CES 2010: Nine new Canon Vixia camcorders unveiled; entry-level starts $499, flagship $999
Canon on Tuesday debuted nine new models of S, M and R series Vixia flash HD camcorders, in addition to two regular-definition FS models.
The company's 2010 high-definition lineup now includes the flagship Vixia HF S-series, median M-series and entry-level R-series. New features this year include touch panel LCD displays with subject tracking, better image stabilization and a new HD-to-SD down-conversion feature.
[Image Gallery: Canon 2010 Vixia HD camcorder lineup]
Some of the models are also compatible with Eye-fi SD Memory Cards.
Inside, you'll find the usual Canon suspects: HD video lens, HD CMOS image sensor and DIGIC DV III image processor.
Features include:
- Smart Auto
- Touch & Track tech that recognizes faces, objects and animals
- Relay Recording between multiple storage options for capturing uninterrupted video when the primary recording media is full.
- Powered image stabilization, upgraded for better performance in telephoto mode
- HD-to-SD downconversion
- Advanced Video Snapshot now captures 2, 4, or 8 second video clips while recording or during playback.
The Vixia HF S-series includes the HF S21 (64GB), HF S20 (32GB) and HF S200 (direct to SD) models. All feature two SD card slots, 1920x1080 HD resolution, 10x lens and a Canon 1/2.6-inch, 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS image sensor for photos up to 8.0 megapixels. Outside, you'll find a 3.5-inch touch panel LCD (922,000-dot).
They'll be available in April for $1399.99, $1099.99 and $999.99, respectively.
The Vixia HF M-series includes the HF M31 (32GB), HF M30 (8GB) and HF M300 (direct to SD) models. All offer 1920 x 1080 HD video, a 15x HD Video Lens, a 2.7-inch Touch Panel LCD with Touch & Track technology, Smart Auto, Powered IS and Advanced Video Snapshot. The M31 and M30 also feature Relay Recording and HD-to-SD Downconversion.
They'll be available in April for $799.99, $699.99 and $679.99, respectively.
Finally, the entry-level Vixia HF R-series includes the HF R11 (32GB), HF R10 (8GB) and HF R100 (direct to SD) models. All feature 1920 x 1080 HD video, a 20x HD Video Lens, Dynamic IS, Smart Auto, and Advanced Video Snapshot. The HF R11 and R10 also feature Relay Recording and HD-to-SD Downconversion.
The VIXIA HF R10 will be available in three colors, black, red, and silver.
They'll be available in March for $699.99, $549.99 and $499.99, respectively.
Canon also announced two new FS series models, the FS31 and FS300 (pictured at top). The FS 31 offers 16GB of internal memory and the FS300 records direct to SD. They both offer a 41x Advanced Zoom, and the FS300 will come in silver, red and blue colors.
They'll be available in March for $349.99 and $299.99, respectively.