Canon VIXIA HF S10

Canon is known for its durability, usability, and mostly for its optical excellence. These three things are all good aspects to have in any camera, not just a camcorder. However, we are going to discuss the Canon HF S10 only with the dual flash memory. At the time of its release the S10 model camcorder was top of the line and the next step in HD Video. I say this because the Canon HF S11 has now been released, and though they were both released within a year of each other, the latest S11 model has slightly upgraded features.

To best review the Canon S10, the changes in features need to be examined. The S10 model has 32GB of internal memory and the capability for external SDHC memory card. You can record up to 12 hours. The camcorder also has the 8.59 Megapixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC DV III processor. The S11 has the processor and image sensor, but it also has up to 24 hours of recording and the 64GB memory.

Canon VIXIA HF S10 Camcorder

Features

The Canon HF S10 has the relatively large, high-resolution 1/2.6-inch 8.59 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor to record up to 1920×1080 resolution videos. The sensor is designed to offer the clearest and sharpest images. The primary color filter will enhance any colors found in the room that may look washed out, thus reproducing the “true-to-life” appearance on film. Part of the exclusive features of the S10 is the noise reduction technology providing noise reduction and heightening the sounds you want. When combined with the image sensor you have an almost professional grade video camera, for a lower cost. Canon camcorders like the S10 are still amateur video cameras, but you almost wouldn’t know it to look at the video alone.

The noise reduction technology is paired with the microphone terminal that can be used manually to control the volume. Canon offers the DM- 100 Directional Stereo Microphone. It works better to capture sound and the headphone option helps you monitor the audio with more precision. If the 3.5mm microphone is not enough, there is also a spot for an external microphone to be attached.

Focusing systems on the Canon S10 are an important feature. Most Canon SLR and top grade camcorders will have the Face Priority focusing system. The S10 is no exception. To add to the face priority, you also have the image stabilization. Image stabilization will account for small movements of the camera such as your hand to keep the image and video in focus despite movements.

Actual user review:
“I was on the fence between this and the top of the line Sony with 240gb hard drive. This was clearly the better choice. Yes, the Sony can store tons more footage, but I’ll never really need that much space. The benefit of having a solid state memory storage vs. the moving parts of a spinning hard drive is much better. It is faster and is much less likely to break. Best consumer camera I have handled by far. This also has 1080p/30 which the Sony does not. The video snap shot feature is a must as well. The interface is very user friendly and easy to learn very quickly. Just like their photography, Canon came out on top with this.” – K.Y.Kim (USA)

Specifications

The Canon HF S10 provides a MPEG4-AvC/ H .264 video recording system with total pixels at 8.59mp. The effective pixels are rated at 6.01 megapixels with 16:9 ratio on still images and 4:3 on a video image. Maximum recording times are 12 hours and 15 minutes at 5Mbps. This camcorder will record at 24Mbps, but serves only 2 hours and 55 minutes for the 1080 resolution.

The Lens has a zoom ratio of 10x optical and 200x digital with a focal length of 6.4-64mm or 43.5-435mm in the 35mm equivalent. The zoom speed will vary as well as have 3 fixed speeds. Added to the lens capabilities are the focusing system options such as Instant AF, Face Priority AF, and TTL. The minimum focus distance is 10mm wide per 1m telephoto. Your frame rate will be 60i at 24p progressive.

There is no view finder on the Canon s10, but you have a 2.7 multi angle widescreen with a built in flash. Filter specifications are the typical 58mm. The filters you might require for your shots will vary and you may already have filters from a previous Canon camera. One nice thing about Canon is their standard lens is either 52mm or 58mm. The larger lenses are always 58mm, so that you do not have to purchase new filters for your camera upgrade. When fully loaded the Canon S10 weighs in at 1.1 pounds or 500 grams.

Price

What it all comes down to in your choice of camcorders is usually budget. The Canon VIXIA HF S10 will not be inexpensive. The suggested retail is $1199.99 new. Not all stores will have the suggested retail, so consider comparing your options. Also, remember the S10 is the step before purchasing a truly professional video camera and the price reflects the numerous features you have with it. If you cannot yet afford the S11, the S10 is a good buy, especially if memory size is not important.

Average User Rating:

• “Canon VIXIA HFS10 is currently the top-of-the-line Canon consumer camcorder. It takes very good quality full HD video. The optical image stabilization is very useful and face detection is accurate. Autofocus is very fast and the menu system is intuitive. Low light capability is decent. The pre-recording mode is very useful for shooting sport, action, fireworks, child and other scenarios where it is often hard to predict when those Kodak moments will exactly be until it has happened/passed. It also has filter thread so you can install lens filter to enhance the video/image and to protect the lens. The LCD is very sharp and clear from wide viewing angle. It has a dual shooting mode where video recording and photo taking can be done without switching settings. Taking photos with Canon VIXIA HFS10 is also very good. Image quality is very sharp with 8.59-megapixel CMOS image sensor that is also found in Canon DSLR. Taking photos in continuous mode is also very good however, the shutter response is nowhere near the DSLR, and I’m used to the DSLR almost no-lag shutter response so I will continue to use my DSLR cameras most of the time. For point and shoot customers, they won’t notice the shutter lag and they will probably be able to replace their point and shoot camera with this camcorder as it produces image quality better and sharper than most point and shoot cameras. Basically, Canon Vixia HFS10 is currently the top-of-the-line Canon consumer level camcorder.” – S.Tanu (VA,USA)
• “The HFS10, like any good consumer camcorder, features an excellent facial recognition system, lightening fast auto focus, built in lens cover, etc. But it also has enough manual control to give aspiring amateurs their first lessons in controlling image and audio quality manually. The manual control set includes white balance, focus, audio, shutter speed, and aperture settings. These controls are not buried in a host of menus – they can be brought front and center when needed. Each component can be turned on separately, allowing you to learn one concept while the camera still automatically handles focus and exposure. Canon also included a microphone port – something which nearly every consumer camera is now abandoning. Thankfully Canon knows that good video requires good audio! One of the first steps to ‘upping the game’ is using external microphones to enhance and focus the sound coming into the camcorder. The bottom line is that Canon has produced a camera that’s very easy to use right out of the box, yet also serves as a tremendous learning platform for aspiring hobbyists to learn about the key concepts of professional video production.” – L.J.Seidman (CT,USA)

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