Canon VIXIA HG21 AVCHD 120 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me start by saying that I've been using camcorders for 20 years, way back to the full sized VHS days. Canon and Sony have been my favorites for many years, starting with their 8mm days. Since consumer HD seems to have stabilized in its second generation, I decided to upgrade from my six year old Sony 8mm.
The Canon Digital SLR cameras are second to none, I own three of them (Digital Rebel, Rebel Xti and an EOS 40D) and they blow the competition away. I fall into the "prosumer" category for digital categories, and the Canon Digic processor is one of the things that has separated Canon from its competitors. So certainly the second generation HD Canon Vixia 21 with the Digic II processor would be a no-brainer, right? Not exactly.
The good:
120GB hard disk drive - you can record up to 45 hours of video in LP mode, and about 11 hours in the best HD mode the camera has. The storage capacity will, by far, outlast the battery that comes with the camcorder.
SDHC slot - Unlike Sony and their proprietary Memory Stick, Canon has and continued to use SD and now SDHC memory. SDHC cards are available from numerous vendors and they are easier to find and less expensive than the Memory Stick.
12X optical zoom - this works extremely well, as advertised. Digital zoom takes away from the quality of the recording, so I prefer to stick with the optical zoom. The controls for the zoom are very fluid and smooth.
Picture quality - in daylight and indoors with good light, the picture quality is exceptional. Playing the video on my HDTV is just as good as any broadcast HDTV quality you'll ever see on TV.
Image stabilization - very few people can hold anything completely still. With the image stabilization feature, you don't have to worry about it - the camcorder handles it for you and does a great job of it.
The bad:
Short battery life - the battery that ships with the camcorder (BP 807/808) will give you no more than 80-90 minutes of operation. If you don't plan to use it any more than that on each outing, then it is not a big issue for you. If you plan to use it for a day of on and off shooting, you need to get another batter. The BP827 will give you almost five hours of running time, for a steep $144. Adding to this, you can only charge the battery while the battery is in the camcorder. The external battery charger is another $60 or so. In short, if you plan to use this camcorder for longer than an hour, buy an extra battery and the external charger so you can charge one battery while using the other. This is not a Canon specific problem, every vendor, including Sony, has its limitations with batteries and charging. They also have the "optional" longer life batteries and external chargers for a steep price as well.
Low light shooting - The picture quality is grainy and unimpressive. After seeing what the daylight shots looked like on the TV, then watching the low light shots, you will be somewhat dissapointed. Perhaps there is some special low light setting I do not know about - I've only had the camcorder for a week. Another reviewer indicated better luck in low light. I will report back if this is resolved.
Despite the additional battery and charger purchase, I think this is a very good camcorder. I hope to resolve the low light issue. Daytime and good lighting recording is breathtaking on replay. Given that this is a consumer grade camcorder, I doubt you'll find any better for the money.Update:
As promised, I've worked with the camcorder for a couple of weeks now, and not much has changed. The daylight and well-lit room video is broadcast quality HD.Low light is still somewhat grainy. I also purchased a longer life battery and external charger from Amazon, which comes in very handy. I would still purchase this camcorder.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon VIXIA HG21 AVCHD 120 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom

The Canon HG21 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive camcorder sets a new standard for High Definition, delivering optimal image quality, long shooting times along with the extraordinary ease and versatility when viewing video on television or a computer. Capture amazing HD video with even greater detail and color reproduction with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and the addition of a video-capable SDHC card slot plus the extended 120 GB internal Hard Disk Drive allows you to now record up to 45 hours of video onto the internal hard disk drive so there's no need to worry about running out of space. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HG21 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon's select Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HG21's 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects.The HG21 offers the unparalleled combination of Canon's exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, Instant AF for accurate focusing that's critical when shooting in HD, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and the Canon exclusive 2.7-inch Multi-angle Vivid LCD Screen to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast. The HG21 features the latest HD technology, excellence in Canon optics and engineering in a compact, sleek design that delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon.

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Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been using camcorders since 1985 and I've used almost every possible format available to consumers. As of Oct. 2007, I can firmly say that this is by far the best camcorder ever, in terms of the picture quality, convenience, and the price. Although there are some limitations in the AVCHD format (I don't want to repeat here again), the convenience of the hard drive made me choose the HG10 and I have absolutely no regret at all.
First of all, I would like to clarify other reviewer's information that might misguide some folks. The HG10 does include the software to transfer and to edit the video footage for a PC. It comes with Ulead DVD MovieFactory SE for editing and burning DVDs and AVCHD-DVDs (can be playable on some blu-ray players and Playstation 3. It's a dvd that has HD pictures). If other reviewers have only a Mac, their complaints are valid, since the HG10 only includes a picture browser to handle the still pictures, not video for a Mac.
For the most consumers like me, the DVD MovieFactory works pretty well. I just burned a standard DVD (yes, an MPEG2 DVD that you watch everyday) with the DVD MovieFactory and am very satisfied with the result. Converting HD pictures to the SD format does not degrade the original HD quality much and I was impressed by that. I added chapter marks, made menus, and did little editing. Editing the AVCHD format needs a ton of processing power. If you don't have a fast computer (dual core, 2 ghz or faster), it will be extremely slow. I was using a Pentium 4 3.6 GHz, 2 gigs RAM, Windows Vista Business PC to make a DVD and it worked OK. Making an AVCHD-DVD is faster since it does not need to re-encode the video files. If you don't do a complicate editing job and want to merge video clips from the HG10 and burn a DVD, you could use a slower computer for that purpose. I have experience using Adobe Premiere, Ulead VideoStudio, and iMovie (for Mac). Although DVD MovieFactory might not be the right tool for the professional work, it is quite good for a home use. I surprised my friends with the DVDs created from it. My only gripe is a complicated software activation process. You should read the software instructions carefully to avoid the hassle (specially the web link in the last page). I wasted 2 hours just to activate the software.
Yes, the HG10 does not have an IEEE1394 (or firewire, or iLink whatever you call it) port. However, it does not need one. All the footages are already stored in AVCHD format and you only need to transfer those files to your computer. If you have to capture the video and encode it to a file from the magnetic tape (MiniDV), you might need an IEEE1394 port. However, for the HG10, you don't need to do that. If you look at other hard drive based camcorders, they don't have it either (they mostly have a USB port). Right before the HG10, I used a Sony DCR-SR100 and it does not have a firewire port, either.
The HG10 has a mini HDMI (type C) port, so if you want to connect the HG10 via HDMI, you'll need to order a mini-HDMI to HDMI (type C to type A) cable. The HG10 only includes a composite A/V cable and a component video cable. My minor complaint is that it does not come with a shoulder strap. This toy costs $1,000, so a nice looking shoulder strap should be given (I am using one from an old Canon ZR camcorder).
I was told that the HG10 uses the same optical mechanism as Canon HV20, which is known to be the best consumer HD camcorder on the market (it records in HDV format on tapes, not AVCHD on the hard drive). So I expected that the picture quality would be pretty good and I was right. If you have a full 1080p HD display, you will be amazed. Personally, I use a 720p projector at home and am quite impressed by the quality of the picture. Unlike Sony AVCHD camcorders, the sound is recorded in 2 channel Dolby Digital format (Sony records in 5.1 channel Dolby Digital). The good thing about 2 channel recording is that it does not record my breath. With 5.1 channel recording, you can easily hear your breathing sound, since two of the mics are catching rear sound.
For the low light performance (like indoor shot), the HG10 is comparatively better than any other consumer level camcorder on the market that I have seen. However, don't expect too much. It cannot be compared to the low light quality of a $3,000 camcorder. My impression is that its low light picture quality is closest to a decent 3CCD high-priced consumer level camcorder.
I have been waiting for long to have an excellant hard drive based AVCHD camcorder. There are many hard drive based camcorders on the market now and none of these have caught my attention for some minor reasons, such as no external mic jack, no usb port on the camcorder, or the poor low light performance. Finally I found the right one and am so happy that I waited.
Thanks to Canon for introducing good equipment at the right price (under a grand). I hope this review helps some people who have waited like me.
== Update, as of Feb. 12, 2008
As of today, I have been using the HG10 for more than 4 months. I have taken so many precious moments and this camcorder never disappoints me. The best moment I had was the day I brought this camcorder to my friend's home for a party. I connected it to Samsung LNT4065F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV and showed a junior high soccer tournament game. Everyone, I mean everyone, in that house said "Wow." The picture quality coming out of this combination was AMAZING !! I felt like I was watching an HD documentary from BBC or National Geographic. As I said in the review, I use an HG10 with a 1080i/720p projector (Epson Cinema 400, 3 LCD projector), but the HG10 picture coming out from the Samsung LCD TV was truly exceptional and far superior (very bright and way more crisp). I have never seen such a good picture coming from any other consumer level camcorder. Although the indoor shots have some grainy pictures (I tested some indoor video shots, too), the outdoor shots are flawless. Most of my friends who saw it wanted to buy the HG10 and I started to dream about having the Samsung LNT4065F LCD TV ever since. :)
The only drawback that I have found new from the HG10 is that if you want to transfer video files from the HG10 to a computer, you must have an AC adapter (correct me, if I am wrong). Sometimes, I want to transfer video to a friend's computer right after I take it. However, if I don't have the AC adapter for the HG10, it simply refuses to do it (it asks me to hook it up). This is very cumbersome to me.
I just heard that the new Sony hard drive camcorder has a 120GB hard drive. However, the 5 hr 30 mins of video in highest quality that I can take from the HG10 is still pretty good.
If I had to choose a camcorder today, I would choose the HG10 again. I can't wait to see what the next version of the HG10 can do.
== Update, for the Mac users, as of Mar. 29, 2008
I recently bought a MacBook and found out one thing that I want to share with other Mac users. First of all, the HG10 does work with iMovie '08 and Leopard OS (10.5) on intel Macs. If you connect the HG10 to the Mac, all the importing process will go very smoothly. You should be patient, since the Mac converts AVCHD files from the HG10 to their propriety format (it increase the size of the original files to 7-10 times). However, iMovie '08 does not import .mts or .m2ts files directly. iMovie can only import AVCHD files from the HG10 or the storage space (external hard drive) that exactly has the same directory structure like the HG10. I mean, it does not import individual .mts (.m2ts) files. I have searched through many apple discussion forums and have not found solutions for it.
If someone only saves .mts or .m2ts files without having the original directory structure (it means, no meta data, video files only) like me, he/she has to use the conversion utility like Voltaic to convert .mts or .m2ts files. If you have a non-Intel Mac, you can import AVCHD files this way (converting through the utility like Voltaic) only, though. This conversion process takes significant amount of time and the storage space.
I wish iMovie can directly handle .mts (.m2ts) files soon. Until then, I should stick with the bundled Ulead software on PC for my old video backups. Disappointed...
== Update, for the YouTube lovers, as of May. 22, 2009
I still love the HG10. It is the best. Probably you already know about this. YouTube allows to upload the .mts or .m2ts files created by AVCHD camcorders. So, you can upload the file directly without any conversion process on YouTube and it is HD. I cannot thank YouTube enough about it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer

The Canon HG10 AVCHD Format Hard Disk Drive Camcorder delivers high definition technology with the effortless ease of recording video directly onto a hard disk. Incorporating the latest AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format, it puts superb image reproduction and advanced features at your fingertips in a compact AVCHD Format HDD camcorder, which means you'll carry it everywhere you want to capture the special moments in your life in true HD.Among the Canon Exclusive features on the HG10 are Canon's own Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. More exclusives are SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus and our new 2.7" Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. With the Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens and a host of other advanced features the HG10 is the right choice in HDD camcorders.FEATURES
AVCHD Format HDD in a Compact Size
Full HD onto a 40GB Hard Disk Drive
Canon Exclusive: 1920x1080 Full HD CMOS Sensor
Canon 10x HD Video Zoom Lens
Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV II
Canon Exclusive: SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
Canon Exclusive: Instant AF
24p Cinema Mode
HDD Still Photo Grab from Video
Canon Exclusive: 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
Superb Shooting Control
Advanced Photo Features
Corel Application Disc
Additional Features
ITEMS INCLUDED
HG10 Camcorder
BP-2L13 Battery Pack
CA-570 Compact Power Adapter
STV-250N Stereo/Video Cable
WL-D86 Wireless Controller
IFC-400PCU USB Cable

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Canon VIXIA HG20 AVCHD 60 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this camera today, I wanted to get HG10 as it is cheaper, but I went with this one as it has higher Hard Disk capacity with small price difference.
The first test video taken was indoors and with low light, I noticed lot of dots in the frame, however, after setting the AWB to indoor and exposure to low light, the video looked much better, then I tried the sport setting with 24p and the video was impressive!! I hooked the camera to my 40" HD LCD TV, and the colors and sharpness are breathtaking!!
One tip is to use the P (Programmed AE) setting with different selections of White Balance, the LCD screen is clear enough to make a quick decision on the fly to pick the best selection, I used 3 different settings walking in day light, then on a shady area, then inside a shop.
One thing to note that the battery works only 2 hours, Canon offers better battery with 4 hours duration priced around $100.
You also need to read the pros and cons of the video codec, there are lot of information on the Canon HG10 reviews, and very useful. In general the higher the frame bit rate and resolution, the longer it will take to process and edit the video and much longer to burn it on DVD or BluRay.
I actually found out that Google's Picasa 3 application (free download) can open the videos recorded by the camera, this tool can export any clip (or portion of it) to wmv format, once the file is exported, you can use any video editor like Microsoft Movie Maker to compress the file or change it to DivX format, etc.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon VIXIA HG20 AVCHD 60 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom

The Canon HG20 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive camcorder sets a new standard for High Definition, delivering optimal image quality, long shooting times along with the extraordinary ease and versatility when viewing video on television or a computer. Capture amazing HD video with even greater detail and color reproduction with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and the addition of a video-capable SDHC card slot plus the extended 60GB internal Hard Disk Drive allows you to now record up to 22 hours of video onto the internal Hard Disk Drive so there's no need to worry about running out of space. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HG20 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon's select Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HG20's 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects.The HG20 offers the unparalleled combination of Canon's exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, Instant AF for accurate focusing that's critical when shooting in HD, and a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings. The HG20 features the latest HD technology, excellence in Canon optics and engineering in a compact, sleek design that delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon.

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PTC 6ft PREMIUM GOLD SERIES MINI HDMI TO HDMI v1.3 Certified Cable for CANON VIXIA HD Camcorders, HF series and others with Mini HDMI output port Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this cable to connect my camcorder to my TV. The standard HDMI end of the cable has a secure fit however, the mini end is so loose that unless you hold / push it constantly it will not work (no sound or picture due to poor connection). It appears that this item was manufactured with poor tolerances. This makes this cables nearly useless and potentially harmful for the camera / TV.

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Now you can enjoy your High Definition Personal Digital Videos on your HDTV or HD Projector or Computers with HDMI port by simply connecting them using this single cable. PTC's Premium Gold Series Mini HDMI to HDMI cable will deliver the very best quality picture and sound from your HD Camcorders to you HD Displays each and every time.

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Samsung HMX-H100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder with10x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)I actually bought this camera from another store that had a huge sale and saved a ton of money even with a 2 year warranty. I'm actually a college student majoring in visual communications. This camera easily transfers data from the camcorder or just using the SDHC cards directly inserted to any PC. The editing software is basic and not thrilling by any means. If your an average individual looking to slice and dice footage this camcorder is perfect for you. The files are saved as compressed .MP4s. If your looking for another level of editing such as myself using Premiere Pro or Final Cut, you must convert the files. Easiest way to achieve this is taking the .MP4s and upload them into Quick Time Pro 7 (can be downloaded for Macs or PCs). From Quick Time you have to save the files as .MOVs. If you do not do this loading the files in an editing program you will only be able to get the audio. As well Quick Time is 30 bucks and no need for expensive converting programs out there. As far as the audio is concerned it is excellent as the picture is. Wind can give you some trouble even with the wind screen, but what condensed internal mic doesn't? Comes with a nice touch screen and limited push buttons. Menu use is very easy and self explanatory. Fast hand movements do get a bit choppy if your recording in HD from the refresh rate. 8GB SDHC cards will give you approximately 61 minutes of record time on the highest settings. Charge time is very fast and on a full charge you will get about 75 minutes of straight recording time. You can also get some great Transcend SDHC cards for very cheap as well there is a very nice package deal for extra batteries and clothes. Like in the other reviews the only difference between this camcorder and the others in the HMX product line is the size of internal memory. So it's up to you if its worth getting a higher series that only carries more internal memory. That is about all I can think of discussing this camcorder. This is a great consumer camcorder and totally worth the 500+ you will be dishing out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung HMX-H100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder with10x Optical Zoom

Baby's first steps? Daughter's graduation? Important life events deserve to be filmed and watched in beautiful high definition. The HMX-HM100 boasts 1920x1080 resolution which means youâ?TMll see every amazing detail in brilliant color. It also comes with 10x optical zoom so you can get close to the action and optical image stabilizer for blur-free video.

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