Canon FS200 Camcorder Review

Canon FS200 versus Panasonic SDR-S26
• The Panasonic SDR-S26 has two standout features: a 70x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. • Other than those two features, the SDR-S26 is a lackluster camcorder that didn't perform well in our sharpness or low light sensitivity tests. • The Panasonic is a bit cheaper than the Canon FS200, but its image quality is a lot worse.
	Samsung SMX-F34 Comparison	(Page 14 of 17)	Conclusion

The Panasonic SDR-S26 has a few things going for it that make it stand out in the standard definition market. The first is its 70x optical zoom, which is almost twice as long as the zoom on the Canon FS200 (37x). This is a ridiculous amount of optical zoom, however, and we can't really imagine why anyone would need to zoom in that much. Anyway, if you are a zoom fanatic, then the Panasonic SDR-S26 was designed for you.

In addition to its killer zoom ratio, the SDR-S26 also offers optical image stabilization. This system is advantageous over the rest of these SD models that all offer digital stabilization systems. Panasonic's optical system works better (it scored the highest in our testing), and it doesn't degrade your image quality like digital stabilization systems can. So, a good stabilization system combined with that 70x optical zoom does make the Panasonic S26 ideal forgetting a close-up of a far-away animal—or for spying on your neighbors.

Despite these two enticing features, the Panasonic SDR-S26 is a mediocre camcorder when it comes to video performance. It performed terribly in our low light sensitivity test, had the worst sharpness of the bunch (and the smallest image sensor), managed an abysmal battery life, and its image appeared fuzzy and bland in anything less than ideal lighting conditions. It is also a stout little camcorder that feels comfortable to hold, but doesn't look nearly as stylish as the Canon FS200. The Panasonic SDR-S26 is roughly $30 cheaper than the Canon, but the money you save is reflected by the camcorder's poor video quality.

You can go with the Panasonic if all you want is a camcorder that allows you to zoom to your heart's content, or if you are insistent of having optical image stabilization. If you are at all concerned about image quality or low light performance, however, we suggest you go with the Canon FS200, JVC GZ-MG670, or Sony DCR-SX60—all of them outperformed the Panasonic in our video testing by a significant margin.

	Comparison Specs
	Canon FS200	Panasonic SDR-S26
Price	$299	$269
Primary Recording Media	SD/SDHC memory card	SD/SDHC memory card
Secondary Recording Media	None	None
Image Sensor	1/6-inch CCD	1/8-inch CCD
Effective Pixel Count	450,000 pixels	380,000 pixels
Mic Input	Yes, 3.5mm	None
LCD	2.7-inch with 123,000 pixels	2.7-inch with 123,200 pixels
Viewfinder	None	None
Weight	286g (10.1 ounces) with battery	257g (9 ounces) with battery
Dimensions	56 x 58 x 122mm (2.2 x 2.3 x 4.8 inches)	56 x 65 x 107 (2.21 x 2.56 x 4.21 inches)
HD	No	No
Frame Rates	60i	60i
Compression	MPEG-2	MPEG-2
Maximum Bitrate	9Mbps	10Mbps
Optical Zoom	37x Optical, 41x Advanced Zoom	70x Optical
Stabilization	Digital	Optical

Low Light Comparison 100% crops at 60 lux
Canon FS200	Panasonic SDR-S26

Stabilization Score Comparison