Canon FS100 Camcorder Review

by Kaitlyn Chantry
Published on Nov 7, 2008 5:00 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity Other Features
Conclusion & Comparisons
 Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Conclusion
The Canon FS100 isn't the darling child we've come to expect from arguably the best high definition manufacturers out there. It's cheap and light and fairly easy to use, but the video performance is nothing compared to its high definition cousins. The FS100 simply is what it is: a standard definition camcorder that records to memory cards and is about as good as some of the competition.

But it isn't just video performance where the FS100 falls short: its menus and controls aren't as intuitive as the Samsung SC-MX20 or the popular ultra-compact camcorders—like the Pure Digital Flip Mino. Transferring and editing files could also be a lot easier. Where the FS100 really sets itself apart is in its combination of handling and manual controls. The menus might be a little confusing, but the little tweaks you can make to manual settings are good once you get the hang of them. And the camcorder feels great in your hand: light, comfortable, and stable.

If handling is more important to you than video performance, it's a tough decision between the Samsung SC-MX20 and the Canon FS100. But we are big fans of good video performance here, and if you want your standard definition video to look as good as possible, there are better options to be had.


Comparisons

Canon FS10 / Canon FS11
The Canon FS10 ($499 MSRP) and Canon FS11 ($599 MSRP) are the step-up models to the FS100. They are identical in every regard, except that they include internal flash memory in addition to card memory. The FS10 features 8GB of internal storage, and the FS11 has 16GB.
   

JVC GZ-MS100
The JVC GZ-MS100 ($349 MSRP) is JVC's only camcorder to record exclusively to memory card. In our lab testing, we found the MS100 to be a stronger performer in any lighting condition—better than the Canon FS100, but not by a landslide. As an overall user experience, neither of them is fantastic. The MS100 has a flashy "Laser Touch" interface with middling accuracy, but the menu is simple. The FS100 has a complicated menu, but better interface with the joystick. Overall, the JVC GZ-MS100 is the stronger camcorder, but only by a little.
   

JVC GZ-MG330
This colorful series from JVC's line of hard drive camcorders offer far more capacity (30GB) versus the memory card-only recording of the Canon FS100. Like the GZ-MS100 described above, the handling is not as good as the FS100, but at $449, the MG330 is a good value. At least there's no need to buy memory cards.
   

Samsung SC-MX20
This camcorder should have taken after its older sibling, the high definition SC-HMX20, a little more. The standard definition SC-MX20 handled very well, but the performance just wasn't there. Surprisingly, there isn't much of a gap between the performance of the Samsung and that of the Canon. If you're looking for an inexpensive and intuitive camcorder experience, the Samsung beats out the Canon. It probably offers the simplest interface of any full-featured camcorder on the market—a great experience for beginners.


Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The Canon FS100 is a decent camcorder for point-and-shooters, so long as they don't plan on doing much (or any) editing. Once the Easy Mode is engaged, shooting couldn't be easier. The problem comes when beginners need to interface with the relatively complicated menu systems.

Budget Consumers
The budget consumer would certainly want to consider anything in the $400 range, especially something with decent performance, which the FS100 offers. However, one must consider that the FS100 does not ship with a memory card, so you'll have to add that into the budget.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The stills from the Canon FS100 are decent, but don't come anywhere near a dedicated still camera or even better camcorders.

Gadget Freaks
There is nothing here to interest the gadget freak.

Manual Control Freaks
The manual controls on the Canon FS100 are okay for a camcorder in the $400 price range, but Panasonic is stronger.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
This is not a tool for the serious-minded videographer.



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