Product Description

records high-definition AVCHD video (at 1080i resolution) to SD and SDHC memory cards (not included) * 3.3-megapixel CMOS image sensor (2.07 effective in 16:9) * High Definition video lens with 12X optical zoom (digital zoom to 200X) * advanced DIGIC DV II image processor with hybrid noise reduction system * 2-11/16" widescreen LCD *

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #75 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 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. VIXIA HF100 Highlights

AVCHD Flash Memory in a Compact Size The 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

Canon Vixia HF100
After considerable research, I settled on this camera as a birthday present for my husband. He is delighted with it's features, size, and convenience of operation. Delivery was great through Amazon.com

Very impressed with the Canon HF100
I guess I am somewhat of an expert having co-written a few books on high definition video so I did quite a bit of research before deciding on this camera. With a baby on the way I knew I wanted a HD video camera and I also wanted it to be solid state based. My last video camera was the Canon Optura Pi. Standard definition of course and tape based. I don't like tape. I don't like having them around, buying them, tape dropouts, jamming in the transport ($300 repair), or storing them. I like shooting video on the card, transferring the video to the computer and then putting the card back in the computer.

With adequate light the video quality of this camera is pretty amazing. I have viewed video from it on my 52XBR4 Sony LCD TV and it really is HD. Only when the lighting gets really bad does the apparent resolution go down and the noise increase. Still the picture remains very usable in all but the darkest conditions. Considering the fact that this is only a 1/3.2" CMOS sensor the picture quality is very good.

Despite what you may have heard about AVCHD compression is it quite editable with the right computer and software. I would say that if you have at least a 2.5GHz dual core you should be fine. I am editing with Sony Vegas Pro 8 and the editing experience is quite snappy.

At the maximum bit rate (16Mbps) the recordings are very clean with macroblocking only visible on really fast motion scenes or other difficult scenes like water waves. And even then it is minimal. I would like to check out the new HF11 with its 24Mbps data rate and see how much better it does than the HF100 on tough motion scenes. I just hate to have to pay the extra money for the built in memory, which I personally think is a waste. Why be locked into the rate that Canon charges for the memory when it's going down every day?

What would I change on this camera?
1. Make the zoom control a rocker.
2. Increase the max bit rate recording to 24Mbps like the HF11.
3. How about the next generation having a 1/2" single CMOS sensor and a larger lens to match for better low light sensitivity.
4. True 30p mode that doesn't use the 60i wrapper to store 30p video.

First real 1920x1080 camcoder
Nice quality and color purity. No focus hunting.

This is a first real full HD, unlike fake anisotropic 1440x1080 for previous models.

24p and 30p are impractical ones, video is recorded in 60i anyway. I'd rather see fully progressive 30 fps video instead. Making field deinterlace (even-odd-even-odd) makes nice 60fps footage with half vertical resolution. I'm downscaling the horizontal res twice as well with lanczos sharp resizer. That gives 960x540 ultra sharp very live (60 fps) progressive video.

Battery life is a drawback, you'd better buy extra BP819 off eBay. Note, this battery doesn't have a chip thus can't show charge time left indicator.

Besides battery and "fake" 30p it is a perfect camera.