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Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder
Canon's VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with a 120GB HDD and additional storage for video or 3.1Mp stills available on SD/SDHC cards provides you with all the space you'll ever need. Because you can capture up to 45 hours and 55 minutes of true 1920 x 1080 high definition video (in LP mode) when shooting to the HDD you'll never have to worry about changing discs or tapes right at the key moment. And, your images will be bright and clear thanks to the 1/3.2 3.3Mp CMOS, DIGIC DV II Image Processor and the Genuine Canon 12x HD Lens.
The 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD gives you a variety of shooting and viewing options while the Intelligent Lithium-ion battery informs you of remaining battery life and power. Other features include the Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe, 24Mbps recording, 24p Cinema mode and 30p Progressive mode. An HDMI terminal allows for instant viewing to your HDTV with just one cord. When you're ready to edit the included Pixela ImageMixer 3SE video editing software helps you get it done.
- Record
- Record to both the 120GB Hard Disk Drive for up to 45 hours and 55 minutes (HD video in LP mode) and to external SD/SDHC memory cards when you need the extra storage. In addition, the video you record on the HDD can be copied to the SDHC card and inserted into your computer or HDTV's card reader slot for instant viewing. You can also transfer still images from the SDHC card to the internal memory.
- 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording
- Capture each and every image in true 1920 x 1080 HD. Your images will also be output and recorded in the amazing quality and clarity of full HD. Record at the highest AVCHD bitrate of 24Mbps.
- Compact Design
- Take the HG21 anywhere you go thanks to its lightweight design. Record at every family gathering and event or just capture those spontaneous moments life throws your way.
- Genuine Canon 12x HD Video Lens
- Canon's own Genuine 12x HD Video lens is a four speed zoom lens, meaning you can capture those far off shots, such as wildlife or close-ups that require a wide angle. The Super Spectra Coating technology reduces flare and ghosting to a minimum while the len's aspheric design improves upon resolution and reduces aberration for clean video. The neutral density system compensates for exposure when shooting in a bright situation.
- 3.3MP Full HD CMOS Sensor
- The 1/3.2" 3.3Mp Full HD CMOS Sensor captures full 1920 x 1080 HD images that boast excellent color reproduction and crisp, clean images. Canon's own low noise technology ensures beautiful pixels, even in lowlight situations. The RGB Primary Color Filter with the Bayer Placement Pattern provides rich, true-to-life color by separating the spectrum into red, green and blue.
- DIGIC DV II Image Processor
- Canon's DIGIC DV II Image Processor provides improved color reproduction in HD for video and still images. Skin tones, lowlight situations and bright scenes all come out beautiful thanks to the DIGIC DV II.
- 3.1Mp Still Images
- Capture still images at a resolution of 1920 x 1440 with the stunning clarity provided by the 1/3.2" CMOS sensor and the HD Video lens. And, when you want to record video and digital pictures at the same time you can capture still images off of video recorded to the hard drive.
- SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
- This optical image stabilizer corrects for the inevitable problem of handshake and sway. Able to correct for a wide range of motion the HG21 provides you will stable, clear images for both video and stills.
- Instant AF
- The Instant AF feature provides you with automatic auto focus, ensuring that your HD videos will be as sharp as possible. An external sensor finds focus fast in any lighting condition. And, when shooting in manual mode the Instant AF magnifies your image 2x helping you to achieve the best possible image.
- 24Mbps Recording
- Record in 24Mbps and capture excellent AVCHD video each and every time with enhanced detail, finer gradations of tones and improved reproduction of moving subjects.
- 24p Cinema Mode
- Capture video at 24p (recorded at 60i) for that film look. When you activate the cameras CINEMA setting improved color and tones enhance that movie look and feel.
- 30p Progressive Mode
- Capture video in professional looking 30p (recorded at 60i) for images that are especially well suited for use on the web. Sports and action shots also benefit from the enhanced quality of 30p. Improve your still images, after recording, as well, by using this setting.
- 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
- Compose and play back all your shots with the 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD on the HG21. The Anti-Reflection surface boasts improved color reproduction for a more life-like view of what you're recording. A wide range of viewing angles makes it easier for you to record in a variety of situations.
- Mini "S" Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal
- Smaller by half, than Canon's Advanced Accessory Shoe, the Mini "S" Accessory Shoe allows you to attach Canon accessories of your choosing such as microphones or lights.
- Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery
- Canon's Intelligent Lithium-ion battery lets you track remaining battery life and time - enabling you to plan out your shooting without any surprises.
- HDMI
- Share your video directly to your HDTV with the HDMI connection on the HG21. Just one cable provides high quality playback of your audio and video.
- Microphone Terminal
- The microphone terminal allows you to attach an external mic to the camcorder for excellent audio capture - giving you all the power for recording pro-level audio.
- Wireless Remote Control
- Use the included wireless remote to control the camcorder's basic functions when you have the HG21 on a tripod.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 3.3 Megapixel 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 |
Hard Disk Drive Up To 120GB Video/Image SD/SDHC Video/Image |
| Recording Time |
Hard Disk Drive MPX: 11 hours, 5 minutes LP: 45 hours, 55 minutes MXP: 2 hours, 55 minutes LP: 12 hours, 15 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080 (24/30/60 fps) |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 3.1 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 2-ChannelStereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.7" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux | 0.2 (Night Mode) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Mini Hot |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini |
| Outputs |
1x USB Mini-B 1x Component Video (out) 1x Composite Video (out) 1x HDMI Type C 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows System
|
| Battery |
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack-, 890mAh
1
Please Note:Specifications for the BP-807 close |
| Power Adapter | 100-240VAC, 50/60HZ |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.1 x 3.0 x 5.5" / 78.74 x 76.20 x 139.70 mm |
| Weight | 1.2 lb / 544.31 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 53 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable to operate (51)
- Great picture quality (51)
- Great features (37)
- Simple controls (36)
- Versatile (31)
Cons
- Poor battery life (26)
- Short battery life (4)
Best Uses
- Home movies (44)
- Travel (42)
- HD shooting (37)
- Movies/short films (21)
- Documentaries (15)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (23), Casual user (21), Semi-pro (7)
Reviewed by 53 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
This camera replaces a hd Panasonic camera. The picture is great compared to my old camera. The features are easy to use and I love the fact that the camera allows for external light and mic. Overall it is an east camera to use with great pictures. Both video and stll.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Wonderful recording time with the 120GB HDD over 10Hrs at highest quality, added bonus of SDHC.
A small trade-off is the battery time, but picking up an additional battery is always a good practice anyway, and there are higher capacity batteries out there.
Would have been nice if a neck strap was included...
Overall a recommended product.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
So far so good. This camcorder has almost everything to be a perfect purchase. The only exception is the battery does not last long so I purchased an additional one.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Great quality in a small package
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Short Battery Life
- Zoom for photos is poor
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Sporting Events
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
I've only used the product one weekend to record a swim meet but the clarity of this camcorder is amazing. Now I've been using a Hi-8 camcorder for years so I've not been on the technology bandwagon. The one disappointing item is the ability (or the lack thereof) to focus and take long distance photos.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Low light
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
The HD video looks great, just with a lot of light. The low light is very noise.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Not sure yet of battery
- Not sure yet of sound
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
We've only had the camera for a week but have already taken it all over shooting footage and stills for a business powerpoint. It is easy to hold and use for the novice; it has features that will allow the professional to produce an extraordinary presentation! And the price was extraordinary.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Easy to use and set up for quick home movies. This camera works really well for our purposes.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Low-Quality Recordings
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Tremendous hard disc space, fine zoom, great imaging, nice size and well built.
Could use better low light videoing and a more powerful flash.
Some problems downloading the AVCHD files.
Highly recommeneded.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Have been using this unit for a ski vacation over the xmas holidays.. clarity is amazing. Very flexible menu system was easy to learn and use. Worked brilliantly handheld. Even though it is rated as having a minimum operating temp of 32 degrees F it worked easly well below that. Only drawback was the small battery that ships with it.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Having borrowed camcorders from friends, I knew what I wanted. Having the hard disk drive was a priority but having it coupled with high def quality was a true bonus.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
I got this videocamera when my 5-year old dropped my Canon HG10 in the toilet. I loved the HG10, and this appears to be a better version. Smaller, lighter, beautiful display, easy to use. I use it for family stuff. Downloading videos is easy, taking stills is easy. I just don't have anything bad to say. I'm not a professional videographer, but I can't see someone being displeased with this purchase.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Easy to learn for amature
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
I have never shot video before and as a professional photographer and fine artist, I wanted to include video in my presentations.
This is an incredibly easy camcorder to operate for someone just starting out with video. The HD images are incredible. One of the major selling points for me was the 24fps Cinema mode. (You need Final Cut Studio to take advantage of this, Final Cut Express does not.) I am learning Final Cut Express and will work up to Final Cut Studio.
iMovie 08 did not see the camera with movies shot on HD so I got iMovie 09 and no problems. I am running Snow Leopard and you do not need to install any drivers for this camcorder.
The only con I have so far is battery usage. Get a spare. HD uses power really fast.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Surprisingly easy to operate. Great image quality. Battery life could be better but is managable.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
I use it to record images I want to upload to my blog. It works perfectly.
Pros
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Professional Photographer just getting into Video.
Quality is fantastic but I'm still on the learning curve.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Best Camcorder I ever bought. Videos where very clear and crisp. I played the videos in Sony Bravia 1080P and stunned by the clarity, simply amazing.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to operate
- Easy to use
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Awesome still pictures
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Love the weight and feel of the camera. Video and still pictures are fantastic. [...] Only neg. is the battery included with the camera needs to be upgraded. Plan on purchasing a battery with a longer record time and a charger.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
Haven't used the camera a lot yet-but already love the features. We used it for our children's programs at school and didn't have a lot of time to read the manual. The easy operation button was great. Have used it at night and the video is amazing. The image stabilization provides great picture quality for up close-it's not shaky like our other camera. Will comment more after further use.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Inadequate Features
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder:
I like this camera, it's functionality is great, the video quality is also very impressive. Like most consumer camcorders, it doesn't perform great in low light and it's lensing capabilities is limiting. This is not for the prosumer, but as a consumer camcorder, it's a solid choice.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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- Instruction Manual (PDF 5.3mb)
Media
Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $12.95
- GBP 8.27
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $88.90
- GBP 56.76
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
-
- Original: $19.95
- Save: $1.99
- Price: $17.96
- GBP 11.47
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $8.90
- GBP 5.68
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
-
- Original: $69.95
- Save: $6.99
- Price: $62.96
- GBP 40.20
External Microphones
Enhance the quality of your audio recording with an external microphone.
- Price: $179.00
- Limited supply at this price
On-Camera Lights
Adjust the lighting for virtually any indoor and many outdoor applications.
- Price: $76.99
- GBP 49.16
Tripods & Support
Stabilize your video with the support you need.
- Price: $69.95
- GBP 44.66
What's in the Box
- VIXIA HG21
- BP-807 Battery Pack (With Terminal Cover)
- CA-570 Compact Power Adapter (With Cable)
- WL-D88 Wireless Controller
- IFC-400PCU USB Cable
- CTC-100/S Component Cable
- STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
- Digital Video Solution Disc for Windows & Mac
- Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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