The Canon VIXIA HF R10 is an entry-level camcorder that offers ease of use, convenience and superior auto mode in a competitive package.  This camcorder has an internal flash drive for its recording media and an SD/SDHC card slot for memory expansion.  Powered by Canon’s DIGIC DV III imager and great features like Canon’s Relay Recording, Smart Auto, Face Detection Technology and many more, this camcorder will ensure excellent video quality even in a point and shoot application.

A 1/5.5-inch CMOS sensor with an RGB color filter powers this High Definition (HD) camcorder.  Total pixel output for its imager is 2.39 megapixels.  Effective resolution in video mode is approximately 1664 x 936 or 1.56 megapixels.  The effective resolution drops to 1.04 megapixels with the Dynamic Image Stabilization activated.  In still photo mode, there are two aspect ratio available with 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio.  In 16:9 mode, the camcorder produces a resolution of 1.56 megapixels and in 4:3 mode a resolution of 1.73 megapixels.

Video mode offers four recording qualities.  An FXP mode records in 17 Mbps, an XP+ mode that records in 12 Mbps, SP with 7 Mbps and an LP mode in 5 Mbps.

The device primarily records videos in its 8-GB flash drive.  The flash drive can store up to one hour of videos in FXP mode, 1.5 hours in XP+ mode, 2.5 hours in SP mode and three hours in LP mode.  Users can use an SD/SDHC memory card to extend the camcorder’s recording capability.  The memory slot is located in the LCD cavity.  This camcorder is equipped with Canon’s proprietary Relay Recording capability.  This technology enables the camcorder to transfer the recording to the inserted memory card automatically once the flash drive is full.  This capability will let users capture events continuously without interruptions.

This camcorder is fitted with a genuine Canon lens with 20x optical zoom capability and an added 400x digital zoom.  The lens has an aperture range of f/1.8 to f/3.6 and a focal length range of 3.0 to 60 mm.  This camcorder doesn’t have a filter thread on its lens.  Maximum shutter speed is at 1/2000 for video mode and 1/500 for still photo mode.

This camcorder is one of the few in the entry-level category that offers several frame rates.  It offers a 60i, 24p Progressive and 30p Progressive frame rate selection.  Both 24p Progressive and 30p Progressive converts the videos to 60i frame rates before storing to the media drive.

The camcorder rates at 0.4 lux of minimum illumination to perform in its low light mode.  This camcorder has one of the best performances in low light recording.  It exhibits minimum amount of noise and produces crisp and detailed images when operating in low light mode.  Color accuracy however, is below average in normal shooting mode compared to other camcorders in its category.  The colors are not over saturated, but it doesn’t have a crisp and vibrant texture compared to other camcorders.

This camcorder doesn’t offer a Standard Definition (SD) recording mode.  It does have an HD to SD down-conversion capability to covert the recorded HD videos to SD.  This feature requires the use of the flash drive and a memory card simultaneously.

This camcorder is equipped with a 2.7-inch widescreen color LCD with a resolution of 0.112 megapixels.  The LCD screen produces vivid images perfect for video monitoring and playback.  This camcorder doesn’t have a viewfinder for alternate playback and monitoring capability.  Unlike the more expensive VIXIA HF S and HF M series, this camcorder doesn’t have a touch screen feature.

The HF R10 also features Canon’s genuine Face Detection technology present in many expensive Canon camcorders and digital cameras.  This feature can detect up to 35 faces in a screen, ensure sharp focus and correct exposure for all subjects.  This intelligent feature can detect faces that are turned downwards or sideways.

It also features Canon’s Smart Auto that detects the subject’s lighting environment, distance and movement, and then adjusts the camcorder’s settings to provide the best exposure and video recording output.  This feature is perfect for an entry-level camcorder that is geared towards beginners and the point and shoot crowd.

Audio recording is thru the internal mic mounted at the front of the camcorder just below the lens.  Audio recording is in stereo mode in Dolby Digital audio format.  This camcorder doesn’t have an accessory shoe; therefore, it cannot accommodate audio recording accessories like the Canon’s surround mic.  Instead, it has a mic jack to accommodate a 3.5 mm mic input.

Dimensions of the camcorder are 2.4 x 2.5 x 4.9 inches, and its weight is about 325 grams, including battery.  The camcorder’s power source is a Canon BP-2L5 rechargeable battery pack.

One of its main competitors in its category is the Panasonic HDC-TM10.  The Panasonic camcorder also offers an eight GB internal flash memory for its main recording device and an SD/SDHC memory card slot for memory expansion.  The Panasonic camcorder offers a smaller imager with its 1/6-inch CMOS sensor compared to the Canon’s 1/5.5-inch sensor.  The Panasonic provides a better performance in bright light performance, but the Canon camcorder holds the edge in low light video recording.  Both camcorders offer a 2.7-inch LCD screen but the Panasonic’s screen has a better resolution with its 0.233 megapixels screen.

You may also want to check the other camcorders from Canon for 2010.  The VIXIA HF S21 offers similar low light performance, a larger CMOS sensor at 1/2.6-inch and provides a better performance in normal or bright light conditions.  It has a bigger 64 GB internal flash drive and two memory card slots that can accommodate SD/SDHC memory cards.  Its larger 3.5-inch LCD also offers touch screen feature that is very useful when navigating thru the menu system.

The Canon Vixia HF R10 is an entry-level camcorder packed with smart features and great auto mode that will be perfect for beginners.  Its Relay Recording capability ensures continuous, uninterrupted recording while its superb Canon lens, Smart Auto feature and Face Detection technology will provide excellent video output even for a point and shoot application.  The three colors to choose from – red, silver and black – provide an elegant touch and a sleek look even for an entry-level camcorder.

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