Canon VIXIA HF10 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 16GB Internal Flash Memory and 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

One terrific camera. Months of research paid of 100 times over with this little gem. A palm size HD camcorder that is user friendly, takes great movies, & under a grand. Enough said, buy one.

So I am a dad taking video of my family. I wanted the best HD camcorded possible. I originally purchased the Panasonic HDC-SD5. It has beautiful color AS LONG AS YOU ARE OUTSIDE WITH GOOD LIGHTING. Any video shot indoors are pixelated. In fact, even outside shadows pixelate - like if somebody is wearing a hat & their face is shaded. So I spent the money & purchased the Vixia HF10, then shot side-by-side video inside & outside 4 comparison. Figured I'd return the HF10 if it didn't give the results I wanted. Results: the HF10 is MUCH MUCH better quality in low light conditions like indoors. The Panasonic SD5 has slightly (but noticeable) more vibrant colors in well lit outdoor conditions. For me, the low light advantages of the HF10 far outweigh the perfect/vibrant colors of the SD5 outside. In fact, if I wasn't comparing two videos side-by-side I would not notice the more vibrant colors of the SD5.

I've benefited from the great user reviews here at amazon so wanted 2 give back. Hope it helps others when making their purchase decision. Now I have an $800 Panasonic "stand-by" video camera I guess :)

The Canon VIXIA HF10 is a great camera. It has many pros & very few cons.
The pros are: the fantastic HD camera resolution & color, easy 2 use 3MP camera, beautiful LCD display, & general ease of use.
The cons are: the power cable needs 2 be plugged in 2 transfer video & pictures (why?!?), the display needs 2 be opened 2 use the camera (it shuts itself down otherwise), & the limited battery (only about an hour with HD recording).
All in all, a good purchase.

Long review: 10 min.| I got the HF11 video camera in urgent need 4 a specific occasion.
The 60th fireworks event of Suwako lake / Nagano Prefecture in Japan on 15th August 2008. (offical sale start in Japan)

As the overall package Canon with its long term experience in Imaging seemed like "The natural Choice 2 make".

The HF11's navigation is intuitive & exactly as the digital camera products.
Most users are able 2 use the product within minutes !!
The video camera integrates a huge amount of intelligent functions that ensure the quality of your video experience.

- image stabilizer,
- light sensitivity sensor,
- profiles
- variable zoom speeds,
- remaining battery status info,
- alignment markers in the screen


On top of that the video cameras body weight with 380gr. & the size of your favourite beverage is well acceptable even 4 ladies or kids hands.

The HF11 does not come with any major usability hitches but 4 video editing features you might want 2 look into additional software editing & codec converter solutions like Divx, Xvid etc. 2 be able 2 share the joy with your friends on DVD etc. The package contains all possible cables but NOT the ultra compact HDMI cable connection.


The major salespoints of this video camera are

- Imaging quality (resolution & smoothness of video)
- Canons colours
- Usability
- Usability and
- Usability

My subjective opinion is that the Imaging quality is unlike anything I have seen before & easily justifies the product alone.


HF11, HF10 or HF100, which one should I get ?

If you cant compromise video quality 4 anything get the HF11 with its 24mbps recording mode & be rest assured you have the extra stretch when you need it f.e. in low light scenarios & the best model on the marcet in the personal camcorder class.

Otherwise, if you can life with good quality & the same usability & other features as the big brother than you can make a deal by getting the HF10 or the HF100.

The intelligent functions & the exceptionally good design make the HF100, the HF10 or the HF11 the natural choice 4 beginners, amateurs & entry professionals.

This is the quality customers are expecting from a long term Imaging company like Canon !!


As requested from comments I have shortened this review.

[...]

This camcorder is simply great. Small, excellent video quality, & an extremely convenient storage. Like many other costumers, I was divided between the HF100 & HF10 models, but here is a definitive difference that, after two moths, made my choice the right one: I've lost a very important recording with a defective Transcend SDHC 16gb card when plugging it 2 my computer. So, first of all, I recommend buying cards from traditional brands, 2 avoid headaches. Second, as the HF10 has 16gb of internal memory, you're able 2 record 2 it & then copy the files 2 the SDHC card with the camera, before plugging it 2 the computer. With this simple procedure, the operation of transfering files 2 the computer becomes safer, as you have a backup.

With widescreen TV & HDTV approaching as a viewing standard, it's sensible that home video be compatible. That's the philosophy behind Canon's VIXIA HF10 HD Camcorder. You can have stunning AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format recording with the ease & numerous benefits of Flash Memory - No discs or tapes required! It's used in most innovative electronic products such as notebook computers, MP3 players, & cell phones. Record 2 both the camcorder's 16 GB internal memory & a removable SDHC card, extending your available recording space & offering added flexibility in file transfer & playback. The HF10 has a 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor & advanced DIGIC DV II Image Processor, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus, our 2.7" Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD & the Canon 12x HD video zoom lens. With 1920x1080 video captures, you're ready 4 the best HDTV display. SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization Instant AF (Auto Focus) 2.7 Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD Superb Shooting Control 24p Cinema Mode / 30p Progressive Mode Mini HDMI Terminal & Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe / HDMI Terminal 4 up 2 1080i support Bundled Pixela ImageMixer Software Built-in Electronic Lens Cover USB 2.0 Hi-Speed 4 digital video streaming & ultra-fast transfer of movies & photos Wireless Remote Control Canon 1 Year Parts/Labor Limited Warranty Unit Dimensions - (WxHxD) 2.9 x 2.5 x 5.1 in (73x64x129mm); 13.4 oz