Canon VIXIA HF R10

Digital video recording is slowly becoming everyone’s hobby because of the many devices that are capable of recording smooth video. Some of the common devices include digital cameras and some multimedia players. Even mobile phones are getting into the high-definition recording rage. However, dedicated digital camcorders will always have an audience where features and video quality are more important. It is the price tag that intimates people and fortunately, Canon is attempting to ease the transition by offering a few new entry-level camcorders with the Canon VIXIA HF R10 being one of them.

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Canon VIXIA HR R10 Camcorder

Canon VIXIA HR R10 Camcorder

Design and Interface

The Canon VIXIA HF R10 is a great digital camcorder to try out first because it has the look and feel of models in the upper tiers. Since it is light on features, the R10 ends up being lightweight too and the strap on the side is well made and comfortable. The opposite side of the camcorder lies the LCD screen measuring 2.7″. Unlike the midrange and high-end models, nothing is stored under the display. The screen isn’t touchscreen either so there are some buttons on the left of the display for interacting with the interface.

The ports are uniquely located on the back of the camcorder under two rubber covers on the left and right sides of the long “Record” button in the middle. The top of the camcorder has all the typical functions expected in a basic camera including the zoom slider and the button to take quick photographs. The bottom lies the tripod hole and battery compartment. Unlike other models in the family, red and silver models are available for purchase. A few cables are included in the package like the composite and component cables, but no sign of an HDMI cable.

Main Features

The HF R10 still holds some key technologies that made the midrange and higher-end models decent such as the “Relay Recording” technology which makes good use of its seemingly small 8 GB internal flash drive. That memory capacity is only good for recording an hour of 1080p footage using the best quality possible, but the recording time can be extended if a high-capacity memory card is inserted. The “Relay Recording” technology cleverly shifts to removable storage memory when the internal memory is fully consumed.

The 2.39-megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor may seem weak for taking ordinary pictures, but the 20x optical zoom specification makes the R10 a fun camcorder to use for beginners. It houses the same DIGIC DV III Image Processor so colors are accurately reproduced. The Dynamic IS adds some convenience to the fun experience by avoiding possible instances of shaking while shooting and walking at the same time. The Instant Auto Focus technology is present as well so capturing a lot of quick motion shouldn’t be a problem.

Actual user review:

“This is my second Canon Vixia and I keep buying these because the video quality blows all other camcorders off the block. Only two downsides for me were the lack of internal memory (but I’d rather use memory cards) and the still photo quality (but I don’t use camcorders to take pictures). The video is crisp and colors are accurate. This Vixia is also smaller than my older Vixia HG20 and easier to handle. I am really happy with it. A professional will nitpick and that’s a pro’s privilege, but as an amateur looking for high quality footage of my dogs and my vacations, I just don’t look anywhere else. “ – Sally Mae(USA)

Other Features

The DIGIC DV III Image Processor allows some other nifty features to be offered on this budget camcorder including the Smart Auto feature. This feature automatically adjusts various aspects of the recording based on its observations. When people are involved, their faces are tracked and enhanced using the Genuine Canon Face Detection technology. Unlike other technologies, the subjects’ faces are still recognized even if these faces are turned sideways or downward. One face can be tracked as the “Face Index” to make it easier to search for certain moments in a video.

Highlights can be captured using the Advanced Video Snapshot feature which works by recoding video and audio for 2 to 8 seconds. Multiple undersized video clips can be recorded and stitched together to form an exhilarating movie. Better movies can be made by switching to the 24p Cinema mode while professional recording can use the 30p Progressive mode.

These videos along with other recorded content can be shared on the web if an Eye-Fi SD card is used. To make uploading easier, videos can be down-converted to save file size.

Bottom Line

The features that are missing, but are present in the other models shouldn’t be much of a big deal for first time users. What matters here is that the image quality is decent and the memory capacity is good and for a price that is half the cost of Canon’s flagship camcorder, the Canon VIXIA HF R10 passes.

Average User Rating:
More user reviews:

• “This video camera meets more of my needs than I expected and way surpasses my expectations. This camera is almost as light as my Nikon Coolpix! Great travel companion. The battery life is good, but I always travel with at least one charged spare. This is just common sense. The view screen is nice and bright, the menus are easy to understand and navigate and the controls are well placed. The internal memory is adequate, but just as you should always have a spare battery, I always carry at least two 32 GB flash cards. Without additional memory, your record times are short.
I found the image stabilization a real nice feature. If you crank in the digital zoom, however, you are going to get shake, just not as bad as without one. A second Gorilla pod for the camera is a great help here. The optics are nice and crisp, the color true (with one exception) and the shutter speeds do not generate much blur. One caution: If shooting in low light indoors and you come outside, the camera responds like you eye and does have a blue cast for a short time. Minor, but it is annoying if you are following action. When I say short, I mean give the camera one or two seconds to adjust before shooting anything serious.

I did not test the soft wear, so I have no opinion on that. Just as with my still digital cameras, I suggest using either an external card reader or one built into your computer to transfer images to your computer. I also use softwear other than the Canon furnished software for editing.

Al considered, this is a great non-pro camera. With a little planning of your shots, there’s no reason you can’t deliver pro quality footage. It is not a pro level camera because you still lack a lot of fine control and it is not as rugged as a true pro videocamera. Still worth the price and then some!” – Mitchell Small(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

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• “supersharp video, great OPTICAL image stabilization, 20x OPTICAL zoom, compact, easy to use, decent enough still photos, autofocus, cool cinema mode, easy quick pc transfer, hdmi option, mic input, great menus, EVERYTHING I NEED, pretty reasonable price, too, for a high def,love it love it LOVE IT!” – Damien(NY,USA)

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