Since Canon created the monstrous HF S10 and HF S100, there was no need to revamp their first generation high-definition HF10 and HF100. Instead, both aforementioned models were morphed into smaller, more consumer-oriented camcorders with enhanced style. The new Canon Vixia HF20 (gallery) and Canon Vixia HF200 (gallery) look more like the kind of camcorder we'd find in a tourist's fanny pack than an amateur filmmaker's camera bag.
We dig the compact size and LCD joystick, but the Canon Vixia HF20 and Canon Vixia HF200 are definite departures from their larger predecessors. The Canon Vixia HF20 records to 32GB of internal flash memory and SDHC cards while the Canon Vixia HF200 records solely to SDHC cards.
Both camcorders have a smaller 3.89-megapixel 1/4" CMOS chip, which is smaller than the HF10 and HF100's. Needless to say, we were impressed while holding a petite high-definition camcorder with a 15x optical zoom.
Canon has waged quite a divide between consumers and advanced shooters this year, so if you're just looking to capture family moments in high-definition, we recommend sticking with the Canon Vixia HF20 or Canon Vixia HF200 rather than the HF S10 or HF S100. Stay tuned for our full reviews to be posted when these camcorders are released in February 2009.
Canon Vixia HF20 specifications:
Standard Definition or High Definition
High Definition
Television System
NTSC
Video Recording system
MPEG4-AVC / H.264
Image Sensor
1/4-inch CMOS, RGB Primary Color Filter
Total Pixels
Approx. 3.89 Megapixels
Effective Pixels
Video: Approx. 2.99 Megapixels
(2304 x 1296) / Still Image: 16:9: Approx. 2.99 Megapixels
(2304 x 1296), 4:3 Approx. 3.31 Megapixels (2100 x 1575)
Maximum recording time
32GB internal Flash drive
LP (5 Mbps) 12 hours 15 minutes
SP (7 Mbps) 9 hours 35 minutes
XP+ (12 Mbps) 5 hours 45 minutes
FXP (17 Mbps) 4 hours 10 minutes - Allows 1920 x 1080 Recording
MXP (24 Mbps) 2 hours 55 minutes - Allows 1920 x 1080 Recording
Lens
Zoom Ratio 15x Optical / 300x Digital
Focal Length f=4.1- 61.5mm (35mm equivalent: 39.5 - 592.5mm)
Zoom Speed Variable / 3 Fixed Zoom Speeds
Max. F/Stop f/1.8-3.2
Focusing System
Instant AF, Face Priority AF, TTL (through the lens)
Manual Exposure
Yes
Programmed AE
AUTO, P, Av, Tv, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach,
Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks
Max Shutter Speed
Movie: 1/2000, Still image: 1/500
Minimum Focusing Distance
10mm (wide) / 1m (tele)
White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent,
Fluorescent H, Manual
Frame Rate
60i, 24p Progressive (records at 60i),
30p Progressive (records at 60i)
Minimum Illumination
0.4 lx (Night mode)
Image Stabilization
SuperRange Optical (lens shift)
Filter Diameter
37mm
Viewfinder
None
LCD Screen
2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid widescreen color LCD (Approx. 211K dots)
Flash
Built-in
Recording Media
Internal Flash drive (32GB) or SDHC Memory Card
USB Terminal
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
Video Terminal
component (output), composite (output)
Audio
Dolby Digital 2 channels (AC-3 2 ch)
Accessory Shoe
mini Advanced
Supplied Video Editing Software
Pixela ImageMixer 3SE
HDMI Terminal
HDMI Mini Connector (output), CEC and x.v. Color
Microphone Terminal
3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal
3.5 mm 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio output only)
Dimensions
(W X H X D) 2.8 x 2.4 x 4.9 in. (70 x 62 x 124mm)
Weight (not including lens and battery pack)
12.0 oz. (340g)
Weight (fully loaded)
14.1 oz. (400g)
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