Do these not have a standard viewfinder -- just the larger LCD screen?

That's right, Paul. Just the flip-out LCD only. No viewfinder in the traditional sense.

Has anyone heard or seen if these will have zebras like the HV20?

Wow, just can't live without a viewfinder here in the desert sun, even the tiny one one the HV20 is useable (and I don't need reading glasses with the viewfinder.) Guess I'm sticking with the HV20 for another year...

John F
LV, NV

I saw HF10 has 2 SD slots on a clip shot on CES.
I am not sure about that, is that possible?

Each of these new Canon flash-based camcorders (three models in the FS series, two models in the HF series) have *one* card slot. Attached is a photo of the HF10 card slot (click to see it big). Hope this helps,

Are there any specific requirements for the SD cards for use in the HF10/100?

I emailed Canon support and got a non-specific answer -- "SD or SDHC memory cards may be used in the HF10."

The specific answer is SDHC only. I tried a Sandisk 2GB Ultra II SD card in an HF10 yesterday and the camcorder would not recognize it. It must be an SDHC Class 4 or Class 6 card... see attached pic... a Class 2 card will not be fast enough.

Well.. That is good enough, thanks!

I would perfer the HF100, cause the Transcend 8 GB class6 SDHC would only cost less than 45 USD in China, and by paying around 100 USD you can get a 16 GB SDHC card.

It is a little shame that canon did not put a double SD slot in their flash memory camcorder,but I assume some of the manufacters will bring us multi memory slots camcorder in the future.

Some new hands-on HF10 photos here: http://www.dvinfo.net/gallery/browseimages.php?c=52

Zebras?
 

Hey Chris,

Does this thing have Zebras like the HV20?

Don't know for sure, Paul, but I'll find out tomorrow.

Thanks Chris!
Can't wait for your update and review.

Sorry for the delay Paul but Canon USA has confirmed for me that the VIXIA HF series camcorders do *not* have zebras. And that's a drag.

There should be a law that all but the cheapest cams have:

* Manual control of exposure, shutter, iris and gain
* 24p and 30p. 60p for the overachievers
* Focus ring
* External mic input and manual gain control
* Quick access of all manual features

Some of the cams are oh, so close. But none of the high-end consumer cams at CES had it all...