Canon announces new camcorder line-up for Spring/Summer 2010

Canon is the first of the major brands to announce its latest range of camcorder products for 2010. Timed to coincide with its presence at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where it will showcase all new offerings, we’re now able to bring you news of 12 new additions to its LEGRIA sub-brand line-up.

What’s interesting – and highly significant – is that of the twelve models announced today, only three of them are standard definition models. Put it another way, 75% of the new Canon camcorders are high definition models. Moreover, there’s not a single tape-based, DVD or even HDD (hard disc drive) model anywhere to be seen in this year’s line-up; each and every model is designed for solid-state recording and playback using flash memory.

So, without further ado, let’s give you the low-down on the new line-up.

LEGRIA HF S series: HF S21, HF S20 and HF S200

2010 Flagship Model: Canon LEGRIA HF S21 AVCHD Camcorder

At the top of the AVCHD range, we have the full-HD specification LEGRIA HF S series. Three models have been given 8MP (megapixel) FullHD CMOS image sensors, 10x optical zoom Canon Video Lenses, 3.5″ touch screen control using a 2.7″ LCD, advanced manual controls using Control Dial and Custom Key, DIGICDV III processing, Dynamic OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) with Powered OIS mode and Instant AF (for auto focus functions). All three models in this flagship range allow for recording at up to 24Mbps and also feature double SDHC memory card slots in addition to their built-in Flash Memory

• The LEGRIA HF S21 offers Dual Flash Memory (64GB internal and double SDHC card slots) plus a 0.27: EVF (electronic viewfinder)
• The LEGRIA HF S20 offers Dual Flash Memory (32GB internal and double SDHC card slots) but no EVF
• The LEGRIA HF S200 offers double SDHC card slot only.

LEGRIA HF R series: HF R18, HF R16, HF R106

Canon HF R18 AVCHD Camcorder

The three AVCHD models in the HF R range are designed to offer HD video that’s easy to shoot and share, according to Canon.

Featuring single Canon HD CMOS sensors (size or resolution unspecified), a 20x optical zoom, 2.7″ LCD and other popular features like Smart Auto, Instant AF, Face Detection, Pre REC, Easy Web Upload (to YouTube, too) using supplied software, a single SDHC card slot and Eye-Fi (wireless file transfer) compatibility, the models appear suited to the family or leisure video camcorder look for good quality and affordability whilst still getting full high definition quality.

• The LEGRIA HF R18 offers Dual Flash Memory (32GB internal plus SDHC card slot) as well as onboard HD-to-SD movie conversion
• The LEGRIA HF R16 offers Dual Flash Memory (8GB internal plus SDHC card slot) as well as onboard HD-to-SD movie conversion
• The LEGRIA HF R106 offers a SDHC memory card slot only.

LEGRIA HF M series: HF M31, HF 36, HF M306

Aimed at users wishing to step up into the world of high definition video for the first-time, yet who wish to do so on a budget, the three HF M series AVCHD models come with a surprisingly comprehensive array of features and functions.

Canon LEGRIA HF M31 AVCHD Camcorder

Surprisingly, these extend to 24Mbps Full HD recording, Dynamic OIS, Face Detection, Pre REC, Relay Recording (the camera will seamlessly switch to an alternative recording medium once the one it’s using fills up during recording), 25p Cinema Mode, a Mini Accessory Shoe and an SDHC card slot. To cap it all, the top model in the series sports an external microphone input and a headphone output socket.

Even more interesting is that these models are also compatible with Eye-Fi wireless file transfer – Canon has scored a first in this respect!

• The LEGRIA HF M31 offers Dual Flash Memory (32GB internal plus SDHC card slot) as well as onboard HD-to-SD movie conversion, a microphone input and headphone output
• The Legria HF M36 offers Dual Flash Memory (8GB internal plus SDHC card slot) as well as onboard HD-to-SD movie conversion
• The LEGRIA HF M306 offers a SDHC memory card slot only.

LEGRIA FS300 series: FS37, FS36, FS306

Available in Red, Blue and Silver - the Canon LEGRIA FS306 Camcorder

The three models in this range (the only non-HD models to exist in the new line-up) are described by Canon as being “a collection of fun, lightweight, easy-to-use Standard Definition (SD) camcorders which feature Canon’s renowned imaging technology and expertise” and  ”designed to help even the most inexperienced camcorder user capture and share precious moments”.

In other words, they’re compact, easy-to-use standard definition models for entry-level users who aren’t yet concerned with high definition.

To that end, they come complete with 41x Advanced Digital Zoom, a Dynamic Image Stabiliser (that means electronic) Intelligent Li-Ion battery with Quick Charge resulting in 20 mins charge for 60 mins usage, Pre REC, Quick Start from full “off” mode, SDHC memory card recording and a USB output with which to transfer clips and images.

• The LEGRIA FS37 offers Dual Flash Memory (16GB plus SDHC card slot)
• The LEGRIA FS36 ffers Dual Flash Memory (8GB plus SDHC card slot)
• The LEGRIA FS306 offers a SDHC memory card slot only.

Availability

All models will available from March 2010, with the exception of those in the LEGRIA HF S range which will be available from early April 2010.

Reviews

Hopefully we’ll have one or more review samples in the next few weeks, subject to availability at Canon UK.

More information: http://www.canon.co.uk

Words by Colin. Images copyright Canon Europe. Used by permission.

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