Canon VIXIA HF10 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The HF10's impressive video quality and ease of use add up to a very good camcorder, especially given its size. If size is a consideration for you, the HF10 is the right tapeless camcorder.

Pros: Shoots stellar high-definition video ; works smoothly with the Mac ; includes microphone jack and accessory shoe

Cons: A bit clumsy to handle ; battery life is unimpressive ; still-image colors look eerie

Verdict: The HF10 is sleek and sexy, but it feels a bit clumsy to hold. The camcorder is shaped like a cannon barrel, and you need to use your middle finger to control the zoom tab, making it difficult to maintain a firm, steady grip on the camcorder. You ...

Review summary: In its digital camcorder catalogue, Canon has now completed the quartet, following the release of the DVD-based HR10, the 'record straight to hard drive' HG10 and the MiniDV-centred HV30. Although Canon has taken its time to ...

Verdict: Ultra compact yet bristling with features, Canon's entry into the flash-based camcorder market is a striking success with its powerful sensor, onboard technologies and impressively high picture quality even in low level conditions.

Pros: Stunning 'full HD' video resolution, improved AVCHD recording format, arresting design

Cons: No standard-definition mode, inbuilt hard drive only 16GB

Verdict: For an AVCHD removable flash memory camcorder, the HF10 is close to flawless. It offers superior video performance, better build quality and more modes and features than any of its high-def rivals. Highly recommended.

Review summary: From its glitter-infused black casing to its luminous 2.7-inch LCD the HF10 is a work of art.

Pros: Beautiful colours; Classy 12x zoom; Manual features; 16GB memory

Cons: Price

Verdict: A winner.

Award: Recommended!

Review summary: The AVCHD format has been taking over the high definition camcorder market - despite the older tape-based HDV still being capable of better image quality. But now Canon has launched a camcorder which could put up a real challenge.

Verdict: Great image quality, plenty of enthusiast features, and the small size only Flash memory allows - all for a very reasonable price.