 "Not for everyone" | 2009-11-13 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1NO4QA8VJDUT7 |
LET'S START WITH THE BOTTOM LINE
If you're new to the game and have never purchased a camera before then this camera is NOT for you. I recommend this camera ONLY IF you are looking to upgrade your current system. A camera system usually consists of:
* Camera
* Filters - polarized, UV, etc
* Lens - wide angle, zoom, etc
* XLR Shotgun Microphone
* XLR audio adapter
* Wireless Mic Receiver
* Tripod
* Movement assists - Steadicam, Dolly, tracks, etc
* Lights
* Computer to edit
* Hard Drive - for storing footage
If you're thinking about putting down $800+ for this camera and you're missing some of those elements then my recommendation is to not purchase this camera. Rather purchase the Canon HG10 or HF100, both of which you can probably get for under $400.00 USD used from Amazon or eBay.
Spend the money you save on completing your camera system.
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MY REASONS FOR PURCHASING THE CANON VIXIA HFS 100
After spending over two weeks filming a documentary series for Ilm Summit 2009 in Houston, TX with my Canon FS100 Flash Memory Camcorder with 48x Advanced Zoom (Silver), one thing I came to realize is that editing would be so much faster if I didn't have to spend so much time cleaning up the images.
My old camera is really no good at filming in low light and you end up with a lot of "visual noise".
The computer has to spend a lot of time in post-processing to reduce the "visual noise". The resulting image tends to become very "soft" in nature which doesn't really scream quality.
I had been experimenting with different HD cameras but none satisfied my desire to be able to shoot well in low light.
One camera I did like was the Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer. I shot a short documentary of my trip to Hollywood called "Browntourage" with that camera and was quite satisfied, except in extreme low-light conditions.
This camera is great, but it's not worth the $1,100.00 USD retail sticker price. If you can find it close to $800, then go for it.
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THE WINNING FACTOR
The lens it the best part of the camera. The lens is the same lens used on the old Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom DV cameras.
The images look brilliant and it's ability to absorb light after sunset is great with the assist of a portable light.
I shot my latest Browntourage episode titled "Hollywood Again" with this camera. Look for it on YouTube or Google for an example.
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THE KILLER
Canon doesn't consider XLR audio adapters when they design their camera.
With the Beachtek DX-A2S Dual XLR Compact Audio Adapter for all Camcorders. attached to the HFS100, you can't open the flash disc slot to eject the SDHC memory card.
It's a pain considering I'm usually shooting with the Tiffen Steadicam Merlin. To change the card I have to off load the camera from the Merlin and screw off the BeachTek to eject the memory.
What I end up doing usually is using my Laptop to transfer the video data via USB to a portable HDD. It's a temporary solution, but it doesn't give that quick satisfaction of having more recording space available.
The upside to this is you'll be limited to shoot only 60 mins of video on a Transcend 16 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card TS16GSDHC6E [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]. On a day's worth of shooting, be sure to make each shot count.
What I might end up doing is cutting up the BeachTek device to allow for the camera to open up the memory slot or get a 32 GB SDHC card instead. |
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| "Great camcorder, but one nagging thing..." | 2009-11-01 |
| - Reviewed By thechowhound |
The camcorder is great. It fits easily into the palm of my (large) hand, the controls are laid out intuitively, and it's easy to figure out how to start using it - without even reading the manual (I'll do that later).
There is one thing that I thought was wrong with it and I was about to return it to Amazon but then did some searching online. The problem is a very distracting rattling sound when holding the camera. An online search of additional reviews revealed that this happens only when the camera is not recording (true), such as when the camera is off (true). Oddly, no one posted anything about this on Amazon. I suspect this has something to do with image stabilization, but it is so noticeable, you'll likely think something is broken insider your camera. It is very, very strange and disconcerting after spending this much on a camcorder. If they would fix that (and lower the price), it would be perfect.
I agree with others about the battery charger. It seems like a cheap attempt to get you to spend more money. Well that's not going to happen, Canon. |
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 "Utterly Amazing" | 2009-10-23 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1O8ROD9PFRLHL |
The Vixia HF100 is truly an amazing camera. I knew when I bought it that I would be impressed by it, but I had no idea just how great this thing would be. The image quality is amazing. The photo quality is on par with my Nikon D50. It's tiny, I can carry it around in my old point&shoot camera case. The battery life isn't stellar, but if you get a Canon BP-827 Lithium Ion Battery Pack for Vixia HG 20/21, HF11/10 & 100 Camcorders, that problem goes away for good.
I record onto a 16gb SD card, and I've never found that I didn't have enough space to film an event. Just drop from highest quality to high quality-17mbps, and you can easily get 2.5 hours on a 16gb card.
The features on the camera are similar to those on a DSLR. You can adjust the white balance, ISO level, shutter speed, and lots more. Or just leave it on auto and have it work itself out for you.
The one major problem I found with the camera is that it has to be plugged into the wall in order to transfer video to a computer. Removing the SD card and plugging that into the computer directly won't work, because of the cryptic file structure. This is a bummer, since I wouldn't need to carry the power cable with me otherwise. Still, not enough to keep me from absolutely recommending this camera to everybody. |
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| "It rocks - buy it." | 2009-10-21 |
| - Reviewed By User: A28UVGNG42UCPE |
It's really an amazing camera. It's Pro-sumer, so if you're a true Pro, you need to spend some extra money, this camera won't do all the things the real Pros want, but if you're on the "I am a gadget freak" side of the consumer space - this is your new toy.
I am the snobbiest gadget freak of them all - the absolutely king-pin nose in the air, research for months before making a decision, haggle over dollars and cents kind of person - this camera rocks.
Get the extra battery, get the external DM100 mic, grab a case from LowePro, and get a couple of 16GB Class 4 cards. All this on Amazon and paid less than the "package" prices advertised from camera companies. |
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| "Great camera with some minor design issues" | 2009-10-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A35ZL70KC1TQI1 |
Canon VIXIA HFS100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Ok, I needn't repeat the accolades already laid on the VIXIA HF S100. I agree with most of them. I especially appreciate the still camera's high resolution. I think Canon has missed a few things, however.
I would like a way to add a stronger flash for stills. There is no hot-shoe or PC socket.
The socket for connecting the AC charger is slightly recessed and is equipped with a permanently mounted protector cover. This makes it very difficult to insert (or remove) the L-shaped plug from the charger. A straight plug would work better.
My biggest complaint is with the camera's side-grip. I simply cannot use it. I have to use two hands when shooting. Of course, I know that's a better approach anyway, but there are times when it's not practical. Canon could either lengthen the adjustable strap by an inch (or more) and/or raise the attachment points for each end of the strap. I can actually adjust the strap so it works with my hand but then it isn't long enough to still fit under the Velcro to lock it into place. Raising it would also help in accessing the connections under the grip.
I too have issues with the lens cover which works like eye-lids on springs. I chose to add a UV filter and a clip-on lens-cap for extra security when transporting the camera.
The instructions seem to say that you cannot use the camera with the older NTSC (non-HD) TV. I think it works fine using the provided AV cord.
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| "Fantastic camcorder" | 2009-10-03 |
| - Reviewed By User: AZ7FJ1BQ14N0U |
My previous camcorder was a Sony purchased about 8 years ago and using miniDV tapes. Needing to upgrade, I wanted a camcorder that would record HD and liked the option of using memory cards. I was persuaded to buy the Canon Vixia HFS100 after reading some excellent reviews about it. I have had this now for over a month and suffice to say it is indeed EXCELLENT. The following is my experience with the HFS 100 over the past 6 weeks.
While researching this camcorder I found a few consistent critiques, which bothered me at that time. These were:
1. Lack of an optical viewfinder
2. Poor performance in low light
3. A clicking sound as the lens cap does not close fully and
4. Complexity of the menu.
My take on these 4 points:
1. The viewfinder - not a problem for me. I like the idea of viewing on the screen to shoot. I find it more easy and less cumbersome than squinting through a narrow optical viewfinder anyway.
2. Next the low light - This was the one critique I was most concerned about before purchasing the HFS100. After using it, I am not sure if the reviews I read were written by people who did not know how to use the menu options, or there are some defective pieces about. I had absolutely no problems with low light. There is a convenient night shooting mode that works very well indoors, and there is a flash light that pops up to increase illumination when needed. Shooting indoors and outdoors, for me at least, has been without any issues.
3. It is true that there is a clicking sound, but it really did not bother me. I was more thankful that the lens automatically closed itself after every shoot and thus protected the lens.
4. Finally the menu - anyone who has used a digital camera and can navigate menus, will not have any difficulty. In the interest of disclosure, I have a Canon SLR camera, and found the menu options extremely easy to navigate and use, esp as they were very similar to my SLR camera menus. The menu is very well designed and practical to use. The options are many and makes the process of shooting more appealing. or those who may not be so concerned with the multiple choices, there are simple shooting modes. If you are in the habit of navigating menus with SLR cameras, this should be a cakewalk.
Having discussed and given my take on the often quoted negatives, let me switch to positives.
1. WEIGHT: It is an INCREDIBLY LIGHT camcorder and a joy to use.
2. VIDEO: This is what I purchased the camcorder for! The video image clarity and range of colors are simply STUNNING and to be seen to be believed.
3. BATTERY: The battery snaps easily in place, is perfectly flush with the camera (yes, even the backup battery) and has a decent lifespan. I would recommend a second battery though. Regarding charging, I find it quite convenient charging on the camcorder itself.
4. MEMORY CARD SLOT: Loading and unloading memory cards into the camcorder are very easy. I had a bad experience with one of the Transcend cards I purchased though - it failed after one use and I lost a lot of precious memories.
5.DOWNLOADING: All I have to do is hook it up into a USB cardreader and plug it into my Macbook (Leopard OS), open up iMovie and the whole thing pretty much downloads itself in high-def - I absolutely love the convenience of the whole thing.
Having never owned a Canon camcorder before, I found everything about the HFS 100 superb. It is clear that Canon has taken time to think over all the details and has made a camcorder that is great in quality, ease of use and convenience. Overall, I rate this camcorder very highly after 6 weeks of use, and am absolutely delighted with my purchase. I would recommend it without hesitation. |
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Expedited Available
