Canon VIXIA HF R10 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder – 2010 MODEL

Product Description
With the Canon VIXIA HF R10 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder, you’ll find that high definition video has hit new levels of convenience, ease, performance- and value. The VIXIA HF R10 has an 8GB internal flash drive, together with an SD memory card slot, Canon’s Relay Recording and Smart Auto. A Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens and Dynamic IS works in combination with our sophisticated Canon HD image processing to deliver the sharp, vivid, lifelike video you want to see on… More >>
- Records up to 3 hours of crisp high definition video to an 8GB internal flash drive or directly to removable SD memory cards
- Ultra-Sleek, Compact and Lightweight Design allows you to take your camcorder with you anywhere
- Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens delivers unsurpassed image quality
- Canon 2.39-Megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor captures video at 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor provides the ultimate in color and imaging performance
Canon VIXIA HF R10 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder – 2010 MODEL
Tagged with: 2010 • Camcorder • Canon • Dual • Flash • Memory • MODEL • VIXIA
Filed under: Video Pocket Camera
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I purchased this camera when the refurbished HF20 I had previously purchased came with a defective screen. I was really excited since the price of the HF R10 was comparable to the HF20 refurb. and I thought it would also be comparable in features and video quality. This also meant a 1 year warranty instead of 90 days. I should note that the HF 20 was a great camera for the brief time I had it, and I know many people that really like this series. I had tried to exchange mine for another refurb., but the dealer ran out.
When I first tried the HF R10, the video looked nice and the camera was Made in Japan which I liked as well. However, the real issue is that the lens (or something else inside) makes some kind of “ticking” noise. The noise stops when you zoom and when the scenery isn’t changing, but when the room is quiet, it is very audible. What’s worse, is that it gets picked up by the microphone so you can forget trying to record any quiet scenes (although it really gets picked up on all scenes). At first I thought I had a defective unit, so I went to Best Buy where they had an identical camcorder. The HF R10 there made the same noise. I tried calling Canon to ask about it, but they said no one else had the problem. The man on the phone was very helpful though and got an HF R10 to test. He too heard the noise and said that it must just be the way they are. Too bad, since I really wanted to like this camcorder.
It sounds funny, but I’m usually not too picky about most things I buy, and this is the first time I’ve ever returned anything to Amazon. I hate returning things, but the problem is terrible. Just as a note, the HF20 camcorder and newer M30 series do NOT make this noise. I have a friend with an HF20 and I listened to the M30 in Best Buy and neither made the noise. This must be something in the new RF line. Save your time and look for another HD camcorder. THE NOISE IS NOT TOLERABLE AND WILL RUIN YOUR VIDEOS. I suspect others will notice the problem soon too.
Rating: 1 / 5
supersharp video, great OPTICAL image stabilization, 20x OPTICAL zoom, compact, easy to use, decent enough still photos, autofocus, cool cinema mode, easy quick pc transfer, hdmi option, mic input, great menus, EVERYTHING I NEED, pretty reasonable price, too, for a high def,love it love it LOVE IT!
Rating: 5 / 5
I just don’t understand these bad reviews; they look like they were written by the same person. This is my second Canon Vixia and I keep buying these because the video quality blows all other camcorders off the block. Only two downsides for me were the lack of internal memory (but I’d rather use memory cards) and the still photo quality (but I don’t use camcorders to take pictures). The video is crisp and colors are accurate. The stabilization is not perfect but good enough for me, far better than others (I recently tried both the Flip and Sony bloggie to save money, and I was so disappointed I decided to splurge again – I had broken my previous Vixia – that’s the only reason why I replaced it with another Vixia.) This Vixia is also smaller than my older Vixia HG20 and easier to handle. I am really happy with it. A professional will nitpick and that’s a pro’s privilege, but as an amateur looking for high quality footage of my dogs and my vacations, I just don’t look anywhere else.
Rating: 5 / 5
I don’t have this camcorder but this review is based on using a working one at a store. They let me try it out and even save footage onto my laptop.
For practical purposes, it’s a fine camcorder but expensive for what it is. If you have to document something like the result of a car crash or a house on fire, it will work. It will be great for fun video with friends for YouTube or just for fun.
But for more serious video work, this wouldn’t be the one. It doesn’t actually capture video in true 1080 HD. It actually captures in 1664 x 936, then upconverts it to a 1920 x 1080 format. It even says this in the specifications for this camcorder in the Canon USA website:
Video: Approx. 1.56 Megapixels (1664 x 936)
That’s why the video footage isn’t crisp, as people here have noted. For a Canon camcorder that actually captures video in 1920 x 1080 native, go with the M or S series.
If the prices for the R series goes down to discount level, it may be worth it. Otherwise, I’d advise passing this one up. Especially if you’re a 1080 enthusiast like I am. If I had this camcorder, knowing that it’s not capturing in actual 1080 high def would always be a chip on my shoulder.
Rating: 3 / 5
I did a lot of research before making my plunge into video. I’ve been a still photographer for a long time and regard myself as a recovering Silver Based Photographer, but I’ve greatly come to appreciate digital photography. I wanted a video camera that would fit my profile and allow me to grow without buying a new camera after a short time. Size was also a consideration in my selection criteria as I frequently do things outdoors and like to travel light.
This video camera meets more of my needs than I expected and way surpasses my expectations.
I’l get the shortcomings out of the way as the list is short and they are not too bad. 1) First is no accessory shoe. I got a nice external LED light source, but there is no place to mount it on the camera. My bad for not investigating this. A small Gorillapod is a reasonable accessory to carry, even out doors, so this is minor. The light stays cool, so a partner can also hold the light for you. ‘Nuff said on that. 2) No built-in light. Minor, but it would have ben nice. See my comment above and additional comment below.
See? I said it was a short list!
This camera is almost as light as my Nikon Coolpix! Great travel companion. The battery life is good, but I always travel with at least one charged spare. This is just common sense. The view screen is nice and bright, the menus are easy to understand and navigate and the controls are well placed. The internal memory is adequate, but just as you should always have a spare battery, I always carry at least two 32 GB flash cards. Without additional memory, your record times are short.
I found the image stabilization a real nice feature. If you crank in the digital zoom, however, you are going to get shake, just not as bad as without one. A second Gorilla pod for the camera is a great help here. The optics are nice and crisp, the color true (with one exception) and the shutter speeds do not generate much blur. One caution: If shooting in low light indoors and you come outside, the camera responds like you eye and does have a blue cast for a short time. Minor, but it is annoying if you are following action. When I say short, I mean give the camera one or two seconds to adjust before shooting anything serious.
I did not test the soft wear, so I have no opinion on that. Just as with my still digital cameras, I suggest using either an external card reader or one built into your computer to transfer images to your computer. I also use softwear other than the Canon furnished software for editing.
Al considered, this is a great non-pro camera. With a little planning of your shots, there’s no reason you can’t deliver pro quality footage. It is not a pro level camera because you still lack a lot of fine control and it is not as rugged as a true pro videocamera. Still worth the price and then some!
Rating: 4 / 5