Like many new parents requiring ways to archive and document the arrival of a new bundle of joy, one of the gaps in technology in our home was a camcorder. Naturally, in this day, and given the author's propensities, only a high definition camera would do. Canon, one of the leaders in consumer and professional imaging, has created an easy to use and powerful device in the VIXIA series HF200.
About the size of a small can of Red Bull, the Canon HF200 utilizes a 2.5" viewfinder for most of the control. A small, pocket-sized remote is supplied, but the author advises learning precisely what the remote does prior to using it. Through this display, users can select everything from bit rate (ranging from 24Mbps to 5Mbps), fade wipes, imaging effects, and auto-correction controls. Selections require the use of a small "jog stick" and a series of small buttons beneath the screen. Although not touchscreen, the control is intuituve (even for a non-techy), and employs a convenient swivel. The side of the unit deploys a padded hand strap that is marginally adjustable, but is snug enough to facilitate decent peace of mind. Jacks offer mini-HDMI (not supplied - come on Canon), component video (supplied), and power. A small dial on the upper right hand side allows users to switch between film, still, or a combination of the two. Using the combo will reduce image quality slightly, but may be needed for convenience.
One of the interesting features of the device is the use of SDHC cards (not included - again, come on). Appearing identical to a standard SD card, these offer far higher bit rates and transfer speeds than standard. Although potentially expensive, these cards, unlike tape, do not wear out with anywhere near the rapidity of conventional digital tape, and are of course far more convenient to carry in multiples. Depending on the size of the card, users can select (like good old-fashioned tape) the tradeoff between image quality and recording duration. Generally speaking, in considering that HDTVs that this will probably be connected to max out at just over the equivalent of two megapixels, I've found that the 12Mbps supplies a suitable compromise. At this setting, users can record approximately three hours of footage; truthfully, this should outlast the battery. Filming begins with an ergonomically-effective silver button. One note of caution here - red means go, and green means stop. My wife stumbled across this interesting anomaly one day, assuming she was recording because she saw a green light. The opposite was true. One small complaint about the button layout is that the zoom and photo buttons are placed on top of the camera, and apparently operate under the assumption that the user's digits are shorter than normal. This is a small quibble that is quickly adjusted to. Overall, it's a good thing that the camera has a short learning curve, because most new owners will find themselves more challenged by the manual than the device itself.
What matters beyond specs and features is image quality, and the Canon delivers. Exhibiting typical Canon quality, the lens is sufficient to bring this one camera along if one can tolerate a meager 3.89MP still shot in this era of compact 12MP cameras (although, at least in this case, one doesn't have to question the optics). It is a versatile device that allows fantastic, film-like videos at the highest-possible bit rate that SDHC supports at 24Mbps, and stunning stills that belie the relatively low megapixel count (for a still camera). Although low light can trip up this camera (like most with a smaller lens), facial recognition is fantastic and overall, is not as grainy as some outlets have reported (engaging Cinema Mode can help reduce any grainy effects by essentially deploying an unsharp mask.)
Now on to the bad part of the package - the software. My machine is not the most powerful, but the software, after one overcomes the inherent clunkiness of the interface, eats computers for lunch. To verify that my issues weren't simply a signal that my machine needed some key upgrades, I brought the camera to a good friend who is utilizing a two-year old HP with 4Gb of RAM and 160GB of hard drive space. The software was equally as choppy on (attempted) playback here as at home. Understanding that Canon is not a software company is small consolation, when one is attempting to piece together footage that's tough to review prior to finalizing. Blu-Ray users do not want to experiement with coaster making when attempting to burn HD content, although DVD users may be braver while engaging in a little on-the-job training. The author recommends utilizing a program that can actually edit AVCHD in real-time like Vegas. The enclosed software is OK only because it's (presumably) free.
All-in-all, this is a great camcorder. Canon's smallest and lightest offering in the category, the HF200 provides great ergonomics with typical excellent picture quality. Keep in mind that you will be frustrated by the enclosed software, but beyond that, Canon once again has a success.
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