How much could you reasonably ask for in a camcorder that fits in the palm of your hand? Would it be too much to ask for 32 gigs of internal flash memory, in addition to dual SDXC card slots? How about a color viewfinder and a touch-screen LCD? Top it off with the new low-light-friendly full HD CMOS Pro image sensor and an army of other useful features, and you have the hot new Canon VIXIA HF G10 camcorder.
There are many compact camcorders to choose from on the market, but most of them want for one feature or another that really keeps them from being a well-rounded video solution. The new VIXIA HF G10 was designed to give you every necessary tool to make great videos, backed up with a gorgeous lens and a professional-sized 1/3" image sensor. Canon went the extra mile by empowering the HF G10 with a truly useful dual slot memory card feature, which will likely set a new standard for what video makers consider an essential tool.
The HF G10 allows you to record a whopping 12 hours of full 1920 x 1080 HD video with its built-in memory alone. However, should you fill up all 32 gigs of internal memory in the middle of a shot, the HF G10 will seamlessly switch over to one of its two SD cards slots and continue recording. Try doing that with a video-enabled DSLR camera!
Another amazing feature that the dual slots give you is the ability to record multiple copies of a video as you shoot. Pop in an SD card for Mom and another for Grandma at the beginning of the birthday party, and give them both a card on their way out. The video you shot will format perfectly when played on a widescreen TV. When Mom and Grandma get home, they can just stick their cards into their TV sets and watch them instantly.
The dual SDXC card slots on the VIXIA HF G10 open up a wide range of useful workflows.
You can also transfer video files from the internal flash memory to the SD cards. In some situations, moving the files to an SD card could simplify the process of transferring files to a computer. If you're not going to be around your computer for a while, moving the video files to an SD card will clear up space on the internal drive for new content, and potentially make it easier to transport files.
While the Canon HF G10 is a great camcorder for documenting birthday parties, vacations and corporate events, it also has a wealth of tools for the budding filmmaker and the artistically inclined. It can record video in Native 24p with a 24Mbps bit rate, which gives moving images a dreamy, film-like quality. You can disable the HF G10's intelligent instant autofocus and utilize its manual focus ring to set the mood. The 8-blade iris inside the HF G10 will further enhance your ability to achieve soft, blurred backgrounds. There are even built-in filter effects you can apply to get a more cinematic look.
The HD CMOS Pro image sensor and the DIGIC DV III Image processor will supply you with stunning images, but what about the sound? Camcorders notoriously have really lousy sounding built-in microphones. Canon has addressed this issue with the HF G10 by redesigning the internal stereo microphone. The new microphone offers a much better signal-to-noise ratio than your average built-in camera mic. A 3.5mm stereo microphone input is also included, enabling you to really take your sound quality to new heights by utilizing an external mic. On-screen audio meters and manual adjustment of audio levels make the HF G10 a powerful sound workhorse.
Get great sound with the HF G10's improved built-in mic, external mic input and manual audio controls.
Electronic viewfinders are getting harder to find on cameras. They seem like the first feature a camera manufacturer will leave out in order to keep the cost of a model competitive. The reality is that electronic viewfinders are essential tools. LCD screens are very difficult to see in bright sunlight, and it's hard to keep the camera steady when your arms are outstretched to see the display. Holding a camera up to your eye to peer into a viewfinder will give you more precise control of what's in the frame, and having your head pressed against the camera gives you a steadier shot. That's why the HF G10 has a full color electronic viewfinder, and another reason why it's an awesome little camera.
As nice as the electronic viewfinder is, the LCD screen on the HF G10 is serious video tool as well. Its touch screen enables quick menu navigation and has cool features like touch and track focusing. The display itself is 3.5 inches, and it provides high-resolution (922,000 dot) images.
The HF G10 features Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization to keep the image steady when you're walking around and staring at the LCD. When you zoom in close to something utilizing its 10x HD video lens, you can touch the Powered IS button to help to keep vibrations to a minimum.
The included rechargeable lithium-ion battery has a handy feature that will be useful every time the camera is used. The intelligent battery communicates its current power level to the camera, enabling the HF G10 to display the amount of time that you have before the battery dies. The battery-life time is accurate down to the minute.
With all of the hype that has swirled around HD video-enabled DSLRs for the past couple of years, you wouldn't think there was much need for traditional camcorders. But when you consider all of the real-world shortcomings that go hand-in-hand with DSLR video, a camera like the HF G10 starts to make perfect sense. If you add up all of the forward-thinking advancements that are integrated in this camera, you really see what a viable and powerful tool it is.
Thanks for checking out this B&H Insights article! If you have any questions about the new Canon HF G10 camcorder, please post them in the Comments section below.
Note: The HF G10 will be shipping in March, 2011, and will retail for around $1,499.00.
50 Comments
I am trying to find out at what rate the canon HF G10 camcorder writes to a memory card to see if is wort it to upgrade to a extreme class 10 u3 card..
I bought the Canon Vixia HF G10 and everything seems to work fine. However, the serious problem I have been having are as follows:
1) I started recording a documentary program with 29 Gb of free in-built memory and after recording for about 3 hours, the camera displayed a red notice saying that the "in-built memory is full". I have a 64Gb memory flash card inserted into the slot A of the system yet the camera will not switch to this extra memory instalation to enable me continue with my recording. Neither do I know how to transfer recorded files from in-built memory to the external memory flash that I have inserted into the panel.
Please tell me what to do urgently.
Hi Alex -
Page 34 (and forward) of the Owner's Guide:
Selecting the Memory for the Recordings:
You can select to record your movies and photos in the built-in memory or on a memory card. The default memory for recording both is the built-in memory.
You can activate relay recording so if the memory you are using becomes full while recording movies,
The recording will continue uninterrupted on a memory card.
When recording in the built-in memory, you can choose to use only memory card for relay recording or use both memory cards
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
I have the Canon HF G10 and just got a Rode Videomic Go and it seems to not pick up anything, just flat line. Am I doing something wrong or does the Rode Videomic Go just not work with this camera? Does the mic need phatom power to work?
Hi Kris -
The RODE VideoMic GO microphone requires "plug-in-power" which the Canon HF G10 does not supply. You may want to consider the RODE VideoMic with Rycote Lyre Suspension System which operates on a 9-volt battery.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
Hi there,
The first question I got is about the HDMI-Output signal of the Canon HF G10. Is the output a 4:2:0 or a 4:2:2 sampling?
The second one is about the manual focus with the ring. I've had a few manual focus problems. I've put a P-Touch-like label on the focus ring so I can write marks on it and erase them easily. Now I've set the "focus ring response" in the menu to "fast" (the problem also appears when I set it to "normal"). I now have three objects in three various distances from the camera. The first one at 25 cm, the second one at 1m and the third one at 1,5m. So I'm adjusting the focus on all three objects quite slowly and write the marks. When I'm shooting and I'm pulling the focus quite fast, the marks I just did aren't helpful at all. Because when I'm pulling the focus fast the focuspoint for the 2nd object is way before my mark. Is there something I do wrong or ist that a gerneral problem with electronic focus rings or is there a soloution for this problem?
Thanks in advance and greetings from Switzerland
Hi Fabian -
I do not believe you are doing anything wrong - nor is their any DIY remedy. The camera is simply not designed to operate like a rack or follow-focus professional set-up. This camera records and outputs AVCHD at a 4:2:0 color space.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
What can I do to be able to use two lapel mics with this camera?
Hi Cassie -
if you are using simple battery powered lavalier mics that terminate with 1/8" (3.5mm) mini terminations, than you can connect with aa small mixer:
The Azden CAM-3 3-Channel Mic Mixer allows you to add and mix sound from three Azden wireless or hard wired microphone sources simultaneously.
If you are using XLR- type lavalier microphones you will need an interface like this one:
The RM222 Riggy-Micro Dual-XLR Preamplifier with Phantom Power by juicedLink is designed for cameras which already have audio meters, manual gain control, and a headphone output. The RM222 features efficient operation, small size, and a lightweight design for mounting flexibility. It can even be mounted in the hot-shoe on top of your camera.
The RM222 features 2 locking XLR inputs with low-noise microphone preamplifiers. Each channel includes a Mic/Line level switch, a Hi/Lo gain switch, and a Phantom power switch. The onboard Phantom power voltage is selectable between 48V/12V. The inputs can also be summed mono, copying each input to both sides. The right channel can be completely powered down to conserve battery power if not needed.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
Hi.
Is there a way to burn the time/date stamp into the vid so that it's visible when transferred off of the card?
Thanks!
I am starting a video production business. I currently own a Canon T4i. I am looking to acquire a second camera for events like weddings. Is this camcorder a good fit to use with the T4i to insure that all video footage looks like it came from the same camera?
Hi Jeff -
It will be a good match-up for you. The HF G10 packs in a number of shooting functions. Among the functions usually found on consumer models, the G10 also boasts professional shooting assist functions to make shooting easier. Custom key and dial, composition aids, and advanced control like manual exposure, aperture priority, and shutter priority, just to name a few. The VIXIA HF G10 features full manual exposure, as well as aperture priority (AV), and shutter priority (TV) modes.
Either color bars or color bars and test tone can be selected and recorded using a menu. The color bars comply with the SMPTE standard. -12 dB, -18 dB or -20 dB can be selected as the test tone.
The white balance control has 6 available presets settable through a variety of day and artificial light conditions (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent H, Fluorescent), as well two manual white balance settings. Color temperature may also be manually set from 2000K to 15,000K in 100K increments for more precise adjustment.
Gain may be manually set from 0dB to 24dB in 1dB increments. Additionally, Auto Gain Control Limit allows you to set the maximum gain limit for the image sensor's sensitivity. With this function, brightness and noise can be balanced as required, and image quality can be maximized in low light situations.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
I'll be using the HF G10 for the first time tomorrow at a sporting event. Typically, I shoot some video with a DSLR and use a camcorder for more difficult situations such as action moving toward me or low light. My Nikon D7000 shoots at 24p. For editing in Premiere Elements 10 would it be best to use the native 24p frame rate on the HF G10 or shoot at one of the other available frame rates? I don't need a particularly cinematic look so "PF30" could be OK but mismatched frame rates in an editing project mean repeated rendering and possible bog-downs. My previous camcorder for this work was the HF100. Good little camera, but its video output generally looks bad interspersed with DSLR video (on the other hand, its onboard audio is way better.) Thanks for any suggestions!
I own the hfg10, I have a window 8 pc, but haven't done any editing yet with my footage, because I haven't decided what editing software(top 4 windows)to use for it.I want to make really great video editing and I know FCP is a top for MAC but I don't think FCP is compatible with windows...can you recommend me the best editing software for me?
Also what is the best way to import the videos to the computer in its full hd without losing quality?
For Windows I would recommend using Adobe's editing software packages. Either Adobe Premiere CS6 for professional editing or Adobe Premiere Elements for a more stripped down consumer approach. Both will natively edit the files from the Canon HFG10 and offer great features for editing a great video.
As for transferring the files, all is needed is a USB cable from the camera to the computer or a card reader to read the SDHC cards.
Can you tell me if this camera is compatible with a mac using Adobe Premier Elements or is there some type of conversion I have to do.
I am having a hard time with videos from my canon S100 being blurry and am worried about buying this video camera for the same reason. I have no idea how to convert this as I am a newbie.
Thanks.
Could you help explain the major differences between the
Canon VIXIA HF G10 Flash Memory Camcorder and the
Canon VIXIA HF G20
Im haveing a hard time transfering the video from the camera to the memory card. CAN I RECORD VIDEO STREIGHT TO CARD - help.
You can set the camera to record straight to the card:
1: Put the memory card into the card slot.
2: Open the [Rec Media for Movies] screen.
[FUNC.] -> [MENU] -> [Rec Media for Movies] or [Rec Media for Photos]
3: Touch the (built-in memory icon) cnoose the (memory card icon) and select it.
These instructions can also be found on page 34 on the cameras manual.
Format the card first,class 10 cards are if in this camera,one must FORMAT first,did I mention you really need to forma?
Thanks so much for the review - extremely helpful.
One question for you- how do you record to the memory cards. For some reason, i can't find the [Rec Media for Movies] selection. I can only find the [Rec Media for Photos].
Thanks!
Which memory card are you trying to use in the camera?
Brand, class rating and speed?
PNY Professional
8 gb
SDHC
2hr hd video
20mb/s
That card should work fine in the camera for recording video. Have you formatted the card in the camera itself in order to build the correct file structure?
You can find instreuctions to initialize the card on page 36 of the manual.
It is in the camera menu under:
(function) -> (menu) -> (wrench icon) -> (initialize)
Keep in mind this will erase anything that is recorded on the card so back-up anything prior.
I'm having the same problem with my G10. Using Transcend SDHC class 10 32gb card, which seems to be recognized by the camera, but the "REC MEDIA FOR VIDEO" option is missing from the menu. I already initialized it using the camera, and that didn't work. Any suggestions?
I've been having the same problem with my VIXIA HFM31. It doesn't matter what I do, it never shows the "record media for video" menu option. I've tried both class 6 and class 10 Sandisk (Sandisk works according to the manual.) Nothing. That menu option just doesn't exist. I'm kind of irked about it.
Great review thanks. So question, is it "12" hours of HD on the internal flash 32 gb or "3" hours ?
It starts out saying: "The HF G10 allows you to record a whopping 12 hours of full 1920 x 1080 HD video with its built-in memory alone."
Then in the comments section you mention "almost 3 Hours of high quality on the 32 gb flash memory"
What am I missing?
- Uri
Hello Uri -
The Canon VIXIA HF G10 allows you to record up to 12 hours of clear high definition video to a 32GB internal flash drive or to two SDXC-compatible memory card slots while recording in "LP" mode.
See page 32 of the Canon Owner's Manual:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/45017.pdf
Recording Time Internal Flash Memory
32GB: LP: 12 hours, 15 minutes; SP: 9 hours, 35 minutes; FXP: 4 hours, 10 minutes; MXP: 2 hours, 55 minutes
SD
2GB: LP: 45 minutes; SP: 35 minutes; FXP: 15 minutes; MXP: 10 minutes
4GB: LP: 1 hour, 30 minutes; SP: 1 hour, 10 minutes; FXP: 30 minutes; MXP: 20 minutes
8GB: LP: 3 hours; SP: 2 hours, 20 minutes; FXP: 1 hour; MXP: 40 minutes
16GB: LP: 6 hours, 5 minutes; SP: 4 hours, 45 minutes; FXP: 2 hours, 5 minutes; MXP: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
I wouid like to know if I will run into editting problems with the canon HF G10 , I use a PC with adobe premire elements 11 . My main use is to make best of quality home movies and copy to dvd or blueray
Can you recommend a teleprompter rig that is compatible with this camera?
Hi there,
first of all,thank you for your professional work and nice reviews!
Keep up the good work.
I would like to ask a few questions about this camera since this seems to be my choice.
I work as a visual effects compositor and i'm used to work on nice formats like dpx files ant etc.I know i can't get such quality from this cam but i want to know if i could pull a decent key from a blue screen since this camera doesn't support the 4:2:2 algorithm.As far as i know this Canon is 4:2:0.
Does it make a nice(sufficient) DOF?
About the file format,i have worked with some footages out of Canon 60D and there is no problem importing them directly into Nuke or Fusion software.I want to know what is the procedure with this nice
camera?
One other thing is,does it support 24P without having to be in some sort of filter(sepia,B/W) mode,but instead just select 24p as a frame rate to shoot with?I'm talking about the NTSC(Vixia) version here.
Thank you in advance for your answers and once more-keep the high level of your that you are doing for all of us.
cheers
First and foremost i'm impressed by the quality of your comments and reviews!Thank you for doing it on such a pro level.
I'm working as a post production compositor and as such i'm used to working on dpx and other nice file formats.I know i can't achieve this much info into my scenes with this camera but i think it's a pretty decent one for short movies and music clips.My question is since it doesn't have the 4:2:2 algorithm for capturing the colors will i be able to pull a desent key from a blue screen(considering it's properly lit)?I can't seen to be able to find a sample of such shot from this camera in the web.
My other question is does this lens make fine DOF?I'm pretty sure it's good enough but would really appresiate your opinion.
The last thing i'm interested is will i be able to drop my footage directly into Nuke or Fusion for post processing or conversion will be needed?From the Canon 60D it imports directly but not sure for this one.
Thanx in advance for your answers and all your efforts.
1. Would I have to transcode for editing on FCP 6?
2. Can you recommend a directional mic I can attach to this camera? Thanks.
I shoot profesional video full time and find that for nice B roll shots and for portability in those run and gun where a camera is considered intrusive, I use the Canon Vixia HF M40 and was considering the HF M50 but now I see this camera and wonder what the advantage of it would be over the HF M50? They look similar in size and functionality and other than the chip size is there something else I am missing for the nearly 2-2.5x price difference?
Hello,
Does this camera offer significantly better low light performance than the Canon HF S100?
I use the HF S100 to record dance performances. Some of our instructors do a fair amount of work with dim lighting. The camera struggles with focus and resolution in those circumstances, and in situations where the color of the dancer's costume is close to the cyc color (red on red in particular).
Would the HF G10 be a better fit for this use?
Thank you for your help.
Mike
Hi.
I noticed that you show 1920 x 1080 60p for this camcorder though a reviewer on your website said it did only 60i. Did I misunderstand your information?
Also, I have been told that even if it can shoot 1920 x 1080 60p no software (Mac) can handle that video output and it will be down sized. Is that correct and if so what then are the benefits of buying a camcorder with 60p at this time?
Thanks.....
Edward
It does not shoot 1080 60P, only 60i. The onyl software I have seen handle 60P well is Adobe Premiere CS5 and CS6. People like it though due to smoother slow motion.
Is there a particular tripod that you would recommend to use with this camera for filming presentations and interviews, or would any standard tripod work?
Also, since it has a 3.5mm mic input, what kind of a Beachtek box would I need?
Thanks,
Danny
When talking about the SD memory card slots, both the B&H and Canon websites only mention SDXC card capacities up to 64GB. Are the two memory card slots on the the Canon Vixia HF G10 able to fully address 128GB SDXC cards?
Hello -
As far as we can determine, Canon has not tested cards higher than 64GB with this camera. We generally recommend using smaller capacity cards as a precautionary measure against card failure or damage. If the footage is stored on smaller cards than it is unlikely to lose your entire shoot in case of a critical failure or corruption of the media. After all, 32 GB offers almost 3 hours of the highest quality HD capture that this camera can shoot. With the two slots loaded with 64GB cards and the 32GB embedded memory - you will have over 14 hours of recording time available.
Thank you Mark.
Hi
Thinking of purchasing this type of Video Cam, especially the part that 2x SD Card can also be slotted in for extra memory storage.
Just wondering, how long do the battery last? Is there a battery that lasts for more than three hours or more?
Thank you.
Hello -
The included battery will record continuously under average conditions for less than 1 hour. The largest capacity battery available will offer you perhaps 2 to 2.5 hours: Canon BP-827 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (2670mAh)
Thank you for your detailed information and for responding to my question so promptly. I'm impressed by your commitment. Hope to visit this site again
Hello, I just bought this camcorder and was wondering what basic write speed SDHC card is what I need as back up? I've was looking at the Sandisk extreme 32gig, and Kingston Ultimate X 32....will either of these be fast enough for filming fast moving wild animals? Thanks for your time.
Hello -
Either card is a fine choice. Look for class 10 speed ratings and lifetime warranties. Delkin Devices makes a fine card as well, and it's made in the USA.
I would like to know if I will be able to import my footage to my Mac, Final Cut Pro X editing software? Do I have to convert the file somehow? If so, does the camera do that for me or will I need extra software for importing?
Finally, which long lasting basttery is compatable with my new Vixia HG 10?
Yes, that camera is fully compatible with Apple Final Cut Studio X; you will be able to import it directly without converting the files first.
As for the battery, Canon has an extended live battery available. The BP-827 is 2670mAh, that’s about three times the capacity of the standard battery.
http://bhpho.to/s2ipx0
Thank you very much for your quick response...
What file format does this shoot? Is it compatible with the latest Avid Media Composer -- ideally, no converting of files necessary before import? Thanks.