One of the best features of the Canon FS200 Flash Memory Camcorder w/37x Optical Zoom is its ultra light weight. This Flash Memory Camcorder weighs only 7.9 ounces and measures 2.2 inches wide, 2.3 inches high, and 4.8 inches deep. It has a quick response time because it doesn’t have to wait for moving parts before it starts recording. The other positive about it is the lower power consumption so that the battery lasts longer. It is more shock resistant than other systems. It also reduces the chances of data loss.

The FS200 is equipped with 41x Advanced Zoom, the longest zoom that Canon has offered until now. Due to the genuine Canon lens that remains in action constantly while you are shooting, through the entire extended zoom range, there is no loss of image quality throughout the range. This ensures good and clear shots. You may choose from Advanced Zoom in default mode or select a 37x Optical Zoom or 2000x Digital Zoom as per your requirement.

This Flash Memory camcorder has a DIGIC DV II Image Processor that promises extraordinary quality for both, video and still photographs, although they both have different color requirements. Thanks to this image processor, the videos have better and life-like colors. Another feature is the use of hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction – for video images that are crystal clear. This image processor facilitates the continuous shooting of digital photographs. Five 1024 x 768 images can be shot per second. It processes the images faster to the memory card at the same time consuming less power for a longer battery life.

The FS200 has some of the best shooting controls. The Video Snapshot Mode lets you shoot short movie clips. To make an entertaining movie just capture a series of 4-second video clips then blend in one of 10 supplied music tracks, or your favorite background music and your movie clip is ready. Another interesting feature is Quick Start. When the camcorder is in Cinema mode and the LCD panel is closed it goes in the standby mode. Whenever you want to shoot anything simply open the LCD panel and you are all set to shoot. This also helps increase your battery life as compared to leaving the camcorder in the regular recording mode. The Dual Shoot mode lets you capture videos and photos in the same mode, without switching from one mode to another, so that you never miss a shoot. The Widescreen HR Recording mode uses the entire width of the image sensor, capturing 16:9 widescreen. It captures more pixels for a better final image quality. One of the better features of the FS200 is the Quick Charge where you can charge up to 60 minutes of recording time in just 20 minutes. It is a super fast battery charging! It is also equipped with an Image Stabilizer that will render excellent still photos. The Pre Record feature puts the FS200 in a stand-by “pre roll” mode. With this feature the camcorder continuously records three seconds of video to memory before you press the record button. When you start recording it will start recording the additional video.

The Joystick controls have been made easier by eliminating the extra buttons. This lets you control many functions from one place. You can control the Play, Stop, Fast Forward, and Rewind functions during playback. The exposure lock and exposure compensation can also be controlled when you are recording.

With the Variable Zoom Speed you can select one of the three pre-set zoom speeds to eliminate the signs of amateur video and get absolutely steady results. The Level and Grid Markers let you level your camcorder for better looking pictures. The grid has two colors for you to choose from so that you see the grid no matter what the background of the picture that you are capturing. The FS200 has a built in video light that lets you shoot in low light for up to a distance of 4.9 feet.

The Auto Intelligent Auto Focus (AiAF) ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. When the subject is not in focus the 9-point AiAF will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus.

The FS200 has different exposure modes that you can choose from. The Auto mode automatically sets the exposure, so that you can concentrate on your subject. TV (shutter priority) mode lets you select the shutter speed for sharp, action shots. In P (program) mode, the camcorder adjusts camera settings automatically.

It has a Print/Share feature that enables you to connect your camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the USB cable supplied with the camcorder. You can press the Print/Share button and print directly from the FS200 without going through a computer. This feature also makes it easy to transfer still images to the computer. You have to connect the camcorder to the computer and press the Print/Share button to download the pictures to the computer.

The FS200 has a SHDC memory card to store the digital photos. It has a 2.7-inch Widescreen LCD that lets you have a better view of what you are recording.

Although the FS200 has some of the best features, it’s not flawless altogether. Its menu interface is a little confusing. The manufacturers could have made it a little simpler. It is very sleek and light weight but at the same time doesn’t seem to be very sturdy. It has a few more features than the previous Canon FS100, but there is not much of a difference between the two. The two models are very similar, at the core. It has the manual control options, if you need them, but they are not all that necessary due to the reliable auto controls. The user manual too is not very helpful, in case you need it for any trouble shooting.

Above and all the FS200 seems to be a sleek and good Flash Memory Camcorder with better features. The negatives can be ignored due to the number of features and the ease of use.

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