The HF10 is the latest AVCHD camcorder from Canon, and perhaps the model that will finally wrest the high definition crown from HDV, the long-standing, tape-based format. This flash memory camcorder performs better than any AVCHD to date, and offers a slew of manual controls and features to please a wide array of shooters.
Canon HF10 carries with it high expectations based on the outstanding performance of its 2007 predecessors, such as the HV20 and HG10. Canon redesigned the imaging chip this time around, making it smaller and more densely packed with pixels (1/3.2 inches versus the former 1/2.7 inches). Despite fears this would harm image quality, our testing indicated it did not.
In bright light performance, the HF10 is nearly indistinguishable from the award-winning HV20, and the resolution score actually improves. Canon finally managed to craft an AVCHD camcorder that does not produce objectionable amounts of compression artifacting, typified by motion trailing and chunky groupings of pixels. The impact of the smaller CCD chip on low light performance is minimal. There is a small increase in noise, but the higher resolution of the chip seems to offset the effects.
The small size of the HF10 doesn't leave much room for external buttons and controls, which certainly diminishes it in the eyes of power users. Its HDV cousin, the HV30, features an external dial to aid in focusing and other manual controls. The HF10, by comparison, relies on the small joystick for all interface. Occasional contact with the menu is fine by this method, but leaves us wanting for fine image quality adjustments.
You will want to take advantage of the HF10’s many manual controls. A partial list includes 60i/30P/24P frame rate options, Aperture and Shutter Priority mode, color and sharpening controls, and a Cine mode to make the colors appear more like film. Point-and-shooters are welcome, too. For the first time, Canon has ripped off Sony’s ubiquitous “Easy” button and placed it on its own product. Easy mode renders the HF10 more or less idiot-proof, which may or may not be to your liking.
The Canon HF10 records in the AVCHD format, which can be a headache for newbies who want to create edited home movies. In a nutshell, the AVCHD format frees high definition from having to be recorded to tape. The downside is that AVCHD files are very large and very processor-intensive. You’ll need a powerful computer if you don’t want to sit around all day waiting for files to render.
On the camcorder, files are stored on a 16GB internal flash memory. Though the capacity is low compared to hard disk drive camcorders, solid state memory has no moving parts, which promises less power use and less to break. To expand the capacity, the HF10 can use SD and SDHC memory cards, soon available in sizes up 32GB. Inexpensive 4GB and 8GB cards can be found.
The Canon HF10 is a great camcorder, and certainly the first to achieve greatness in the AVCHD class. If you have the computer power to handle the files and you’re ready to step up to HD, this is a very strong contender.
For a more in-depth review, visit the Canon HF10 Review at our partner CamcorderInfo.com
