Canon Vixia HF S100 Camcorder Review

Compression & Media Summary
• AVCHD codec is highly compatible with editing software, but files sizes are still large and unwieldy • Five possible bitrates, including 24Mbps • Records to removable SD/SDHC memory cards (the HF S10 model has 32GB of internal flash memory) • Comes with basic editing software and a music CD for adding background tracks to slideshows
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Compression (7.0)

The Canon HF S100 records high definition video in the AVCHD codec. A couple years ago, AVCHD was still getting its feet wet as a compression standard for high definition video. Now it's the primary codec; the four major camcorder manufacturers use AVCHD and most video editing software is now compatible with AVCHD. Although the codec is compatible with more programs, it can still result in large and unwieldy files. Make sure you have a robust computer before taking the dive into AVCDH.

Canon is one of the handful of manufacturers that has reached the 24Mbps bitrate ceiling of AVCHD. Tech savvy videophiles are lamenting the fact that Panasonic and Sony have yet to make the jump to 24Mbps, while Canon introduced its first 24Mbps camcorder last year. The Canon HF S100 has five quality options: MXP (24Mbps), FXP (17Mbps), XP+ (12Mbps), SP (7Mbps), and LP (5Mbps).

Media (5.0)

Canon released two new flagship camcorders this year: the Canon HF S10 and Canon HF S100. The only real difference between the two camcorders is their primary recording media. Both models have SD/SDHC memory card slots, but the Canon HF S10 has an additional 32GB of internal memory. With the HF S100, you'll have to rely entirely on removable memory cards. Internal flash memory is certainly a convenient option to have available—you'll have to decide for yourself whether it's worth $200.

The camcorder records only to SD/SDHC cards.

Below is a chart of approximate recording times, depending on the quality setting you select and the size of your memory card. According to the user manual, neither the HF S10 nor the HF S100 can record maximum quality video to 1GB or 2GB memory cards. You'll need at least a 4GB card in order to record in MXP or FXP mode. Since we always recommend you record at the highest setting, you should invest in a good size card if you purchase the HF S100.

Editing (7.0)

The Canon HF S100 comes with Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software, which is the same program that ships with all new Canons. The software isn't anything fancy, but it allows you to do some basic editing, as well as organize your clips and images in a manner that suits you. The Pixela software is compatible with both Mac and PC computers.The camcorder also comes with a Digital Video Solution disk that includes drivers, help files, and a few small programs.

The HF S100 records video using the AVCHD codec, which is essentially the standard for HD camcorders that record to flash memory or an internal hard drive. Only Samsung and Sanyo have flash-based camcorders that record video using other codecs. AVCHD is a complicated codec and it carries a lot of information with its footage. This makes the files very large, and, as a result, they can be very difficult to work with on weak computers. If you plan on doing lots of editing with the HF S100, make sure you have a powerful computer that is up to the challenge. On a positive note, however, AVCHD is now compatible with most consumer and professional-level editing programs. We were able to transfer footage from the HF S100 to Final Cut Express and iMovie with ease.

The Canon HF S100 also comes with a music CD for adding background tracks to your video footage. We didn't get a copy of this disc, so we don't know how much or what kind of music comes on it, but we're guessing it isn't very exciting. Music from the CD can be loaded onto a memory card so you can add background tracks to your footage using an entirely in-camera system.