Just as Canon
did last year, it has busted out a plethora of new high-def camcorders for our enjoyment over the course of 2009. Without further adieu, let's take a closer look at the outfit's five newest. Starting things off are the
VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100 flash models, which offer up to 32GB of internal storage along with an SDHC card slot. Both units tout the DIGIC DV III image processor, an 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, face detection, Auto Exposure system and the ability to snap 8-megapixel stills. Moving on, we've got the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 models, both of which include a 3.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor and a 15x lens. Closing out the bunch is the HV40 HDV, which offers a 2.96-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, 10x zoom lens, native 24p support and a Custom Key Mode that filmmakers should adore. Sadly, the full release is curiously devoid of pricing and availability information.
posted Jan 5th 2009 1:11PM
Topspace.
Specs are fine, but what format do they record to, and is it easily editable with consumer software? Oh and how much are they?
HV40 is normal HDV... like my HV20.
Not positive about these, but almost all new higher-end consumer HD camcorders that use solid state storage or harddrives (i.e. tapeless) use AVCHD. AVCHD is based on standard H.264 AVC (aka MPEG-4), but is specialized for the needs of camcorders.
Thats ado not a adieu. As for the camera I hope it's cheap and not an amazingly stupid price.
adieu means forward doesn't it?
adieu means goodbye :)
some would also ask what a plethora is?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6E682C7Jj4
they need more stickers
The HV40 info is not clear. How does "Native 24p" differ from what they had on the HV20?
@ Carniphage : The HV20 & HV30 can record 24p, but puts it in 60i wrapper on tape. You have to Reverse Telecine the footage to get it to become actual 24p footage. With the HV40, it records straight to 24p. You don't have to Reverse Telecine the footage. But it's not a big deal, because if you're converting your footage to a more usable format like ProRes, it's not any harder to check the "Reverse Telecine" box while it's encoding. Save your money and buy the HV30 when it drops in price :)
My hv20 capture very well at 24p on my pc... its probably just not supported on your Final Cut Pro.
pika2000, if this uses h264 so recording then you could use videoredo which will be adding h264 support in a few weeks time.
There is very little info from this info for more information specs, we'll have to wait till CES.
Nobody has to wait for anything, full specs are available now on canon website.
Exactly, the top of the line model here:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=177&modelid=17993#ModelTechSpecsAct
these are up on canon's website for more detailed info.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=173
Release date February through March, no prices.
HF20 and HF200 have 15x zoom lenses over the previous 10x zoom. Each of the flash-based has a 3-second pre-record.
Looks like HF10/100 and HV20/30 will drop even more after February.
Until they have an HD video camera that accepts the lenses I've invested in for my Canon DSLR, I'm not buying.
Is that really the kind of feature you would expect from a consumer camcorder? I couldn't imagine one using a telephoto lens twice the size of the camcorder.
All your lenses will work fine with this camera. You got a brevis? No problem. 40 foot telescope? screw it on. Just make sure you grab a rail system to balance the lenses.
The pictures don't really show it, but these cameras are much too small to accept EOS lenses. The camera in the photo is probably about 6 inches long. If you want a feature like that, move up to their prosumer/professional cameras like the XL H1. With most new DSLRs likely to support video in the future, there's really no reason for them to offer such a feature on consumer camcorders.
P.S. I'm not sure what foebea's talking about. I think he's confusing this camera with another one.
They do... it's called the Canon 5d Mark II.
I have the canon hv30. Same body as the hv40.
The front is 43mm and I use it connected to a raynox 6600 wideangle which takes it to 72mm.
If your gear is.. say... 52mm then you would get a stepup ring to connect it.
All your gear will work. Check out hv20.com, they have been tricking the HV series out for a couple years now.
Is the kind of feature I expect from a consumer product? Yes. I, like a lot of other DSLR users started with a point & shoot, realized its limitations, and moved up to an entry level DSLR. As I reach the limits of each lens, I add one to my collection. Now I have a lot of glass, an understanding of how important it is, and no interest in starting over with my video camera. I don't think I am alone.
The Canon 5d Mark II can capture up to 12 minutes of 1080p, but it does not replace a camcorder.
The Canon XL H1 and the whole line of Canon XLs use the http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&tabact=ModelFeaturesTabAct&fcategoryid=165&modelid=10350&pageno=5 XL mount system, not the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF_lens_mount EF mount system. I'm clearly not the first one to think of this http://www.adorama.com/CAEFXLA.html
I think a "prosumer" Canon camcorder should use the EF mount. It would create great "customer stickiness" and give us husbands better justification to deepen our investment.
cant see the battery life on canon's spec list:( the recording time of internal 32gb flash is 2hrs 55mins in full 24mbps quality, hope the battery can do 3hrs so that you can actually record 3hrs of footage.
Actually I've used the HF11 and the battery life is impressive. The flash memory uses far less power than the tape or HDD based models. Pretty much the only "moving" item inside the camera is the mechanical zoom. I own the HV20, and it's battery life is definitely less than the HF11.
I'm seriously considering an upgrade now, particularily the HF S10.
Honestly, im not crazy. check out this page: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3077
That little thing in the back of all that kit is a Canon HV20.
HD is fine for sure, but hey, why can't they bundle better optical zooms ? (20x at least)
I could settle for their zoom, but what I'm really waiting for is Canon to come out with 720p recording on their digital cameras. It's nice to have a videocamera with HD, but most consumers (like me) might actually pay more for a digital camera that does the same thing. Wasn't there one announced this year (non Canon)?
http://htcsource.com
What I am really curious about is what the small square 'lens-looking' item is right below the main lens on the HF S100 and HF S10 is used for? Metering?
Probably the Instant Auto focus sensor.
It seems that even Canon doesn't know:
Dear Mr. Xxxxxxx:
Thank you for contacting Canon product support, and for your interest in the HF S10. We value you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you.
Unfortunately, right now we do not have any additional information other than what is on the website. It appears to be a sensor much like what is used on previous models for the metering system or a wireless remote
We are sorry that we are not yet able to provide more information.
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.
Thank you for choosing Canon.
Sincerely,
Xxxxxxxx
Technical Support Representative
Cannon always make the Hard drives on there camcorders for now to bulky, like look at all that over hang on the right. then look at panasonic or JVC, they got smaller HD's which i like, it doesnt seem like its uncomfortable for your hand
or wont get in your way when shooting HiDef porn
And I just bought a HG20 :/
What a shame, from the pictures it seems like Canon is continuing it's trend of leaving out the viewfinder. The LCD is hard to see in outdoors situations and eats more battery. Really, really stupid. Many people bought Sonys for the last generation simply because Canon didn't have a viewfinder (it's a must-have for many people), and it seems like Canon doesn't seem to care. Canon has slightly superior IQ and more recording options, but when their products are this similar to the competitor, things like this can tip the scale.
Agreee with you Solmar.
Also, they've taken out the Manual Focus Ring!!!
Such an important piece of the camcorder, yet missing from virtually all consumer cams now.