The Canon VIXIA HF S20 is one of the main camcorders on the Canon’s line up for 2010.  This High Definition camcorder runs on a1/2.6-inch CMOS imaging sensor with a resolution of 8.59 megapixels and records in AVCHD format.  This camcorder captures videos with an effective resolution of 3264 x 1840 pixels or 6.01 megapixels.  Still photos are 3264 x 1840 pixels or 6.01 megapixels for a 16:9 photo and 3264 x 2456 pixels or 8.02 megapixels for a 4:3 photo.

Video performance is average for this camcorder.  Having an identical imager as the Canon HF S21 camcorder and identical in performance as well.  The camcorder’s high resolution provides crisp and sharp images in bright light performance.  Low light video recording quality is average with some noticeable noise in the blue color.  There are five recording qualities.  There is an MXP (24 Mbps), FXP (17 Mbps), XP+ (12 Mbps), SP (seven Mbps) and LP (five Mbps).  Both FXP and MXP allow 1920 x 1080 full HD recording.

The camcorder has a built-in 32 GB internal flash drive as its main recording media.  The flash drive can store about three hours of videos in MXP quality, four hours in FXP, 6 hours in XP+ 9.5 hours in SP and 12 hours in LP quality.  If the flash drive is not enough, the camcorder also has two available SD/SDHC card slots.  The card slots are located inside the LCD cavity.  The card slots also support the new SDXC memory cards.  Loading the two memory slots will provide enough extra memory space for a whole day recording capability.

The large lens mostly occupies the front of the device.  The lens has a 10x optical zoom with an additional 200x digital zoom.  It has a focal length of 6.4 to 64mm, a filter size of 58mm and an aperture range of f/1.8 to f/3.  Maximum shutter speed in video mode is 1/2000 and in still photography mode is 1/500.  There is a variable and three fixed zoom speeds available.  This camcorder is also equipped with an excellent image stabilization system that can eliminate up to 70% blurriness due to camera shake.  This camcorder is equipped with Canon’s Dynamic Super Range Optical / Standard Super Range Optical Powered IS.

White balances available are Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H and Manual.  There are also program modes available with the camcorder’s Smart Auto, P, Av, Tv, Cine, Portrait, Sports, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Night Scene, Low Light, Spotlight and Fireworks.  The camcorder’s Smart Auto mode works like many automatic modes of the different camcorders in the market.  The system will automatically adjust the settings depending on the subject, ambient light and environment setting.  The auto mode of this Canon camcorder produces excellent quality videos with crisp and detailed images.

This camcorder has four frame rates.  There is a 60i, a native 24p, 24p Progressive and 30p Progressive frame rates.  Both the 24p Progressive and 30p Progressive rates record at 60i.  The native 24p frame rate will come in handy for video enthusiasts who like to manage and edit videos thru their editing software.

The camcorder has Component (output) and a Composite (output) ports.  These ports are located inside the LCD cavity.  There is also an HDMI Mini Connector (output) terminal and a 3.5 mm four pole mini jack (video/audio output only) port.

The top of the device houses the pop up flash at the front and the on/off button at the rear.  The center of the device has a compartment that houses the accessory shoe.  The accessory shoe caters to Canon proprietary accessories only.

This camcorder is one of the easiest camcorders to operate.  The 3.5-inch LCD panel provides clear and legible display to easily manage and navigate thru the menu system.  It also has a touch sensitive panel with a high resolution wide screen display.  The LCD has a resolution of 0.922 megapixels.  The camcorder also has a dial control at the front of the device, just below the lens, that will allow the user to adjust the settings while taking videos.  At the center of the dial is a button that you can press and hold, while dialing the knob, to access and select the option you want to tinker.  This provides great control to the user and will save time in setting adjustments.

Audio input is thru the built-in mic that records in Dolby Digital two channel audio.  In addition, an optional Canon SM-V1 5.1 channel surround mic will allow users to record in surround sound format.

The camcorder’s dimensions are 3 x 2.9 x 5.5 inches (W x H x D), and it weighs one lb (without battery).  The camcorder comes with a Canon BP-808 rechargeable battery.  This camcorder also has a very efficient system that consumes less power, giving the user longer recording capability.

Another camcorder in this category is the Canon VIXIA HF M31.  The HF M31 is significantly less expensive with a price range of about half that of the HF S20.  The HF M31 camcorder uses a smaller imager but also records in HD format.  It doesn’t have a native 24p frame rate option and its LCD is smaller with a 2.7-inch screen size.  The HF S20 is a better camcorder of the two but the HF M31 is perfect for those budget conscious consumers who are looking for quality at an affordable price.  If you are looking for an entry level camcorder and don’t need a lot of manual options, then the less expensive HF M31 is a good choice.

Another camcorder in this category is the Sony HDR-CX500V.  The Sony camcorder also features a 32 GB internal flash drive, but only one memory card slot.  The Sony camcorder only caters to Sony proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, giving it less versatility than the Canon camcorder.  The Sony camcorder also features a smaller 3-inch LCD screen and a fixed frame rate of 60i.  The Sony camcorder holds the edge in video quality with crisp and vivid images without any error.

The Canon VIXIA HF S20 is a perfect camcorder for prosumers and video enthusiasts alike.  Its versatility and manual options will cater to most videographers’ needs and its auto mode produces one of the best quality videos in the market making it a perfect point-and-shoot camcorder.  Its ability to record up to 12 hours of crisp, high definition video, coupled with Canon’s Face Detection feature this camcorder, will be perfect in capturing that perfect moment.

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