Canon FS11

This year marks the start of Canon's entrance into solid state camcorders. The FS11 ($599 MSRP) is the top model in its standard definition line-up, featuring a 16GB internal memory and card slot for SD and SDHC cards. Below are the FS10 ($499 MSRP) with 8GB internal memory and the FS100 ($399 MSRP) with no internal memory. Overall, the FS11 is a solid camcorder. The video performance is good, though not great in low light. It handles well. Canon seems to have mastered the problem of making an extremely compact camcorder that is also comfortable in the hand.

The only problem for you, the consumer, is in deciding if you want to invest in another standard definition camcorder or upgrade to HD. At the $600 range, it's not a huge leap to the first rung of affordability. Models like the Panasonic HDC-SD9 and Sony HDR-UX10 can be had for only a little more. Of course, entry-level HD has its own share of issues that will only prompt you to look at more expensive HD camcorders - thus is the endless cycle of upselling. It's a tough call. But if you're fixed in your budget or are set on purchasing standard definition, the Canon FS11 is definitely worth consideration.

The Front (6.75)
Simplicity and compactness reign supreme up front on the FS11. Canon has significantly slimmed down its camcorders this year, and the FS11 is testament. Just a lens, stereo microphone, and LED video light round out the facade of the FS11. The 37x optical zoom lens has an aperture range of f/2.0 - f/5.2 and is capable of the following 35mm equivalent focal lengths:

- 41.7mm - 2,002mm (16:9 Movies, 48x Advanced Zoom)
- 47.1mm - 1,743mm (16:9 Movies, 37x Optical Zoom)
- 44.4mm - 2,453mm (4:3 Movies, 55x Advanced Zoom)
- 44.6mm - 1,650mm (4:3 Movies, 37x Optical Zoom)
- 45.2mm - 1,672mm (16:9 Still Images)
- 41.5mm - 1,536mm (4:3 Still Images)

You may be wondering what all the hullabaloo is about with Canon's new Advanced Zoom. 55x? That's inconceivable! The short explanation is that Canon is playing with the pixels in the frame that don't need to be in the shot. When the Advanced Zoom is engaged, it lowers the effective pixel count all around. It's a bit of technical trickery that certainly doesn't do anything to make your shot look better, but in our experience, the shots didn't necessarily look worse either.

Canon's LED video light is a helpful little tool if you're stuck in a broom closet and suddenly get a hankering to shoot some video. Aside from that, the light's weak, bluish beam will not suit most environments without providing an amateur flair to your video.

The Canon FS11 front

The Right Side (5.0)
From the right side, the FS11 looks like a shotgun barrel--its metallic grey, black and silver scheme is highlighted here. Style points are high, but there's not much in the way of functionality--just a DC input located toward the back end. Canon opted for an unconventionally shaped DC port, which resists yanking far better than a round jack. Canon also threw a burly round plastic cover on the DC jack that will take a healthy walloping. The hand strap is a hefty display, constructed of thick synthetic material with a thin lining of breathable, padded mesh along the interior. Good job, Canon! The quality is showing so far.

The Canon FS11 right side

The Back (5.0)
In back, the FS11 models Panasonic's first generation HD flash cam, the HDC-SD1, slapping a jumbo sized mode dial on its back end. This marvelously lustrous mode dial is a work of art within the camcorder world. Rarely do you see such a mammoth, flashy component amidst all the hardcore slimming down these days. The mode dial can be switched to Photo, Video, Video Playback, or Photo Playback mode and includes a chunky knob used for shifting. The Record Start/Stop button sits smack dab in the middle of the mode dial, and is more voluminous than most others.  

The Canon FS11 Back

The Left Side (6.0)
Here's where all the action lies--once you flip open the FS11's 2.7-inch LCD screen. The LCD cavity is littered with goodies: Easy button, Display/ Battery Info button, Mic jack, AV-out jack, and the USB terminal. That's right! Canon's got Easy mode too. A Mic jack is a nice touch, too, but the camcorder has no accessory shoe, not even a cold shoe. If you want to attach another mic, you'll either need a permanently free hand or have to invest in some duct tape (Pro Tip: don't duct tape your mic to your camcorder). There are third party accessories like U-shaped brackets that attach to the tripod plate for just this purpose.

The LCD panel is stocked with controls and outfitted with the FS11's Joystick. Although rear-mounted Joysticks handle optimally, the LCD Joystick is the next step down. It blows the JVC GZ-MS100's laser touch panel out of the sky. A horizontal strip of flat plastic buttons resides at the bottom of the LCD panel and consists of the following controls: Function, Record Start/Stop/Play/Pause, Zoom Out/Rewind, Zoom In/Fast Forward, and Backlight Compensation (BLC)/Stop. For a small fry like the FS11, there's plenty of control at your fingertips.

The Canon FS11 left side		The Canon FS11 LCD cavity

The Top (4.25)
Up top, the FS11 is fairly barren. Toward the back end you'll find a bling-worthy chrome panel that hosts the Zoom toggle, Photo button, and On/Off button. The Zoom toggle is long and shifts smoothly, although it's placed too far forward and falls under the middle finger instead of the index finger. The On/Off switch is nice to have in order to separate the action from the mode dial.

The Canon FS11 top

The Bottom
'Where's that confounded battery!?' you cry. Why, hidden stealthily underneath the FS11, of course. The SD/SDHC card slot also rooms with the battery, which features an enclosed chamber design. A sliding hatch pulls out and hanges down to reveal the battery and SD/SDHC card slot. An enclosed battery is at the bottom of any shooter's wish list, but have no fear--the FS11's battery life is astounding. It lasts over 3 hours of continuous recording in the highest quality. Who gives a flying buttress if it's an enclosed design?! Just buy another pack and you're covered for half the day.