Canon Pushes Pro Features for Flagship HD Camcorders in '09 - HF S100, HF S10, HF20, and HF200

The Vixia HF S10, Canon's Flagship Model for 2009

Canon announced the release of four high definition flash memory camcorders today. Two models, the HF S100 and HF S10, are loaded with features clearly aimed to entice budget-minded professionals and amateur filmmakers. The lower-tier models, the HF200 and HF20, offer fewer features but still show improvements over previous models. (View Photo Gallery)

All four camcorders record video in the AVCHD format in full 1920 x 1080 at 24Mbps, the fastest possible bitrate for the codec. All four include the latest generation DIGIC DVIII processor, which adds two new features: face detection for up to a purported 35 faces and an improved auto exposure system. Canon reports that the new processor also allows for better dynamic range.


 

Canon Vixia HF20

The new HF20 is equipped with 32GB internal flash memory and can record to SDHC memory cards. The HF200 is identical in most regards, but records only to memory card. Both camcorders include a 3.89-megapixel, 1/4-inch CMOS, and have a 15x optical zoom. Like the predecessors, the Canon HF10 and HF11, the new HF20 and HF200 include options for 60i, 24P, and 30P.

Canon Vixia HF200

Canon's flagship models for 2009 are the HF S10, with 32GB of internal flash, and the HF S10. The camcorders are a significant upgrade from anything Canon has included before on a consumer model. The lens is large – 58mm, which is the same size as the lens on the professional GL2 camcorder. This larger size allows for 900 horizontal TV lines, according to Canon. The optical zoom extends to 10x.

The HF S10 and HF S100 are both equipped with a 8.59-megapixel, 1/2.6-inch CMOS, larger than anything on previous Canon camcorders, and allowing for native 8-megapixel still capture.

Canon Vixia HF S100

There are several manual controls and options new to Canon, as well. The Focus Assist feature has been expanded to include peaking, which creates a colored fuzz on the areas of focus in either red, yellow, or blue. Zebra patterns are available at either 70 or 100 IRE. Canon is the first to steal thunder from Panasonic by including manual gain control, with options for 0dB, 6dB, 12dB, and 18dB. SPMTE color bars and a 1kHz reference tone are available for calibration.

All four camcorders share several features. Video Snapshot records in 4-second bursts to create a video collage effect. The Pre-Record function uses cache memory to record 3 seconds of video prior to your hitting the record button. All the camcorders include optical image stabilization.

No pricing plans have been announced for Canon's 2009 line.

(View Photo Gallery)