News

Canon has announced their 2010 line of VIXIA High Definition flash memory camcorders that will include the flagship HF S-series, the compact HF M-series and a new line, the entry-level HF R-series.

New features will include a Touch Panel LCD with an advanced tracking system that will help keep subjects in focus and properly exposed, even in a busy scene.  This could be useful for focusing on a pesky fish.

The lineup's image stabilization system gets an upgrade and there is a new HD-to-SD downconversion feature for videos to be easily uploaded to the web.

The camcorders retain Canon's HD video lens, HD CMOS Images Sensor and the DIGIC DV III Image Processor.  The new low light technologies that have surfaced in 2009 are being incorporated into the processor and sensor to reduce noise under low-light conditions.

 

 

 

Here is a list of the new features:

• Smart Auto: The Smart Auto mode makes shooting great video even easier by utilizing Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor to intelligently detect and analyze brightness, color, distance and movement and automatically select the best setting for the scene being recorded.

• Touch & Track: Canon's new Touch & Track technology enables users to select a subject on the Touch Panel LCD that the camcorder will then recognize and track. This sophisticated technology recognizes faces, objects, even animals, ensuring that your subject will always be in focus and properly exposed.

• Relay Recording: Relay Recording allows users to capture uninterrupted video when the primary recording media is full. The camcorder will continue to record a scene by switching from one memory source to the other as it fills up, so that you won't miss a moment of action.

• Powered IS: In addition to Canon's Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Powered IS provides an even higher level of compensation for subtle hand movement at the telephoto end of the zoom range. This new enhancement can be engaged by pressing the Powered IS button on the LCD panel.

• HD-to-SD Downconversion: A new HD-to-SD Downconversion feature enables users to convert recorded high-definition video to standard-definition files while preserving the original HD video. These standard-definition files make it even more convenient to share video online or create a DVD.

• Advanced Video Snapshot: Advanced Video Snapshot mode has been upgraded to provide the flexibility of capturing 2, 4, or 8 second video clips while recording or during playback.

Here is Canon's description of the new models:

 

VIXIA HF S-series:
The Canon VIXIA HF S21, VIXIA HF S20 and VIXIA HF S200 Flash Memory camcorders are Canon's premiere camcorders with professional and easy-to-use features to allow anyone to capture outstanding HD video quality. The VIXIA HF S-series comes equipped with varying levels of internal flash memory and all feature two SD card slots for maximum storage capacity and easy video transfer. The VIXIA HF S21 and VIXIA HF S20 camcorders incorporate 64GB and 32GB of internal flash memory, respectively, and the VIXIA HF S200 records video directly to removable SD memory cards. Recording Full 1920 x 1080 HD video, these camcorders feature a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and a Canon 1/2.6-inch, 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor for stunning video and outstanding photos up to 8.0 megapixels. All three models in the VIXIA HF S-series include Canon's new 3.5-inch High Resolution (922,000-dot) Touch Panel LCD screen for a large, bright display and easy menu navigation, including Touch & Track technology. All of the models in this series also feature Canon's Smart Auto, Relay Recording, Powered IS, HD-to-SD Downconversion, and Advanced Video Snapshot.

In addition, the VIXIA HF S-Series includes a host of professional features such as a built-in LANC terminal, and Native 24p (AVCHD) recording. For shooting outside on a sunny day, the VIXIA HF S21 includes a viewfinder which offers a reliable viewing environment when shooting in bright outdoor conditions. The VIXIA HF S21, VIXIA HF S20 and VIXIA HF S200 Flash Memory camcorders are scheduled to be available in April, and will have an estimated retail price of $1399.99, $1099.99 and $999.99 respectively.

 

 

VIXIA HF M-series:
The Canon VIXIA HF M31, VIXIA HF M30 and VIXIA HF M300 Flash Memory camcorders offer consumers stunning HD video in an ultra-sleek, compact and lightweight body. The VIXIA HF M31 and VIXIA HF M30 incorporate 32GB and 8GB of internal flash memory, respectively, and the VIXIA HF M300 records video directly to an SD memory card. Recording Full 1920 x 1080 HD video, these camcorders include a Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens, a 2.7-inch Touch Panel LCD with Touch & Track technology, Smart Auto, Powered IS and Advanced Video Snapshot. In addition, the VIXIA HF M31 and VIXIA HF M30 models both include Canon's Relay Recording and HD-to-SD Downconversion. The VIXIA HF M31, VIXIA HF M30 and VIXIA HF M300 Flash Memory camcorders are scheduled to be available in April for an estimated retail price of $799.99, $699.99 and $679.99 respectively.

VIXIA HF R-series
The Canon VIXIA HF R11, VIXIA HF R10 and VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory camcorders are perfect for the budget-conscious consumer who wants Full 1920 x 1080 HD video. The VIXIA HF R11 and VIXIA HF R10 models incorporate 32GB and 8GB of internal flash memory, respectively, and the VIXIA HF R10 records directly to an SD memory card. All three models also include a Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens, Dynamic IS, Smart Auto and Advanced Video Snapshot. Both the VIXIA HF R11 and VIXIA HF R10 feature Canon's Relay Recording and HD-to-SD Downconversion. Additionally the VIXIA HF R10 will be available in three stylish colors, black, red, and silver. The VIXIA HF R31, VIXIA HF R30 and VIXIA HF R300 Flash Memory camcorders will be available in March for an estimated retail price of $699.99, $549.99 and $499.99 respectively.

 

FS series:
In addition to the new VIXIA High Definition lineup, Canon is also introducing two standard-definition camcorders, the FS31, and FS300 Flash Memory camcorders. The Canon FS31 model records to 16GB of internal flash memory, while the FS300 records video directly to an SD memory card. Wrapped in a small and attractive package, the FS-series offers 41x Advanced Zoom to help capture great video even at extreme telephoto distances, as well as Dynamic IS. In addition, the Canon FS300 will be available in three fashionable colors, silver, red, and blue. The Canon FS31 and FS300 Flash Memory camcorders are available in March for an estimated retail price of $349.99 and $299.99 respectively.

 

Underwater Housings For The New Canon Vixia Line Up?

Well we won't have to wait to hear if there will be a housing for the  M series as Canon has already announced a new Canon WP-V2 Waterproof Case that is depth rated to 130 feet and works with all HF M-series camcorders.  It will be available in April for $599.00. We might also see some Ikelite housings for models.