Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder
The Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder is an entry-level standard definition camcorder that has a 16GB internal flash memory and the ability to record to optional SD/SDHC memory cards. With the internal memory alone you can capture up to 10 hours of MPEG-2 SD video, and with a 32GB SD/SDHC memory card you can capture an additional 20 hours (LP mode).
Core features of the FS31 include Canon's DIGIC DV II Image Processor which works together with the 1/6" CCD image sensor for capturing detailed video and 786k still images. Other key attributes of the camera include the Canon Video Lens, a 41x Advanced Zoom, and Dynamic Image Stabilization. Canon also gave the FS31 a widescreen 2.7" LCD for composition and playback.
When it comes to user-friendly features, the camera has a number of ways to help you make the most of your videos. Video Snapshot lets you shoot short 4 second video clips which can be backed with music and are meant for Internet sharing. Other features like Quick Start, Dual Shot, and Pre-Record all ensure that you never miss the shot you want because you're waiting for the camera to start up or change modes. And the Program AE function gives you multiple modes for optimizing your recording in a number of settings, including "Snow", "Beach", "Sports", and "Fireworks".
In addition to these features and functions the FS31 provides a few more useful tools. It has a built-in video light for recording in low-light situations, a built-in lithium-ion battery which can be swapped with a spare battery (optional) for continued recording, and a built-in electronic lens cover that automatically opens and closes when the camera is powered on or off. When it's time to edit and upload, Canon's Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software helps you trim, reorder, and add music and transitions, among other useful functions.
- SD/SDHC Flash Memory
-
The FS31 allows you to capture video to a 16GB internal flash drive as well as onto an SD memory card. Video stored on the internal memory can be copied onto the memory card which can then be inserted into your computer or television's card reader slot for immediate viewing. Additionally, you can use higher capacity SD memory cards to further increase the video storage of your FS31.
In addition to the advantage of added recording time, you'll appreciate the quick response time of flash memory because it doesn't have to wait for moving parts. Another plus is the FS31's low power consumption rate, allowing your battery to last longer. It's just what you need so you don't miss that pivotal play on the field or the moment when they say "I do." And if the FS31 happens to slip, or you accidentally knock it against something, you'll be happy to know that flash memory makes your camcorder more shock resistant than other recording storage systems. It also minimizes the chance of data loss due to damage to your recording media or the moving parts found in other camcorders
- Canon Image Quality
- Canon delivers high quality video in the standard definition video FS31. A Genuine Canon 41x Advanced Zoom delivers steady and stable images, while the 680,000 pixel CCD Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC DV II Image Processor capture video with vivid, intense, lifelike detail
- 2.7" Widescreen LCD Display
- The 2.7" LCD on the FS31 lets you see more of what your camcorder is recording. The 123,000 dot screen delivers bright, clear detail, and the widescreen format means there's no need to imagine what your final image will look like on your widescreen television because it's not squeezed into a small space while you're shooting. What you see will be what you get
- Video Snapshot
- Video Snapshot will let you shoot short movie clips with the FS31 in the same way you've shot snapshots with your still camera. You can create 4-second video clips which can be played back in the FS31 with background music. You'll also be able to capture clips in Playback as well, making it convenient to use this feature. It's a great way to document your life in a quick, easy, entertaining series of clips, perfect for Internet sharing
- Dynamic Image Stabilization
- With the Canon FS31, you can be sure that even on the move your video will be smooth and steady. Dynamic IS provides continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broader range of motion. In comparison to conventional electronic image stabilization systems, extra compensation is applied at wide-angle focal lengths to eliminate unwanted vibration that is common when walking
- Quick Start
- With Quick Start, you'll never miss a quickly unfolding shot again. When the FS31 is in Camera Mode and the LCD panel is closed, it is placed in standby. When the action starts, open the LCD panel and you'll begin recording in less than one second. You'll also help extend your battery life as compared to leaving the camcorder in regular recording mode
- Dual Shot
- Dual Shot makes capturing video and photos fast and easy. Both types of images can be captured in the same mode - without requiring any switching. This ensures you will be ready to capture the action when it starts, helping you to avoid the chance of a missed shot
- Quick Charge
- When you've got a lot to shoot but not a lot of time to recharge your batteries, the Quick Charge feature comes to the rescue. In 20 minutes you can charge up to approximately 60 minutes of recording time! It's ultra-fast battery charging when you need it most
- Pre-Record
- The Pre-record feature places your FS31 in a stand-by "pre-roll" mode. With this feature the camcorder continuously records three seconds of video to memory before you even press the record button. When you start recording, the additional video is recorded too
- Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software
- The Pixela ImageMixer 3SE video editing software allows for playback of recorded video on your computer and editing in which you can trim, reorder, and combine scenes, as well as add music, titles, and transitions. With the Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Software, you can burn a standard definition DVD to relive the memories on your TV. And to perfectly complement the Video Snapshot feature found on Canon flash memory camcorders, a music CD containing royalty-free soundtracks is also provided
- Creative Control and Workflow Features
-
- Ultra-sleek, compact and lightweight design
- Level Marker feature keeps camcorder level for more professional-looking results
- 16:9 Widescreen HR captures and records additional pixels for picture perfect video
- Intelligent Lithium-ion battery tracks remaining battery life for surprise-free recording
- Program AE automatically provides the right exposure settings for different conditions
- Burn DVDs of your video with the optional DW-100 DVD Burner and one-cable connection
- Grid Marker enables accurate composition of shots with two different colors for any background
- Electronic lens cover automatically opens when camcorder turns on and closes when it turns off
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor |
1/6" CCD
1
Please Note:Approximately 680,000 pixels close |
| Lens |
2.6 - 96.2 mm f/2.0 - 5.2 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 37x Digital: 2000x |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 16GB Video/Image SD/SDHC Up To 32GB Video/Image |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory LP: 10 hours, 25 minutes SP: 5 hours, 30 minutes XP: 3 hours, 40 minutes |
| Video Format |
Standard Definition MPEG2 |
| Still Image Resolution |
JPEG: 1024 x 768 JPEG: 640 x 480 |
| Audio Format | 2-Channel Stereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.7" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Digital |
| Lux | 1.3 (Night mode) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - Yes Flash - No |
| Accessory Shoe | None |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | None |
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x Composite Video (out) 1x A/V |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages |
English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Dutch, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Arabic, Persian, Thai, Greek, Czech, Hungarian
2
Please Note:Also displays Malay close |
| System Requirements |
Windows
Mac
Please Note:Also supports Snow Leopard close |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | 100-240VAC |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.2 x 2.3 x 4.8" / 5.59 x 5.84 x 12.19 cm |
| Weight | 10.1 oz / 286.34 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 18 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Zoom range/performance (19)
- Easy to use (17)
- Great picture quality (13)
- Image stabilization (13)
- Great sound (10)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home movies (15)
- Travel (12)
- Weddings (7)
- Low light (3)
- Movies/short films (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (16)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (12)
Reviewed by 18 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-18
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
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I took the FS31 on a Caribbean cruise and visited six islands. It exceeded my expectations in every way. Great for point and shoot, zooming and everything else. Get one!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Enjoy the product - easy to use - Love it
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Not always intuitive, but very good record length
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I bought this camcorder to record videos of my 1 year old son. We used it on his birthday and Christmas this last year. It appears to be a very nice camcorder. Unfortunately my television set is too old to view the video directly so I didn't get to try out that feature. I also haven't yet had a chance to put any video onto my computer. I tried to install the 3 discs but I still am unsure of how it works. I couldn't find anything on it in the instruction booklet. I am going to have to mess with it further and hope I can figure it out.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
We've used this for recording family gatherings so far and it's proven to be easy to use with great quality images. The directions were easy to follow (for a family of 1st time camcorder owners) and the small lightweight design was unobtrusive.
We haven't used it outside yet, but it worked very well inside in low light conditions.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Great camcorder. Small and easy to use. Consumer Reports recommends it highly. Cheapest price anywhere..[...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Purchased to film the homecoming of my grandson from the hospital. Got the camera one day before he was born. Easy to use. Several different people were using the camera. We took pictures inside and outside.It took great pictures. Very compact, but need to purchase camera case for easy transport.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I purchased the camcorder to record student recitals. They are indoors with florescent lighting. The color and picture were OK. I will continue to fuss with settings to see if I can find the best combination. What I love about the camera is the large amount of internal memory. I don't need an extra SD card. I was amazed at how small and light it was. I was surprised at how much information was not in the printed manual that came with the camera. You have to have a computer to view a PDF file for even basic information to create initial settings such as date and lighting and sound settings. This was a little annoying.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
used in egypt; great for both panning wide areas and moving scenes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I liked this product, although I have never owned a camcorder before, so I have nothing to compare it to. I believe the picture quality is strong as is the sound and battery life. It's a good size, not too big. I am not thrilled by the quality of the photography, but it was made to take video, not pictures, so I can't really complain. I bought the camcorder, because it was highly rated by Consumer Reports. On the whole, I am happy with my purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Nice size LCD screen
- Ok in low light
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Outdoor shots are especially nice. When capturing in low light, it's pretty ok. It is real easy to use, and I love that it's so small and compact. Great for everday standard use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I ordered this FS31 camcorder from B&H, which was a wonderful experience I've ever had. [...] I like this camcorder very much since it's convenient to carry, has a high quality of video, has a stong memory system... I took it out in my Labor day trip and kept a lot of wonderful memories with it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I compared recording photos to my Nikon D70 images and quality is very similar. Of course the video imagery is fantastic compared to the old JVC-c tape. The sound is also better and less wind senitive. I like to use polarizing filters on my cameras, but there is no accomodations for a filter on the FS 31. Battery life is good but you need a spare for backup. I printed the operating manual on a PDF file from the internet. I't is much more complete, 113 pages than the small quick start insructions that comes with the video cam
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Having to use the camera right out of the box, it was reasonably easy to figure out. After reading the instructions, it has been great. We've only used it once since our daughter made drum major and we're looking forward to many other Friday nights! We love our camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Got this as a birthday present, and had been looking to replace my old camcorder. This one is so much easier to use and navigate through the menus. Flash memory is much more convenient and more versatile than the mini DVD I previously had. Good picture quality (video and photo). Very happy with it!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No image stabilization
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
It is easy to use; the software is great; but the battery didn't last as long as I thought it would.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I just purchased this camera a few weeks ago and shot a 20 minute movie with it. I couldn't ask for anything more from this little camera, it performed beautifully and would have given it 5 stars if it wasn't for the software. I shot the movie on the built-in flash memory, so needed to hook up the camera to the computer to download the files. When I hooked up the camera, Windows 7 created a drive letter for the camera's flash drive, so I downloaded the files to my computer HDD. I had been playing around with the software and trying to find some detailed instructions, but could not find anything. I did make 2 calls to support and they are open 7 days a week and use Pacific time, 9am to ??. I got someone right away, when I called as soon as they opened, but later could not get through to anyone. Anyway back to the problem. The file extension on the files are .MOD and the software would only allow MPG/MPEG files into their library. I didn't know what a .MOD files was until I found a web site that said it was nothing but a MPG file with AC3 audio. And in most cases if you just change the file extension to MPG, they will work fine. But, in some cases there may be a problem with the formatting. So, I went ahead and changed the file extensions to MPG, it then transfered the movie files into the supplied software. It didn't appear to me that there wasn't much you could do as far as making a descent movie with the software, so I downloaded Corel VideoStudio x3 and made a nice little 20 minute movie on my first try with the camera. My reocmmendation is if you plan on doing any editing, to purchase a descent software package. Just remember also, that movie editing takes a lot of computer power, so if you have an older computer you may want to just use the included software to transfer files to a DVD without doing any editting.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I've had this camcorder a little over a week and so far I've been pleased. First time camcorder owner and it was very easy to pick up and figure out how to use it. Video is nice for a standard camcorder. I bought this one for the dual flash memory. I would recommend this one if you are looking for a reasonably priced camcorder with dual memory.
Displaying reviews 1-18
Media
Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $6.28
- GBP 4.00
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $54.95
- Limited supply at this price
-
- Original: $39.00
- Save: $3.90
- Price: $35.10
- GBP 22.36
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $26.99
- GBP 17.19
-
- Original: $15.49
- Save: $1.55
- Price: $13.94
- GBP 8.88
What's in the Box
- BP-808 Lithium-Ion Battery
- Compact Power Adapter
- Stereo Video Cable
- USB Cable
- Pixela ImageMixer Video Editing Software
- Music CD
- 1-Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty
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