Canon VIXIA HF10 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 16GB Internal Flash Memory and 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I love this camcorder. My previous one was a Sony, bought some years ago. I wanted to get a hi-def machine so I did some online research and this seemed to be scoring highly, and also had a good price from Amazon. I was also keen to go for the AVCHD as that is becoming more widely compatible. I am impressed with the picture quality. It is easy to transfer files to the PC, using the memory card or with a cable, but you need to use the software that comes with it. The flash memory allows the camera to be very compact but it has a nice feel to it, even though I have quite large hands. The menus could be a little bit more ituitive, but they are not bad. I would recommend this to a friend.

One terrific camera. Months of research paid of 100 times over with this little gem. A palm size HD camcorder that is user friendly, takes great movies, and under a grand. Enough said, buy one.

So I am a dad taking video of my family. I wanted the best HD camcorded possible. I originally purchased the Panasonic HDC-SD5. It has beautiful color AS LONG AS YOU ARE OUTSIDE WITH GOOD LIGHTING. Any video shot indoors are pixelated. In fact, even outside shadows pixelate - like if somebody is wearing a hat and their face is shaded. So I spent the money and purchased the Vixia HF10, then shot side-by-side video inside and outside for comparison. Figured I'd return the HF10 if it didn't give the results I wanted. Results: the HF10 is MUCH MUCH better quality in low light conditions like indoors. The Panasonic SD5 has slightly (but noticeable) more vibrant colors in well lit outdoor conditions. For me, the low light advantages of the HF10 far outweigh the perfect/vibrant colors of the SD5 outside. In fact, if I wasn't comparing two videos side-by-side I would not notice the more vibrant colors of the SD5.

I've benefited from the great user reviews here at amazon so wanted to give back. Hope it helps others when making their purchase decision. Now I have an $800 Panasonic "stand-by" video camera I guess :)

The Canon VIXIA HF10 is a great camera. It has many pros and very few cons.
The pros are: the fantastic HD camera resolution and color, easy to use 3MP camera, beautiful LCD display, and general ease of use.
The cons are: the power cable needs to be plugged in to transfer video and pictures (why?!?), the display needs to be opened to use the camera (it shuts itself down otherwise), and the limited battery (only about an hour with HD recording).
All in all, a good purchase.

Long review: 10 min.| I got the HF11 video camera in urgent need for a specific occasion.
The 60th fireworks event of Suwako lake / Nagano Prefecture in Japan on 15th August 2008. (offical sale start in Japan)

As the overall package Canon with its long term experience in Imaging seemed like "The natural Choice to make".

The HF11's navigation is intuitive and exactly as the digital camera products.
Most users are able to use the product within minutes !!
The video camera integrates a huge amount of intelligent functions that ensure the quality of your video experience.

- image stabilizer,
- light sensitivity sensor,
- profiles
- variable zoom speeds,
- remaining battery status info,
- alignment markers in the screen


On top of that the video cameras body weight with 380gr. and the size of your favourite beverage is well acceptable even for ladies or kids hands.

The HF11 does not come with any major usability hitches but for video editing features you might want to look into additional software editing and codec converter solutions like Divx, Xvid etc. to be able to share the joy with your friends on DVD etc. The package contains all possible cables but NOT the ultra compact HDMI cable connection.


The major salespoints of this video camera are

- Imaging quality (resolution and smoothness of video)
- Canons colours
- Usability
- Usability and
- Usability

My subjective opinion is that the Imaging quality is unlike anything I have seen before and easily justifies the product alone.


HF11, HF10 or HF100, which one should I get ?

If you cant compromise video quality for anything get the HF11 with its 24mbps recording mode and be rest assured you have the extra stretch when you need it f.e. in low light scenarios and the best model on the marcet in the personal camcorder class.

Otherwise, if you can life with good quality and the same usability and other features as the big brother than you can make a deal by getting the HF10 or the HF100.

The intelligent functions and the exceptionally good design make the HF100, the HF10 or the HF11 the natural choice for beginners, amateurs and entry professionals.

This is the quality customers are expecting from a long term Imaging company like Canon !!


As requested from comments I have shortened this review.

Please see my How to guide (http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/R1350ZLGI7U7TP/ref=cm_sylt_byauthor_title_full_1) for more details.