Canon FS11 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Jun 5, 2008 8:23 AM
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Audio (6.0)
Canon's high definition cams are well-equipped in the Audio department, featuring channel meters, hot accessory shoes, and both Mic and Headphone jacks. That's not the case here, as Canon's Standard Definition camcorders are only thrown a Wind Cut feature to quell some of the overbearing frequencies you might experience outdoors. The FS11's stereo microphone has no other options. Panasonic has implemented Zoom mics in all of their camcorders and Sony has done the same with certain SD models as well. We'd like to see more from the FS11--Audio is a huge deal when determining whether a camcorder is strictly consumer or can venture out into the prosumer world. The FS11 can support a handheld external microphone, but without level control, it won't cut it for some users.
Playback (4.5)
In order to play back video clips or review still images on the FS11, shift the Mode Dial to either the blue Video Camera or blue Camera icon. In Playback mode, a grey thumbnail menu will appear, featuring 4 tabs at the top: Built-In Memory Playback, Card Memory Playback, Built-In Memory Playlist, and Card Memory Playlist. The Joystick navigates through the tabs and individual thumbnails, which represent individually recorded video clips or captured stills. This is a simple, straightforward system that can easily be mastered.
In order to access the Playback Function menu, press the Function menu button. A list of 5 options will span across the bottom of the screen, consisting of Copy, Add To Playlist, Delete, Select Date, and Menu.
The Playback Administrative menu is accessed by selecting Menu from the Playback Function menu. The Playback Administrative menu contains the following options:
| Playback Administrative Menu |
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| Memory Oper. | Memory Info, Card Info, Del. All Movies, Initialize |
| Display Setup | Brightness, Data Code, Language, Start Week |
| System Setup | Battery Info, Wl. Remote, Beep, Power Save, Speaker Vol., TV Type, USB Setting, Add To Disc |
| Date/Time Setup | T. Zone/DST, Date/Time, Date Format |
| Close | |
The FS11 Playback Administrative menu
Connectivity (5.0)
Ports are minimal on the FS11, which is typical for an ultra-compact Standard Definition Flash camcorder these days. Canon does manage to throw a Mic input in the mix, which gains the FS11 a few points. The only downside is that there is no accessory shoe, so a handheld external microphone is your only option. Aside from that, ports are pretty standard on the FS11.
The right side is home to the DC input, which is shielded by a round rubberized cover that is anchored into the frame securely. The DC input terminal is a trapezoidal shape, which resists inadvertent unplugging greater than a round jack design.
The LCD cavity houses the AV, Mic, and USB jacks. Connectivity located within the LCD cavity is generally not desired because the cables have a tendency to interfere with your view of the LCD screen. Also, where are you going to throw that Mic cable?
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| Mic, AV, and USB jacks | DC terminal | |
Along the bottom, a large plastic latch slides out and swings down to reveal the enclosed battery and SD/SDHC card slot. Like we've mentioned throughout this review, nobody likes an enclosed battery design because of the inability to upgrade to a larger pack. The FS11 can get away with it, though, thanks to a battery life of over 3 hours. No need to upgrade--just buy a backup pack.
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