Canon's VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder brings professional level recording to the consumer camcorder market. Capture your child's first birthday or just spontaneous life moments in full 1920 x 1080 HD with this compact, lightweight camera. And, never worry about carrying around extra recording media - The HF11 has all the space you'll need with a 32GB internal flash memory that provides up to 12 hours of recording time (in LP mode) and a slot for an SDHC memory card for video or still images. The 3.3Mp 1/3.2 CMOS Sensor combined with Canon's own DIGIC DV II image processor ensure beautiful, clean and clear images every time you shoot.
Other features the HF11 boasts include 24p CINEMA mode, 24 Mbps recording and 30p Progressive mode for professional image capture. The 2.7" LCD allows for wide angle composition and playback while the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization ensures video and still images are free from the age old problem of handshake. In addition, the Intelligent Lithium-ion battery and HDMI terminal both work to make your life easier. Finally, the Advanced Mini Accessory Shoe and microphone terminal provide two rarely seen, but hoped for features, at this price point.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/3.2" CMOS |
| Lens |
4.8 - 57 mm f/1.8 - 3.0 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 12x Digital: 200x |
| Filter Size | 37 mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory Up To 32GB Video/Image SD/SDHC Up To 32GB Video/Image |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory LP: 12 hours, 15 minutes MXP: 2 hours, 55 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080i, 1440 x 1080i |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 3.1 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 2-ChannelStereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.7" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Add-on Lens |
|---|
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux | 0.2 (Night Mode) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - Yes Flash - Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Mini Hot |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini |
| Outputs |
1x Component Video (out) 1x Composite Video (out) 1x HDMI Type C 1x USB Mini-B 1x USB 2.0 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows System
|
| Battery | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Power Adapter | 100-240VAC, 50/60HZ |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.9 x 2.5 x 5.1" / 73.66 x 63.50 x 129.54 mm |
| Weight | 15.2 oz / 430.92 g |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Great camcorder for the price!
I am an active hobbyist of digital photography and digital video. I had owned several camcorders through the years, the most recent being a Sony HDR-HC1, a hi-def tape-based camera (released in 2005)...Read complete review
I am an active hobbyist of digital photography and digital video. I had owned several camcorders through the years, the most recent being a Sony HDR-HC1, a hi-def tape-based camera (released in 2005).
After taking the HDR-HC1 on trips to UK, Europe, Mexico, and North Africa, the tape transport started giving me problems. With another big trip planned for 2009 (SE Asia), the last thing I wanted to be dealing with was technical glitches.
The writing has been on the wall for a couple years: video cameras are moving to tapeless formats. This is a fantastic development, since the tape transports in regular camcorders are finicky and subject to dust and wear. The new SDHC cameras have almost no moving parts, apart from the zoom mechanism on the lens.
So it was with much excitement that I purchased the HF11. After much internet research, it looked like the best of the late-2008 bunch. I've owned it for a couple months now, and taken it on a family trip to the Rockies, as well as filmed family occasions and a school play. This has given me a range of real world usage.
Generally, the HF11 is a delight to use. The physical shape of the body is small enough to keep in a jacket pocket. It is very quick to power up, and starts filming with almost no lag (this was ALWAYS an issue with tape-based recorders because the tape head needs time to get up-to-speed out of standby mode ... very annoying!)
Picture quality: well, this isn't going to rival a $2000+ camera, but for the price it's pretty good. In bright light, of course the picture is excellent. Sharp details and nice color. In low light, it does an adequate job, but the AVCHD codec introduces strange artifacts in areas of significant contrast or quick transitions between bright and dark areas. There is also noise in low-lighting, but it's not horrible or obtrusive. Better than my Sony ever was, anyways.
The autofocus is quite fast and does a good job of locking on to your subject.
One thing that other people have NOT made a note of is this: at the highest bitrate or quality setting, this camera records at full 1920x1080 HD, which is great. But ALL OTHER BITRATES below 24mps only record at 1440x1080. This may or may not be a big deal to you.
As a test of the bitrate quality, I recorded a winter scene from outside my front door, changing the quality setting with each 30 second clip. I was quite impressed: the difference between the highest setting (24mps) and the next-lowest setting (17mps) was almost negligible. I had a REALLY hard time telling the difference, and this was with my nose pressed up to my 50" LCD family TV.
The 30FPS setting is really nice because it slows down the shutter and gives you a lot more flexibility in lower-light than the standard "60i" setting. The 24FPS would be even better, but some people are having software problems importing 24FPS footage into their computers, so beware of this setting unless you're sure your software can handle it.
Transferring AVCHD files is easy -- the camera acts as a SDHC card reader and transfer times are pretty fast. You can also use a standard card reader to read your SDHC cards.
Fast SDHC cards are a necessity with this camera, but fortunately the prices on these 16GB cards are dropping all the time. Also, you'll need a reasonably powerful computer to edit the footage. I'm using a Macbook Pro 2.0GHz / 3GB RAM and the computer works pretty hard in Final Cut Express to chew through these files.
Annoyances: the supplied battery is poor. With start & stop filming using the LCD screen, you're lucky to get 40-50 minutes. Completely lame. Don't know why Canon doesn't include a better battery. I bought a cheap generic battery off eBay -- it works, but the camera can't tell you the remaining capacity. However, I got 1h40min from a charge, which is pretty good for a $10 battery, versus the $120 that Canon wanted for a similar product.
Also, the toggle on the LCD screen for menu selections seems kinda cheap to me, it's just a plastic nub. Not a design highlight.
No focus ring (BAD!), and proprietary accessory show (ALSO BAD!) ...
There is no viewfinder -- you MUST always use the LCD. Sometimes it would be nice to have a viewfinder, because it makes using the camera less obtrusive and saves on battery life.
There are motion artifacts when you're filming something moving across your field of vision. It's what they call the dreaded "jello" effect -- the moving object forms "jaggies" across the screen and it kind of "melts" as it moves ... Sometimes it's barely noticeable, but sometimes it's worse than other times. This is an inherent problem with the AVCHD codec, but on the HF11 it's relatively controlled. But still annoying.
OVERALL, this is a great little camera for the price. I'm sure in 2009 there will be a "HF12" or something better, but right now, this is the best AVCHD camera out there at this price point. I'm very happy with mine.
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Most Liked Negative Review
my first consumer video camera
I've only used pro and prosumer video cameras (DVX100B, HVX200, SDX900, RED ONE, Sony EX3) in the past for all my work and home videos and I wanted to get something small ...Read complete review
I've only used pro and prosumer video cameras (DVX100B, HVX200, SDX900, RED ONE, Sony EX3) in the past for all my work and home videos and I wanted to get something small for messing around with and this camera was affordable and had great reviews.
I love the way it feels in my hand and I love the ease of use but unfortunately the image quality is really bad. It might be way better than others in the same category and I may just be ignorant about it, but the cine modes and the 24p modes (or any progressive mode for that matter) have an insane amount of strobing. I'm told this is inherent with the camera and with the HV20 which came before it. I shoot a lot of film too and am also familiar with the motion strobing of 24p such as in the DVX100, but this seemed really extreme.
As a consumer camera, you may be very pleased. I just wish the image looked better and had less strobe.
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Reviewed by 74 customers
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
I use the product for semi pro art work and for just everyday life recordings and it works amazingly for both. It's a lightweight camera that shoots wonderfully in low light and is really easy to use, even though it offers so much. You definitely need to read the manual though before diving in for anything somewhat complicated.
There is no viewfinder, but honestly, using the lcd screen is nowhere near as bad as i thought it would be- i actually almost don't even notice.
Also, the sound recording is pretty great, even though i haven't used a microphone yet.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
We settled on this camera mainly because of the great reviews -- best picture quality for the price -- and we're NOT disappointed. The recording quality is excellent. That's really the outstanding feature of the camera. It has an "Easy" mode which really is easy. To go beyond this, one has to use the joystick and menu functions - which I personally didn't find very intuitive, but I'll get used to it. The battery charge life is short, but typical for this type of camera. Really a great camera so far.
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
It's a fabulous camcorder to pick up and use – and even a relative beginner won't have trouble switching it on for the first time and making superb quality HD video recordings.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
After hours of research, this camcorder is great as expected. The features, price [...]went smooth as silk. [...]
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
This is a great camera, I've used it for school projects, and tv show shoots. it's reliable, I can record my videos on SD cards or the internal drive. the quality is excellent it has a nice variety of different settings. it is compatible with adobe premiere and after effects. just an all around good product.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
Works right out of the box. Great quality. Only complaint is software doesn't work with Mac. Didn't see this mentioned before I purchased...
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
I just went through the reviews for HF11 online and bought it from here.[...] I would recommend this for any one who is looking for a flash camcorder.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
I am really happy with this purchase experience. The product quality and price is really great. The product arrived on time. I will recommend this website to my friends.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
I am upgrading to this from an 8 year old Canon, so I love this camera. I really like the easy mode because it takes care of the details and I can just record. The picture is very clear and I like how easy it is to view the recordings.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
The HF 11 doesn't dissappoint, quality build, good memory thats expandable, and did I say good memory? 32 GB, best in class sensor, intuitive controls, it is simply the best camcorder for the money and a great value
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
As a previous owner of a canon cam, the menu of this camcorder seemed all too familiar. So for canon users, you will not have any problems.
The video image quality is very good and the built-in storage space is adequate if you are not using the higher resolution setting.
Like all camcorders with big internal memory, the limitation becomes the battery. Not much use if you have space for 100 hours of recording and your battery only last 1 hour. So better get a new battery (at least one, if not more). The higher resolution drains the battery very fast.
As an amateur user (not a professional), I am enjoying it.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
I love the way this camera preforms at the evening. I was skeptical about 1 sensor camera (I had Sony TRV 900, Sony VX 1000, and recently Sony PC1000). All were 3 chip cameras. This Canon is obviously an HD camera, but VX 1000 was a semi-pro camera - I think Canon HF 11 has a lot better low light capability than even the Sony VX 1000.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
Wow this camera was a huge upgrade to the Canon Elura 100 that I had previously owned. I was looking for a camera that would perform perfectly in very low light conditions, which seemed to be the problem with a lot of cameras. The Vixia HF11 was DEFINITELY amazing in low light. I filmed Christmas lights in pitch black no lighting and they came out perfectly. Shots come out perfectly when there's no daylight. Only problem with the camera is how you have to have it plugged into the wall when you want to download footage to a computer.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
I'm working on a documentary and was looking for a not-so-expensive way to work in HD format, and this camera is working great so far.
The things I love about it:
- the image quality
- the ability to plug in a mike, I have an XLR adapter that I plug into it and allows me to plug in up to two XLR mikes.
- it writes directly flash memory - no more tape to have to capture from.
- the 32 gig memory goes over an hour in the highest quality shooting.
Things I don't love so much:
- The use of the joy stick for the manual focus and sound levels is awkward and hard to maneuver
- Start/stop button is too easy to trigger accidentally
All in all though, I like what I've seen so far.
and the
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
I received this cam about two weeks ago and I have to say that I'm pretty happy with the image quality. I'm not an expert, I'm still playing with the settings and experimenting with the cam, so I think there's still plenty of room for improvement.
PROS: Great quality, ease of use, small size.
CONS: It can get a little bit slow when switching modes or trying to turn off the camera after taking still pictures
BOTTOM LINE: I'm pretty much satisfied with this camera, great value-price ratio
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
This is a great light weight camera...The only problem that I would say is when is it low light and you have a moving object, the object does not stay in focus.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
We use this camera almost daily grabbing footage of our hilarious kids and other events. We leave it close to the action so we never miss anything. I bought an extra high capacity battery with the camera, but haven't had to use it yet.
It works good in low light, it's extremely easy to use, the controls are easy and fast, it's small and light, and I can throw it in my coat pocket if I'm not using it.
So far, there isn't a single regret, and there's no other camera we'd go with. We've had probably 6-8 Sony camcorders and cameras in the past, but I think we're going to be sticking with Canon for our camcorders from now on.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
I think this is a great little camera because it is so compact and high quality. I am still playing with it, but it hasn't caused me any problems so far. I love that it has a mic input and that it works well with putting videos on the internet. Great camera!
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
IT HAS A VERY SIMPLE MENU. PERFECT RESOLUTION.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder:
Our church got this camera to send on mission trips and to camp weeks. It is a great addition to our stable of larger cameras. The only beef I have so far is that navigating around a large number of clips is klunky. You have to page through a few thumbnails at a time.
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