Product Description

Now that you've upgraded your TV to an HDTV widescreen, doesn't it make sense to consider a Hi-Def Camcorder? The Canon VIXIA HF100 captures videos at 1920x1080 for true 1080i display. There are no tapes or discs to concern yourself with. It has an SD SDHC slot for video storage. So let your videos fill your new TV screen. Use the VIXIA from Canon. DIGIC DV II Image Processor SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization Instant AF (Auto Focus) 2.7 Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD Superb Shooting Control 24p Cinema Mode / 30p Progressive Mode Stunning Digital Photography Focusing System - Instant AF, Through the Lens/Manual Focusing Possible Auto and Manual exposure modes; Programmed AE - Auto, Program, Av, Tv, CINEMA, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks Recording Media - SD/SDHC Memory Card (not supplied) Audio - Dolby Digital 2ch (AC-3 2 ch) HDMI Terminal Type C 480i/480p/1080I Format Supported Microphone Terminal - 3.5 mm Stereo Mini-jack Mini HDMI Terminal and Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe Dimensions (WxHxD) 2.9 x 2.5 x 5.1 in (73x64x129mm); Weight (not including lens and battery pack) 13.4 oz (380g)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20 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

Plain sailing with the HF100
I got this as a wedding present and it got some immediate use as it was used to film both our wedding and subsequent honeymoon. The low lit church was not a problem although we could have benefited from an external microphone. The picture quality was magnificent and I was extremely happy with it! The honeymoon came next and we charged off to New York City for a week with two 16GB SDHC cards (Great Buy: Transcend 16GB SDHC CARD (SD 2.0 SPD CLASS 6) with Compact Card Reader).

New York in all its glory on sunny days this camcorder just kept me happy. It was put to the test as well. Time Squre at night, views from the top of the Empire State Building, from ferries, during meals ... it was great and the resulting picture quality was outstanding even coverted to regular DVD instead of Blue Ray. Image stabilization was a major boon. At one stage we were on the ferry going to visit the Statue of Liberty and a dragon fly landed on my wife's purse. She zoomed right in it and the pictures we got afterward were quite stunning. From a distance shot to almost macro quality close-ups in the space of 60 seconds ... fantastic.

Even the stock battery has served us well - the upgraded batteries were out of stock everywhere when we purchased this camera (kind of a bummer) but we never had a problem with the original ... seriously how often do you really shoot hours a day even on holiday?

I figure when we upgrade to fanatical parents we'll get the the beefier battery.

The gotcha for me was the software that came with it -- it is basic and to be honest rather crappy but it gets the job done. The puzzler however was that I was having a hell of a time burning DVD's and it took a significant amount of time to realize that the software would not burn to DVD+R disks, only DVD-R! Once I had bought a punnet of these I was good to go and have not looked back since!

You'd be a fool to buy a standard definition camera in this day and age, just in terms of future proofing. This camera appears to be one of the best, if not the best currently available and I for one have absolutely no complaints at all!

AVCHD is no problem for Sony Vegas 8.0 Pro and Dual 2Ghz
If you've been doing research, you know that most people say that AVCHD is a nightmare to edit and render. Not so! You need Sony Vegas 8.0 Pro and a fairly new computer. Editing and rendering is slower than with HDV, but it's not a nightmare at all. Can't afford Sony Vegas 8.0 Pro? At least download the trial version to see what you're missing.
If you want to speed it up, shoot in XP+ instead of FXP--rendering takes 1/2 the time.

1) Shoot in 30p. Looks amazing and no deinterlacing required in post to be viewed on the web.
2) Do not use the software that came with the camera, Pixela Image Mixer. It wants to change the files to M2TS which, for some reason, turn out all garbled in Sony Vegas. Remove the card from the camera and put it in a card reader and transfer the MTS files directly to your computer.
3) Drag and drop an MTS file into Vegas
4) Edit
5) Render (if you shoot in 30p, then render in 30.000 frame rate (do not render in 29.970--it will give you a jittery video))

For Youtube rendering: There is a general consensus as to the settings that are best:
Search Youtube for:
"how to make your videos high quality using sony vegas"

Outstanding Video Quality
This camcorder is a joy to use. The video quality is really amazing especially for the price. This was my 2nd HD camcorder. The first was a convenience, impulse purchase of a Panasonic HD-9 from Costco. Took it back-the video wasn't very good and image stabilization didn't work.
Then I did a lot of research and concluded HF100 was for me. No HV30 because of tape issues and microphone picks up hi-pitch tape noise. No HF10 because SD cards are so cheap anyway.
This camera is easy to operate, though you will want practice if you plan to navigate through the plethora of very useful custom settings. The screen brightness is great, it's useable in even the brightest outdoor settings. The image stabilization is really terrific. If you have somewhat of a steady hand you can take great video while hand held even with significant zoom.
I was a little apprehensive about the joystick control on the viewfinder but I find it is quite comfortable to use.
I use a Mac and it was no problem at all getting the video off the camera. If you have a 16 Gb card and it's pretty full of video it can take several minutes for the computer to go into import mode-seems it has to read the whole card first. So, be patient-it's working.
Though I've read some negatives about battery life, tri-pod mount and some about connector placement and such I don't share any of those as negatives. As for battery, we all have so many gadgets that need charging or syncing these days you just develop the habit of making sure they are fully charged. To me the amazing compact size and light weight advantages of the camcorder far outweighs connector or port placement issues.