without much of a quick glance at the user manual. I tried the Easy mode and was happy to find that even with this mode, the video turned out nice and sharp without any editing. I like this mode as it enables my wife and friends to use the camcorder easily. For the same reasons, I normally have the set my DSLR to auto mode before I get someone to take a picture of me when I travel.

I decided to turn off the Easy mode and played with the 3 different recording modes – 60i, 24p and 30p. In a bright environment, there is not much difference. The colours in 60i do however seem to look more saturated. In a lighted environment, the 24p and 30p showed their usefulness as the videos captured are brighter than the 60i, contributed no doubt by the slower frame rates. Colours as a whole are rich and tend towards slightly on the cooler side. I do not usually use the Cine mode together with one of the 3 aforementioned mode as I prefer brighter & saturated colours and shoot landscape very often. Cine modes do give you a slightly smoother and less saturated colour range means that it probably handles skin colours better. In any event, you can make whatever adjustments which suit your taste. The camcorder is certainly customisable to your needs. However, in an environment where the lightings are a tad dim, I noticed grains on the video which suggest that this is not a videocam which you want to use in dark indoors. I cannopt fault the camcorder too much as it only costs USD700 and you cannot expect capabilities like those of a professional camcorder. Given the proper lightings, it will not disappoint you.

My only criticism is that the stabilisation is not too effective. Maybe it is due to the light weight of the camcorder, which ironically is one of the reason why I bought it. To reduce vibration, I tried not to zoom in when I pan the shots. Although the autofocus is fast, be careful when you pan the scenes too fast as the speed may cause the autofocus to hunt and you will find that your videos will not be appear to be well focused as the camera moves. You can overcome this by using the camera at its widest settings and pan only in a slow and smooth motion. Further vibrations can be eliminated when you mount your camcorder to a tripod.

The camcorder can also take pictures at 3MP. The picture quality is acceptable although you cannot compare with a mid range PNS or digital DSLR camera.

As for the batter life, try to get an extended battery which allows at least twice the shooting time. The extended battery offered by Canon does not flush well with the camera and is in black. So aesthetically, it does not go well with the body colour and shape of the camcorder.

I also like the camcorder for having an automatic lens cover. However I bought UV filters as an additional protection for the lens although it may not be necessary. However I do shoot in windy conditions and byt he sea and do not want the dust or sea water to settle on the lens.

As for editing, so far I have yet to do very extensive editing. I tried the software provided by Canon and it is essentially only good for viewing the recorded materials. I invested in a Corel Ulead Studio 11.5 as it is cheap and I wanted something simple to use before I progress to sometime more advance in future. So far the software runs fine on my PC which is a 4GB Quadcore machine.

As a whole, I do like the camcorder very much taking into consideration the low price. I would summarise my likes & dislikes for the camcorder as follows:-

Likes
Affordable
Light weight
Comes with 24p and 30p
Uses flash memory
Hand strap not very comfortable
Sharp pictures in brightly lighted environment

Dislikes
Only stereo and not 5.1
Flash card can only record 1 hr of video
Rocker switcher for zooming feels loose and cheap
Location of flash not ideal if using convertors
AVCHD editing still not too stable.
Lousy software provided
No mini HDMI cable provided
Grainy video quality in dimly lighted environment

I give it five stars despite some shortcomings as it is a very good value for money camcorder.

Canon HF100 camcorder
Canon VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom I am very pleased with this camcorder and expect to be using it very much with 5 young grandchildren. I especially like using flash memory with no moving parts. Excellent response to my order.

Super light and small and great picture quality outdoors
When I first got this camcorder, I was amazed at how small and light it was. I’ve had it for almost two months now and every time I use it, I’m still amazed at how small and light it is. The picture quality is awesome on hdtv. However, I do agree that the colors are a little over-saturated and dynamic range is compressed. I haven’t noticed the highlights but the midrange and shadows are little too dark. When watching directly out of the camcorder via hdmi to the tv, I wish that I could do some post processing right then. When filming indoors during the day that is lit by the windows, the picture still looks very good. Indoors at night shows a little noise but it hasn’t bothered me so far. A friend of mine has the Sony SR12 and we also hooked it up to the same tv. The picture quality was either on par or slightly lower than this one. The Sony is bulkier and more expensive so I have no regrets going with the Canon.

One note about the audio is that when I film my son’s soccer game during a windy day, the wind sounded much louder than it actually was in playback. I don’t have a comparison point here since I didn’t get to test the Sony.

Another annoying thing I noticed is that the startup time is not instant but standby mode consumes too much battery. Startup time was about 5-6 seconds so you might miss some moments if you’re not prepared. It happened to me at Disney World. So, I just closed the screen to put the camcorder in standby so that I wouldn’t miss the next opportunity but when that moment came, I noticed that the camcorder was very warm and the battery was slightly lower. Correct me if I’m wrong but the it shouldn’t be warm in standby. Needless to say, I don’t use standby for extended time any more after that.

I also bought the Canon HD-W37C 0.7x lens converter that I used quite a bit at Disney World. The picture was still very sharp but you do get a bit of barrel distortion on the edges. Also, you can’t use the built-in flash with the converter. The main reason I bought this camcorder was because I needed more angle filming indoors but I guess I’ve found that it’s useful even outdoors. I intend on using it on my Alaska cruise too.

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. It’s so light and small, I have no problems taking it everywhere with me. The picture quality isn’t perfect but it’s great for a hobbyist like me.

Canon VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
List Price: $899.99
Price: Click here to see the price
This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

Special Offers and Product Promotions

Special Offer: Receive a unique coupon code for a free 16×20 collage poster (a $19.99 value) from Shutterfly when you purchase this product between April 1 and June 30, 2008. (Applies only to products sold by Amazon.com. Does not apply to products sold on our site by third-party merchants or through third-party areas such as Amazon.com Marketplace, Auctions, or zShops.)