I spent a fair amount of time (four hours) reading reviews and comparing features of Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and Canon videocams. I also read all the reviews on Amazon regarding all the Canon videocams in the consumer line. Overall the Amazon had a slightly negative undertone, but I decided to go with Canon because of good experience with a point and shoot camera I had bought several years ago. But once I got the Vixia HFR21, I had a difficult time loading some test videos I had shot.I remembered an Amazon review that said the .mts video format and the software used to upload Canon video was questionable. That's when I was a minute away from packing it back up and returning it. I am an above average computer guy, and I am an expert on Photoshop; a good user on Adobe Illustrator; above average on Microsoft products; and generally can do what I need to do to make things work via a pc. The mistake I made was following the directions included with the videocam that said if I don't have Windows 7, don't use the "VideoBrowser" software--it said to use the "utility" software. Wrong!!!!!!!!!! The VideoBrowser worked just fine with Windows XP.
After I discovered that, I pulled back from the brink of returning it. And now I've spent more time with HFR21, I am impressed. It's easy to upload video to your PC; it's even easy to watch a video you just shot on your flat screen TV. Also, of critical importance to me, is that .mts videos that Canon shoots, is readily useable by Adobe Premiere Elements 9. I'm updating my software (haven't yet) and any video I shoot must be compatible with Adobe. And it is.
All that is the backstory (but what good is video if you can't quickly upload it or view it????).
About the HFR21: the video is sharp; shoots GREAT video right before sunset, when the dusk makes it difficult for a person to see really, really clearly. Video I shot last night at dusk looks as if the sun was shining; it wasn't, but you couldn't tell by watching the footage. Unbelievable really!
The battery is good; the size of videocam is SMALL and I LOVE IT! I want to be able to put the cam in a pocket and take a walk on the beach. I would never argue it's too small as some have on this website. The smaller the better.
The touch screen is good, average sensitivity. The size of the screen and the size of the icons is good. I have Polish-sausage sized fingers and the icons on the screen work fine.
I highly recommend the HFR21, especially at $449!
One other thing: this is not a fake review written by a competitor to Canon or by an employee of Canon. I'm telling like it is.
I have a brand new macbook pro running imovie11. At first I thought I was going to have trouble because I couldn't figure out how to get imovie to import a few quick videos I took. After about 20 minutes I figured out all I have to do is plug the camera into through the USB, click the import video button on the camera, and then click on "All-For PC only" and whallah...videos imported to i movie. That simple. I did not have to install anything or download any conversion software.
Now, let me get back to shooting videos.
Buy Canon VIXIA HF R21 Full HD Camcorder with 32GB Internal Flash Memory Now
This is a really nice camcorder. It is small and lightweight and fits snugly in your right hand. The adjustable grip belt, holds it securely in place, for easy one hand operation. You can even adjust the zoom and take still pictures while holding it with one hand. This leaves your left hand free to adjust the rotation of the LCD screen and use the touch screen to change settings.This camcorder is also intuitive to set up for basic operation. For more advanced functions, you will probably want to download the PDF manual. First thing I did, out of the box, was install the battery and then use the included power cord to charge it. After plugging it in, there is a LCD that flashes red as it charges and then turns green when the battery is charged.
While it was charging I installed the included software. It comes with 3 disks. One has the transfer utility, which you can use to transfer videos from your camera to your PC. You can also use the transfer utility to transfer videos and audio to your camera. The camera has built in editing functions, so you could actually compose and edit a movie on your camera, and then view it from the camera or use the included A/V or HDMI cables to view it on your TV.
It also comes with a Pixela Video Browser that you can use to view, edit, and create slideshows, with still pictures taken with the camcorder. The other disk contains some additional audio files for video editing and a manual for the included video and photo viewing software. I downloaded the actual manual, for the operation of the camcorder, from the Canon website. The manual is nice, because it explains less intuitive functions, like how to adjust settings when you are not using auto mode, and how to initialize the SD memory cards.
The HD video quality of this player is really nice. I used the included HDMI cable to hook the camera to my HD TV and the video quality blew away a standard definition camcorder hooked to the same TV with an A/V cable. This player also has 32 GBs of internal memory and two SD slots where you can add 32GB SDXC cards, and the player automatically switches to the next card when the previous memory is full.
The 28X Zoom works flawlessly and there are several presets for filming in different conditions. The auto focus makes filming as easy as pressing a button, and built in image stabilization will make even the work of a novice, look decent. The LCD screen is a touch screen and when used with the included stylus is very responsive. There are some fun added features, where you can use the stylus to draw on photos and add other effects suchs as bubbles or square pixels.
Besides the power button, the zoom, the photo button, and the record button, you will not find any other controls until you open the LCD screen. Once you open the LCD, it is a touch screen that enables you to browse photos and videos and change settings. Against the camera body are four other buttons, which let us toggle between record and view, video snap, auto focus, and an extra display light to make the LCD brighter, so it can be viewed in direct sunlight. You will find the mini USB slot and the HDMI slot under these buttons.
This camcorder has a lot of built in and adjustable advanced functions. Yet, it is easy enough to turn it on, hit auto focus, film some video, and hit playback on the LCD screen. You could also use one of the included HDMI or A/V cables and playback the video on your TV. This is a really nice camcorder and it's really fun to use. I have a feeling this will be replacing my regular camera and I will be getting a lot of use out of this camcorder.
Read Best Reviews of Canon VIXIA HF R21 Full HD Camcorder with 32GB Internal Flash Memory Here
I have had this Canon VIXA HF R21 for about a month now and I got it super cheap. For what I paid for the camera (205 on a Woot! offer) it works just fine for the price range. If you're looking for the step up from your Flip HD camera to a better quality camera, this will suffice. But for the upper 300-400 dollar range, this just doesn't make the cut. I would recommend the Canon VIXIA HF M40 or M41. The M40 is 50 dollars cheaper and you get a better CMOS censor, an accessory hot shoe for attachments like professional microphones or recording remotes, better zoom lens, and the low light recording is fantastic. This camera is about as bare bones as you can buy for a HD camera. The quality of video is pretty good when you play with the settings and crank them all up, but nothing too spectacular. The auto white balance doesn't ever seem to work for me, but custom white balance addressed that for the most part. I work with a professional lighting set up and green screen and when shooting with this camera, even with a 3000 watt lighting set up perfectly, i have to color correct in order to for chroma key the green screen. I tried to shoot my nieces ballet recital and I'm glad i always come with 2 batteries because it was definitely needed, and it didn't get very good quality video in low light. It turned out very grainy and saturated. I have to use an external microphone while working with this (I prefer Rode VideoMic Directional Condensor) because the on board mic picks up the camera motor and it sounds like you are shooting next to a jet engine. It is truly noticeable, especially when zoomed in, and because there is no hot shoe, I can't mount the microphone on the camera directly, i have to use a mic stand. Still photos look like they are sub par to cell phone photos, but thats not why people buy this kind of dedicated cameras. One thing I can really appreciate is the 32 gig of on board memory. I can stick a card in the bottom and get a lot of recording time. I regret buying this camera. Spend less money and get a better camera. Ive had to invest quite a bit of money to make this camera functional enough to use it, while i could have spent more money just to get a better camera. This isn't the worst camera I have worked with, and it isn't really all that bad for your average consumer, but for the money you can do A LOT better.Want Canon VIXIA HF R21 Full HD Camcorder with 32GB Internal Flash Memory Discount?
Each new generation of technological advances makes camcorders better and better. This brand new Canon HFR21 is no exception. Let's look at its positives first.* Very lightweight--less than 10 ounces
* Compact and rounded--fits in a woman's hand--2.4"x2.4"x4.8"
* Easy to use
* HD video lens has 28x zoom capability
* Can be used for both still and video photography
* Excellent resolution (picture clarity) for video (have not used it for still photos)
* Records HD video to a 32 GB internal flash drive
* Camera self-focuses (Canon Face Detection) on faces for a more professional shot
* Smart Auto Mode automatically adjusts settings to record correctly for settings/scenes
* Written manual and 3 CDs (1 instruction manual; 1 Video Browser for average users; 1 Transfer Utility for more complex/sophisticated capability)
* Instructions for use of camera are clearly written
* Camera has both built-in memory and can use a memory card (not supplied)
* Screen measures 3" (diagonal) and swivels manually as needed
* Touch screen panel (like the smart phones) for ease of use
* Records up to two hours under optimal conditions
* Has two SD card slots
* Easily gets your movies on the web from the camera/computer
* Helps to eliminate a shaking picture when used while in motion
There are few drawbacks that I've found so far. But, they should be noted. Here are the negative features:
* Instruction manual's graphics are too small to be seen clearly (see narrative below)
* Instructions for initial set-up are not clearly written for `non-techies'(see narrative below)
* Lacks a brief `take-along' guide for users (as typically provided with cell phones)
The written manual's size is compact--like the camera. Unfortunately, the graphics are so small as to be difficult to see. Pages 9-16, 22-24, 31, and 36 need to be enlarged as they are critical in learning how to operate the camcorder. When I tried following the PDF format on-screen, I still had to enlarge the graphics to 125% to be seen easily. (My corrected eyesight is 20/20, so the problem is not unique to a few individuals.)
If you are a novice or, unsure of yourself when dealing with technology, you will want someone to guide you through the initial steps required, prior to using your camera. You must install two CDs. One is an instruction manual. The second and third CDs offer you a choice. The Video Browser CD is for the more casual user. Its software allows you to manage, edit, and play back your movies. And the third CD (Transfer Utility) is for saving and transferring movies and music files used for background music. This third one is for the savvy user seeking more editing capabilities. Once the CDs are installed, the camera's usage instructions are readily understood. The difficulty with the manual is the reason I rate this four stars and not five.
It is not necessary to purchase an SD card (extends your recording time seamlessly) but, the camera has two SD slots. SD cards, depending on their capacity, run from $40-$90. Canon claims that, using the cards allows faster filming starts than when using the internal memory.
Another useful feature is the camcorder's ability to focus on one face (Face Index). When searching for photos of a particular individual, the camera `remembers' the face and finds all the pertinent shots for you. This is a great time saver.
This camcorder should be more than sufficient for those of us who want video and stills of life's momentous events, vacations, etc. For the aspiring cinematographer, its potential extends beyond casual filming and editing.
A final note: The Canon camcorder was supplied to me for review by Amazon. We last purchased a camcorder 18 years ago. It was bulky, about double the price, and could not take still photos. One of our sons broke it and it was never replaced. If I were buying a camcorder today, I would definitely get this one. Beyond the initial difficulty I had with the manuals and graphics, this camcorder is a pleasure to operate. A last note to my sons: Keep your hands off!
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