The Canon FS31 is the top-line camcorder for the FS series that will lead the company’s entry-level Standard Definition (SD) camcorders for 2010.  This camcorder looks sleek and elegant in its silver package.  The series includes the Canon FS300 camcorder.  This Dual Flash memory camcorder offers user-friendly features and stunning video capability at a competitive price.  It runs on Canon’s DIGIC DV II Image Processor.

A 1/6-inch CCD sensor that records videos in MPEG-2 format powers this camcorder.  The imager has a total resolution of 0.68 megapixels.  In video mode, this camcorder provides an effective resolution of 0.45 megapixels in 16:9 aspect ratio and 0.36 in normal mode.  In still photo mode, this camcorder provides an effective resolution of 0.45 megapixels.

The FS31 and the FS300 camcorders replaces Canon’s 2009 SD camcorders the FS21 and the FS200 respectively.  This year’s top-line for the SD series, the FS 31, carries a lower resolution capability than last year’s FS21.  The FS21 had an imager with a 1.07-megapixels resolution compared to the new FS31’s 0.68 megapixels.

Color performance for this camcorder is average.  It produces crisp and clear images but doesn’t have the vividness that High Definition camcorders offer.  Its video quality is not the best among the SD camcorders in its category but it is capable of producing great videos in auto mode.  Low light recording is also average.  This camcorder rates at 1.3 lux minimum illumination to record videos in its low light mode.  Slightly above 1.3 lux, the camcorder offers great video quality with good detail and crisp images.  At about 1.3 lux, there are noticeable noise and grain that affects the video’s quality.

This camcorder offers three video quality modes.  There is an LP mode (three Mbps), SP mode (six Mbps) and an XP mode (nine Mbps).  It has a 16 GB internal flash drive that can store up to four hours of videos in XP mode, 5.5 hours in SP mode and ten hours in LP mode.  It also has a built-in memory card slot that can accommodate SD/SDHC memory cards to extend the camcorder’s recording capacity.

The camcorder’s lens is a genuine Canon lens that has a 37x optical zoom and 2000x digital zoom capability.  Its 41x advanced zoom capability is available in the 16:9 widescreen mode.  The lens has a focal length of 2.6 to 96.2 mm and an aperture range of f/2.0 to f/5.2.  Maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 in video mode and 1/500 in still photography mode.  There is no filter thread on the lens for accessory attachments.  One of its new features is its Dynamic EIS stabilization setting.  This dynamic setting is a digital function that will further help the camcorder eliminate blurriness in videos due to hand shakes or when zooming to its maximum capacity.

This camcorder is equipped with the same LCD screen as the previous FS21.  The 2.7-inch widescreen color LCD has a resolution of 0.123 megapixels.  This camcorder doesn’t have a viewfinder, so all monitoring and playback is thru its LCD.  It doesn’t have a touch screen capability like most Canon high end camcorders – like the VIXIA HF S21.  Navigation thru the menu system is thru the traditional joystick located beside the LCD screen.

Audio recording is thru the built-in microphone located at the front of the camcorder just below the lens.  Audio recording is in Dolby Digital stereo sound format.  There is no accessory shoe or mic jack on this camcorder.  However, its 3.5 mm, 4-pole mini jack will serve as a video/audio output port only.

Dimensions for this camcorder are 2.2 x 2.3 x 4.8 inches (W x H x D), and it weighs 10.1 oz – battery included.  Power consumption is very efficient with the camcorder using 1.8 Watts (in LP mode with the LCD set to normal brightness).

This camcorder also features a Pre-Record capability that allows the camcorder to continuously record three seconds of clips in the camcorder’s internal memory.  As soon as you press the record button, the camcorder records the videos, including the three second clip in the memory, to make sure that you capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments from start to finish.  Other features include Quick Start, Dual Shot, Quick Charge and Video Snapshot features.  Connectivity options include a USB 2.0 port and an A/V terminal.

One of its main competitors in its price range is the Sony MHS-CM1 camcorder.  The Sony camcorder is a budget camcorder that offers HD video recording capability at a competitive price.  This camcorder features a 12 MB internal flash drive, which is smaller, compared to the Canon’s 16 GB.  The Sony camcorder has a larger imager with 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor that will provide a full HD, 2.07 megapixels of video recording capability.  One of the Sony camcorder’s main disadvantages is the use of Sony proprietary memory cards to extend its recording capacity.  If you opt for the Sony camcorder you need to invest in Memory Stick Pro Duo cards to maximize this camcorder’s recording capability.

For a better video performance and High Definition recording capability, you may want to check on Canon’s flagship HD camcorder for 2010 – the Canon VIXIA HF S21.  The HF S21 offers a larger imager with its 1/2.6-inch CMOS sensor and a larger internal recording media with its 64 GB internal flash drive.  For continuous recording capability, the HF S21 has two built-in memory slots and a Relay Recording capability that transfers recording to the SD cards once the internal flash memory is full.  Its larger 3.5-inch LCD screen with touch screen capability will provide ease in menu navigation and control.

The Canon FS31 camcorder is an excellent camcorder for consumers looking for an entry-level Standard Definition camcorder.  It is light weight, sleek and it offers a decent video recording capability and still photo features.  Its internal flash drive and its versatility to accommodate additional SD/SDHC memory cards will provide sufficient memory space for a whole day of recording activity.  Its light weight and compact design is perfect for vacation and point-and-shoot applications.

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