Canon VIXIA HF R100

Finding an affordable video camera can be difficult because there are so many popular brands that make budget models that each sport trendy features. The models that stand out the most are the ones that cost under $200. These models are famous for being pocket-sized and being extremely easy to use, but they lack in video quality and zooming capabilities. This is understandable because video camcorders of that caliber cost well over $700 because of the processors and lenses used. Recently, Canon has been trying to reach out to this market and reveal the benefits of having a better performing camcorder. The new R series consist of three entry-level camcorders that boast full HD features. The Canon VIXIA HF R100 is the cheapest of the pack because it doesn’t have any internal memory.

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Canon VIXIA HF R100 Camcorder

Canon VIXIA HF R100 Camcorder

Design and Interface

Although the Canon HF R100 is not a pocket-sized camcorder, it still weighs less than conventional digital camcorders. Those that are used to the small camcorders may find some comfort in doing longer recording sessions because it has a very comfortable hand strap for steady recording.

The R100 features a 2.7″ widescreen display with controls just left of it. Those that are not into the touchscreen models that the other new VIXIA models feature will be relieved to know that the R100 doesn’t feature it. When the display is open, no ports are revealed like the other models. All of these ports including the HDMI port can be found on the back of the device hidden by rubber coverings. It also improves its predecessors by featuring an automatic lens cover.

Main Features

Although the HF R100 costs a few hundred dollars more than the pocket-sized camcorders, it has an improved video lens that can zoom up to 20x. It also has a 2.39-megapixel CMOS Image Sensor allowing it to take still images using the button found on top of the camcorder. Videos can be recorded in full HD and the recorded videos can be played back via HDMI on any 1080p TV.

These videos are not stored in the R100 as it lacks any form of internal memory. Its sole reliance lies on the memory card slot where an SD or SDHC card can be inserted. Supported capacities range from 2 GB to 32 GB. When using a 32 GB card, up to 4 hours of 17Mbps video can be recorded. For longer recording sessions, the 5Mbps LP setting can be used which around 4 times smaller in file size.

The DIGIC DV III Image Processor plays a role in further enhancing the quality of the scene. It does so by analyzing the different elements so proper adjustments can be made to improve the clarity. This feature is known as “Smart Auto” and it works alongside other technologies present in the VIXIA models. Other technologies include the “Instant Auto Focus” feature which speeds up the focus regardless of the lighting condition to emphasize sharpness. The “Dynamic IS” technology also helps by eliminating blur due to vibrations.

Actual user review:
“We purchased this to record our daughter’s wedding and for general videoing. It is super easy to set up and use, and the light weight makes it easy to use for extended periods of time. The quality of the video is very good as long as there is sufficient light. It does not have a built in flash or light so indoor evening shots are not recommended as they will be dark. However, for outdoor videos or still shots, it works very well, and if there is strong lighting, indoors use is fine. The photos are clear and with this camcorder you can get away with using it for photos as well as video, again as long as you are using it with strong light or outdoors. I strongly recommend a high speed high capacity memory card as it will fill up quickly using the video. “ – Amy(MA,USA)

 

Other Features

In addition to scene checking, “Smart Auto” also checks for any faces. Using “Genuine Canon Face Detection” technology, the R100 can enhance up to 35 faces and track a user-selected primary face so the video can easily be searched for in the future.

Another neat feature is the Pre-record which lets the camcorder record up to three seconds of video and temporarily store in its own memory before the “Record” button is pressed. The moment the “Record” button is used, the last three seconds will automatically be added to the video making it less likely to miss sudden key moments.

Key moments can also be captured using the “Advanced Video Snapshot” feature which works by recording very short duration clips. After multiple clips are recorded, the R100 will combine them all in a single continuous segment.

Transferring of photos is also easy with all of the cables included although it lacks an HDMI cable. Using an Eye-Fi SD card allows the video to be uploaded to the web. Pixela ImageMixer is also bundled so the transferred videos can be edited before uploading.

Bottom Line

The Canon VIXIA HF R100 is the most affordable HD camcorder in the VIXIA family. With all of these features present, it is a great deal especially when a 32 GB card is loaded on to the camcorder.

Average User Rating:
More user reviews:
• “I gave 4 stars because of poor indoor videos. Need to have VERY BRIGHT LIGHT to get clear videos. Low light videos have BLACK SPOTS which i didn’t expect in a HD video camera for this price. I tried all the video modes in this camcorder and noticed poor video quality in medium light.

If you are planing to take videos during the day with bright light, you can go ahead with this camcorder. I won’t recommend this camcorder if you are planing to take video in medium or low light. I don’t see any other major issues with this camera.

- It is light weight, compact and handy
- Plan to buy large capacity SD card (min. 8GB, class 4 or more) if you plan to take more than 2 hours video
- Good video quality in day light even in 42″ HDTV
- Face detection feature is great in this camcorder
- The menu controls are not user friendly and you need try couple of times to get used to the menu options
- While moving from low light to bright light, i noticed there is a delay in adjusting to the new location (around 2 sec)” – Vijay(USA)

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• “The Instant autofocus was superb. Focus was always very close to being on or slightly deep into the field. There was no “dancing-focus” or movements toward the wrong end of the focusing scale whatsoever. The manual focus automatically magnified in the LCD panel, aiding focus. The high quality LCD panel was very sharp. Its readability in direct sunlight was enhanced with the backlight turned on.

What I like most about this camera is that it is small- very easy to carry every day. It is fast to prepare itself to shoot very good video. The third and most important thing is that the resulting video/still is very good. This camera does basic videography very well, and has a host of features to handle difficult light, movement or color situations even better. This camera has come a long way toward being my perfect camera, and is state of the industry in several critical areas. I kept it, use it, and recommend it. It has quality features and no weaknesses. I notice the Canon HFR 10 (the middle camera in this series) with 8G memory built in, is now selling for only $20 more. It may be a better price point.” – S.E Carver(Bakersfield,CA)

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