Canon Vixia HF100 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on May 13, 2008 3:09 PM 
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Comparison
Canon HF10
The only differences between the HF100 (Review, Specs, Recent News, ) and the HF10 (Specs, Recent News, $0.00)($1099 MSRP) come down to Internal Flash Memory, paint, and price. The HF100 and HF10 share the same power plant imaging system, Manual controls, and an identical body design. the HF100 only records to SD/SDHC memory cards. The HF10 has 16GB of internal Flash Memory, which is highly useful when cards fill up. The HF10 is also a stealthy black color, which is what all top HD models are dipped in. At the end of the day, it's down to price and extra storage. If you have the extra change, go for the HF10--if not, the HF100 is a solid performer.
Sony HDR-SR11 (Specs, $0.00)
The new wave of Sonys are fierce warriors--the HDR-SR11 ($1199.99 MSRP) is one of the models to beat this year. With a 60GB HDD, killer low light, thanks to Sony's new BIONZ processing with EXMOR technology, and spot on handling and design, the HDR-SR11 claims few opponents. (We tested the HDR-SR12 (Review, Specs, $1399.00), which is identical except for a larger, 120GB HDD.) The HF100 is malnourished compared to the prodigious HDR-SR11, which features a Cam Control dial for instant Manual adjustment. The HF100 has more traditional Manual Controls like shutter speed and aperture, but many shooters will gravitate toward the HDR-SR11's massive 3.4-inch LCD screen, pivoting viewfinder, and classic Sony ease of use. Between the excessive storage space, handling, video performance, and overall construction, the HDR-SR11 wins this race. Price will be the major divider here--$300 is definitely a gap to mind.
Sony HDR-TG1
The Sony HDR-TG1 has the same new processing as Sony's top of the line HDR-SR12 and HDR-SR11 HDD cams, which means low light should shine. The HDR-TG12 does have a smaller 1/5-inch CMOS chip, so don't expect a performance as stellar as the HDR-SR12's. The HDR-TG1 records 1920 x 1080 "Full HD," and is equipped with Sony's friendly Home menu. On the downside, ports are scarce, the body design is upright, and the HDR-TG1 only uses proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Power shooters should opt for the HF100 while business travelers will want the HDR-TG1.
Panasonic HDC-SD9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00)
The HDC-SD9's ($799 MSRP) “World’s Smallest Full HD Camcorder” title, is pretty much all the pint-size cam has going for it. With three 1/6-inch CCDs, low light takes a plunge while the HF100 kicks out the jams with HV20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $903) and HV30 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) grade illumination. Handling suffers with the HDC-SD9, thanks to its tiny body. Its Joystick is inconveniently placed within the LCD cavity, ports are tucked away in the battery chamber, and the microphone is tossed on top, right beneath the fingers. The HF100 has an LCD Joystick, wide Zoom toggle, and cushy new hand strap, which is much more appetizing than the HDC-SD9's flawed architecture. The HDC-SD9's lack of Mic and Headphone jacks and a hot accessory shoe really digs its grave. Of course the HDC-SD9 is equipped with Panasonic manual controls, including gain, but the HF100 is capable of multiple frame rates, Image Effects, and a better Shutter Speed control. Go for the HF100.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Canon jumped on the bandwagon and threw its own incarnation of Easy mode on the HF100. Look out Sony! Beginners unite.
Budget Consumers
For killer Canon HD video, great Manual controls, and all the connectivity an intermediate shooter should need, the HF100 is a bargain for $900. It's the cheapest actually good HD camcorder on the market.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
Histograms, numerous shooting modes, all Manual Controls--the HF100's still features blow past JVC's and Panasonic's. They're on par with Sony's still photo excellence.
Gadget Freaks
Without the dual media and the all black paint job, the HF100 loses some coolness points, but it's still flashy and powerful enough to induce daydreams for most nerds.
Manual Control Freaks
Canon pumped up the jam with the HV20's Manual controls, and the HF100 gets the legendary set. Everything but gain is offered, which is plenty for the average shooter.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
AVCHD is still a stick in the spokes of the average pro's workflow. The HV30 is the most likely candidate.
Conclusion
The Canon HF100 ($899 MSRP) is a solid performer with great manual controls and the ease of use that beginners crave. However, it may not be the most economical choice for most consumers. The camcorder only records to SD and SDHC memory cards. Now, don't get us wrong. Flash memory is clearly going to be the media of the future, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best choice today. First of all, there is no memory card in the box when you buy the HF100. You'll need to budget that extra expense in yourself. While memory cards are cheap, they're not nearly as cheap as tapes and DVDs. A miniDV tape can hold 60 minutes of video and only costs about $5. To fit the same 60 minutes on an SDHC card, you'll need 8GB of storage, which costs a minimum of $30. Now imagine planning for a 10--day trip to the Outback. Do you want to buy five miniDV tapes or five SDHC cards?
For this reason, the Canon HF10 ($1099 MSRP) seems more reasonable. The step-up from the HF100, the HF10 includes 16GB on-board storage, which means you can rely on that when the cards fill up, or vice versa. There $200 price gap between models is not inconsiderable, however.
For an even bigger step up, but a worthwhile one, consider the Sony HDR-SR11 ($1199 MSRP). We reviewed the HDR-SR12, which is identical, except for the larger hard drive. The HDR-SR11 doesn't offer the portability, but that larger body masks a big 60GB internal hard drive - far more storage than you can expect from memory cards. The performance was just as good in most regards and the ease of use is even better.
Overall, those looking for portability and performance - but also need to save a few bucks - should at least consider the Canon HF100. If you can afford either the money or the extra space, we strongly recommend looking at the Canon HF10 or Sony HDR-SR11/HDR-SR12.