Canon VIXIA HFS100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom – 2009 MODEL
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I returned this camcorder after using it for a couple of weeks. I had two major issues with this camcorder. There is a noticeable delay in focusing, which is frustrating, especially when you are zooming into something. The other problem I had was that since the camcorder is so small and light, unless your hands are super-steady, the resulting footage can be quite shaky.
Apart from this, I think the transfer of the files from the sd card to the computer seems a bit cumbersome. The software that comes with the camcorder is not great in my opinion.
The Sony mini-dv tape camcorder I owned before this one performed much better.
Rating: 2 / 5
I bought this camera and here was my experience.
1. Took it out of the box and turned it on – immediately noticed the LCD had a dead pixel.
2. Shot a quick video which I then copied from the built in hard drive to my SD card. Put the SD card in my computer and tried to open the video but to my dismay the video is in the .mts file format which requires a special CODEC in order to open and view the video.
3. Tried to install the software hoping it would have the appropriate CODEC for me to view and edit the video but the software requires the serial number. I located the serial number and entered it into the software but for some reason the software just wouldn’t recognize it. Triple checked the manual to make sure I was entering the serial number. (Which is located behind the battery.)
4. Gave up on the software that came with the camera, did a little research online and found that VLC Media Player includes the CODEC required to open my video file. Installed VLC Media Player and I could finally view my video but unfortunately the video was so choppy it wasn’t worth watching or editing. I’m running an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4GB of RAM on Windows Vista. So I don’t think I lacked the hardware resources to watch the video smoothly.
5. Decided to try and transfer a few other video clips from the built in hard drive to my PC. When I plugged in my USB cable directly to the camera I was prompted to also plugin my power adapter. That was disappointing since a $100 Flip doesn’t require you to have your power adapter and USB cable to be plugged in at the same time to transfer videos. (I can only assume because of the much higher quality video this is necessary.)
6. After transferring the remaining videos I tried to install the software that came with the camera again. Still didn’t accept serial number so I called Canon. I navigated my way through their phone tree and was put on hold. Hung up after 20 minutes of hold music and returned the camera to the store.
Summary – don’t waste your time. It’s too valuable for this camera.
Rating: 1 / 5
Canon’s website says the list price for this camera (HFS100) is $1099 – not $1299, as stated by Amazon. Maybe Amazon has confused this camera with the HFS10, which does list for $1299.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is the first videocamera I’ve ever owned since my parents huge, clunky VHS camcorder. I’ve had the camera for a few weeks now and am very satisfied with it. I only gave it 4 stars because I’ve not yet tested all of the many features. High Defnition, writes directly to SD Memory Cards (No internal memory). Copying to computer is very fast. Takes excellent 8MP photos. I love the 24p + Cinema Mode. Its small, so you need a steady hand at times. All in all, I’m very satisfied.
Rating: 4 / 5
I will keep this brief.
Canon makes claims that this camera records in 30P. IT. DOES. NOT.
The camera records ALWAYS in interlaced mode. It then uses in-camera de-interlacing to give the APPEARANCE of being 30P footage. But this camera has absolutely no capability to record in native 30P format. Bring the 30P footage into FCP, and whamo, interlaced footage. Canon, you’re outright deceivers and you can have your camera back.
Rating: 1 / 5