For standard-definition video, Canon is rolling out three new flash-memory models to replace last year's FS11, FS10 and FS100. This year, the Canon FS22, Canon FS21 and Canon FS200 are 17% smaller and lighter than last year's standard-definition flash models.
To woo consumers, the Canon FS200 comes in enticing colors like "Sunrise Red" and "Evening Blue". We were partial to "Evening Blue". The Canon FS22 and Canon FS21 are identical, aside from the fact that the Canon FS22 has 32GB of internal flash memory while the Canon FS21 has 16GB.
The Canon FS22 and Canon FS21 camcorders have a 1.07 MP 1/6" sensor and a 48x Advanced Zoom. The Canon FS200 records to SD/SDHC cards only, has a 680K 1/6" sensor and is capable of a 41x Advanced zoom. We're impressed with how lightweight and tiny all three models are, and the inclusion of Mic jacks is a definite plus.
We also had fun with the Video Snapshot mode, which created a collage of video frames, and the Dual Shot mode, which allowed us to capture an image while in Video mode. All three models are equipped with a new Quick Charge feature, which expedited the battery charge time and Quick Start, which enables the camcorders to spring to life by the flick of an LCD screen.
For beginners, the Canon FS22 (gallery), FS21 (gallery) and FS200 (gallery) are very budget-friendly options in order to break into video. Stay tuned for our full reviews to be posted when these camcorders are released in late January 2009.
Canon FS22 specifications:
Standard Definition or High Definition
Standard Definition
Power Consumption
1.8w (SP Mode, LCD Screen ON)
Television System
NTSC
Video Recording system
MPEG-2
Image Sensor
1/6-inch CCD
Total Pixels
Approx. 1.07 megapixels
Effective Pixels
Movies: 16:9 - approx. 550,000 pixels (Adv. Z off)
16:9 - approx. 710,000 pixels (Adv. Z on, wide)
16:9 - approx. 410,000 pixels (Adv. Z on, tele)
Photos: approx. 800,000 pixels
Maximum recording time
32GB internal Flash drive:
LP (3 Mbps): 20 hours, 50 minutes
SP (6 Mbps): 11 hours, 05 minutes
XP (9 Mbps): 7 hours, 20 minutes
Greater capacity is possible by adding an SDHC Memory Card.
Lens
Zoom Ratio 48x Advanced Zoom (16:9 mode); 37x Optical / 2000x Digital
Focal Length f=2.6-96.2mm,
(35mm equiv: 47.1 - 1743mm, Advanced Zoom OFF, 16:9)
Zoom Speed Variable / 3 Fixed Zoom Speeds
Max. F/Stop f/2.0-5.2
Focusing System
TTL (through the lens)
Programmed AE
Auto, Program, 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, Tungsten, Manual
Minimum Illumination
1.7 lx (Night Mode)
Image Stabilization
Electronic
Filter Diameter
none
Viewfinder
none
LCD Screen
2.7-inch widescreen color LCD (Approx. 123K dots)
Recording Media
Internal Flash memory (32GB) or SDHC Memory Card
USB Terminal
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
Video Terminal
composite (output)
Audio
Dolby Digital 2 ch (AC-3 2 ch)
Microphone Terminal
3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal
3.5 mm 4-pole mini-jack (video/audio output only),
Headphone (input)
Dimensions
(W x H x D) approx. 2.2 x 2.3 x 4.8 in.
Weight (not including lens and battery pack)
7.9 oz
Weight (fully loaded)
10.1 oz
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