Canon HF S21 vs. Sony XR550V I need some advice from folks more knowledgeable than myself on HD camcorders. I think I've narrowed it down to these two models, but would consider others if anyone has recommendations. I will mostly use this camcorder for home movies and outdoor sports activities.My inclination is to go for the Canon after reading up on the two. It seems the Sony shoots in 1080i and the Canon in 1080p. Similarly, it looks like the Canon has better actual still resolution, 8MP to 6MP.Does anyone have any thoughts on the comparison? Transfer speeds to PC from the Sony? Ease of use? Software editing issues? Required accessories?I'll be making this purchase in the next month, so any input would be appreciated! Canon HF S21 vs. Sony XR550V I need some advice from folks more knowledgeable than myself on HD camcorders. I think I've narrowed it down to these two models, but would consider others if... » Read More Canon HF S21 vs. Sony XR550V I need some advice from folks more knowledgeable than myself on HD camcorders. I think I've narrowed it down to these two models, but would consider others if anyone has recommendations. I will mostly use this camcorder for home movies and outdoor sports activities.My inclination is to go for the Canon after reading up on the two. It seems the Sony shoots in 1080i and the Canon in 1080p. Similarly, it looks like the Canon has better actual still resolution, 8MP to 6MP.Does anyone have any thoughts on the comparison? Transfer speeds to PC from the Sony? Ease of use? Software editing issues? Required accessories?I'll be making this purchase in the next month, so any input would be appreciated! « Show Less
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Canon VIXIA HF S21 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder - 2010 MODELWhich SDHC cards should I consider getting for my new Canon HF S21?
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Sony is HDD - an older technology. Canon is SDHC - no moving parts, fast start, using less power which is critical for battery operated devices. I'll never buy anything with hand hold HDD. HDD never meant to be hand hold.
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I went ahead and bought the Canon. In the end, it seemed to have more advantages over the Sony. Haven't filmed anything yet, and there is much to digest in the instructions.I will say that by the time you are done adding accessories, the Canon is REALLY expensive. The camera itself was $1,350. If you want surround sound, the microphone is another $200. Memory cards, battery packs and lens attachments really drive up the final price. And of course, Canon doesn't even include a case, HDMI cable or a neck/shoulder strap with the camcorder.
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Have you looked at the Panasonic TM 700K? This is the best video and smallest camcorder around for less than $1000. Flash recording is the way to go for Battery consumption. Would not go into the hard drive versions regardless of the brand
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A better comparison is the Sony HDR CX550 which has the same SDHC as the Canon. The Sony, at over 300 dollars cheaper and comparable performance seems to be the better buy.
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Have you made a decision? I'm in the same boat. Got a bunch of Sony DVs but the camera is huge. Time to move to HD. I like the Canon HF M40 because its got alot of the same optics as the G10 at half the price. The Pan has a much better range on the wide end, so I'm torn. Not sure if the Pan features are as good as the Canon otherwise.
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Ok. I've never done the camcorder thing except on a 20 yr old Sony HI 8 mm. It finally wore out. I record 16 straight hours. Is that possible on this HF100? Thanks.
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Excellent at 1080P at these frame rates:60/50/30/25/24p I am more into still photos than video. Video changes too often (Video film/super8/vhs/digital/full HD and now Quad HD is starting) Still photos last if you back them up. I use video for short films to be combined for children/grandchildren. Image quality depends on the sensor and the lens. The better the lens the better the quality. Technique and your level of competence matter most. Many pros used cheaper cameras, but they knew just how to get the best results.This is a very good mid-level camera. Any model that is more expensive is in the professional category.
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I have both. The S95 is more of a photography toy to me, in a good way. I like tinkering with all the settings to try (keyword try) to take photos that are above and beyond amateur. Six months ago when the S95 was still $399, I would've recommended the S8100 because it'd have been cheaper and would've taken very decent pictures. Plus, the S8100 has better zoom and is faster (CMOS sensor). But, given the S95 and S8100 are about the same price now, I'd go with the S95. If you're taking sports photos outside, the faster CMOS of the S8100 sensor doesn't have much on the S95, especially since you can adjust the S95's shutter speed to make it faster. But, keep in mind the S95 does not have continuous shooting speeds the S8100 does. The S8100 has a continuous mode that can capture several photos in one second. The S95 simply cannot do this. As for low-light indoor shots, both are good. The S95 has a bright f/2 lens so it definitely helps with low light shots. And the S8100 was designed to do well in low-light situations. I have a HD camcorder so the 1080p video on the S8100 wasn't a selling point. However, if you don't like carrying around a camcorder and a camera, the S8100 doubles as a great camcorder. As for the quality of the video, neither the S95's 720p nor the S8100's 1080p has anything on the true 1080p quality videos of a real HD camcorder. I guess in the end, the tie breaker would be how much fun you could have with the S95, especially if you like manipulating camera settings to get the perfect shot. The S8100 is more of a pick up and shoot camera. I have both and I definitely use the S95 more. My significant other holds on to the S8100 because I gave it to him (if that's any further indication of which one I'd pick).
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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.
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Brad - I don't think you can go wrong with either camera. Add to for your consideration the Sony HX5 - it's on a par with these two. I looked long and hard at all 3 of these, researching specs and comments, as well as trying them out in camera stores, etc. I finally chose the S8100, although only coming out in September the amount of reviews is sparse - but even compared to the S8000 earlier model the improved S8100 proves to be a great camera. One thing I really like is the heft and feel of the camera, as well as the professional and high quality look and detail of the camera. It's a joy to take photos with this camera. The photos from it are stunning.
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Considering Sony's new models came out, The Sony HDR-CX760v blows away the HF G10.. If you plan to get a Camcorder I'd say go with the CX760v..
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Amazon ratings are based on customer's reviews, not on professional analysis. Canon and Nikon are consistently seen as "the leaders" by the average photographer, although in my view their popular models are nothing to write home about. If you are a professional photographer and buy top of the line models, there is no doubt that Sony is not for you. But if you are like me, an enthusiast, GO FOR IT. Sony has excellent HD video performance AND autofocus in video so that I have put my camcorder to pasture. It has also some outstanding features in still camera mode, but you have to read the manual thoroughly. Viva Sony! Amazon ratings are based on customer's reviews, not on professional analysis. Canon and Nikon are consistently seen as "the leaders" by the average photographer, although in my view their popular models are nothing to write home about. If you are a professional photographer and buy top of the line models, there is no doubt that Sony is not for you. But if you are like me, an enthusiast, GO FOR IT. Sony has excellent HD video performance AND autofocus in video so that I have put my camcorder to pasture. It has also some outstanding features in still camera mode, but you have to... » Read More Amazon ratings are based on customer's reviews, not on professional analysis. Canon and Nikon are consistently seen as "the leaders" by the average photographer, although in my view their popular models are nothing to write home about. If you are a professional photographer and buy top of the line models, there is no doubt that Sony is not for you. But if you are like me, an enthusiast, GO FOR IT. Sony has excellent HD video performance AND autofocus in video so that I have put my camcorder to pasture. It has also some outstanding features in still camera mode, but you have to read the manual thoroughly. Viva Sony! « Show Less
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I LOVE this camcorder. Hi Def is incredible. Still shots (photos) are also great. I use it mainly for sports. I bought a couple different lenses (wide angle & telephoto) because I like what they offer. I personally use Adobe Premiere for editing but Final Cut would be another great option. Wondershare is also decent for quick editing and nothing fancy.
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Check out the review at camcorder info dot com.It beat out all others in its price class that it was compared to in the review, (panasonic, jvc, sony).However for $400 more (double the price) the canon HV-40, for instance is really outstanding, and for $650 there are a couple better choices.
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I think both are great cameras...Canon seems to perform a little better, but the difference is very slight, this, according to the reviews I read...I think the bottom line is; Canon performs a little better, the LCD screen can be moved, and it has a hot shoe for a better flash unit, but Panasonic has RAW format and HD video, and also, the zoom can be used with the video format, something most cameras don't have...I guess since both are equally good, you should buy the one you feel more comfortable with, or you like the most...you can't go wrong with either one...Good luck!!
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Thank you Tech Guy. I think I will stay with my current Rebel XT (350 in Europe) as it offers my great pics but not so fancy, large, back-LCD. I used to have a Canon EOS RT which was heavier and more robust than Rebel, but I got used to the smaller, ligther camera now. Video, I can live with the videos my wife gets in her Nikon Coolpix pocket camera. Lenses I have upgraded last year to 28-80 and 100-300 both USM. So being an amateur photographer, I think I will spend the extra bucks in something else.I have some of my pics posted in http://www.sxc.hu/profile/sebadanon which is a nice free stock photo site. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer me.Take careKind regardsSebastian (from Argentina) Thank you Tech Guy. I think I will stay with my current Rebel XT (350 in Europe) as it offers my great pics but not so fancy, large, back-LCD. I used to have a Canon EOS RT which was heavier and more robust than Rebel, but I got used to the smaller, ligther camera now. Video, I can live with the videos my wife gets in her Nikon Coolpix pocket camera. Lenses I have upgraded last year to 28-80 and 100-300 both USM. So being an amateur photographer, I think I will spend the extra bucks in something else.I have some of my pics posted in http://www.sxc.hu/profile/sebadanon which is a nice... » Read More Thank you Tech Guy. I think I will stay with my current Rebel XT (350 in Europe) as it offers my great pics but not so fancy, large, back-LCD. I used to have a Canon EOS RT which was heavier and more robust than Rebel, but I got used to the smaller, ligther camera now. Video, I can live with the videos my wife gets in her Nikon Coolpix pocket camera. Lenses I have upgraded last year to 28-80 and 100-300 both USM. So being an amateur photographer, I think I will spend the extra bucks in something else.I have some of my pics posted in http://www.sxc.hu/profile/sebadanon which is a nice free stock photo site. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer me.Take careKind regardsSebastian (from Argentina) « Show Less
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I have this same problem, I have bought the XR260V, but I found the battery is so weak with FV50, I can't imagine why the camcorder is packed with the lowest capacity one by the manufacture.
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Medium answer: It is not "too" professional, but a smaller camcorder will get the job done for you. I have both the Sanyo Xacti GH-2 ($170) and the Canon HFD100 (considerably more $). I use one for the family and the other for serious projects. They are both HD. The both record to the same medium (SD.) They can both can be point and shoot (see above post.) One of them is a little pricey...Good luck!
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I also purchased the FZ8 and returned it because of the noise (grainy photos). I went ahead and got the Sony DSC-H7 and like it much better. My only wish is that it would shoot in the RAW format (the FZ8 did!). Overall, we like the flash better, the speed better, the grip and position of the buttons and the H7 camera overall.
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Hi Allington, Sony HVRA1U Camcorder is a professional product and your question can be answered accurately if you send your inquiry to bis.product.support@am.sony.com, provide them with your contact details and your concern. Thanks. -Vincent