The Canon VIXIA HF R11 High Definition camcorder combines quality, convenience and ease of use in a compact body and a competitive price.  This camcorder is part of the VIXIA HF R series that leads Canon’s entry-level camcorders for 2010.  Powered by Canon’s DIGIC imaging technology this camcorder promises to produce superior video quality even when used by casual shooters.  It also has Canon’s great features like Smart Auto, Relay Recording, and more.

This camcorder runs on a 1/5.5-inch CMOS imaging sensor with an RGB Primary color filter.  The imager has a resolution of 2.39 megapixels.  Its effective resolution in video mode is about 1664 x 936 or 1.56 megapixels.  When Dynamic IS is on, it has an effective resolution of 1360 x 765 or 1.04 megapixels.  In still photography, it offers an effective resolution of 1664 x 936 or 1.56 megapixels in 16:9 aspect ratio and 1520 x 1140 or 1.73 megapixels in 4:3 aspect ratio.

Video quality for this camcorder is similar to the other Canon camcorders for 2010 – like the HF S21.  Bright light video recording produces crisp and detailed videos but may also exhibit some noise and grain in the images.  In low light conditions, this camcorder produces detailed images that may have one of the best low light performances among entry-level camcorders. 

The HF R11 provides four recording qualities.  The FXP mode records in 17 Mbps, XP+ in 12 Mbps, SP in seven Mbps and LP in five Mbps.  The FXP mode allows 1920 x 1080 full HD recording.  This camcorder also features Canon’s Relay Recording capability that will transfer video recording to the memory card once the internal flash drive gets full.  This feature will ensure continuous and uninterrupted recording anytime.

The HF R11 has a 32 GB internal flash drive and a memory card slot for memory expansion.  The internal flash drive can hold up to four hours of video in FXP mode, six hours in XP+, 9.5 hours in SP mode and 12 hours in LP mode.

This camcorder offers three frame rates.  It has a 60i, 24p Progressive and 30p Progressive frame rates selection.  Both the 24p Progressive and 30p Progressive selection converts the videos to 60i frame rates before storage.  This camcorder doesn’t have a Standard Definition (SD) mode to allow SD video recording.  Instead, it has a down-conversion feature that converts HD videos to SD.  To utilize this feature you will need to use the internal flash drive and a memory card simultaneously.

This camcorder features Canon’s Smart Auto mode that is one of the best automatic modes in the camcorders in its category.  Smart Auto uses the DIGIC DV III, Canon’s processor, to determine the subject’s brightness, color, distance, movement and environment and adjust the settings accordingly to provide the best video result.  This mode produces very accurate results, all the time assuring superior and crisp images always.

The camcorder also has a Pre-Record feature that allows the camcorder to continuously record three seconds of video to the memory even before you start recording.  As soon as you press the record button, the three-second clip records, as well.  This feature will ensure that you capture those precious moments from start to finish.

This camcorder has a genuine Canon lens with 20x optical zoom capability.  The lens also features an additional 400x digital zoom feature.  It has a focal length of 3.0 to 60 mm and an aperture range of f/1.8 to f/3.6.  Maximum shutter speed for video mode is 1/2000 sec and in still photography is 1/500 sec.  This camcorder also has an electronic stabilization system to eliminate effects of hand shake when recording videos.  It has Dynamic Image Stabilization setting for enhanced performance.  The lens doesn’t offer a filter thread.  It also features an electronic lens cover.

The left of the device holds the LCD screen.  Unlike the more expensive Canon camcorders for 2010, this camcorder doesn’t have a touch screen capability.  The 2.7-inch widescreen color LCD has an effective resolution of 0.112 megapixels.  This camcorder doesn’t have a viewfinder, and all monitoring and playback will be thru the LCD screen.

Audio recording is thru the camcorder’s internal microphone that records in Dolby Digital stereo format.  It also features a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for external microphone connections.  This camcorder doesn’t have an accessory shoe for external accessory connections.

The camcorder’s dimensions are 2.4 x 2.5 x 4.9 inches (W x H x D), and it weighs about 325 grams including battery.  The camcorder comes with a Canon BP-2L5 rechargeable battery pack.  Other connectivity options available for this camcorder include an HDMI port and a headphone terminal.

One of its main competitors in the entry-level category is the JVC Everio GZ-HM340 camcorder.  Both camcorders have limited manual control options, which is normal for an entry-level camcorder.  The JVC camcorder offers better bright light video recording performance.  The JVC camcorder has a smaller media drive with its 16 GB internal flash drive.  It also has an SD/SDHC memory slot for memory expansion.  Both camcorders feature a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a similar size imager – JVC camcorder uses a 1/5.8-inch imager.  The JVC camcorder, however, only offers one fix frame rate at 60i compared to Canon’s three selections.

You may also want to check Canon’s new VIXIA HF M31 camcorder that offers a larger imager with its 1/4-inch CMOS sensor.  It features a better bright light video recording performance and retains the HF R11’s great performance in low light conditions.  It has a similar 32 GB internal flash drive and similar features with Canon’s Smart Auto, Relay Recording and Face Detection technology.

The Canon VIXIA HF R11 is a High Definition camcorder that has the imager and features to provide excellent video quality output even in a beginner’s hand.  This camcorder is the HD version of Canon’s FS series.  It is light weight and its black finish gives it an elegant and sleek look.  This camcorder is limited when it comes to connectivity and control interfaces making it ideal for beginners or point and shoot applications.

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