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Canon Vixia HF S100

*Est. $1000

Reviewed October 2009
Canon Vixia HF S100

pros
  • Great HD video
  • Extensive manual controls
  • Cheaper than the top-rated Canon HF S10
cons
  • Omits the Canon HF S10's internal memory
  • Grainier low-light video than rivals
  • No viewfinder or lens ring
 
 
Where to Buy
  • Dell

    for $1,099.00

  • eBay

    for $859.90

  • Abe's Of Maine

    for $899.00

 
 
 

The Canon Vixia HF S100 is the same camcorder as the critics' favorite Canon Vixia HF S10 (*Est. $1,140), with two differences: The HF S100 has no internal memory, and it costs less. If you don't mind using SDHC cards, reviews say it's a good deal. Expect to pay $20 for an 8 GB card that holds an hour of high-definition footage, or more for a bigger card (the HF S10 can hold about three hours of top-quality HD video on its 32 GB built-in flash memory). Like its top-rated big brother, the HF S100 offers the sharpest 1080p footage in tests, plus robust controls for advanced users and an easy mode for beginners. Both camcorders have 2.7-inch LCD screens and a dial to control the focus and 10x optical zoom, although some testers say the traditional focus/zoom lens ring on the Panasonic HDC-TM300 (*Est. $1,175) allows finer control. The HF S100 also shares the HF S10's slightly disappointing low-light performance.

CamcorderInfo.com runs its usual comprehensive battery of tests on the Canon Vixia HF S100, comparing it with its closest competitors. InfoSyncWorld.com and the U.K.'s Which? magazine also thoroughly test the HF S100 and rate it alongside other camcorders. Amazon.com posts more than 40 owner reviews of this model, some of them very detailed.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
DellDell rated 3.50 (1761 reviews)1761 store reviewsIn Stock. Free Shipping!$1,099.00
eBayeBay rated 4.00 (1176 reviews)1176 store reviewsIn Stock. $859.90
Abe's Of MaineAbe's Of Maine rated 4.00 (4294 reviews)4294 store reviewsIn Stock. New$899.00
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. CamcorderInfo.com

CamcorderInfo.com compares the Canon Vixia HF S100 with its major competitors. The Canon produces the sharpest footage, but testers prefer an easier-to-use Panasonic model.

Review: Canon Vixia HF S100 Camcorder Review, Kaitlyn Chantry and Jeremy Stamas, April 10, 2009

2. InfosyncWorld.com

The Canon Vixia HF S100 scores just one point behind the top-rated Canon Vixia HF S10 here. Reviewer Mike Perlman says it omits only the HF S10's built-in memory, so it's a great deal if you already own memory cards.

Review: Canon Vixia HF S100 Review, Mike Perlman, May 16, 2009

3. Which? magazine

Which? magazine, a U.K. publication similar to ConsumerReports.org, tests 56 HD camcorders, including the Canon HF S100. Editors rate each camcorder on 10 criteria, including video and sound quality, and provide concise but complete explanations. The top performers are named best buys.

Review: Canon HF S100, Editors of Which?

4. Amazon.com

The Canon Vixia HF S100 is a favorite of users here, averaging 4.5 out of five stars in more than 40 reviews. The vast majority find it a great value, although a few negative reviews are also posted.

Review: Canon Vixia HF S100, Contributors to Amazon.com

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