Canon FS11 Camcorder Review

by Michael Perlman
Published on Jun 5, 2008 8:23 AM

 
Intro Performance
Format
 Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity Other Features
Conclusion & Comparisons Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings
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Compression (4.0)
The Canon FS11 records standard definition video in the MPEG-2 format, similar to the format used by most standard definition flash/card memory, hard disk drive, and DVD camcorders. The only critical difference between each manufacturer's small variation is whether the camcorder outputs files with embedded audio or separate audio and video files. Each have their occasional headaches, but the all-in-one files are easier to transfer from camcorder to computer using a simple drag-and-drop action. The Canon FS11 has the other kind of files, with separate audio and video. This means you'll need software that can read the files and know how to piece them back together. Most free or cheap editing software will do the job.

MPEG-2 leaves a lot of image artifacting, mostly in the form of squarish chunks that seem to segment the screen. There are three quality settings on the Canon FS11, and the lower the quality, the more these artifacts increase. Quality settings include XP (9Mbps), SP (6Mbps), and LP (3Mbps).


The SD/SDHC card slot is located
underneath the camcorder.

Media (7.5)
The Canon FS11 records to either a 16GB internal flash memory or removable SD/SDHC cards, granting the camcorder a lot of flexibility when it comes time to record. You can rely on one media as your primary source and another as backup. 16GB is a lot of recording space. If you budget your time out, you can fit a whole vacation on the internal memory and a card or two. Below are the approximate recording times based on quality:

  XP (9Mbp) SP (6Mbps) LP (3Mbps)
16GB int. mem 220 min 330 min 625 min
8GB int. mem.
(Canon FS10)		 110 min 165 min 310 min
4GB SD/SDHC card 55 min 80 min 155 min
2GB SD/SDHC card 28 min 40 min 78 min

Editing (5.0)
Editing the video from the Canon FS11 is simple enough with most free, cheap, and widely available software. The file format has been around long enough to enjoy wide support. The camcorder also ships with basic editing software for both PCs and Mac on a pair of discs. You won't be creating Hollywood films with the software, but it will do the job for simple home videos.



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