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Note: this camcorder was first sold in Apr 2008. There may be newer versions available.
Canon Vixia HF100 Camcorder
Canon Vixia HF100 Camcorder
D+
HQ Grade: D+
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of camcorders.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 4 out of 5
"An excellent camcorder"
  • 5 out of 5
"Best in Show"
See rating based on 480 user reviews
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Question Answered!
SPG (gradys) 0 pts
December 9, 2008 8:11 PM
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HF100 vs HG20?

I think I've narrowed it down between these two camcorders. How do they compare to one another? Is there anotehr I should be looking @ for the same $$$?
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Answers This question has been answered!
by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
December 11, 2008 5:01 PM
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Well this depends on if you live in extreme weather conditions or at higher altitudes. Hard drive camcorders don't do very well in freezing cold or humid environments. Nor does it like altitudes above say 5,000 feet. Additionally, that hard drive will spin when not in use and the camera is on, wasting precious battery power.

I'm more in favor of the HV30, which still uses the venerable and tested miniDV tape. But since that isn't an option here, I'd recommend the HF100.
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SPG (gradys) 0 pts
December 11, 2008 6:12 PM
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Thanks for the above answer. I had ruled out the HV30 solely because 1) it was $50 more than the HF100 & 2) I figured the tapes were "older tech" and soon to be obsolete. I have a mini tape camcorder and was buying this as a gift and figured to upgrade in technology. Could you tell me why you like the tape over flash? Thanks again!!
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
December 12, 2008 1:47 PM
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Well, largely because of it's archival capacity. But also because even in HD, the format used by flash is a compressed format. Whereas the miniDV tape records largely uncompressed video which is better for source material. Additionally, capturing to PC is a heck of a lot easier and faster than reformatting your file format should your editor not support AVCHD.
Also, flash cards can get corrupted.

I'm not saying that Flash isn't any good. I like that flash memory camera and it's definitely the future (until something better comes along). But it still beats hard drive and DVD based camcorders.

But from a purely archival perspective, I believe that tape is still a better way to go.
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SPG (gradys) 0 pts
December 15, 2008 8:13 PM
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Thanks James. You've given me some things to think about. Time to buy - only 10 more days to Chrismas!! Thanks again!!
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