Canon Vixia HF S11

For the extra 32GB of internal flash memory, you’ll need to pay $100 extra for the Canon HF S11. Aside from that, however, the HF S11 and the Panasonic HDC-TM300 are very similar models. They each represent the flash memory flagships from their respective manufacturers and they each offer a slew of manual controls and features to please advanced users.

Though the two models are very similar, the TM300 has a slight edge in just about every respect. It has slightly better color performance and slightly better low light performance. It is slightly more comfortable to hold and has slightly better optical image stabilization.

In some areas, it’s very difficult to pick a clear winner. We think it would be hard to find a more comfortable camcorder than the TM300, but the side mounted accessory shoe is an unusual design and the HF S11 does a better job of keeping its built-in microphone hidden from stray fingers. This might be a matter of personal choice.

Another personal choice: do you prefer the cam control dial of the manual control lens ring? We have a small preference for the lens ring, which has a smoother, wider range of action. If you’re using the viewfinder instead of the LCD, the features controlled by the lens ring can be swapped on the fly. Speaking of which, the TM300 has an extensible electronic viewfinder, while the Canon has only its LCD. On the other hand, the HF S11 is now compatible with Canon’s RA-V1 LANC adapter. These are both features that advanced users yearn for… just remember that you have to fork over $120 for the adapter that will let you connect a wired remote to the HF S11.

For still photography, neither model is perfect. The Canon HF S11 is inferior in color and noise, but is a clear winner in sharpness. The Panasonic HDC-TM300 doesn’t have as much in the way of still features, but it has more size options and no confusing Dual Shot mode.

And that brings to mind the greatest advantage that the Panasonic has over its rival from Canon. In terms of ease of use, the TM300 is light years ahead. The HF S11 has this confusing Dual Shot mode, which essentially hides auto mode from the people that would want it the most. The TM300’s manual button is also tucked away, but at least the function of this button is easily understood. When in auto mode, the TM300 offers a lot more to make videography easier: the company’s great iA features and a helpful info button to explain many of the menu’s options. Even in manual mode, the TM300 is easier to use, with a less divided menu structure that makes it easier to find the feature you want.

More savvy users might be tempted by some of the advanced features of the Canon, but the TM300 certainly has its share as well. Perhaps more importantly, the TM300 delivers a more pleasant user experience, especially for less experienced users.