Canon's VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder is an entry-level 1920 x 1080 high definition camera that records to SD/SDHC memory cards. In addition to capturing HD video in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format, the HF R100 also captures 2MP digital stills in still mode, and using Canon's Dual Shot feature, or from an already recorded movie. The camera is also compatible with Eye-Fi SD Memory Cards as well, which make it possible to wirelessly transfer photos to your computer or upload them directly to sharing sites. Other highlights of the camcorder include a number of Canon's special technologies, such as Face Detection, and a solid array of core features.
At the heart of the HF R100 is a 2.39MP HD CMOS Image Sensor and Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor. Working together these two features help you capture bright, clean, and detailed video and still images in high def. A Genuine Canon 20x HD Video lens with 20x optical zoom and Dynamic Image Stabilization also make stunning image capture possible. Other staple components of the camcorder include the 2.7" widescreen LCD and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
When it comes to user-friendly features the VIXIA HF R100 comes with a number of practical and useful tools. Aside from the aforementioned Face Detection, you'll benefit from features like Advanced Video Snapshot, Auto Intelligent Auto Focus (AiAF), AE Bracketing, and a built-in flash. Another highlight of the camera is its ability to shoot in 24p or 30p frame modes. 24p Cinema Mode gives your video a film-look, while 30p Progressive is ideal for recording action and uploading to the Internet.
In addition to all these features, the HF R100 also has microphone and headphone connections for more control when recording audio. Quick Start, Pre-Record, and Canon's Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software are all included as well. Make the most of your recording with this budget-friendly HD camcorder from Canon.
In addition, a specific face may be selected as the main subject for continuous tracking. This feature can be used to search for clips featuring that specific subject's face. In search and playback, use of the Face Index will display frames with the chosen face as a thumbnail in each shot in which it appears. The selected face can be linked as a timeline to further identify footage containing that subject
In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the VIXIA HF R100 to capture video in 30p Progressive Mode, (30 progressive frames, recorded at 60i) which is particularly useful for footage to be used on the Internet. Excellent for action and sports shots, this setting gives enhanced quality to still images captured after recording
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 2.39 Megapixel 1/5.5" CMOS |
| Lens |
3.0 - 60 mm f/1.8 - 3.6 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 20x Digital: 400x |
| Filter Size | None |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media | SD/SDHC Up To 32GB Video/Image |
| Recording Time |
SD/SDHC LP: 3 hours SP: 2 hours, 20 minutes FXP: 1 hour |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080i (60/24/30 fps) 1 Please Note:24p Progressive records at 60i, 30p Progressive records at 60i close |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 2 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 2-Channel Stereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.7" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Digital |
| Lux | 0.4 (Low Light mode) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - No |
| Accessory Shoe | None |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini |
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x Component Video (out) 1x Composite Video (out) 1x HDMI C (Mini) 1x A/V 1x Headphone Out |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| 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:Snow Leopard also supported close |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | 100-240VAC |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.4 x 2.5 x 4.9" / 6.10 x 6.35 x 12.45 cm |
| Weight | 9.5 oz / 269.33 g |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Canon Vixia HF R100 enthusiast
Since purchasing and using the Canon Vixia HF R100 (search c925-1520) for a month since 4/8/2010, my opinion has moved from doubtful skeptic to delighted enthusiast.
I am a non-pr...Read complete review
Since purchasing and using the Canon Vixia HF R100 (search c925-1520) for a month since 4/8/2010, my opinion has moved from doubtful skeptic to delighted enthusiast.
I am a non-professional user who has occasionally used several video machines(beta, vhs, 8mm, mini-DV, Hard Disk, DVD, and now HD to SD chip) to capture life events (gatherings, celebrations, outings, sports events, documentary of people, animals, plants, stage plays, and travel). Except for cell snapshots, The HFR100 is now my ONE camera for both video & stills.
Initially, the factory setting for video disappointed. Once the Camera was configured to HD CINE 24 frame mode, the results became much more clear, vivid, detailed & acceptable. While slow panning The DIGIC DV III processor and 2.39 megapixel HD CMOS process images fast enough to create clear individual frames without the choppiness that earlier, slower HD cams had (shots from a moving car with the Vixia actually produced some usable frames and clips).
The 20x(40-800 mm 35mm eq.), glass, canon-quality lens is not threaded to accept threaded filters or wide/tele extensions, but is recessed about 1 cm behind the camera face so it is both protected and somewhat hooded from surrounding light sources. An automatic, drop-down into the cam, lens protector operates when the cam is switched on/off. This is a great feature for protecting the lens while being quick ready. The dynamic image stabilization worked well out to 20X and was amazingly steady for videoing while walking at wide angle settings. The digital zoom (oversampling feature beyond 20X) may be set to 80X or 400X and in this camera may be good enough to produce some useful images in these ranges.
The Instant autofocus was superb. Focus was always very close to being on or slightly deep into the field. There was no "dancing-focus" or movements toward the wrong end of the focusing scale whatsoever. The manual focus automatically magnified in the LCD panel, aiding focus. The high quality LCD panel was very sharp. Its readability in direct sunlight was enhanced with the backlight turned on.
The automatic face detection autofocus did a fantastic job of keeping the focal plane on faces even in a sports action environment. This also worked somewhat to keep wildflower blossoms in focus. Menus and controls are fairly intuitive, but the disk based (also available for download feom the canon web site) .pdf instruction manual should be read to access all of the feature-rich options this unit offers.
I normally carry the camera out and off. This camera starts, focuses, rapid zooms and readies itself very quickly (about 3 sec) so it is hard to miss a shot. Additionally the new, pre-record feature carries 3 sec of video to add in front of your clips to make it difficult to miss shots as long as the camera is on and pointed in the right direction.
The Smart AUTO setting works very well for point-and-shoot capture in most any condition. For difficult environments there are 10 manual modes that can produce great results in extreme conditions. I was disappointed with the low-light results in auto mode, but in the low light mode I was astounded to see what crisp COLOR images could be made in with such little light. An on-camera light is not present nor needed with this camera unless substantial low-light action shots are desired. Campfire light, flashlight, or moonlight are plenty adequate light sources. Starlight is usable with a bipod and no panning.
The stereo sound is bright, adjustable and very accurate. The wind dampening filter was minimal - not adequate. I have been experimenting with sponge materials to attach over the mics. The camera records a low decibel irregular low sound (something like a 16mm film sprocket). It is noticeable when played back at high volumes, and might be objectionable if listening closely for something near the same bandwidth in a low noise recording. I found it tolerable, but I'm hoping this will be corrected in later production.
The battery lasted about two hours. By keeping the camera off, I was able to get through a full day of taking portraits and snapshots on one battery. The day I accidentally left the camera on, I had a failure, but was able to charge it quickly and adequately with a car inverter. A back-up battery would be a wise precaution. On about 38 hrs of experimentation, camera set at highest resolutions, and including several hrs. of picking "snapshots" off of 220 video clips. I have 690 HD stills and have used 6.16G of a Patriot class6 16.1G SD chip. There are plenty of connectors (mini USB (use the included cable with this camera), mini HDMI (no cable included), component out (cable included), power in (115V adapter included)(battery is small(15x32x45mm) and recharged in the camera, a switchable 1/8"(3.5mm) pin headphone/ a/v out jack ((1/8 to (3) RCA) cable is included), and an external mic port. There is no hotshoe.
Advances- on an Alaskan Cruise a few years ago I quit using a still camera, because the high zoom of the Video Cam got us close to the action. The snapshots we could pull were tolerable for computer viewing, but inadequate for blow-ups. While watching glaciers "calve", after the "crack", the challenge was to get the vid cam on and focused in the exact right direction before the ice sloughed into the sea. The canon Vixia HF R100 would have been up to the task. It's fast to start and the resulting images are HD quality.
USAGE- I set the camera for highest resolution, power saver, and keep it off until shooting. This camera will easily fit in a pocket or purse. I normally keep attached a 1 5/8 lb. 10"- 54" collapsible tripod. This added weight stabilizes the light (12 oz. with battery & chip) cam and improves results. The collapsible nature of the tripod with one, two, or three legs variously extended, greatly enhanced results.
At full zoom I found it difficult, even with the tripod, to take a still directly without shaking the camera. I find it much more effective to pull an image during playback while hooked to a monitor, using the snapshot feature. Playback speeds are 1/8 or 1/4 (a remote control is not available with this canon series), so it takes a little effort to find the best frame, but I find the result far more satisfying than trying to catch the perfect still.
Not everyone has the "photographer's eye" or the ability to catch the perfect frame of an event with a still, but most can select the best frame out of a video clip. Pixels are: 1,040,000 optical zoom dynamic image stabilization, 1,560,000 image stabilization off, 1,560,000 16:9 still, 1,730,000 4:3 still. While not exactly professionally acceptable, the 1 meg images will be acceptable for most casual user uses. Few video cams, costing much more, can offer better resolution off of a video clip than the HFR100.
What I like most about this camera is that it is small- very easy to carry every day. It is fast to prepare itself to shoot very good video. The third and most important thing is that the resulting video/still is very good. This camera does basic videography very well, and has a host of features to handle difficult light, movement or color situations even better. This camera has come a long way toward being my perfect camera, and is state of the industry in several critical areas. I kept it, use it, and recommend it. It has quality features and no weaknesses. I notice the Canon HFR 10 (the middle camera in this series) with 8G memory built in, is now selling for only $20 more. It may be a better price point. -Happy Hunting- 5/5/2010
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Most Liked Negative Review
Decent Value but software headache!
This is a pretty decent camera for the price although if I knew before what I know now, I might have opted for a standard definition camera. The software bundled with this camera is ...Read complete review
This is a pretty decent camera for the price although if I knew before what I know now, I might have opted for a standard definition camera. The software bundled with this camera is essentially useless. There was a large learning curve when it comes to the AVCHD files and working with them but as I learn more, I am able to do a few things better. Still do not like the editing software at all but there are other much better software programs out there that really make it easier to work with the recorded videos. Initially I thought I had to use the software from Pixela that comes with the camera but once I realized that I can use any editing software that is compatable with the AVCHD files, I was much happier! The camera itself has lots of nice features and plenty of adjustments to allow for fairly decent quality videos but, as I had read before, the quality in lower light is quite grainy. In very low noise situations, you do get the sound of the camera itself. The manual says this can be avoided by using an external microphone which automatically turns off the internal mic. This could work but seems like a lot of work. Overall, I can't compare it to any other models but I am finally getting to be okay with it all. Tough call whether I would actually recommend this item to anyone...novices only I guess.
Reviewed by 60 customers
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
It worked exactly like they said it would. Very intuitive. For the money, a great find.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
I use this câmera at least 3 times a week. I make an interview program once a week and I need to make a lot of moving about many Things in diferent places, and this câmera is excelent to do this because it is light, small, has an excellent image and great sound and great zoom, and it is easy to work with this. It's all I need.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
The camcorder is lightweight, easy to use and produces a good quality picture. I use it on vacation and for family events. It creates a good video. The LCD is good size and the cost was not expensive.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
Captures pretty good outdoor video with natural sunlight. Has external mic and headphone inputs, a great feature for this price. Very portable and easy to carry around.
Not true 1080, it is scaled up from 1,664x936.
The internal mic picks up the camcorder's mechanical noise. There is no accessory shoe.
This camera is best used on outdoor, stable, and static situations. I wouldn't use the image stabilization if possible because it reduces the effective pixel rate. If paired with a decent tripod/mount and external mic, you get a decent deal.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
Easy to use. Not too much bottons to press. The only point that needs to improve is the fact that it doesn't have a flash light or ilumitation to record at night.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
I had no great expectations after what I read about this camcorder. I have had it on two trips and I am very happy with the results. The size is nice and I think it take a little better picture in low light than I expected. If the price is right I think its a good buy.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
Very Easy To Use
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
I use this for amateur videography and production. It's simple, lightweight and easy to use. Great to start off with if you're thinking about videography and you have a modest budget. The videos are great quality and it meets my current needs and expectations.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
Easy to use, great quality video, amazing optical zoom. Battery life could be better, but still not bad.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
I'm using the product for out business to shoot short video pieces and it works great. I love the fact that I get such great quality for such a great price. It's useful right out of the box, it's very intuitive and easy to start shooting right away. I would highly recommend this product. The external mic is pretty good, but being able to add a mic would be awesome.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
I'm a media production student at UWSP and I currently use this camera for filming short-to-mid length films and documentaries. The picture quality, microphone jacks, and small design make it a pretty good camera for the money.
The downfall, it records in a AVCHD video format that is hard to convert into an editable format. Videos can be edited in Windows Movie Maker or their generic editor, but needs to be converted for any sort of editing in Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or Avid softwares. This process is long, boring, and depending on the conversion software you can find, expensive.
BUT! If your ok doing that, not too shabby.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
Super small and portable. More features than the amateur needs. Great buy fit the price
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
We use this camera in the classroom - my students love them. Works well with a XLR to mini jack cable. Only problem was I had to update the firmware to get my Windows 7 computer to recognize the camera. Not a big issue - just a little hassle. Bought three of these cameras and love the quality.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
It was perfect for what I use it for. I basically just like to film hunts and sporting events. The only somewhat down side it that it is not great in low light situations but for the price it is worth it. Canon makes this product very easy to use for anyone who has ever used any kind of electronics.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
This is a pretty decent camera for the price although if I knew before what I know now, I might have opted for a standard definition camera. The software bundled with this camera is essentially useless. There was a large learning curve when it comes to the AVCHD files and working with them but as I learn more, I am able to do a few things better. Still do not like the editing software at all but there are other much better software programs out there that really make it easier to work with the recorded videos. Initially I thought I had to use the software from Pixela that comes with the camera but once I realized that I can use any editing software that is compatable with the AVCHD files, I was much happier! The camera itself has lots of nice features and plenty of adjustments to allow for fairly decent quality videos but, as I had read before, the quality in lower light is quite grainy. In very low noise situations, you do get the sound of the camera itself. The manual says this can be avoided by using an external microphone which automatically turns off the internal mic. This could work but seems like a lot of work. Overall, I can't compare it to any other models but I am finally getting to be okay with it all. Tough call whether I would actually recommend this item to anyone...novices only I guess.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
The camera will be used for videotaping children's music performances at the European music school. Great thing about this camera is that it has an external mic input. You get close up sound + picture for a low price.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
It has to do with value for money. would have expected much more of this product by brand and good definition. was not so
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
No troubles with the camcorder. Have not tried it in low light areas but I cannot complain. I use it a lot to tape my rehersals and practice sessions and it has yet to disappoint. The only thing that I regret is that I wish I did better research and found a camera that I can use a remote control with.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
For the price I paid for this Canon camcorder, you can't go wrong. Light weight, a good zoom, and for me the controls/menu was easily understood. Battery life lags a little, but that was remedied by buying a spare. Overall, very pleased with my purchase.[...]
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF R100 Flash Memory Camcorder:
I am a journalism student and received this camera as a Christmas gift.
I am using it to shoot video for one of my classes and it has done everything I could have ever asked of it.
It shoots in HD, you can connect an external microphone to it for interviews, it has a great zoom, facial detection, and the list could do on.
It is so easy to use, too. The button layout is great and the menu guide is incredibly simplistic. This is made even better by the addition of a physical joystick that is used to navigate the menus. This is way better than a touch screen, because of the amount of space that the touch controls take up on the already minimal screen.
The only complaints I have about this camcorder is the fact that the battery life is so short. I would HIGHLY recommend another battery. I was also surprised that this camera had no on-board memory. Not really a big deal at the price point, but still.
Overall, I would recommend this camcorder to anyone that wants a good, portable, HD camera. It will be used for a long time and enjoyed for just as long.
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