CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES A POWERFUL NEW ADDITION TO ITS
AWARD-WINNING LINE OF VIXIA HIGH-DEFINITION CAMCORDERS

Canon’s VIXIA HF S11 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder Features 64GB of Internal Flash Memory and a Host of Refinements Allowing Longer Recording Time and Greater Shooting Flexibility

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 19, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, has introduced a new flagship model to its 2009 VIXIA high-definition camcorder line, the VIXIA HF S11 Dual Flash Memory camcorder. For those video enthusiasts looking to capture the moment in breathtaking HD quality, the VIXIA HF S11 provides advanced HD features and professional-level manual controls. Additionally, Canon announced a new camcorder accessory, the RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter for professional-level functionality when shooting from a tripod.

The VIXIA HF S11 retains Canon’s core imaging technologies, but adds several new features that enhance operability and deliver unsurpassed image quality. The VIXIA HF S11 offers the ability to record up to 24 hours of crisp high-definition video to a 64GB internal flash drive and the option of recording video directly to removable SDHC memory cards for fast and easy sharing of memories. Two new features that help enhance the video capture and viewing experience are Canon’s new Dynamic SuperRange OIS system, which delivers the ultimate in shake correction by providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range, and an Advanced Video Snapshot Mode which allows you to create the perfect highlight movie to share with family and friends by recording a series of four second clips when in shooting mode as well as in playback mode.

“Canon’s latest enhancements to our acclaimed and ever-popular VIXIA line of high-definition camcorders improve the overall shooting experience and enable users more flexibility when shooting and storing their memories,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Canon continues to take the lead in providing products that offer superb image quality and value for the end-user.”

The VIXIA HF S11 features a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens, Canon designed and manufactured 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor, all of which allow the camcorder to produce breathtaking video and stunning 8.0 megapixel photos. It also features Genuine Canon Face Detection, Instant AutoFocus, and the ability to record in 24p Cinema Mode or 30p Progressive Mode. In addition, the VIXIA HF S11 offers manual gain control limits and manual focus controls found in professional camcorders.

As a new accessory, the RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter provides the VIXIA HF S11 with a LANC terminal for connecting optional Canon (ZR-1000 and ZR-2000) and third-party wired remote controllers. This adapter fits into the Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe for controlling various camcorder functions, such as power on/off, record start/stop, zooming and focus, and is ideal when used on a tripod.

Scheduled to be available in mid-September, the Canon VIXIA HF S11 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder, as well as the RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter, sell for an estimated retail price of $1,399.99* and $120*, respectively.

Canon iMAGE GATEWAY
Canon iMAGE GATEWAY is an exclusive online photography resource and service for registered owners of qualified Canon products. Users can upload and share photos and videos with friends and family if they have registered certain qualifying products via their Canon Account. Members also gain access to informative photography-related articles on topics such as macro shooting, portrait photography, printing tips and print projects to get the most out of their photos. Registered qualifying PowerShot digital cameras owners are able to customize their Canon camera with great start-up images and sounds. The Video Podcast Service – available for qualifying camera and video product owners – enables members to upload videos to be shared and viewed, which can also be used with Apple's iTunes® and downloaded to access on an Apple iPod® or iPhone™ mobile device.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at About Canon: Corporate Philosophy (http://www.usa.canon.com/kyosei).

Photos... click to embiggen.

So who else agrees with me that this is pretty big news -- copied from the press release above:

"As a new accessory, the RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter provides the VIXIA HF S11 with a LANC terminal for connecting optional Canon (ZR-1000 and ZR-2000) and third-party wired remote controllers. This adapter fits into the Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe for controlling various camcorder functions, such as power on/off, record start/stop, zooming and focus, and is ideal when used on a tripod."

Photos... click to embiggen.

Thanks for the cromulent photos. Looks very similar to the HF S10. I wonder if the sensor changed at all.

So who else agrees with me that this is pretty big news -- copied from the press release above:

"As a new accessory, the RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter provides the VIXIA HF S11 with a LANC terminal for connecting optional Canon (ZR-1000 and ZR-2000) and third-party wired remote controllers. This adapter fits into the Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe for controlling various camcorder functions, such as power on/off, record start/stop, zooming and focus, and is ideal when used on a tripod."

It's interesting to see that a LANC type interface is returning to the Canon lines - I'm betting the capability has always been there, just never enabled. I know there's a terminal in the Sony AiShoe that has the LANC label... parallel with the A/V jack, so it wouldn't be a surprise that there's been a signal point there in the Canon accessory shoe. - would be interesting to know if it's backward compatible - do earlier models have the connection?

$120 is quite a lot for an "adapter" to allow you to use a LANC (if I read it right, you still have to ADD a controller...). Considering you can buy a basic Sony LANC for the A/V interface for around $50 or an adapter cable for an existing LANC for around $35, $120 seems a bit excessive, but at least it's available.

would be interesting to know if it's backward compatible - do earlier models have the connection?


From what I've read, Dave, it's not. :P

According to Canon's site it's only these two cams....VIXIA HF S11 & VIXIA HF21.

Still, the LANC really changes my purchase planning. I had intended to "upgrade" from my DVXb cams to the HFS100, probably three or four of them for loads of coverage at weddings, etc (yeah, I know about the "pro" look, hehe) but when I saw an actual LANC for the HFS11 I am now thinking of delaying my purchases.

Having said that I wonder if there will be an HFS110...without internal memory and several hundred dollars cheaper.

Anyone know?

Oh, and thanks, Chris, for the info.

sincerely,


ian

Well, there are these things called "undocumented features", such as the LANC in the A/V jack on Sony cameras - it was THERE as early as the HC3 (not on the HC1 though, which used the "standard" LANC jack), but not fully documented how to access it, and I know it's also called out on the AIShoe...

I reverse engineered their Sport Packs to figure out the hack at the A/V jack as a workaround - ended up just buying their AV2 when it came out as it was cheap and did what I needed. Now there are adapter cables too, just took time for the hack to filter through to the Chinese aftermarket suppliers...


SO, until one takes the Canon adapter, a LANC controller, and an "older" canon camera of the model they are thinking about and tries it, it's hard to say, but I'd "suspect" it is more likely there than not... unless they JUST decided to enable it.

Thing is, these new cams are evolutionary, not revolutionary, meaning that they likely didn't redesign mainboards, tooling, and hardware - if you look at it carefully, they added more memory, and announced a "new" feature - more accurately a way to ACCESS that "new" feature.

The odds favor the same "feature" being there on the earlier HF-S series at the least, simply because they are the same under the skin (same skin actually!) as the HF-S11. IIRC the "super OIS" and memory snapshot are not new, or did they update/upgrade those as well? Seems like I've seen them on the earlier cams.

My point being that it takes time to engineer a camera from a blank sheet of paper, and the "hardware" isn't easy to alter or change, but adding, altering, or deleting a feature or two in firmware is not a big deal if the hardware supports it.

If anyone has Canon service manuals for the earlier cams, it should be possible to examine the schematics and block diagrams and determine if the LANC interface is there as well.



FWIW, I'm a "small cam shooter" myself (4x XR500V's at the moment), and while I know the "big cam" image is lacking, I'd rather have multiple angles from small discreet cams, and I think you get better results if it's done right, plus it's less intrusive. I've got a couple LANCs to use for plays, etc, where I'm manning several cams on one spot, and I'll mount one on my homebrew shoulder rig for control while shooting that setup. It's just a handy option to have, glad to see it returning to Canon, competition is good!

The odds favor the same "feature" being there on the earlier HF-S series at the least...
I hope you're right. :)
That would be awesome to be able to use the RA-V1 LANC on the HFS100.

hmmm. Anyone wanna hack away and see if it's viable? ;)


FWIW, I'm a "small cam shooter" myself (4x XR500V's at the moment), and while I know the "big cam" image is lacking, I'd rather have multiple angles from small discreet cams, and I think you get better results if it's done right, plus it's less intrusive. I've got a couple LANCs to use for plays, etc, where I'm manning several cams on one spot, and I'll mount one on my homebrew shoulder rig for control while shooting that setup. It's just a handy option to have, glad to see it returning to Canon, competition is good!

Good to know that "small cam shooting" is a viable option. Especially with the quality of these smaller cams increasing every iteration.

sincerely,

ian

Emailed a query into one of my contacts at Canon USA and this is his reply:

"The RA-V1 will only be compatible with the VIXIA HF S11. It will not work with any of the previous models."

Typical Canon. I suppose in January there will be new models that tack on an extra feature or two (direct 24p recording, etc.) as well. Seems like there is never a good time to buy a Canon cam because something newer and better is always just around the corner.

Take out "Canon" and insert the name of any other Japanese electronics / camera manufacturer and your statement is still true. It's not a situation that is unique to Canon by any means. The product revs always happen in January and again at this time of year... it should be no surprise at all. And if you have a need now, then now is always the best time to buy.

Yep, there is always a new one right around the corner. Same for computers. The minute you buy one, the Next Big Thing is announced. Buy when you need it, if you don't need it, don't buy.

Like Chris says, there are release cycles. For instance, now is a bad time to buy an Intel system, since the i7 and i5 processors will become available for a new socket within a month or so. The i7 920 processor remains a nice product for performance at a value, but it's a bit long in the tooth right now.

On the other hand, AMD's Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition was recently introduced as AMD's fastest chip ever, and is being bundled with moththerboards for a small discount. It's a nice buy today and will probably be a bit cheaper next month when the new Intel chips start flowing.

Buying computer technology is like buying produce. It's best when bought fresh at mainstream prices. :)

So... back on topic, here's a shot of the RA-V1 mounted on an HF S11. Photo credit goes to Matthew Fitzgerald
of CNet; from Lori Grunin's story at Canon's top-end consumer HD camcorder improves stability | Crave - CNET (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10313217-1.html)

(edit: the controller on the pan handle is the Canon ZR-2000).

Seems like that controller has a lot of functions on it.

You've got the zoom rocker, a dial top center, numerous buttons and a "thumb" dial on the side.

Be nice to get a closeup of the details.

Seems like that controller has a lot of functions on it.... Be nice to get a closeup of the details.

That particular controller is the Canon ZR-2000. It's been out for awhile now.

We've got a discussion about this controller in our Lens Controllers forum... stand by while I dig it up.

(edit) here it is: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/remote-lens-controllers/91453-canon-zr-2000-zoom-control-opinions.html

That particular controller is the Canon ZR-2000. It's been out for awhile now.

Ahhhh.

I understand now, Chris.

The adapter allows you to plug in a Canon controller.

Thanks for clarifying that.

sincerely,


ian

Emailed a query into one of my contacts at Canon USA and this is his reply:

"The RA-V1 will only be compatible with the VIXIA HF S11. It will not work with any of the previous models."

Chris -
How well placed is your contact? And in what position - marketing and front line support isn't usually too knowledgeable on this sort of detail. I know every time I've call Sony support I got bogus answers <wink>, sometimes these "esoteric" features aren't well documented or understood...

I'd think it would be at least worth a try before declaring it "incompatible". The hardware/wiring almost certainly was there in previous iterations of the HF-S, but it could be a firmware thing, meaning "not for public release"... OTOH, it would certainly create an instant market for the latest camera!

I'm most interested to see if that OIS upgrade is as good as it sounds on paper - the XR500V OIS is pretty tough to beat, but I'll bet it upped the ante a bit. Competition is GOOD!

How well placed is your contact? And in what position - marketing and front line support isn't usually too knowledgeable on this sort of detail. Hi Dave, I'd say he's very well placed -- he's the manager of the video marketing division. I realize what some folks think of marketing, but the fact is that the marketing department designs the product and specifies exactly what it will be (engineering / manufacturing then builds it to marketing's specifications).

We all know that Canon USA doesn't make camcorders; they're just Canon Inc.'s biggest customer, but they have a quite a bit of input to product design. In my experience, CUSA's Long Island office is quite knowledgeable about their product line. That said, I'm also of the same mentality as you in that "I'll believe it when I see it." I agree that it's definitely worth testing, but based on the response I received today from CUSA, I would not expect any other result than what they say -- that the RA-V1 will be incompatible with anything other than the HF S11 (and HF21). Sure, we should test it ourselves; I'm all for that. But I would expect no other outcome than what they've already told us.

From the specs it looks like Canon just took the H10,32gb memory and added the H11 with
64gb memory...

This is probably in response to Sony getting ready to release the HDR-CX520V that also
has 64gb memory, but will be very interesting to see the low light capability with the
new Back-illuminated Exmor-R sensor... and it has 12mb still capability too...

Chris -
I'd still be interested in seeing the service manuals, and trying it, but I know sometimes manufacturers "hold out" on features in firmware (like the few "perks" sony added in the HC9 over the physically identical HC7 - peaking, center marker, etc.). It's quite possible the capability has been there all along, and is just now being "switched on" for competitive or other reasons.


Ray -
Good point about the CX500/520 coming out - I'm sure they are the same sensor block as the XR500/520, and if that's the case, the low light capability of the "R" sensor is not going to be easy to beat, but if Canon improved the OIS, that would no doubt be in response to Sony's improved OIS.

Canon will still beat the Sony for manual controls... I wish Sony would pick up the beat in that department, but they seem to be going towards an "intelligent auto" model - great for most users, but not so much for knowledgeable ones who would like some control!

For instance, now is a bad time to buy an Intel system, since the i7 and i5 processors will become available for a new socket within a month or so. The i7 920 processor remains a nice product for performance at a value, but it's a bit long in the tooth right now.

Uh, wrong, and OT.

Seems like that controller has a lot of functions on it.

You've got the zoom rocker, a dial top center, numerous buttons and a "thumb" dial on the side.

Be nice to get a closeup of the details.

Like this?

Canon ZR-2000 Zoom Remote Control (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=ProductDetail&A=showItemLargeImage&Q=&sku=410314&is=REG)

I would have greatly preferred that Canon had simply designed a standard LANC port into the camera.

My biggest criticism of the RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter is the fact that it occupies the
accessory shoe, so it ends up competing with lights and microphones for that
position - or am I missing something?

I agree, it would have been better to just add a LANC jack.

I don't think tying up the shoe is that big of a deal, since most folks would only use the RA-V1 with a tripod, and they're not as likely to have a light or a mic in the shoe if they're on a tripod. Most likely they would use an XLR adapter in between the camcorder and the tripod head.

On these small cameras, real estate is at such a premium that adding ANY interface (power/control/button/external device) is a challenge. One of the reasons I think many of us would welcome something just a tad larger (like the old TRV900) with enough surface area to have a full complement of buttons/jacks/adjustments...

The obvious thing for the manufacturer constrained by the "pocket rocket" form factor is to utilize a "spare" pin/contact (like whatever contacts the LANC adapter uses) to provide added functionality - this leads to the end user frustration that the FEATURE is clearly programmed into the DSP/hardware, but unless the manufacturer decides to release a way to actually access/use the feature, it's "off limits".

Prime example is the LANC (and other interfaces) on the Sony A/V port (and the AiShoe as well) - it was there and undocumented for several generations of camera, with only a limited proprietary selection of accessories - NOT including until recently a LANC controller that could use the A/V jack facility/feature... anyone remember the short lived mic adapter for the HC3 because they didn't put a mic input on it (or the subsequent HC5, despite the facility being available to include it)?

I'm pretty sure the engineers throw the kitchen sink into the underlying DSP designs, but somewhere decisions are made for reasons of cost or marketing to restrict what actually escapes the laboratory...

You can't tell me that it's not possible to allow advanced users access to camera functions like gain/aperature/shutter speed, but I realize it's "better" marketing to put an EASY button that dumbs the device down so the average "Jaywalking" interviewee might almost be able to use the camera... maybe...

Oops, was I ranting?!

Anyhow, I guarantee you that the "new" LANC feature from Canon wasn't some huge re-engineering of the product - it could have been there hiding, or just needed to be switched on or connected... but dollars to doughnuts, the function was in there already.

Also, since the shoe is proprietary, not much else is going to fit there ANYWAY, so no real loss - I've had to use flash brackets or cold shoes mounted to my rigs for any lights, or if I added any standard mic. May as well find a PRACTICAL use for those proprietary shoes - they aren't good for anything unless the manufacturer graces us with something usable that fits there!

The more likely reason the LANC wasn't on earlier models is a licensing fee to Sony.
As to space for the jacks etc Sony has a connector on the bottom of most of its cameras for the dock and this is also likely to have all the interfaces on it and thus a great place to plug in something with all the controls on it.
Sony has certainly dumbed down its single chip cameras. I had a Hi8 V801 that had all the controls on it way back in the 1990's just like the VX3. Line up and operation were just like my present FX1!!!! Dumbing started with the VX1000 which had less control than either the VX3 or the V801.

Ron Evans

The more likely reason the LANC wasn't on earlier models is a licensing fee to Sony.Bingo.

My understanding is that the fee is payable to Sony on a per-unit basis. By making LANC available via the optional RA-V1, Canon manages to provide LANC for those who want it but has to pay Sony only for the limited number of RA-V1's made vs. the entire production run of the camcorder. It's a compromise in which Canon fulfills the demand for LANC in a way that is affordable to them.

You can't tell me that it's not possible to allow advanced users access to camera functions like gain/aperature/shutter speed, but I realize it's "better" marketing to put an EASY button that dumbs the device down so the average "Jaywalking" interviewee might almost be able to use the camera... maybe...

Oops, was I ranting?!


And now, tell us what you really think, Dave ;-)


Also, since the shoe is proprietary, not much else is going to fit there ANYWAY, so no real loss - I've had to use flash brackets or cold shoes mounted to my rigs for any lights, or if I added any standard mic. May as well find a PRACTICAL use for those proprietary shoes - they aren't good for anything unless the manufacturer graces us with something usable that fits there!


True, true, I have one of these adapters so my Rode Stereo Video Mic can be mounted on my Sony HDR-HC9.

Pearstone | Cold Shoe Adapter for Sony Camcorders | SSA-II | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/576142-REG/Pearstone_SSA_II_Cold_Shoe_Adapter_for.html)

And in checking, it appears there is an equivalent for Canon here:

Pearstone | Cold Shoe Adapter for Canon Camcorders | CSA | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/564248-REG/Pearstone_CSA_Cold_Shoe_Adapter_for.html)

The more likely reason the LANC wasn't on earlier models is a licensing fee to Sony.
As to space for the jacks etc Sony has a connector on the bottom of most of its cameras for the dock and this is also likely to have all the interfaces on it and thus a great place to plug in something with all the controls on it.
Sony has certainly dumbed down its single chip cameras. I had a Hi8 V801 that had all the controls on it way back in the 1990's just like the VX3. Line up and operation were just like my present FX1!!!! Dumbing started with the VX1000 which had less control than either the VX3 or the V801.

Ron Evans

I think you're correct about that dock port having most of the interfaces (not sure if the LANC had a connection there... that would be the only "control" interface, the rest is I/O), but the dock apparently has disappeared with the latest generation (FINALLY!), the XR and I presume the CX just hook up directly via a standard USB jack.

If you think about it, the cameras "AI" has to be able to control aperature/shutter/gain, so obviously the control CAPABILITY is there (Canon has always included the interface, points to them on that!), it's just shut out to the user - limited override for the experienced user, but better results for the "average" user, which probably makes for happier campers in the majority of the user base.

Point well taken on the LANC licensing fees, I thought of that, but it doesn't explain why SONY had a LANC interface in it's A/V jack for several generations of camera that was mysteriously inaccessable... they didn't offer any controllers in the lineup until the hack or rumours thereof was beginning to circulate - not like they would have been paying fees to themselves for it...

And it raises an interesting question - what exactly is patented about the LANC interface/control set? Because if it's been there in the hardware, just not activated or accessable, it's certainly an interesting "workaround" to paying fees.

I think more likely is that while the capability is there to offer more features, somewhere along the line (between lab and manufacture), someone with veto power says something like... "nobody uses this feature, and it costs us .50 x 10,000 units expected sales, cut it"...
and they probably are right about the majority of users, so economically it makes sense. The frustrated engineers then figure out a way to sneak it in on some obscure port <wink>!

Maybe it's time the manufacturers thought the way computer suppliers do, and offered "enthusiast" versions with "pro" instead of "easy" buttons! They make a hundred $$ or so more per unit, and at least some of those go to the "average" user that thinks paying more is better, while making the "pro" users happy too. It's just different firmware and maybe a few more buttons/wheels (in the case of Sony they'd be touchscreen probably anyway, so no extra "cost"!). I know I'd go for an XR500V with manual override capability, even if 99.9% of the time the AI would be faster and better...

What I would think would work for both manufacturer (where are the dollars...) and purchaser (us) is analogous to the DSLR world where you can buy addon grips, which besides offering added battery power also frequently enlarge the control surface.

Imagine a recessed electrical connector in the bottom of the camera the addon grip would plug into at the same time you attached it to the cameras bottom 1/4" x 20 attachment.

It would of course have to have its own 1/4" x 20 mounting hole so you could still put it on a tripod or other mount.

This illustrates the concept.

B&H Kit Info (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=590457&is=REG&friendly=Canon_3353B001_BG_E6_Battery_Grip.html)

This from camcorderinfo.com:

"
In a surprising find, we at Camcorderinfo.com have just discovered that the RA-V1 Lanc controller works perfectly with every applicable Canon camcorder we have in house. "Applicable" means Canon camcorders that have the newer, smaller accessory shoe (this excludes the HV40). The HF20, HF S10, and HF S100 all worked great.

The fact that the RA-V1 works with so many camcorders is a pleasant shock, as Canon had stated earlier that it would only be compatible with the new HF S11.

- Editor-in-Chief, Camcorderinfo.com
"

Read original here:

Canon Unveils HF S11 Camcorder for the U.S., Plus RA-V1 LANC Controller - Canon (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Unveils-HF-S11-Camcorder-Plus-Wireless-LANC-Controller-36970.htm#)

So it would appear that my "educated guess" that the feature was always there but undocumented and un-accessed was in fact correct... I love it when a plan comes together...

This would mean that it's very likely that the shoe can be hacked to access the LANC interface and who knows what else... just like the Sony A/V jack and shoe! Makes the Canon cameras a bit more interesting! May have to start hunting about for some Canon service manuals to add to my collection...

... Makes the Canon cameras a bit more interesting! ...


Bingo. I've been noticing Sony has been removing things like headphone and mic jacks from their newer cameras, which makes them a lot less interesting ...

Actually both the SR series and the XR's I have now have both mic and headphone, with the XR's better positioned.

Sony tends to leave those off the smallest cams though (CX series). It is possible to hack in via the AiShoe and A/V jack, but it's a hassle - that's where this go-round the XR's filled out my camera needs, decided the CX just wasn't enough smaller, and I like having a VF and the I/O interfaces, still miss full manual control, but their AI is pretty darn good.

The answer is probably "yes," but I want to confirm that this will work on the Canon HF11. Does anyone know for sure?

Thank you very much!