| Canons top-of-the-line, new VIXIA HF S100 Flash Memory
camcorder gives you everything you expect from Canon. It has a
powerful, new 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image sensor plus
Canons latest DIGIC DV III Image Processor. Add a Genuine Canon
10x HD Video Lens and the highest bit rate in AVCHD, and youve got
a camcorder that delivers spectacularly realistic HD video and photos.
You can record to removable SDHC memory cards for quick and easy
sharing, also enjoy fast, silent start-up and operation. The Canon
VIXIA HF S100 camcorder lets you shoot like a pro with assist
functions including new zebra patterns, color peaking, a Custom Key
and Dial, and shooting modes, including 24p Cinema Mode for video
that looks like a big-screen movie. The VIXIA HF S100 incorporates
some of Canons most exciting new functions, including Genuine
Canon Face Detection for perfect focus and exposure, even with faces
looking down or sideways, Pre-Record that captures video 3 seconds
before you press the record button, and the new Video Snapshot
Mode for saving your memories as a series of 4-second video clips set
to music. Shoot extraordinary video and photos with the VIXIA HF
S100. Canon USA 1-year limited warranty included. |
|
 A different type of review.... |
| Review Date: March 11, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Daddy V, |
You can read other reviews here and on the web about how the camera performs and operates... I'd like to provide a perspective on what other accessories you can add to make the camera "better" or more "unique".
Accessories:
Cavision LH-80 Rubber Lens Hood [Modified to fit snug on WD-H58]
Canon WD-H58 Wide Angle Lens
Hoya 58mm UV Multi Coated Glass Filter
Canon BP-827 Battery
Canon 2.7-Inch LCD Hood
Canon RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter
Manfrotto 585LNC Modosteady Remote Control [Modified to mount to tripod]
Rode VideoMic
Rode VXLR
JuicedLink CX211
Sima Quick Connect adaptor
Sima SL-20LX Ultra Bright Video Light (2)
LumiQuest ProMax Mini SoftBox (2)
Adorama Heavy Duty L-bracket (2)
Ravelli AVTP 75mm Tripod w/ Fluid Drag Head
Ravelli ATD Tripod Dolly
To get the Rode VideoMic and the Canon RA-V1 Remote Adapter to work together without the known "buzz" issue, I used the JuicedLink CX211 as a pre-amp. This allows me to turn the camera amps down to about 1/3, then adjust the pre-amp levels accordingly on the CX211 to get the right sound level. Not only does this reduce/eliminate the "buzz", but the hiss/noise from the camera's amp is removed as well. I got the Rode VXLR adaptor to connec the VideoMic to the pre-amp - works like a charm, no problems and solid.
I added the soft boxes to the Sima lights to remove the harshness. It works really well, but you are limited on the distance at which the lights are effective. People can now look into the camera without squinting through the lights.
Having the 2 Adorama L-Brackets makes hand holding this rig much easier. I used a simple "T" brace sandwiched between the JuicedLink box and the tripod quick release plate to mount the 2 Brackets. The Adorama brackets are really sturdy and make it easier to steady the whole rig. (I have the Sima brackets as well, but they are plastic and could not handle all the weight.)
The Wide Angle lens is now a permanent fixture on the camera. It works great, but you have to keep in mind that there is a minimum safe distance for close-up focusing... The Cavision Hood was modified with a thin strip of felt on the inside recieving ring. Now, not only does it fit snug, the felt protects the lens from the Hood's securing screw - there enough padding there to allow the screw to tighten without damaging the lens.
Instead of buying the more expensive Manfrotto LANC remote controls, I just used the cheaper 585LNC remote meant for the Modosteady (which I also own). I crafted a simple mount for the remote that allows me to attach it to the handle of the tripod head...
Lastly, I use the Sima Quick Release adaptor/mount on top of the JuicedLink pre-amp to allow easy access to the battery and the SD card slot. Without this, it would be time consuming to mount & unmount the camera on top of the pre-amp each time.
I hope this give you some ideas of what you can do to make this camera "better" and more "unique" for your needs...
Check out the picture at [...] |
A Disappointing Purchase
|
| Review Date: February 19, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Leisureman, NC USA |
This is my 4th camcorder purchase (in ~20 yrs), and the 2nd which records a digital signal. Overall, it is the fastest to respond, the cleanest and brightest in full daylight, and somewhat portable. There are negatives however, which had I known before, I wouldn't have purchased this camera. These are:
1 - Very very poor low and existing light image quality - terribly noisy!
(I haven't experimented much with manual mode to find a workaround.)
2 - Poor dynamic range, i.e. whites washed out and blacks muddled with noise
3 - A very reflective screen. In daylight, in certain reflecting angles, it is impossible to see anything but your own face reflecting back to you. When this happens, I can't even see the small red/green dot to see if in recording or standby mode!
4 - Uses the AVCHD format, the nature of which which is fraught with processing hurdles... meaning $$ to solve. Mo tape storage either.
5 - No optical viewfinder, which coupled with the reflective screen (no. 3 above), makes some outdoor situations near impossible.
6 - No output format other than 1920x1080. A 720 or an SD output would have been usable. (Note: There is a component output available at 480i. This doesn't help me tho.)
7 - Neither the SD card or the battery can be changed while this camera is attached to a tripod (and in my case even to the tripod plate.)
8 - The Canon wide angle lens blocks ~1/3rd of the light output from the small built-in light on this model. The external mount is not a standard mount, so my existing Canon external lights are not compatible. (I knew this going in tho.)
10- The built-in flash burns the skin of faces etc.
11- The ergonomics need much improvement (too long to get into in this review.)
That's it.
P.S. Hate being so negative, since I own several other Canon digital cameras (still cameras) which produce technically great shots. |
Very Nice Prosumer Camera
|
| Review Date: February 18, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Ashley R. Barber, |
| I have had nothing but fun with this camera. In bright areas and with good lighting this camera is simply amazing, and even in a pitch black room the small light lets you see in complete darkness. There are so many features I can't seem to put the camera down. This is my first flash type memory camera and transferring your movies to the computer has never been easier. I absolutely love this thing. The only problem with the camera is the significant amount of noise you get in a low light room and it is really annoying... But that won't hold me back, I have a solution... It is called provide better lighting for the area you are filming... |
Great little camera
|
| Review Date: January 30, 2010 |
| Reviewer: J. Byrd, Cleveland, TN |
| It's so small (which is great) that it's hard to hold steady sometimes. I also wish it had a direct viewfinder, but those are small complaints. The video quality is tremendous. I recently shot a conference from the back of a huge auditorium (tripod) and it turned out great. |
good for camcorder, but not good for camera
|
| Review Date: January 24, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Ethan Q. Chen, Corona, CA |
| Very good product, I love it. Camcorder is very good, but if you use this for camera.... The software for this is not easy to use, I have to download other software to edit my movies. I would recommend to buy this one |
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No video reviews found for this product.
