Canon Vixia HF S100 Review
I have never been a fan of the new breed of “prosumer” products. I firmly believe that a professional application is different from a consumer one and trying to combine the two results in the worst of both worlds. At least that is what I thought until I came across the new Canon Vixia HF S100 SD-based camcorder. Now I’m not so sure.
The price tells you exactly what this is. Priced at around $1100, it fits, price wise, right in between the consumer and pro camcorders currently available. Many companies are switching to SD based camcorders because the flash based technology enables a significant reduction in size from the older tape, mini DVD and hard disk models. The Vixia weighs in a just over a pound but feels lighter – maybe because of its 2.8 inch by 2.7 inch by 5.4 inch dimensions. Its not really pocket size, unless you are wearing a very loose jacket, but it is about par for the course, size wise. The camcorder had a nice feel to it and a functional design with ergonomic controls and a good user interface. If it was any smaller, it would be difficult to hold and operate.
Most camcorders have the video light on the side of the lens, but Canon places it on top of the pop up flash. That’s because the two stereo mics are mounted on each side of the lens. While this may result in greater background noise on a windy day, it does offer better separation the normal over or under the lens arrangements.
On one side of the lens you will find the Custom Dial, similar to the arrangement on Sony’s equivalent camcorders. Pressing the button activates the dial which is then used to program the desired setting – simple, easy to use and effective.
Most of the shooting controls are located on the LCD bezel. Besides the usual controls, the Vixia offers real aperture and shutter priority video modes with shutter speed ranging from 1/8 to 1/250 so that you can have far more control over depth of field than you would get with other camcorders. The picture quality is exceptional – crisp and clear and even the beginner will be able to use the auto settings and get true “prosumer” quality results.
The camera has all the bells and whistles you would expect at this price. Battery life is just about average, but it recharges very quickly.
One thing I do not get is the lack of an eye level view finder. Granted the number of people using this is dropping everyday, but I would expect a prosumer model to offer the option. There are times when you just can’t do without it.
All in all, the Vixia HF S100 is worth the price. You get more than the average consumer camcorder would give you with an ease of use you will not find on professional models. Sure there have been compromises on both sides, but for those who want something more that an amateur camcorder, this could be the way to go.
Rating:
Features – 3/5
Ease of use – 4/5
Video quality – 4/5
Overall – 3/5