Canon FS11 Camcorder Review

Conclusion
The Canon FS11 is a good camcorder. The video performance is par-to-above average in moderate light, particularly the color. We wish it could have performed better in low light like the JVC GZ-MS11, but it didn't. This is a great camcorder for point-and-shooters or those who just want something they can turn and never have to mess with. The new Easy mode that Canon created this year is perhaps the best idiot-proofing we've ever seen. When engaged, it's virtually impossible to hit the wrong button, making it a great gift idea for the technophobe in your life. To boot, the FS11 looks sleek and has an incredible battery life.

There is a lot of choice out there for recording media in this price range. The Canon FS11, with its 16GB of internal flash memory and SD/SDHC card slot is among the best options. 16GB will hold 220 minutes in the highest quality, and you can start shooting right out of the box. Most camcorders that are card-based only don't even ship with a card - a common source of frustration for first time buyers. If you do decide to buy a removable memory card, you can expand the FS11's capacity quite a bit. While it will never match the huge 60-120GB capacities of hard disk drive (HDD) camcorders, you can be secure in the knowledge that solid state memory is more shock resistant. Also, smaller capacities prompt you to back up your video mode often, a vital chore that too often goes undone.

All told, the Canon FS11 is a strong contender in this price range. We'll have a review of most promising contenders, the Sony DCR-SR65 and the Panasonic SDR-H60, soon.

Comparisons
Canon FS10
The FS10 ($499 MSRP) is the FS11's nearly identical twin. Aside from differing paint jobs and built-in Flash Memory capacity, there is no difference between the FS10 and FS11. Canon opted to go with flashy silver for the FS10 and keep the built-in Flash Memory to 8GB, as opposed to the FS11's 16GB. As a result, you get half the built-in recording time and a body that will reflect sunbeams. On the plus side, you save $100 with the FS10--but $100 for 8GB is not bad...until you check Amazon and find an SDHC card for around $80. You'd get more storage with the FS10 for about $20 less by opting for a 16GB SDHC card. Plus, there's no need to connect the camcorder to a PC--just pop in the card. Think about this one...

JVC GZ-MS100
JVC's first attempt at a YouTube internet cam was a valiant one, but it's not enough firepower to gun down the FS11. It records exclusively to removable SD/SDHC cards. The GZ-MS100 has a basic 1/6-inch, 680,000-pixel imager and offers up a decent image in bright to moderate light and great low light performance. The FS11's 1/6-inch chip has a higher 1,070,000-pixel resolution, but its low light cannot match the killer performance of the GZ-MS100. The FS11's Manual Controls are superior, and the LCD Joystick lays the smackdown on JVC's finicky "Laser Touch" panel. The FS11 also sports a Mic jack and handles better. The GZ-MS100's other bonuses are its more compact size and YouTube upload feature, which helps even the most basic shooters become video stars--just what the world needs. Battery life and recording capacity favor the FS11. If you want better performance, the JVC is an easy winner. For a more enjoyable user experience and the flexibility of extra memory, the Canon might be your camcorder.

JVC GZ-MG365B
We haven't gotten our hands on a 60GB hard disk drive Everio yet this year, but here's what we can tell you. The GZ-MG365B ($599 MSRP) joins the lot of 2008 standard definition Everios that feature the "Laser Touch" panel. It looks cool, but doesn't function that well.  The GZ-MG365 only has a 1/6-inch, 680,000-pixel sensor. A $600 camcorder should be cranking out a higher resolution than that. As far as handling goes, the GZ-MG365B is tiny and nearly identical to the GZ-MS100. The FS11 has a Mic jack, Joystick control, and better video quality (based on the GZ-MS100's performance). The GZ-MG365B's 60GB capacity offers over 14 hours of recording in the highest quality, which is more than enough. If storage capacity is your main concern, check out the GZ-MG365B. Otherwise, it's Canon all the way.

Sony DCR-SR65
So far, the Sony DCR-SR65 ($599 MSRP) is the FS11's prime competition. It's got a 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD with a 1,070,000 pixel count, stereo Zoom microphone, and 40GB hard disk drive that offers 9 hours of recording in the highest quality. The DCR-SR65 also has an Active Interface Shoe, Sony's proprietary hot accessory shoe. We haven't roasted the DCR-SR65 over the fiery coals of our testing labs, but this is looking like a close race. The Canon FS11 has a Mic jack and LCD Joystick, but with no accessory shoe, external audio options are slim. This is a total toss up--one that will separate the Sonyites from the Canonites.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Beginners, the FS11 will rock your world. It's tiny, has tons of battery life and recording space, and is armed with an Easy mode that would put Autopilot to shame.

Budget Consumers
$600 for Canon's top-tier solid state cam is not bad, considering the fact that it's dual memory--the only camcorder in its price range to offer both internal and external Flash memory. Versatility, decent still features and video quality, and amazing battery life place the FS11 at the top of the value list.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
Canon's still features are ample, including extensive image information and shooting modes. The maximum image resolution is on the small side compared to Sony, but the FS11 is definitely a contender.

Gadget Freaks
The FS11's dual memory, tiny architecture, and wicked cool style just might convince a video geek or two to stick with standard definition--until they see the HF10.

Manual Control Freaks
Canon's Manual Controls are hard to beat, offering Exposure, Focus, Shutter Speed, White Balance, and a host of other semi-auto image adjustments. Panasonic offers independent shutter and aperture, but overall, most users will likely prefer the Canon.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
To a pro, a standard definition solid state cam with these meager specs is like ankle weights for the Incredible Hulk. Sure, they look cute, but are they doing the job?