SH S200 or wait for the HF m400? With the introduction of the CMOS Pro sensor in the new HF M400 line, Canon has made it difficult to make the decision to purchase the S200 or wait for the less expensive M400. I understand the advantage of fewer but larger pixels in the M400, but what I can't figure out is what advantages the S200 has. The new HF S30 has pretty much the same specs as the S200 (same sensor), but is priced higher than the M series. If anyone has any insight, it would be much appreciated! SH S200 or wait for the HF m400? With the introduction of the CMOS Pro sensor in the new HF M400 line, Canon has made it difficult to make the decision to purchase the S200 or wait for the less... » Read More SH S200 or wait for the HF m400? With the introduction of the CMOS Pro sensor in the new HF M400 line, Canon has made it difficult to make the decision to purchase the S200 or wait for the less expensive M400. I understand the advantage of fewer but larger pixels in the M400, but what I can't figure out is what advantages the S200 has. The new HF S30 has pretty much the same specs as the S200 (same sensor), but is priced higher than the M series. If anyone has any insight, it would be much appreciated! « Show Less
2087726
Please post up when you test out the HF m400, please! I definitely need low light ability for concerts/rehearsals/perfomances...
2087727
Any luck? I am in the same boat as you... I notified Canon regarding the s200 and the HF M400. Here is the reply I got:The VIXIA HF M400 is scheduled to be available in late March for an estimated retail price of $649.99.This is not a replacement for the VIXIA HF S200, but for the VIXIA M-series, HF M300. The VIXIA HF S30 is the only successor at this time for the VIXIA HF S200.The VIXIA HF M400 is a lower class model compared to the VIXIA HF S200.So what does lower class mean? Cheaper lens??? Just when I was set to click on the buy now Any luck? I am in the same boat as you... I notified Canon regarding the s200 and the HF M400. Here is the reply I got:The VIXIA HF M400 is scheduled to be available in late March for an estimated retail price of $649.99.This is not a replacement for the VIXIA HF S200, but for the VIXIA M-series, HF M300. The VIXIA HF S30 is the only successor at this time for the VIXIA HF S200.The VIXIA HF M400 is a lower class model compared to the VIXIA HF S200.So what does lower class mean? Cheaper lens??? Just when I was set to click on... » Read More Any luck? I am in the same boat as you... I notified Canon regarding the s200 and the HF M400. Here is the reply I got:The VIXIA HF M400 is scheduled to be available in late March for an estimated retail price of $649.99.This is not a replacement for the VIXIA HF S200, but for the VIXIA M-series, HF M300. The VIXIA HF S30 is the only successor at this time for the VIXIA HF S200.The VIXIA HF M400 is a lower class model compared to the VIXIA HF S200.So what does lower class mean? Cheaper lens??? Just when I was set to click on the buy now « Show Less
2087728
Have you received and tested out the M400? I'm also in the same boat--weighing the manual features of the S200 vs. the (possibly better?) video quality of the M400. I've scoured the net for initial reactions to the video performance of the HF M4 series and haven't found any as of yet. So, when you do test it out, please let us know your thoughts. Thanks!
2087729
I actually tried the HF S200 and was disappointed with its low light performance, so I returned it and placed an order for the HF M400. I don't need all of the bells and whistles, and still photos are not a requirement for me for a video camera. I think their logic in using the pro sensor makes sense. I got the same response when I asked Canon. If you compare them side by side though, the only thing the HF M400 is missing is some of the manual controls, the ability to take high-quality still photos, and a larger display. Other than that, for pure video quality and low light performance, the HF M400 should come out on top (I hope). I actually tried the HF S200 and was disappointed with its low light performance, so I returned it and placed an order for the HF M400. I don't need all of the bells and whistles, and still photos are not a requirement for me for a video camera. I think their logic in using the pro sensor makes sense. I got the same response when I asked Canon. If you compare them side by side though, the only thing the HF M400 is missing is some of the manual controls, the ability to take high-quality still photos, and a larger display. Other than that, for pure video quality and low light... » Read More I actually tried the HF S200 and was disappointed with its low light performance, so I returned it and placed an order for the HF M400. I don't need all of the bells and whistles, and still photos are not a requirement for me for a video camera. I think their logic in using the pro sensor makes sense. I got the same response when I asked Canon. If you compare them side by side though, the only thing the HF M400 is missing is some of the manual controls, the ability to take high-quality still photos, and a larger display. Other than that, for pure video quality and low light performance, the HF M400 should come out on top (I hope). « Show Less
1442875
After 2 1/2 months the HV20 / HV30 difference is now only about $75 on Amazon. CNET has a very good review, written and video, they put on their site a couple weeks ago. They note that yes, this is a fairly minor upgrade to the HV20. But they felt Canon was smart to stay with the quality features of the HV20 while providing some minor enhancements. As a result they seem to have swapped out the HV20 for the HV30 as one of their editors' choices.
275889
I do have a choice and I own them both. I take them both on field trips. The S100FS is faster in getting action shots, but the HS30EXR allows me to get closer to my subject. I usually shoot from a tripod using a cable release.
1635760
It seems illogical I know, but I have seen this in camera pricing here many times before: when a new model comes out, the older model often INCREASES in price even if the new model is improved. My guess is that there's some policy of increasing price when existing stock run low, which will naturally occur when an old model is discontinued. Doesn't make a lot of sense in a case like this but I can't think of any other reason for it. As for which you should buy, the newer S8200 has a wider zoom ratio than the S8100 (25-300mm equiv. instead of 30-300mm), which may or may not be good news. The wider angle at the short end is certainly useful, but stretching the zoom ratio of a particular lens design sometimes results in some deterioration of performance. Not having the S8200 I don't know if that's true in this case. I have the S8100 and it is super sharp over the entire zoom range -- I think a bit sharper than my S9100, which has a 25-450mm (equiv.) lens. Also, the S8200 has a 16-megapixel sensor as opposed to the 12-megapixel sensor of the S8100 and S9100. That will be seen as an "improvement" by people who attach great importance to megapixel count; personally I do not see it that way and am really annoyed by this silly megapixel race, which I thought was over with. (Nikon and Canon have both LOWERED the megapixel count of some of their high-end compact cameras, with resulting improvement in picture quality.) I dislike the trend to pixel cramming in sensors really too small to make proper use of such megapixel count. In DSLRs it's different -- their much larger sensors can really use all those pixels -- but these tiny-sensor cameras cannot. It's mostly if not entirely marketing -- camera makers know most consumers will think the more megapixels the better the sharpness, so this supposed "improvement" will sell more cameras. So personally I prefer the older S8100, but again, that is not based on any personal experience with the newer model.
160923
There is no real difference betweeen the two, other than adding the newer digic 4 processor (replacing the older digic 3 processor on the SX110). I don't think this is worth a premium over the SX110. As already discussed in other discussion page, the sensor is slightly smaller (BAD!), and they upped the megapixel to 10 (up from 9 -- almost useless). I really don't understand Canon why they released this camera without anything really worth upgrading from the SX110. I would rather recommend you the SX200, which have much more features, like wide angle, longer zoom, proprietary battery so you can see battery meter on LCD (unlike with the AA batteries), has quicker flash recharge time, speaker is placed on better position, has additional features like color swap, color options like vivid red/blue/green, you can erase part of a movie, and is slimmer. Or, if you want more pro but not going DSLR way, check out the new G11.
650801
I didn't like the image quality of either of them. I think the sensor is too small. The s120 is better than the s110 with faster focusing and a better sensor. I may consider spending a little more for the Sony rx100 with a bigger sensor (price dropped).
1253032
I'd be curious about this as well. I bought a standard definition FS200 which had really grainy, poor video quality. I'm ready to pay extra for the HD version but would like to know how you like the video quality of of the HF200 so far.
1989937
I can't wait for a reviewer to get their hands on the HS20. Sounds great on paper.HS20 reportedly has Bigger CMOS sensor and faster circuits (along with a few other fixes, plus remote shutter release capable, more frames per second, SDXC, and includes a proper bayonet mounted hood).HS10 at under $400 sounded too good to be true, this sounds more like it, how it is worth the extra dough.DP Review reports the basics (propaganda):http://www.dpreview.com/news/1101/11010513fujifilmhs20exr.asp
982195
Don't have any S-series cameras, but as a general comparison to the other Canon PowerShot cameras we have used in the $250-300 range I would say Canon has a better charger, better focusing for outdoors (P340 seems to try to focus on leaves when trying to take a photo of a building), similar battery life, and worse flash re-charge time. The Canon might be better on shutter release lag and simplicity of controls.
202192
I have a Canon Vixia HFM 40 which I understand from Canon specs shown at http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/en/arcproducts/method/gp/pid/8607#_030 appears to have the same image sensor as the Vixia HFM 400. I find the video to be satisfactory. Camera won't focus from 1 foot away unless you use some close-up filters that can be bought inexpensively on ebay or for more money from a camera retail shop. I like the HFM 40.
725759
Having worked for Apple I know they will first have to test the new camera to make sure of compatibility. Having said that I am pretty sure that, because Apple supports the HF100 it will support the HF200. It's the camera I am getting and all of our computers are Macs.Note: Most people don't know that Apple requires a manufacture to give them product to test before putting it on Apple Store.
106956
i think s95 is compelling if u want better pictures and control. since s95 has the bigger sensor (better pictures) and the PASM (better control). but really, the 4000 is a true P&S wif some kick-ass hardware baked in.
1886592
Despite what amazon wrote, the Canon VIXIA HF R100 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder is not the newer version of the Canon VIXIA HF200 HD Flash Memory Camcorder with 15x Optical Zoom, the Canon VIXIA HF M300 Flash Memory Camcorder is. The HF200 is a 2009 model with a list price of $749.99 and the HF R100 is a 2010 model with a list price of $499.99, which makes it the lowest-cost (or bottom of the line) Vixia model. The HF200 was also the lowest cost of the 2009 line-up, but the 2010 line-up has a lower bottom. There are several differences. The HF R100 has a 20X optical zoom, vs. 15X optical for the HF200. That appears to be the only advantage the HF R100 has over the HF200. However, unless you use the HF R100 on a tripod, that extra zoom will be useless because it has worse image stabilization than the HF200 and you can't handhold a camcorder at that magnification and shoot acceptable footage (it will be bouncing all over the place). So, that extra zoom is mainly a marketing ploy rather than a true advantage. The HF200 has a larger image sensor (for better low-light performance), higher resolution image sensor (for sharper video and still images), higher resolution LCD screen (for sharper images and icons), Multi-Angle Vivid LCD screen (apparently for wider viewing angles), optical image stabilization (for sharper images; the HF R100 has no optical image stabilization but uses electronic image shifting instead), and a higher maximum recording bit rate (for sharper images with fewer compression artifacts, a.k.a. pixelation). Since the HF200 is a 2009 model, it is available at about 1/3 off the list price bringing it down to the same street price as the still new 2010 HF R100 model. The HF200 is a much better camcorder than the HF R100 and they sell for the same price right now.
2194466
The s100 does have zebra pattern 70/100 and gain control as well. That said, I think think the s200 strong points (track and focus on anything, not just faces), native 24p!! and better low light picture, are important. Eve as a very happy owner of the s100, I am still thinking of upgrading. There is one big thing I am waiting to read about -- has canon addressed the vertical resolution issue (most evident in diagonal lines) that is caused by the down sampling from a 8MP chip to 1920x1080?
2079453
I just replaced my SD870IS with a Canon S100 - a move up in price and features. I am still using my 870 for some work ( it's display has some dead spots).Thanks for the discussion.
1466714
I agree with j-rob. Does anyone know how the newer model (HDR-XR500V) performs in low-light situations? They claim the Exmor-R sensor helps with these situations. It's too bad there's no easy or cost-effective way to upgrade. I'm not in the position to spend another $1k+ for a new camcorder that handles low-light.
568654
Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or... » Read More Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). « Show Less