A new Big Bad Canon Vixia camcorder rocks our world. Read our in-depth Canon Vixia HF S100 review to see if it will rock yours too.
Review summary of the Canon Vixia HF S100:
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 The Canon Vixia HF S100 is simply a Diet Vixia HF S10, recording solely to SDHC memory cards rather than an additional 32GB of internal flash memory. That means we get the same awesome AVCHD goodness and ample shooting features for 200 smackers less than the flagship model. So, if you happen to have a bunch of SDHC cards lying around, the Canon Vixia HF S100 is the ticket. 24Mbps 1920 x 1080 HD recording, stellar manual controls with a Custom dial and three different frame rates kept us occupied all week, in addition to the Vixia HF S100's impressive Still image mode, which we found to be the best in the camcorder world. For just over a grand, the Vixia HF S100 is almost a steal considering what this beast can do. Our few gripes were limited to low light shooting and a conservative design approach. If Canon matched the Sony XR-520V's low light capability and pumped external controls on their next generation top of the line Vixia, we'd be introduced to a whole new animal. But for now, the Canon Vixia HF S100 is one of the best HD camcorders on the market. Release: March 2009. Price: $1100.
Pros: Excellent overall video quality. Solidly constructed. Tons of shooting features, including multiple frame rates.
Cons: Canon could have made this thing a monster. Lots of blue noise in low light. Chomps through batteries.
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Full Canon Vixia HF S100 Review:
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Design – Very Good
The Canon Vixia HF S100 might be the Low Calorie version of the venerable Canon Vixia HF S10 because of its lack of 32GB internal memory, but both camcorders were plucked from the same factory mold, so there weren't any monumental changes this time around. In order to help consumers distinguish between both HD titans, Canon splashed the Vixia HF S100 with a two-tone paint scheme consisting of a metallic gunmetal and midnight black, and we actually liked this concoction better than the Vixia HF S10's all-black chassis. Weight and dimensions are identical between the Vixia HF S100 and Vixia HF S10, in addition to button and control placement. So, if you want to test drive either camera in Best Buy but they only stock the Vixia HF S10, it's safe to base all findings and experiences off of that model and then order a Vixia HF S100 online for a reasonable price.
Staring us straight in the face is a massive Canon HD Video lens with a 58mm filter diameter, the same diameter as Canon's GL2 prosumer standard-definition camcorder from a few years back. This means a compatibility with advanced filters and lens attachments that most consumer camcorders with smaller filter diameters are not capable of supporting. We also loved the Custom dial, which shifted like a hot crankshaft slathered in Land ‘O Lakes. The knurled texture of the Custom dial led to enhanced gripping and we liked how easy it was to access a control in a flash. We liked the Canon Vixia HF S100's oversized horizontally-sliding zoom toggle, which provided plenty of real estate and rocked from side to side like a feathery cloud from Mario Land.
But the awesomeness doesn't stop there. Canon significantly revamped the Vixia HF S100's port enclosures, utilizing sleek sliding doors and padded hinged ducts. There were still a few flaws, however, as the DC and AV jacks were covered by cheap plastic covers and the Mic jack was left naked for all to see. The pop-up flash/video light combo seemed to have been derived by 007's Q and the flush battery pack cavern prevented a bulky extrusion from the Vixia HF S100's backside. The camcorder's 2.7-inch LCD featured a few Camera/Playback controls on its panel, though buttons and controls on the whole were fairly limited. We liked Canon's LCD-mounted joystick, but it lacked the rapid functionality of the rear-mounted joystick, characteristic of the Canon Vixia HV40. In hand, the Vixia HF S100 was a plush lowrider, thanks to its ergonomic thumb rest and faux suede hand strap.
Despite all the architecturally sound aspects of our Canon Vixia HF S100 review unit, we still think Canon could have pushed the envelope even further. Like the Vixia HF S10, the Vixia HF S100 lacks a viewfinder and adequate external controls. Imagine Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, White Balance and Effects buttons or dials embedded within the LCD panel. Canon has bounded out of the gates with a solid attempt with the Vixia HF S100, but we've seen what the company has achieved with high-end MiniDV consumer models in the past. Let's see that advanced functionality migrated onto the Vixia HF S100 and Bob's our uncle.
Interface and Menus – Very Good
The Canon Vixia HF S100 shares the same excellent menu system as last year's Canon Vixia HG21 and Canon Vixia HF10, and that means the best in the industry when it comes to navigation. Coupled with the LCD-mounted joystick, option selection is a breeze and we were able to fly through menus with the greatest of ease. Many shooters prefer Sony's ample touch-screen LCD for its supreme ease of use, and the Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V showed admirable improvements in regards to touch sensitivity. However, the HDR-XR520V's touch-screen, like all touch-screens, was prone to fingerprint smudges. The Vixia HF S100's joystick may not have been as intuitive, but it was highly effective once we wrangled its wild ways. The quick Joystick menu offered a slew of instant options such as Video Light and Backlight Compensation, which could be toggled on and off within seconds.
We would like to see a larger LCD on the next generation top-end Vixias, for the Vixia HF S100's 2.7-inch LCD was a little small. Sony's 3.2-incher is the industry leader, and if Canon pumped up the dimensions of their screen, it would be superior in conjunction with the joystick. As far as the screen quality, we were impressed, but the 211,000-pixel resolution was a bit low for an HD camcorder in this class. The LCD resisted solarization at sharp angles, and the picture quality was sharp. Like we said with the Canon Vixia HF S10, this is a safe, yet functional interface. After a few rounds in the menu system, it became apparent that the trusty x-axis/y-axis could not fail us, thanks to its killer layout and arrangement of options. However, once in the Administrative menu we found a few options that should have seen a little more light of day. Take the Frame Rates and Image Stabilization for example. Those options should be available in the Function menu, but they're tucked away in a drawer in the Administrative menu. Better yet, let's see a designated Image Stabilization button and Frame Rates dial. Now we're talking! Canon has a lot of work ahead of them if they want to achieve legacy status in our books.
Shooting Features – Very Good
Well, where should we begin? Shooting with the Canon Vixia HF S100 was an electric dream rife with excitement and versatility unparalleled by many camcorders in its class. The Panasonic HDC-HS300 was the only HD cam to give the Vixia HF S100 a run for its money, but we had a more pleasurable experience shooting with the Vixia HF S100 because it was so much friendlier and easier to use. No other camcorder offers three separate frame rates to shoot in and the Vixia HF S100 offers 24F, 30F and 60i options, just like the Vixia HF S10 and Vixia HF20. The Vixia HF S100's Cine mode coupled with 24F provided an uncanny film look to our video, thanks to the gamma shift and staggered frame rate.
There's one caveat though, and that's the fact that the Vixia HF S100 does not truly record native 24 and 30 frames per second video because those modes are purely fancy simulated filters. Furthermore, the Vixia HF S100's 60i mode means that frames are interlaced. What's happening here is that the camcorder is recording 30 frames of horizontal lines in one configuration and 30 frames of horizontal lines in a secondary configuration. This happens every other frame so when played back, the frames appear to blend together. The JVC GZ-HD320 is capable of 60P recording, though its effects can only be taken advantage of via HDMI playback. So, if you're looking for true progressive shooting, the prosumer circuit is the place to go.
Despite the Canon Vixia HF S100's interlaced video recording, it was difficult to tell the difference unless we were editing and exporting in post. This camcorder offered Shutter Priority with the ability to dip down to a 1/6-second shutter speed in 24F mode and an Aperture Priority mode with a range of f/2.0 – f/8.0. The 24F mode helped us in low light, thanks to its lower shutter speed, but Cine mode's gamma shift plummeted illumination significantly. The real test was how well Program AE mode functioned, and for the most part it passed with flying colors. Auto White Balance was spot on and the Vixia HF S100 offered plenty of presets and a Custom mode for trickier shooting environments. We struggled with the Vixia HF S100's depth of field with the Manual Focus setting, as the focus would bounce frequently until it locked its target. The Manual Focus feature itself was excellent, allowing us to use peaking in three different colors and Focus Assist, which magnified the screen, making it easier to see our subject matter. The Vixia HF S100 also offered Zebras at 100% and 70% intensities, allowing us to monitor blown-out highlights.
As with any Canon, the Vixia HF S100 was equipped with a gaggle of Image Effects, such as Vivid, Low Sharpening and Custom color modes. We used Vivid when we needed a little extra color punch, and the hue exploded within the Vixia HF S100's lens barrel. Digital Effects like Fades and Sepia were also available, but the posterized Art simulation was by far our favorite for its "Waking Life" qualities. Like the Vixia HF S10, the Vixia HF S100 offered a Dual Shot Mode, which allowed us to capture images up to 8-megapixels in addition to HD video. This was more of an Auto mode however, and manual controls were severely limited. In Playback, things got a little cheesy, courtesy of Video Snapshot mode, which played a succession of four-second clips fading into each other with a lame soundtrack bedding the moment. The Pre-record function worked wonderfully, capturing the first three seconds of video before the Record button was even pressed. Playback was a snap, thanks to the intuitive joystick navigation and organized icon screen. The Vixia HF S100 is one of those renaissance camcorders that cannot be beat by many.
Hardware and Connectivity – Very Good
Canon supersized its imaging equipment for 2009, and the Canon Vixia HF S100 gets a giant 8-megapixel 1/2.6-inch CMOS sensor with a 6-megapixel effective count. This is the largest sensor in the consumer HD leagues, and Canon took no prisoners with a design like this. A sensor this large on a camcorder means that the company has their sites set on low light, and the Vixia HF S100 is one of the best performers in that department, next to the Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V. While Canon and Sony are dabbling with larger CMOS chips, Panasonic is still dabbling with its three-chip design, but we think a larger CMOS is the road to success based on what we've seen from Canon and Sony this year. The Vixia HF S100 is equipped with Canon's latest Digic III processing, which is designed to be faster than the previous generation processing.
A 10x optical zoom Canon HD Video lens takes care of the optics for the Canon Vixia HF S100 and the 58mm lens diameter was a definite treat. We did experience a little zoom jiggle while honing in on subject matter, and that was most likely due to the Vixia HF S100's Optical Image Stabilization housing. Speaking of OIS, the Vixia HF S100's shake reduction system was highly effective and we seldom had any issues. Telephoto shake reduction was the most impressive performance we experienced, but there were a few instances when the image danced around and attempted to find its groove. We didn't have the best luck with the Vixia HF S100's battery life, however, and the camcorder ate through rechargeable Lithium Ion packs like Pac-Man on uppers.
The other difference between the Canon Vixia HF S100 and Canon Vixia HF S100 has to deal with recording memory. While the Vixia HF S10 has the ability to record high-definition AVCHD video to 32GB of internal Flash Memory and SDHC cards, the Vixia HF S100 can only record to SDHC cards. There is a price drop involved here because of the Vixia HF S100's lack of internal memory, so if you happen to have a bunch of high-capacity SDHC cards lying around, the Vixia HF S100 would save you some serious dough. The Vixia HF S100 also records at 24Mbps at the highest quality, which matches HDV, the highest data rate available on a consumer AVCHD camcorder. The Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V's massive 240GB HDD offers the highest recording capacity in the industry, so if storage capacity trumps all other requirements, Sony has you covered.
Connectivity was fairly impressive on the Canon Vixia HF S100, consisting of a Mic jack, AV/Headphone jack, HDMI terminal, Component terminal and Mini Advanced shoe. Canon's built-in microphone was not very impressive, like all consumer camcorders, so we recommend going with a Beachtek XLR adapter and buying a high quality boom such as a Shure or Sennheiser. Panasonic has the best built-in Mic level adjustment, but Canon's was not bad, featuring a Mic Attenuator, Windscreen and full manual level adjustment. Just like the Canon Vixia HF S10, the Vixia HF S100 is solid when it comes to hardware.
Image Quality – Very Good
Video
Our journey with the Canon Vixia HF S10 was one wrought with joy and splendor, and the Canon Vixia HF S100 took us on that same gleaming path to High Quality Video Town. We have minimal complaints, for the Vixia HF S100 rendered colors beautifully, displayed exceptional detail and exhibited an impressive exposure in low light thanks to 24F mode. However, our low light video clips were accompanied by considerable sheets of splotchy blue noise. The Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V gave us the best low light performance of the year, combining an impressive level of illumination with half of the noise brought on by the Vixia HF S100. We also struggled at times with contrast, but for the most part the Vixia HF S100's dynamic range was impressive, especially for a consumer model. Plus, Cine mode assuaged some of the unruly highlights by creating a flatter overall tone. Canon has done it again in the imaging department, and the Vixia HF S100 is just as much of a champ as the Vixia HF S10.
Outdoor Test – Lucy in Alabama
It was obvious that we were dealing with a special breed of camcorder after viewing our outdoor footage of Lucy chasing squirrels and lizards around swampy Hurtsboro. This frame grab in particular comes from one of the most impressive clips we were able to capture. We shot Lucy in 24F Cine mode and the detail and colors are off the hook. We did catch a little noise in the shadows of the background trees, but the main focus of the image is outstanding. Canons do have a tendency to overexpose, so that's something we had to continuously monitor, though not as much in Cine mode due to the gamma shift. Just a spectacular image, courtesy of the Canon Vixia HF S100.
Sharpness Test - Black Cat Fireworks Outlet
We rode the old hybrid out to one of the largest fireworks outlets in the US and took advantage of the sign's giant lettering. First off, the detail and colors looked great on our HD monitor. We did experience a little contrast issue with the blown-out sky, as the Canon Vixia HF S100 attempted to strike a balance between its intensity and the building. Edges and lines were amazingly crisp and sharp when we watched this clip and the image as a whole was very lifelike and natural.
Aperture Test - 27 Floors Up in Houston
Here's where we began to run into a few roadblocks. Although this image required a kick ass aperture range, we're still treated to a bit of fringing along all of the lights on the floor of the lobby. Due to the dim indoor lighting, we did catch a few blue noise splotches here and there, but we were surprised with the impressive color retention while viewing the clip. The lines along the surrounding hotel floors were crisp as a Granny Smith, but most of the detail is lost due to noise. Still, focus remains intact and the Vixia HF S100's aperture proves it can handle a significant depth of field.
Color Test - Painting in Program AE
Color Test - Painting in Cine Mode
Color Test - Painting in Vivid
Canon kicks royal behind when it comes to color, and the Vixia HF S100 exhibited some of the most vibrant hues we've seen on a consumer camcorder to date. The color options were extensive, allowing us to test in three seperate modes. We experienced our most impressive color performance in Program AE mode, and the first frame looks as though it was assaulted by a box of Crayolas. Colors are rich, natural and do not bleed, and we were blown away while viewing this clip. For a more cinematic approach to color, we shot in Cine mode, which was still impressive despite its more subdued palette. Cine mode colors were flatter, a trait desirable in certain video applications like short films and professional b-roll. The final frame is an example of what Vivid will due to poor, unsuspecting hues. The image looks like it was zapped by an electric eel floundering in the ocean. Contrast is jacked up and the yellow boat looks neon. We suggest springing for Vivid mode in very dull environments.
Sunset Test - Houston Skyline
While in Color Town, we stopped for a little Houston sunset action, only to forget the Canon Vixia HF S100 in our hotel room and run back three minutes later to find the sun had been vanquished within that three minute blip of time. We were still able to capture the awesom sunset colors and actually settled on Vivid for a little boost. Clouds look as though they were juiced by a golden grapefruit and detail is great.
Indoor Light Test - Kitchen Table in Cine Mode
Indoor Light Test - Ashtray in Cine Mode
Contrast Test - Window and Vase
We wanted to take advantage of the Canon Vixia HF S100's Cine mode under indoor lighting, and the results were fantastic. Colors looked so natural on our HD monitor and the exposure was nearly flawless. Our only microscopic gripe about the first clip were the blown-out windows, but there wasn't much the Vixia HF S100 could do about it. The ashtray was a minute study Cine mode's rendering of monochromatic colors, and the results delighted us on the widescreen. We're talking prosumer quality here, and there were a few moments when we couldn't tell the difference between the Vixia HF S100 and Canon's XH A1. We can see the effects of heavily contrasted subject matter in the third frame, though the Vixia HF S100 does its best to balance the vase against the window. Detail was still superb in the foreground, but the ragin highlights in the background were too formidable.
Frame Rate Test - Honda CX500 Turbo in 24F
Frame Rate Test - Honda CX500 Turbo in 24F Cine Mode
Frame Rate Test - Honda CX500 Turbo in 60i
Frame Rate Test - Honda CX500 Turbo in 60i Cine Mode
We wanted to show you the difference a frame rate will make in terms of exposure levels, so we went out to the garage to shoot an endless, time-consuming project whose set of dusty wheels will most likely never make it onto the roads of Alabama any time soon. Each result varied significantly, so we'll start with the first frame. At 24F, exposure was certainly brighter because of the lower shutter speed. Contrast was also heightened, causing the windows to overexpose, however the majority of the first clip looked very balanced and well illuminated. When we jumped over to Cine mode, exposure dropped slightly due to the gamma shift, but contrast was more impressive and colors looked flatter. At 60i, we lost a lot of exposure because of the higher shutter speed, but detail was spot on and the third clip looked like it belonged in a Stanley Kubrick movie. The conjunction of 60i and Cine mode was an illumination killer, so we only used that concoction when there was adequate lighting.
Low Light Test - Dining Room
Low Light Test - Brad Setting Up
Super Low Light Test - The Greek Mantle
Exposure in low light was not a huge issue, but noise was. We were actually impressed with the Canon Vixia HF S100's ability to adequately light a dim room, though we did cheat with 24F mode. 60i did not yield a bright exposure, and fell flat on its face compared to the Sony HDR-XR520V's low light performance. So with 24F engaged we dimmed the lights and crossed our fingers. Noise grows increasingly violent with each frame, and by the last clip we felt like we were watching the Blue Man Group, performed by a sea of amoebas. Blue noise was the Vixia HF S100's downfall, so Canon has som work to do in order to catch up to Sony.
Still Image
As documented in our HD Camcorder Still Image shootout, the Canon Vixia HF S10 cranked out the best still image performance when compared to the Sony HDR-XR520V and Panasonic HDC-HS300. Things were no different this time around, as the Vixia HF S100's 8-megapixel pictures rivaled a few entry-level point-and-shoots. Noise levels were high though, and certain shooting environments were attacked to a moderate degree. Despite this, we would certainly reccommend this camcorder to those looking for decent still image quality in addition to great HD video quality.
Indoor Test - Drapes
Color Test - Painting
In the first image colors and sharpness are both onpoint, but the darker portions of the image display some acute noise levels and we can catch a little fringing betwen the plant leaves. However, this is a difficult scene to render and the Vixia HF S100 pulls it off quite nicely. Colors were not as impressive on the Still Image side, but we still retained a slice of that Canon zest in the second image. Noise is definitely the main concern, however, and the blue sky in the painting looks as though it was eaten by termites.
Macro Test - Egypt
Detail Test - Eye of the Wolf
Edge Test - Painting
Up close we were able to attain exceptional detail, particularly in the second image of Lucy's eye. The Canon Vixia HF S100 was able to find its focus in a flash and go to town. Even edges and lines were rendered beautifully, and we had great success with all three of these images.
White Balance Test - The Wolf Itself
Contrast Test - Window and Vase
Flash Test - Kitchen Table
White balance could be tricky at times. The first image was a little too warm for our taste, and there were definitely certain shooting environments that were more challenging than others depending on the lighting. Fortunately, the Canon Vixia HF S100's White Balance presets and manual adjustment was top notch, so we never had an issue finding the right color temperature. Blue noise continued to attack the first image, however, and that's just something we came to expect at the end of the day. Contrast was not bad at all, though certain truly demanding shooting environments like the one in the second image, were difficult to deal with. Using the flash did not produce the most desirable results, as we experienced an uneven exposure and unnatural color rendering. Still, the Vixia HF S100 gave us the best image performance from any of the latest high-end HD camcorders.
Price and availability
The Canon Vixia HF S100 is available for $1100.
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