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2010-01-10T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Canon VIXIA HG21 more than I expected

Excellent picture quality, manual detail controls somewhat cumbersome but auto-mode is the most likley to be used.

CHARLES S.

2010-01-10T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Good value for the $

I'm very pleased with this video camera. First time using a hard drive, previously had a mini DV. Like the hard drive very much.

Pete

2010-01-09T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent camera

Very easy to learn controls. Excellent imaging and an extremely long record time on hard drive. With a hard drive I am concerned about any jarring or vibration. Hard drives do not respond well to any abuse.

HARRY A.

2009-03-29T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

A lot from such a small camera!

It is hard to believe that camcorders have gotten so small.

jaoricker

2009-03-23T21:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Too Bad

Says Video solutions disk for Windows and Macintosh. Too bad it's not compatible with a Mac. Sent it back.

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Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition 120GB Hard Drive Camcorder - SKU#1536141 Specifications

  • Power Consumption

    3.8 W (SP Mode)

  • Image Sensor

    1/3.2" CMOS Sensor, RGB Primary Color Filter

  • Total Pixels

    Approx. 3.3 Megapixels

  • Effective Pixels

    Video: Approx. 2.07 Megapixels (1920 x 1080)
    Still Image: Approx. 2.76 Megapixels (1920 x 1440)

  • Maximum recording time

    120GB Internal Hard Disk Drive
    LP (5 Mbps) 45 hours 55 minutes
    SP (7 Mbps) 36 hours
    XP+ (12 Mbps) 21 hours 40 minutes
    FXP (17 Mbps) 15 hours 45 minutes
    MXP (24 Mbps) 11 hours 05 minutes
    Greater recording time is possible by adding an SDHC Memory Card

  • Lens

    Zoom Ratio 12x Optical/200x Digital
    Focal Length f=4.8 - 57mm
    Zoom Speed Variable/3 Fixed Zoom Speeds
    Max. F/Stop f/1.8-3.0mm
    Filter Size 37mm

  • Focusing System

    Instant AF, Through the Lens/Manual Focusing Possible

  • Manual Exposure

    Yes

  • Programmed AE

    Auto, Program, Av, Tv, CINEMA, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks

  • Max Shutter Speed

    1/2000, 1/500 (card)

  • Auto Date/Time

    Yes

  • Record Search/Review

    Yes

  • Minimum Focusing Distance

    10mm (wide) / 1m (tele)

  • White Balance

    Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Auto, Manual

  • Minimum Illumination

    Night Mode .2 lx (shutter 1/2 sec.)

  • Image Stabilization

    SuperRange Optical (lens shift)

  • Viewfinder

    .27" (approx. 123,000 pixels)

  • LCD Screen

    2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD (approx. 211,000 pixels)

  • Microphone

    Built-In, 3.5mm stereo mini jack, Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe

  • Flash

    Built-In

  • Recording Media

    Internal Hard Disk Drive (120GB) or SD/SDHC Memory Card

  • USB Terminal

    mini B, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed supported

  • Video Terminal

    component (output), composite (output)

  • Audio

    Dolby Digital 2ch (AC-3 2ch)

  • HDMI Terminal

    Type C 480i / 480p / 1080i Format Supported

  • Microphone Terminal

    3.5 mm Stereo mini-jack

  • AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal

    3.5 mm 4 pole mini-jack

  • Operating Temperature range

    32° - 104° F (0° - 40° C) relative humidity

  • Dimensions

    (WxHxD) 3.1 x 3.0 x 5.5 in. (80 x 77 x 139 mm)

  • Weight (without lens & battery pack)

    1.1 lbs (490g)

  • Warranty

    Canon 1 year parts & labor limited warranty

About Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition 120GB Hard Drive Camcorder - SKU#1536141

FEATURED REVIEWS

Good value for the $

By Pete

I'm very pleased with this video camera. First time using a hard drive, previously had a mini DV. Like the hard drive very much.

Canon VIXIA HG21 more than I expected

By CHARLES S.

Excellent picture quality, manual detail controls somewhat cumbersome but auto-mode is the most likley to be used.

ry-leading reputation for technology and product quality. It delivers the optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance found in the photographic and broadcast television lenses. It combines the ease of recording video directly onto an internal Hard Disk Drive with the advanced AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format.

Its 120GB Hard Disk Drive allows you to record up to 45 hours of crisp, high definition video (LP Mode). It also is a dual system camcorder, with the capability of also recording video and still images to an SDHC card as well. The VIxIA HG21 boasts 1920 x 1080 Full HD and has a CODEC capable of recording 24Mbps, the highest AVCHD bitrate through Canon's own Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor.

Other exclusives are a new Genuine Canon 12x HD video lens, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant AutoFocus and a host of other advanced features including an HDMI Connector. Enhanced and simplified controls give you more choices and easier operation.

Remarkable image reproduction and advanced features are yours in this compact AVCHD Format Hard Disk Drive camcorder which easily goes along with you, wherever you are, to capture those unforgettable moments in life- in true HD.

Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition 120GB Hard Drive Camcorder - SKU#1536141 Features

  • 120GB Hard Disk Drive: The VIXIA HG21 captures 1920 x 1080 High Definition resolution video directly to a large capacity 120GB Hard Disk Drive. Hard Disk Drive recording is an especially convenient format if you plan to transfer your video to a computer for viewing, editing or sharing
  • 24Mbps: Plus, HDD recording also delivers true random-access play. It lets you view the scene you select instantly. You'll also have no fear of accidentally recording over footage you've already shot
  • Record HD Video Directly to SDHC Memory Cards: The VIXIA HG21 allows you to capture video to the camcorder's internal 120GB Hard Disk Drive as well as directly to an SDHC memory card
  • Genuine Canon 12x HD Video Lens: The VIXIA HG21 comes with an outstanding High Definition video lens - a Genuine Canon 12x HD lens. It's the tool you need to record long shots of your child on the soccer field, wide shots of beautiful landscapes & everything in-between
  • 3.3 Megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor: The VIXIA HG21 captures 1920 x 1080 high definition video through its Canon designed and manufactured 1/3.2-inch 3.31 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor, similar to the CMOS image sensors in Canon's EOS Series Digital SLR cameras
  • RGB: The VIXIA HG21 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter with Bayer Placement Pattern that separates light into red, green and blue color components. This results in vibrant images with deep, rich, accurate color and natural-looking tones similar to what you'd obtain from 3CCD camcorders
  • DIGIC DV II Image Processor: The DIGIC DV II Image Processor is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology
  • 3.1 mega pixels: Plus, DIGIC DV II features improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the VIXIA HG21. You can shoot five (3.1 Megapixel) still images per second & enjoy faster processing of your images to your memory card (1.4x normal card; 2.5x Hi Speed card)
  • 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording: The VIXIA HG21 delivers 1920 x 1080 Full HD, from capture to recording to playback, thanks to Canon's own 3.3 Megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor, combined with the Genuine Canon 12x HD video lens and DIGIC DV II Image Processor
  • SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization: The high-resolution images of high definition video demand a steady hand. It's easier to get those clear, steady images with the VIXIA HG21, thanks to Canon's innovative SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
  • Instant AF: Another critical objective when shooting in high definition is achieving a very sharp focus. The VIXIA HG21 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary Instant AF auto focusing system which offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy
  • 24Mbps Recording: The 24Mbps recording capability of the VIXIA HG21 gives you the highest AVCHD quality video possible. You'll see enhanced detail, finer gradations of tones and improved reproduction of moving subjects
  • 24p Cinema Mode: The VIXIA HG21 offers you more choices than ever before in selectable frame rates. You can choose between 60i, 30p and 24p to achieve just the look you want
  • 30p Progressive Mode: This is a unique feature that only Canon offers in the consumer camcorder market*. You would otherwise have to look to professional video cameras in order to have this sophisticated tool at your command
  • 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD: The 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD and the .27" EVF on the VIXIA HG21 let you see more of what your camcorder is recording. Using a hard coat Anti-Reflective surface and improved color reproduction
  • Joystick Control: The joystick makes using the VIXIA HG21 camcorder easier than ever. Extra buttons have been eliminated, allowing you to access many functions from one convenient place
  • Variable Zoom Speed Lever: Another sure sign of amateur video is the unsteady zoom shot. But with the VIXIA HG21's zoom control lever, you can select one of three pre-set zoom speeds for smooth, steady, professional looking zooms
  • Focus Assist Function: The image quality of high definition demands a properly focused subject. The Focus Assist feature on the VIXIA HG21 gives you sharp focus by zooming into your image to let you focus on a close up of your subject
  • Level and Grid Markers: With the Level Marker feature, it's easy to keep your camera level for more professional looking video. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot - such as the horizon - to the marker and you can be sure your camcorder is level
  • Never miss a quickly unfolding shot again. Push the Quick Start button between shots - it places the VIXIA HG21 in standby mode. When the action starts, push the Quick Start button again to begin recording in less than one second
  • Low Light Performance: By increasing the sensitivity of the VIXIA HG21's HD CMOS image sensor and using improved fixed-pattern "noise" reduction technology, you can now shoot clearer, sharper video at very low light levels
  • Program AE Mode: For the best exposure for various situations, the VIXIA HG21's Program AE mode will automatically adjust the settings to compensate for the conditions and subject. Choose from Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight and Fireworks
  • Built-in Electronic Lens Cover: Never worry about a lost lens cover or one that gets in your way when shooting. The built-in electronic lens cover on the VIXIA HG21 automatically opens when you turn the camcorder on and closes when you turn it off
  • Long Recording Time: You can truly take advantage of the long recording times offered by HDD video thanks to the performance of the VIXIA HG21
  • Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal: The VIXIA HG21's Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe provides the power for Canon optional accessories, such as the VL-5 accessory video light, or DM-100 directional stereo microphone- the things you need to bring your video to the next level
  • Intelligent Lithium-ion Battery: The Intelligent Lithium-ion battery which powers the VIXIA HG21 is a major advance. It not only more accurately tracks remaining battery life, it also gives a display in minutes remaining
  • Capture Razor-Sharp 3.1 Megapixel Photos: With the VIXIA HG21 you'll be able to shoot 3.1 megapixel still photos with the razor-sharpness you would expect from this sophisticated camcorder
  • HDD Still Photo Grab from Video: Another Canon exclusive feature on the VIXIA HG21 is the capability to capture still frame images from video recorded onto the hard disk drive. None of Canon's competitors allow you to review your already shot footage to select just the right still to save and share
  • DIGIC DV II Image Processor: DIGIC DV II features improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the VIXIA HG21. You can shoot five (3.1 megapixel) still images per second & enjoy faster processing of your images to your memory card (1.4x normal card; 2.5x Hi Speed card)
  • Focus Features: Auto Intelligent Auto Focus (AiAF) ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the VIXIA HG21's 9-Point AiAF will automatically select from nine metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus
  • Instant AF: Since it is critical to achieve very sharp focus when shooting in high definition, the VIXIA HG21 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary and exclusive Instant AF focusing system
  • Auto Exposure Modes: Like any good digital still camera, the VIXIA HG21 lets you choose from a range of exposure modes. Auto mode automatically sets the exposure, letting you concentrate on your subject
  • Program AE Mode: Your life happens everywhere, so the VIXIA HG21 gives you settings that automatically result in the best exposure settings for different conditions and different subjects
  • Simultaneous Photo Recording: With the VIXIA HG21, you can record HD video and capture a 2 Megapixel photo to a memory card - simultaneously. Simply press the photo button and you've got an email-ready digital photo to share with friends and family
  • Histogram Display: For the advanced digital photographer, the VIXIA HG21 comes with a Histogram Display - a feature found in Canon's line of digital SLR cameras. The display allows you to see the brightness information of your still images, so you can adjust your exposures as you shoot
  • Built-in Flash: Your VIXIA HG21's built-in flash lets you capture superb photos indoors and in low light conditions. The VIXIA HG21 also features red-eye reduction
  • Share Your Photos: Simply connect your camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the supplied USB cable, then, with a simple touch of the Print/Share button, print directly from your VIXIA HG21 without going through a computer
  • HDMI Terminal: With the VIXIA HG21's built-in HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Terminal, it's a simple task to transfer the HD video signal to your HDTV
  • Microphone Terminal with Manual Audio Level Control: The VIXIA HG21 allows you to enhance the quality of your audio by using the optional accessory Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone to capture better sound and headphones to monitor the audio as you hear it
  • Includes Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software: The Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder is bundled with a powerful software suite from Pixela. ImageMixer 3SE lets you play back your recorded video on your computer
  • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Terminal for ultra-fast transfer of movies and photos
  • Wireless remote control lets you operate your VIXIA HG21 from a distance, so you don't have to be left out of the picture
  • New compatible optional accessories available including the Wide Converter WD-H37 II, Video Light VL-5 and High Capacity Battery Pack BP-827

What's in the box:

  • Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive Camcorder
  • Battery Pack BP-807
  • Canon CG-800 Battery Charger
  • Item Note: Missing AC Adapter; Remote