The New VIXIA Line Offers Advanced Touch Screen and Tracking
Technologies Putting Ease-of-Use at Your Fingertips

Lake Success, N.Y., January 5, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc, a leader in digital imaging technology, today announced an exciting new line of nine VIXIA High Definition flash memory camcorders. The 2010 high-definition lineup includes Canon’s flagship VIXIA HF S-series, the compact VIXIA HF M-series and a new entry-level VIXIA HF R-series. Some new features enhancing Canon’s 2010 lineup include a new Touch Panel LCD with an advanced tracking feature helping keep any subject – such as people, pets, or cars – in focus and properly exposed, even in a busy scene. Canon’s new VIXIA lineup also includes an enhancement to its image stabilization system and an all-new HD-to-SD Downconversion feature allowing video to be easily uploaded to the web or burned onto DVDs. Select 2010 VIXIA camcorders are compatible with Eye-fi SD Memory Cards, allowing for wireless uploading of video content to a computer or favorite video sharing site via the Eye-fi card’s wireless capabilities.

"Canon’s new 2010 VIXIA Flash Memory camcorders deliver superior high-definition image quality in a compact, lightweight design and offer a host of new features to make capturing and sharing video easier than ever before," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

All of the new 2010 VIXIA High Definition camcorders retain Canon’s proprietary imaging technologies – a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens, HD CMOS Image Sensor and DIGIC DV III Image Processor. The Canon Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and DIGIC DV III Image Processor have been further improved to reduce noise under low-light conditions and enhanced to deliver more faithful reproduction of purple and blue tones – for both video and photos. All of these proprietary technologies combine together to produce Full HD video that is stunningly lifelike with astonishing detail and clarity.

New Advanced Features

Smart Auto: The Smart Auto mode makes shooting great video even easier by utilizing Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor to intelligently detect and analyze brightness, color, distance and movement and automatically select the best setting for the scene being recorded.

Touch & Track: Canon’s new Touch & Track technology enables users to select a subject on the Touch Panel LCD that the camcorder will then recognize and track. This sophisticated technology recognizes faces, objects, even animals, ensuring that your subject will always be in focus and properly exposed.

Relay Recording: Relay Recording allows users to capture uninterrupted video when the primary recording media is full. The camcorder will continue to record a scene by switching from one memory source to the other as it fills up, so that you won’t miss a moment of action.

Powered IS: In addition to Canon’s Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Powered IS provides an even higher level of compensation for subtle hand movement at the telephoto end of the zoom range. This new enhancement can be engaged by pressing the Powered IS button on the LCD panel.

HD-to-SD Downconversion: A new HD-to-SD Downconversion feature enables users to convert recorded high-definition video to standard-definition files while preserving the original HD video. These standard-definition files make it even more convenient to share video online or create a DVD.

Advanced Video Snapshot: Advanced Video Snapshot mode has been upgraded to provide the flexibility of capturing 2, 4, or 8 second video clips while recording or during playback.

VIXIA HF S-series
The Canon VIXIA HF S21, HF S20 and HF S200 Flash Memory camcorders are Canon’s premiere camcorders with professional and easy-to-use features to allow anyone to capture outstanding HD video quality. The VIXIA HF S-series comes equipped with varying levels of internal flash memory and all feature two SD card slots for maximum storage capacity and easy video transfer. The VIXIA HF S21 and VIXIA HF S20 camcorders incorporate 64GB and 32GB of internal flash memory, respectively, and the VIXIA HF S200 records video directly to removable SD memory cards. Recording Full 1920 x 1080 HD video, these camcorders feature a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and a Canon 1/2.6-inch, 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor for stunning video and outstanding photos up to 8.0 megapixels. All three models in the VIXIA HF S-series include Canon’s new 3.5-inch High Resolution (922,000-dot) Touch Panel LCD screen for a large, bright display and easy menu navigation, including Touch & Track technology. All of the models in this series also feature Canon’s Smart Auto, Relay Recording, Powered IS, HD-to-SD Downconversion, and Advanced Video Snapshot.

In addition, the VIXIA HF S-Series includes a host of professional features such as a built-in LANC terminal, and Native 24p (AVCHD) recording. For shooting outside on a sunny day, the VIXIA HF S21 includes a viewfinder which offers a reliable viewing environment when shooting in bright outdoor conditions. The VIXIA HF S21, VIXIA HF S20 and VIXIA HF S200 Flash Memory camcorders are scheduled to be available in April, and will have an estimated retail price of $1399.99, $1099.99 and $999.99 respectively.

VIXIA HF M-series
The Canon VIXIA HF M31, HF M30 and HF M300 Flash Memory camcorders offer consumers stunning HD video in an ultra-sleek, compact and lightweight body. The VIXIA HF M31 and VIXIA HF M30 incorporate 32GB and 8GB of internal flash memory, respectively, and the VIXIA HF M300 records video directly to an SD memory card. Recording Full 1920 x 1080 HD video, these camcorders include a Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens, a 2.7-inch Touch Panel LCD with Touch & Track technology, Smart Auto, Powered IS and Advanced Video Snapshot. In addition, the VIXIA HF M31 and VIXIA HF M30 models both include Canon’s Relay Recording and HD-to-SD Downconversion. The VIXIA HF M31, VIXIA HF M30 and VIXIA HF M300 Flash Memory camcorders are scheduled to be available in April for an estimated retail price of $799.99, $699.99 and $679.99 respectively.

VIXIA HF R-series
The Canon VIXIA HF R11, HF R10 and HF R100 Flash Memory camcorders are perfect for the budget-conscious consumer who wants Full 1920 x 1080 HD video. The VIXIA HF R11 and VIXIA HF R10 models incorporate 32GB and 8GB of internal flash memory, respectively, and the VIXIA HF R10 records directly to an SD memory card. All three models also include a Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens, Dynamic IS, Smart Auto and Advanced Video Snapshot. Both the VIXIA HF R11 and VIXIA HF R10 feature Canon’s Relay Recording and HD-to-SD Downconversion. Additionally the VIXIA HF R10 will be available in three stylish colors, black, red, and silver. The VIXIA HF R31, VIXIA HF R30 and VIXIA HF R300 Flash Memory camcorders will be available in March for an estimated retail price of $699.99, $549.99 and $499.99 respectively.

FS series
In addition to the new VIXIA High Definition lineup, Canon is also introducing two standard-definition camcorders, the FS31 and FS300 Flash Memory camcorders. The Canon FS31 model records to 16GB of internal flash memory, while the FS300 records video directly to an SD memory card. Wrapped in a small and attractive package, the FS-series offers 41x Advanced Zoom to help capture great video even at extreme telephoto distances, as well as Dynamic IS. In addition, the Canon FS300 will be available in three fashionable colors, silver, red, and blue. The Canon FS31 and FS300 Flash Memory camcorders are available in March for an estimated retail price of $349.99 and $299.99 respectively.

New Optional Camcorder Accessories
The new Canon WP-V2 Waterproof Case allows you to capture exciting HD footage underwater, up to depths of 130 feet, with any of the VIXIA HF M-series Flash Memory camcorders. The ultimate camcorder accessory for underwater enthusiasts, this compact and lightweight housing seals the camcorder, allowing easy on-camera operation and control. The Canon WP-V2 Waterproof Case will be available in April for an estimated retail price of $599.

Also new from Canon is the SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone for the ultimate home theater experience. This new microphone is compatible with the VIXIA HF S-series and VIXIA HF M-series, allowing you to capture lifelike sound from all directions. The Canon SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone will be available in April for an estimated retail price of $250.

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 2009 BusinessWeek list of “100 Best Global Brands.” Canon is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all products. 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.

Reserved for pics... click to embiggen.

I'm glad to see that they've finally incorporated native 24p and stopped embedding it in an interlaced file.

Hopefully this a noticeable improvement: "The Canon Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and DIGIC DV III Image Processor have been further improved to reduce noise under low-light conditions and enhanced to deliver more faithful reproduction of purple and blue tones – for both video and photos."

The higher-resolution LCD is also a welcome addition, but I'm not sure about the touch-screen. I'm sure I'll buy one regardless.

I'm just happy (overjoyed, actually) that they had the good sense to bring back LANC.

The touch focus could point to good things to come.

Imagine - on the next generation of DvSLR - being able to point a stylus at the focus point for a given scene and having EOS lenses track it. Program in a transition time and lift/move the stylus to a different point and get a controlled rack focus.

Being able to control focus with a small sensor camcorder is nice. Being able to nail your focus reliably with an FF35 sensor and f/1.2 lens would be killer.

Note that RED claims that Scarlet will have touch focus capabilities.

Not a bad update IMO.

Glad SDXC is hitting because I don't want to hit any storage ceilings and with the ability to go to 2TB I think we're well covered here.

if the Touchscreen is solid I don't mind. I'm getting used to using the "digits" on my iPod Touch and TomTom so may as well toss in some touch on a camera.

Stylus is probably the best way to go with the touchscreen... I'll give it a try this Friday when I visit the Canon booth at CES.

I'm just happy (overjoyed, actually) that they had the good sense to bring back LANC.

I never understood why they dropped it when they also sold a $200 LANC controller. Now if it only had decent manual controls...

For manual it's still going to be the same old Tv mode plus Exposure Lock, but the AE shift range is now plus or minus three stops. So it's definitely better than before.

if 24p is supported, why no native 30p (the specs indicate that 30p is recorded at 60i)? You'd think there would be a resolution advantage for native 30p...

30p in a 60i wrapper is still native 30p. But 24p in a 60i wrapper is not native 24p. That's why there's a separate recording mode for native 24p in the HF S series camcorders. You don't need a special mode for "native 30p" though, because it's already native 30p.

thx Chris - my misunderstanding. I searched and found more info that explained it

Why does an HD video camera need an 8.59 megapixel sensor? Given the trade-offs in sensor design, it seems like a 1/2.6 inch CMOS sensor that was only 2 megapixel would produce fantastic low light performance and provide all the resolution needed for 1080 HD.

Just a thought.

Regardless of how often (or rather, how infrequently) someone will actually shoot still photos with one of these camcorders, Canon really likes to load them up with still photo features (in fact, pretty much everything in a PowerShot is included in a VIXIA model). That's the primary reason for the high pixel count.

One particular benefit to this 8+MP arrangement in the HF S series is the built-in 1.7x teleconverter, which is a handy way to overcome the relatively short 10x zoom ratio.

Has anyone had a chance to look at the stabilization? I have had to resort to getting a Sony for the few times I've need to shoot handheld. No manual controls with the Sony whatsoever...

Why does an HD video camera need an 8.59 megapixel sensor?


For improved contrast (due to OLPF) and reduced artifacts (aliasing, mazing, etc.) In practice, these benefits depend on the quality of the DSP, which has improved over time.


Given the trade-offs in sensor design, it seems like a 1/2.6 inch CMOS sensor that was only 2 megapixel would produce fantastic low light performance and provide all the resolution needed for 1080 HD.


Larger sensors produce better low light performance, but larger pixels (in the same size sensor) do not, so there would be no benefit. One common misconception is that smaller pixels lose light to the space "between the buckets" (i.e. lower fill factors), but in commercially shipping products (in this market segment) they have the same or better fill factor.

The total amount of light falling on the sensor is the same with either pixel size. When 8 MP is downsampled to 2 MP, the light from four tiny pixels is added up and comes out the same as if it was 1 large pixel.

The only time larger pixels have an advantage in low light is when they have less read noise (e-) per spatial frequency (e.g. resampled Nyquist of 10 lp/PH), but right now that only occurs in some large CMOS sensors (not 1/2.6").

Kevin,

I have always thought that the video camera manufacturers should be concentrating on still capture that captures a real hi-res print usable file, instead of the still camera manufactures making still cameras that capture video.

For now (for me anyway), a good piece of video capture equipment is still more versatile than a still camera that shoots video. The right tool for the right thing.

Jonathan

I am very excited about the HF S21, now that it has a viewfinder and Native 24p. Does anyone know if Final Cut Pro will recognize and convert the Native 24p file to ProRes without issue?

I have a Canon HF100, and have been holding off upgrading but now may be the time.

I would think importing into Final Cut Pro will be the same as with all the other flash models. It will transcode to prores upon transfer.

I am heading out to Vegas for CES as I am shooting it for NBC. I will go to the Canon booth and feel these new cams out. I'll be shooting the show with my Canon XL H1S, so hopefully Canon won't mind me shooting some of these new cams :)

I'll report back sometime next week when I am back on my thoughts.

BTW, I asked the Canon pro video reps at CES about a large DvSLR sensor in a video cam and they said that it was the most asked question that they receive.

And the SLR reps weren't giving any hints about 24p firmware for the 5D2.

I asked a consumer camcorder guy about aliasing on the new Vixia - considering that it shoots high res photos as well as video. He gave a response, but my gut feel was that he was not technically knowledgeable. The jury is still out on the aliasing/resolution tradeoff.

BTW, I asked the Canon pro video reps at CES about a large DvSLR sensor in a video cam and they said that it was the most asked question that they receive.


I would expect the place to get an answer to that question would be NAB.

Exactly. I was asking them about what we might expect at NAB. I didn't expect an answer, of course. ;)

30p in a 60i wrapper is still native 30p. But 24p in a 60i wrapper is not native 24p. That's why there's a separate recording mode for native 24p in the HF S series camcorders. You don't need a special mode for "native 30p" though, because it's already native 30p.

30p in a 60i wrapper still gives you the goofy 4:2:0 interlaced footage like chroma sampling though, doesn't it?

BTW, I asked the Canon pro video reps at CES about a large DvSLR sensor in a video cam and they said that it was the most asked question that they receive.

And the SLR reps weren't giving any hints about 24p firmware for the 5D2.


The heck with DvSLRs! What's taking so long with the three 1/3" full raster CMOS AVCHD cams to replace the XL-H1 and HX-A1/G1??? (with the same level of customizable image acquisition control, but much better viewfinders and LCDs of course!)

:)

Why does an HD video camera need an 8.59 megapixel sensor? Given the trade-offs in sensor design, it seems like a 1/2.6 inch CMOS sensor that was only 2 megapixel would produce fantastic low light performance and provide all the resolution needed for 1080 HD.

Only 2 million photosites with in a Bayer mosaic implementation? That's not enough luminence resolution for 1920x1080 video.

The 8MP sensor is a Bayer sensor, which means 1/2 of the photosites are green, 1/4 are blue and 1/4 are red. At slightly more than 8 Megapixels, this sensor provides a full resolution luminance signal. Other full raster 1080p sensor implementations include 3 chips, which amount to 3x1920x1080= ~ 6 Megapixels, although with full color resolution for each pixel position. It's about time camcorder manufacturers weren't shorting us on color resolution for single sensor implementations. Hopefully, the HDMI will output 4:2:2 or even 4:4:4.

Any hard dates for release -- other than some time in April?

Amazon has it at April 15th.

Amazon has it at April 15th as an arbitrary number, that's all. They don't know when in April either, so they're listing the middle of the month as an estimate only. The actual initial shipping date has *not* been announced yet.

So what 58mm thread wideangle lens do folks recommend as "best bang for the buck" for the HFS Canon's? (Better wideangle is the one feature that has me looking sideways at the new Sony's ...)

I'm just happy (overjoyed, actually) that they had the good sense to bring back LANC.
Hear hear! Now, can we have an HV40 Mk2 (HV50?) with LANC and Ext Mic input as HDV's last hurrah? If so, I'll have two: one to use now and one to tuck away for later, in the hope of extending the life of my DV and HDV tape archive.

Um, doesn't the HV series already have a 1/8" external mic input? And does it by any chance have the same shoe as the HF-S? Might be worth trying the LANC adapter if someone has both handy - I wouldn't "expect" the function is on the propietary shoe, but from experience with Sony's A/V jack implementation, there were undocumented functions there...

The HV20 / 30 / 40 models do indeed have a stereo mini-jack mic input.

However, the Advanced Accessory Shoe on these camcorders is the full-size version while the HF S series has the smaller "Mini AAS" and the LANC adapter is made for that size only, negating its use on the HV40, sorry.

THX Chris - it's been a long time since I owned an HV... couldn't remember the shoe configuration... sometimes I have trouble finding my shoes, but that's another topic...

From experience with Sony, there are sometimes "undocumented" features on these proprietary interface points... (or more accurately stated POORLY documented or known only to a select few). Thus my suggestion a while back that the LANC adapter for the latest HF-S might be backward compatible to some of the older models, which turned out to be at least partially correct (works with possible issues).

The HV20 / 30 / 40 models do indeed have a stereo mini-jack mic input.
That's reassuring. I know the HV20 has, but I thought it was removed from the HV40. Nice to be wrong.

On the Panasonic TM300, the Touch and Track feature is only available in 60i.

Here's hoping Canon made it work in 24P and 30P.

According to the manual posted on Canon's website, T&T is available in all frame modes. There are limitations on shutter speed though (minimum 1/30 in 30p and 60i, minimum 1/24 in both 24p modes).

I'm glad to see that they've finally incorporated native 24p and stopped embedding it in an interlaced file.

Actually, the new HF-S line can be set for either. It offers both 24p modes: One which records natively in 24p, the other being the more conventional (and standard on all of the new AVCHD Canon camcorders) 24p encoded inside a 60i stream.

The HF-R series, on the other hand, have a few compromises in order to keep the price down. One of them is the really tiny 1/5.5" sensor (compared to the 1/5" sensor of my Sony HDR-CX100 camcorder, a model which is actually quite good given its tiny sensor size). This allows a 20x optical zoom without an increase in the size or weight of the camcorder. The other is the maximum bitrate of 17 Mbps (versus the 24 Mbps maximum of the HF-S and HF-M lines). This is because most of the benefits of a higher AVCHD bitrate are lost with a decrease in sensor size. If one wants a viewfinder (an Electronic ViewFinder, or EVF) on any of the new Canons, he'll have to purchase an HF-S model in order to get it.