Canon's VIXIA HF S21 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder puts 1920 x 1080 HD recording and a multitude of other features at your fingertips. The HF S21 captures up to 24 hours of HD video to the camera's 64GB internal flash memory, and lets you store even more footage to optional SD/SDHC memory cards, including Eye-Fi memory cards, using the dual SD memory card slots. In addition to video recording, the HF S21 also captures 8MP stills, and hosts a number of settings and functions to enhance your photo experience.
The heart of the HF S21 is comprised of an 8.59MP CMOS sensor and Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor. The two work together to capture HD video in 24Mbps AVCHD. The camcorder also relies on its Canon HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom and Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization. Rounding out the set of core tools for image capture would be Canon's generous 3.5" High Resolution Touch Panel LCD Screen and a 0.27" color viewfinder, giving you options for how you want to film. This wide LCD not only gives you a platform on which to compose and play back shots, but it also uses Canon's Touch & Track which lets you hone in any subject for precise focus and exposure.
Other noteworthy aspects of the HF S21 include the option to record in Native 24p mode, 24p Cinema mode, or 30p Progressive mode (24p and 30p Progressive modes record at 60i). The camcorder also features microphone and headphone terminals, and a built-in video light, as well as a built-in flash. You'll also benefit from the Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe which allows attachment of optional Canon video lights or microphones.
When it comes to the various user-friendly features that help take the guesswork out of recording the HF S21 is loaded. Use Instant AF, Smart Auto, and Face Detection, among others, to get just the right shot. And when it comes time to edit and upload your video or still images Canon's Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software helps you every step of the way with everything from making hard copies of your footage to transferring and trimming.
The advantages of flash memory go beyond the added recording time. You'll also appreciate the quick response time, because there are no moving parts. In addition, when you review, you'll have quick access to your footage. Another plus is the VIXIA HF S21's low power consumption rate, allowing your battery to last longer. And if your HF S21 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 if there is damage to your recording media or to the moving parts found in other camcorders
To further enhance focusing capability, the VIXIA HF S21 also features Focus Assist. This helps in capturing your subject in razor-sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject, which is automatically cancelled when you start recording
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
24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional "film-look." You can change the camcorder's frame capture rate to 24p (recorded at 60i), which provides the appearance of the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, you can use the VIXIA HF S21's CINE setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently
In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the VIXIA HF S21 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
The Automatic Attenuator feature prevents high volume distortion and optimizes audio quality in situations when sound levels quickly change, such as when loud music plays in the background. It automatically keeps the audio clean and even
| Camera | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 8.59 Megapixel 1/2.6" CMOS |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
6.4 - 64 mm f/1.8 - 3.0 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 10x Digital: 200x |
| Filter Size | 58 mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 64GB Video/Image SD/SDHC Up To 32GB Video/Image 1 Please Note:2 x SD/SDHC memory card slot close |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory GB LP: 24 hours, 30 minutes SP: 19 hours, 10 minutes MXP: 5 hours, 55 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080 / 24 fps / 30 fps / 60 fps 2 Please Note:Native 24p records at 24p, 24p Progressive records at 60i, 30p Progressive records at 60i close |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 8 Megapixel |
| Channels | 2-Channel Stereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type |
LCD
3
Please Note:Also features a 0.27" viewfinder close |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Screen Size | 3.5" |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux | 0.3 (Low Light 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 USB 2.0 1x Component Video (out) 1x Composite Video (out) 1x HDMI C (Mini) 1x A/V 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini 1x LANC Terminal |
| 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 4 Please Note:Also displays Malay close |
| System Requirements |
Windows
Mac
|
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Hours per Charge |
| Power Adapter | 100-240VAC |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3 x 2.9 x 5.8" / 7.62 x 7.37 x 14.73 cm |
| Weight | 1.2 lb / 544.31 g |