Canon Vixia HF S10 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Jan 9, 2009 11:00 AM

 
Intro Audio
Compression & Media
 Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Playback & Connectivity Other Features
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings



Compression
The Canon HF SF10 compresses video in the AVCHD format at a maximum of 24Mbps, which is the highest possible bitrate for the AVCHD codec. Canon was the first to hit the ceiling with last year's HF11 camcorder, and JVC has since caught up with the new GZ-HD320, GZ-HD300, and GZ-HM200.

There are also recording options for 17Mbps, 12Mbps, 7Mbps, and 5Mbps.

The Canon HF S10 also allows for multiple frame rates, shooting in 1080/60i, 30P, and 24P. Note that the 24P recording on this camcorder is not an emulation of 24P, and not the new native 24P mode on the Canon HV40 HDV camcorder.

Media
The Canon HF S10 records video to 32GB internal flash memory, which is expandable with the SD/SDHC card slot. Samsung has beat out Canon in the battle for flash memory, now offering 64GB, but 32GB is a good size. It can hold about 2.5 hours when recording in the highest quality. In the lowest quality, you can fit over 12 hours, but we recommend that you stick to 24Mbps when you can.

Recording Media
Primary Media 32GB internal
Flash Memory
Secondary Media SD/SDHC card slot

Editing
The Canon HF S10 files are compatible with PC and Macs, though you may have to install the included driver or run updates on your media. The camcorder ships with Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software.




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