The Canon FS 300 Flash Memory Camcorder is part of the FS series that will lead the company’s Standard Definition (SD) camcorders for 2010.  The FS series will include the SD top-line camcorder the Canon FS31.  These camcorders will replace 2009’s FS 21, 20 and 200 camcorders.  These camcorders will feature a compact and elegant design with superb video recording quality courtesy of Canon’s DIGIC DV II Image Processing system.

A 1/6-inch CCD sensor with a total resolution of 0.68 megapixels powers this Standard Definition camcorder.  The camcorder’s effective resolution with the Advanced Zoom activated is about 0.45 megapixels in 16:9 aspect ratio and 0.36 megapixels in normal mode.  The effective resolution with the Advanced Zoom feature deactivated is about 0.36 megapixels.  Effective resolution in still photography mode is 0.45 megapixels.  This camcorder records in MPEG-2 format.

The FS300 doesn’t have an internal hard or flash drive for a recording media.  It relies on SD/SDHC memory cards inserted in its memory card slot to store videos and still photos.  The top-line camcorder for the Canon FS series for 2010, the FS 31, offers a 16 GB internal flash drive for recording media.

This camcorder offers four video recording quality modes.  There is an XP (nine Mbps) mode, SP (six Mbps) and an LP mode (three Mbps).  A single 32-GB SD card can accommodate up to 7.5 hours of video recording in XP mode, 11 hours in SP mode and almost 21 hours in LP mode.

This camcorder is fitted with a genuine Canon lens with a 37x Optical zoom and a 2000x Digital zoom capability.  It also offers a 41x Advanced zoom feature in 16:9 widescreen mode.  The lens has a focal length of 2.6 to 96.2 mm and has an aperture range of f/2.0 to f/5.2.  This camcorder doesn’t have a filter thread for accessory connections.  The absence of a filter thread is common for most entry-level and SD definition camcorders.  The lens’ maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 in video mode and 1/500 in still photography mode.  The lens comes with an electronic lens cover.  The lens features an excellent optical image stabilization system to eliminate blurriness due to camera shake.  It also features a Dynamic IS that provides continuous correction when using the camcorder’s zoom to its optimum.

Color performance is average for this camcorder.  Its DIGIC DV II imaging system has the capability to produce great details in a wide range of images but lacks the vividness and life-like qualities that high definition camcorders offer.  In bright light environments, this camcorder works best in auto mode.  It can produce decent video images with crisp details.

For low light recording, this camcorder rates at a minimum 1.3-lux illumination to work in Night mode.  Images captured in such low light conditions however, may show noise and grain in the details.  The low light recording works best with environments that are a little brighter than 1.3 lux.

One of the camcorder’s top features is its Pre-Record capability.  This feature lets the camcorder continuously record 3-second clips on to the camcorders internal memory.  Once you press the record button, the camcorder starts recording videos and includes the 3-second clip to ensure you capture those important events from start to finish.

Another new feature on this camcorder is the Quick Charge capability.  This feature reduces the charging time of the battery significantly.  This feature will come in handy when on vacation and short travel trips when quick charging is essential.  This camcorder comes with an Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery that accurately tracks the battery’s remaining charge and provides accurate indication on the remaining battery life in minutes.

The camcorder is equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD color screen that has a resolution of 0.123 megapixels.  This widescreen LCD doesn’t have touch screen capability that is a feature of many of Canon’s expensive camcorders.  Navigation thru the menu system is thru the joystick at the side of the screen.

The camcorder’s dimensions are 2.2 x 2.3 x 4.8 inches (W x H x D), and weighs 10.1 oz including battery.  Like the Canon FS31, Canon’s top-line SD camcorder for 2010, this camcorder is power-efficient.  It only consumes 1.8 Watts of power when operating (camcorder set to LP mode with the LCD screen set to normal brightness).

Other features for this camcorder includes Video Snapshot, Dual Shot and a built-in light in front to provide light source when recording in low light conditions.  Connectivity options include an A/V terminal and a USB port.

One of its main competitors in its category is the Samsung SC-MX20 camcorder.  This camcorder solely records in SD/SDHC memory cards and records in MPEG-4.AVC format.  The Samsung camcorder has an identical video recording performance to the Canon camcorder.  The Canon camcorder may hold an edge in performance when recording in low light conditions characterized by lower noise level and lesser grain.  The Samsung TV offers three quality settings and an additional Web & Mobile setting that records in 2-Mbps format that is ideal for web and You Tube uploads.

For a better video performance and a more versatile camcorder, you may want to check on the Canon VIXIA HF S21 – Canon’s flagship camcorder for its High Definition series for 2010.  The HF S21 features a larger imager with its 1/2.6-inch imaging sensor, and Canon’s DIGIC DV III imaging system powers it.  The bigger imager will provide a better performance in bright light recording.  High Definition videos record in its 64 GB internal flash drive.  It also has two memory slots that can accommodate SD/SDHC memory cards for extended recording capacity.  This camcorder also features Canon’s Relay Recording that automatically transfers the video recording to an available SD card if the flash drive gets full.

The Canon FS300 is a great camcorder for travel and short vacation trips with its sleek and compact design.  It is lightweight and easy to use.  Its full auto mode will provide decent video quality all the time.  This is an excellent entry-level camcorder for point-and-shoot application.  This budget-friendly camcorder is also available in three colors – red, blue and silver.

Best Prices on the Web

 
Canon FS300 Silver

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	$237.00		IN
	$299.99		IN
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Canon FS300 Red

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	$299.99		IN
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	$284.99		IN
	$228.88		IN
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Canon FS300 Blue

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	$237.00		IN
	$279.00		IN
	$259.99		IN
	$284.99		IN
	$228.88		IN
	$249.00		IN

Technical Specifications