Sony HDR-XR100 80 GB HDD High Definition Camcorder (Silver)

I have been using a previous generation Sony HDR-SR7 high def 60GB hard drive camcorder and been overall happy with that model.

I then waited patiently for Sony's new "XR" series of camcorders and am very pleased with the Sony HDR-XR100. This newer camcorder is the lowest end model of the four new XR series models, which include the HDR-XR100, XR200, XR500, and XR520.

SONY HDR-XR100 PROS:

1. Feels significantly smaller than the previous generation Sony SR models. The dimensions are 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 5 1/8 inch (69 x 68 x 129mm). The numbers may seem only slightly smaller than the previous generation SR models, but in the hand it feels noticably smaller.

2. This camera without battery weighs 11oz (330g) or with battery 14.5oz (410g). The numbers again may seem like only a small difference with the older SR series, but in the hand it feels significantly lighter.

3. Extraordinary convenience of having an 80GB hard drive versus using tape. Just as with the SR series, the use of a hard drive continues to be amazing. I cannot imagine ever going back to using tape. One simply uses the camcorder and everything is instantly saved on its hard drive. Whenever one is ready to export their video files, you just connect it with a USB cable and the computer will automatically download your video files. 80GB allows for 9 hours and 40 minutes of recording at the highest "FH" mode. At the lowest quality mode LP, 80GB will allow for 33 hours and 30 minutes of recording time.

4. Wonderfully easy to use LCD touch screen with intuitive menu options. Even without reading the manual, one can quickly understand how to use their camcorder.

5. Nice indexing of your recorded videos that allow for easy selection of playback through the camcorder LCD. Faces can also be indexed so that you may select your videos by a person's face in an index.

6. Very detailed image quality of the video

7. Allows for capturing still photos at 4.0 megapixels. There also appears to be a "smile shutter" feature that allows the camera to detect when your subject smiles, and then capture a photo. I have not tried that feature yet.

8. Supports same rechargeable lithium batteries used in previous generation Sony SR series, e.g. model no. NP-FH60 or NP-FH70.

9. Can also record on Memory Stick PRO Duo instead of hard drive

WHAT IS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE XR100 (BUT AVAILABLE ON XR200):

1. GPS

2. Flash for photography

3. Larger 120GB hard drive

4. Active interface shoe to power accessories that can mount on top of camera

5. 15x optical zoom (the XR100 has less at 10x optical zoom)

SONY HDR-XR100 CONS:

1. The video has a jittery quality to it when the camcorder is not on a tripod. The more drastically you move the camcorder during recording, the greater the effect. It seems less pronounced when on a tripod, but this jittery quality still remains. It is for this reason that I suspect the jittery quality is not entirely related to the image stabilization feature.

2. There is no optical viewfinder on the XR-100. I do have one on my older SR7.

3. There is no docking station, which I did have on my older SR7. A docking station made it even more convenient to upload videos than having to fiddle with a USB cable.

4. Noisy low-light video quality is still present. I cannot detect any improvement over my older SR7 for low-light video as it remains quite noisy. Please note that the higher end Sony HDR-XR500 and XR520 have some type of special "backlit CMOS" sensor that Sony reports has improved low-light with low noise capability.

5. As is usual for Sony, you will have to use Sony's proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo format if you want to record onto flash memory instead of the hard drive.

6. My previous generation Sony HDR-SR7 had the lens cover open automatically, but in my XR100, I have to manually flip a small lever near the lens to open it.

CONCLUSION:

Overall I'm very happy with the Sony HDR-XR100 because it is significantly smaller and lighter than the previous generation HDR-SR7 I own, with all of the great convenience that comes from using a built-in hard drive coupled with a wonderfully easy touchscreen LCD. I did not think there were enough differences for me to purchase the more expensive XR200, but you may want to consider the even more expensive XR500 for its possibly improved low-light video capability with the "backlit CMOS" sensor technology that only the Sony HDR-XR500 and XR520 have.

ADDENDUM 5/24/2010:

I recently bought a Canon HF-S100 camcorder, which is considerably more expensive than this Sony, but I nevertheless needed to amend my review of the Sony XR100. I initially thought the Canon HF-S100 had less of a jittery quality, but after more use realized that both the Sony HDR-XR100 and the more expensive Canon HF-S100 suffer from a jittery quality. I have not yet tried to reduce the picture quality of the recording to see if that will smooth the abrupt transitions between frames. I reduced the rating from a 5/5 for the Sony to a 4/5, but am not certain if there are any prosumer high-definition cameras that can produce a smooth, jittery-free image.

When I purchased an HD camcorder I expected an HD quality picture. Not the case with this camcorder in normal evening indoor lighting the video is extremely noisy, it was so bad that I burned a disc and took it to the Sony Style store to compare -I must have received a defective unit? Nope, it seems to be a common problem with this model....the rep in the Sony Style store even admitted that the video quality was really bad. The white balance was also a bit off. The other problem is that the picture is jittery even with the "Steady Shot" turned on and trying to hold the camera as steady as possible. It performed OK in brighter lighting but you shouldn't have to use an old fashioned video floodlight to get a decent indoor image!!!

Back it went for a refund. .If you're interested in purchasing this model check it out in a store first and take it into the lower light home theater room and shoot a sample video before you buy!

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The high definition video quality in daylight is excellent. That being said, this camcorder has some serious drawbacks:

1. The PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software does not work on Windows Vista 64-Bit

2. The image stabilization is terrible (it will literally give you motion sickness watching video if you walk with this camera).

3. The low-light video quality is very poor.

4. There is no view finder.

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If you are looking for a camera that shoots great HD outside, then you have found the camera. The quality of shooting outdoors is very good. But when you go indoors and you do not have a lot of light coming in from the windows then the camera will start picking up noise. What I did is pick up a headband flash light and took the band around the camera to attach the light. Adding that extra light has help. You can change some gain and aperture settings. But it isn't enough like pro camera can do. I do love the small size of the camera.

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This is certainly a good buy for the price and the quality. Since every item is not perfect, even this has few drawbacks. Its doing ok in low light as compared to others, but in day light quality is the best. Creating a HD DVD is easy but to convert to a regualar DVD is realy pain. It takes for ever almost 4 hours for writing a regular DVD. The quality of conversion is bad. The other one When viewed connecting directly to TV, you get the best results. Regarding zoom, its just 10X optical which limits the coverage range. Well I bought this to for personnel home recording, so I scarificed range to quality.

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3 in 1 Mini DisplayPort to HDMI DVI DisplayPort Cable Adapter for Apple MacBook MacBook Pro MacBook

Idea is great but quality is bad, I only use it lightly at home, mainly for DVI and HDMI connection. It starts to have signal problems after about 6 months. I also experience random crash when use this adapter. Bottom line, I dont recommend this product.

I got this because it was cheap and I hoped it would at least work.. I tried it with two different macbook pro laptops. They are both the 13 inch 2011 model. I could not get the DVI port to work on two different monitors, trying both macbook pro computers. I could not get anything to show up on the display. The MBP didn't even detect a secondary display. I could get the HDMI port/connection to my TV to work with no problems but like I said the DVI port didn't work. I did not get a chance to try the regular DisplayPort and I probably won't since it is already not working correctly.

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My rating is ZERO. I could not use this item with my computer. I pushed very hard to connect it to the computer but no luck. I felt it will spoil my computer so immediately requested for refund. going to return this item.

Request to the seller: this item is not for pro and mac air [old model]. Please specify with this item. good luck.

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I've had this for about 5 months now.

I use it for my 15" Macbook Pro i5. I have it hooked up to my 24" Acer LCd via HDMI. They work great together.No issues.

I also use it with my 42" Philips, but it does not work properly.Sometimes it works fine but sometimes it doesn't.It will glitch almost every 30 seconds.

I bought this cause its way cheaper than the one that is sold at the Apple Store.

I now watch movies mostly on my 24" so I'm not bothered that it doesn't work flawlessly with my 42", so I'm okay with it although it SHOULD work with both.

UPDATE!

The adapter no longer works properly.Frankly, It never did, but now the issues are greater than before.The video glitches and shows a black screen that ranges from every hour to every 5 minutes.The audio glitches every 5 seconds.Basically it no longer works.I opened it up to see what could create such technical chaos.I found several little wires that were disconnected either from the cable being turned and twisted or it arrived at my doorstep in that condition and got worse after time.

This product is much less expensive that other brands, but eventually it won't last and you will probably have to purchase a product of quality.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT!

Good luck!

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It works perfectly for me and I am very happy with the product.

The only thing that did bother me was the length of the HDMI cable. It was not long enough and I had to sit closer to the tv than what I would of like to but it had nothing to do with this product.

Samsung ST150F 16.2MP & F2.5 Lens with WI-FI Ready Smart Digital Camera Black + 4GB MicroSD HC Memo

I absolutely love the camera. I've been wanting a WiFi Samsung camera for the longest time. It's really amazing. I love the different feature settings to change the picture's appearance. The WiFi was super easy to set up. There are many ways to share photos and I was able to figure out everything very quickly. It's also compatible with my Note 10.1 which is another reason why I wanted a Samsung WiFi camera. It does not sync with my phone even with the app.

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Q-See QSC414D Dome IR Camera White

We use these cameras in our Subway store as they have good night vision, clear picture and since they are white they blend in to the white ceilings making them almost un detectable. Great camera and very well priced.

Thanks

I bought camera for a wider angle on my front door. I can see everthing I need now, the camera removed the blind spot.

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Ikan Corporation 7-Inch HDMI LCD Monitor with Loop Out and Tally (VK7-P)

I am admittedly not an expert on field monitors but I can say with a fair degree of certainty that I am happy with this purchase. Pulling critical focus is still going to continue to be a challenge due to the size of this monitor and the lower resolution feed coming off my Canon 5DMKll but this unit does help and it does deliver as promised. If you can afford to spend about twice the amount you might consider the VX9 but for my purposes this will do for now.

With false color exposure assistance, DSLR scaling and monochrome peaking this beats the heck out of trying to get good video using the 3" camera monitor, even with Magic Lantern installed.

Sony NEX-VG30 Handycam Interchangable Lens Camera (Black)

Pair your VG30 with 16-50mm f2.8 Sony lens (with E Mount adapter ring) and you have an excellent low light video camera. My videographer swears that the low light capability of VG30 competes with camera in 4-5K price range. I saw the results myself and I must say that video is sharp and bright. We purchased our camera without the kit lens since its f3.5-5.6 range (in Wedding video business a lens that is f5.6 is considered as a paper weight). Another lens that we are planning on pairing this camera with in near future is the 35mm f1.8 e-Mount and the 85mm f1.8.

I am a sucker for prime lens and to me as a photographer, I want my video guy to get shots that are in par with photos that comes out from a prime lens.

Was everything I expected it to be. Still in the process of understanding all it can do. The pictures are crisp and it's quite fast. The view screen on the camera could fool one into thinking the picture is not so great, but when you check the picture after you see that it is actually very crisp. They could have had a much clearer viewer screen so that people are more sure about the picture quality but I imagine over some time one will get used to the screen quality.

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Canon VIXIA HFS100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom - 2009 MODEL

I have owned a small wedding videography company for 5 years and after using the HFS10 for a week I am incredibly pleased with it. Please note the HFS10 is identical to the HFS100 except the HFS10 also comes with 32GB of internal flash memory.

If you want the smallest camcorder you can get without sacrificing video quality in any way, than this is the camcorder for you. I am amazed at how small this thing is while still having a professional grade lens. This is the same Canon lens as on their GL2 which is probably the most popular entry level professional camcorder ever (which I have owned for a few years).

Pros:

1.) Professional camera lens with superb HD video quality (even in low light situations). I cannot express enough how amazing the pictures look.

2.) Accepts up to 32 GB of SDHC Flash memory

A.) Flash memory is instant. No waiting for tapes to wind or hard drives to spin. The camera goes from off to red light recording in less than 2 seconds.

B.) Flash memory helps keep the camera small.

C.) Flash memory protects data from being lost due to the camera being dropped or hit (a real problem with hard drive cameras).

3.) The still picture quality, even with the built in flash, is unbelievable for a camcorder. I feel like I am shooting with my Rebel XTi.

4.) I love the auto open and close lens cover. It only opens when you are actually shooting. If the camera is off or if you are reviewing it immediately closes.

5.) Menus are very easy to navigate.

Cons:

1.) Doesn't come with an HDMI cable. Since it doesn't take a normal sized HDMI cable I think there is no excuse for that.

2.) Doesn't come with a battery charger. You either have to spend $50 to get one or recharge batteries using the camcorder itself.

3.) No internal memory, however it's $200 more for the HFS10 for only 32GB of internal storage and that is way too much. It should have only cost an extra $100. Unless you need to be able to record more than 2.5 hours of shooting without changing SDHC cards, then get this camera because a 32GB class 6 SDHC card only costs $100.

4.) Only comes with the BP-809 battery which doesn't even last an hour. So you will need to buy the BP-827 which costs another $150. The BP-827 does stick out from the back just a slight bit, but not even an inch and is totally not noticeable nor does it add any real weight.

5.) 10X optical zoom is a little slim for my liking. I am used to 20X.

This camcorder is basically a professional lens barrel with an LCD on the side which gives you the best picture quality possible while keeping the size incredibly small. I cannot encourage you enough to get this camcorder.

I'll try to cover what others haven't. Yes, the images are sharp and the colors are faithful. That goes for both video and stills. I'll try to post an image of a flower as an example of a still shot. Posting video's problematic. One of the key reasons I chose this camcorder is its still image capabilities. I followed other reviewer's recommendations and purchase the separate battery charger and BP-827 battery. And I purchase the optional video light, VFL-2 which is light and small.

If you're new to video, it's a commitment. Taking good videos requires concentration, and at least a little bit of practice. Though the camcorder is truly compact, the supporting equipment is an order of magnitude more bulky than with today's point and shoot digital camera. You can slip an excellent point and shoot in your pocket; video demands a case for the charger, cables, optional video light and power supply at a minimum. Then there's the mandatory downloading and editing.

This camcorder has so many features and choices that you'll need to refer to the manual and once you understand the way the menu system works, it's fairly intuitive. There are five resolution choices for video. Similar for stills. On the other hand, you can start creating videos and stills out of the box; they may not quite match your preferences though. The complexity of the options shouldn't stop anyone; you don't have to take advantage of all the features. To get what you want, you'll need to spend maybe an hour with the camera and manual. The you can pretty much ignore the details if you wish.

The screen image is readable, even in bright sunlight. And even better with a little tilt to put it in shadow. The controls are OK though the zoom is just a tad awkward for my stubby fingers. Record/Stop is convenient and the camera sits well in your hand. No big deal. Tougher I suppose if you're left handed.

I have a couple of 16G, class 6 SDHC cards because they're at the right price point. They're good for 1 hour 18 minutes at the highest resolution and that pretty well matches the included battery capability. That's a LOT of video, though an hour of video may end up as only a few minutes of edited material worth keeping.

So far I haven't figured out how to get the video directly off the flash card so it can be edited with the software. I have to download it from the camera using the included software. It may be a problem with the Corel editing software I'm trying to use. The included software seems to have limited editing capabilities, but that may reflect my inexperience as a user. The manual for the software is lengthy, but so far, not particularly useful. (added 17 May 09, With more time the Corel Video Studio 12 is perfect, cheap, and has all the features I need and I've been able to pull the video directly off the SDHC card without using the camera, very convenient).

The zoom's what you'd expect. The optical zoom is magnificent. The digital has two setting, one to 40X and one to 200X. The 40X setting's good, the 200X looses a lot and I really can't imagine a useful application, perhaps very great distances with infinite focus. Only the optical zoom works with stills.

What I like best: great images, the 3 second "pre-record" feature, beautiful stills, OK sound with the built-in microphone, pop-up flash and video light, and yeah, again crisp images.

What I don't like: not crazy about the software, no separate charger, no case or good case recommendation (see below). Trivial compared to what I like.

Finding a suitable case wasn't obvious. Tough search. I'm happy with a USA Gear Pro Series "Gear S-6" for $14.95 from Amazon through Accessory Genie. See my reviews of that case and the Case Logic TBC-5 Medium Case I didn't like for this application.

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MY BACKGROUND: techno-geek engineer, camera and camcorder enthusiast, not a pro videographer or pro photographer. I purchased this product from Amazon (great price!) and have explored its capabilities VERY thoroughly for nine months. I use this camcorder to capture magic moments in the life of our 15 month-old daughter.

REVIEW IN A PARAGRAPH:

Highly recommended for being one of the best full HD (60i/30p @ 1920x1080) "prosumer" camcorders at this price level. Yes, the convenient SD flash memory is so much better than messy digital tape. The Auto Focus often works even after you attach the recommended accessory lenses or filters. We love this video camera! However you only see the exceptionally vibrant and very-close-to-broadcast-quality video IF you shoot under very bright indoor light lighting conditions (or outdoor on sunny day, or a cloudy day that still manages to be bright) ; otherwise, in less intense indoor lighting the video looks good but nothing that your eyes will perceive as close-to-broadcast-HD quality. (NOTE: this drawback of lower performance in less light is typical to ALL camcorders at this price point, and this one is the least affected by it.) Qualifier: no "video professional" with trained eyes would ever mistake the best video from this camcorder for being close to true broadcast-quality HD, but I do claim that the typical non-professional WILL perceive it as being stunningly close.

An example will help explain what is meant by "very bright indoor lighting": if we shoot video at our kitchen table (under direct overhead lighting of five unshaded 75-watt incandescent bulbs) even that much light is NOT enough light to get the best video this camcorder can produce. However, if I put two separate inexpensive flood lights (each using two standard 150-watt incandescent bulbs, so in total 600 Watts!) directly on the subject from about five feet away, then the resulting HD video is so close to broadcast-quality on brightness, crispness, and color intensity that friends and family are stunned when seeing it on a big-screen LCD. For great indoor video, you'll need something like two easily movable floor lamps / floods that you can position to put at least 600 watts of incandescent light (or equiv.) onto your subject. If your home decor doesn't suffer to much for it, you can check out the inexpensive 72" Tochiere brushed metal Floor Lamps available from low-cost department store starting with "T" named after something you aim at. Get about three or four of those to move quickly around the house; you'll have plenty of light for shooting video.

YOU MAY NOT KNOW THIS ABOUT THE S10/S100:

1) Shoots astoundingly great photos and can even do continuous-mode 8-megapixel snapshots at 5 frames/second. You will not miss your baby's momentary smile when you can shoot continuous stills at 5 f/sec, but if you do that for several minutes you will have A LOT of still images to parse!

2) The AF sensor is located INSIDE the lens ring, meaning the AF usually keeps working even with a variety (but not all) lens attachments.

3) It has the weird proprietary Canon Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe, so your previously existing Universal Hot Shoe accessories (such as camera external flash) will not fit this camcorder. You can buy a small adapter, but that can only convert to a universal COLD shoe.

4) It may have a 8.6Mp CMOS sensor, but it only utilizes 6Mp of that sensor when shooting movies. However, the video still looks great.

5) This camcorder records to its memory in 60i; when you set its recording mode to say "24PF" or "30PF" it merely changes its post shooting CONVERSION method. If your goal is something like 24p, you will get better results to simply shoot in its native format, and do your own conversion in post using a higher-end 3rd party utility such as Cineform Neo Scene. NOTE: many report better video end result by using Cineform Neo Scene (or similar) to convert ALL of the S10/S100 AVCHD files for editing as visually lossless (but much larger) CineForm AVI or MOV files.

6) Get a Blu-ray burner (~$200) for your PC, and you can directly burn this camcorder's video onto Blu-ray disks, yielding permanent media containing stunning video when seen on a big screen HD LCD.

KNOW THIS BEFORE YOU BUY:

This is NOT a sub $1000 investment; it is more like $1600+ (because you'll need to buy multiple must-have accessories). Plus, you'll likely discover your PC isn't fast enough to edit the very CPU-intensive AVCHD video, so you'll need to buy a very fast PC (which will cost you another $1500, or more). My total outlay is now over four grand, when I also include the cost of the faster PC we had to buy.

This will better explain how the "total package" must include the critically-needed accessories: imagine you shoot video of your child's soccer game in the park, only to discover your video is garbage because of wind noise. You see, to get acceptable sound when shooting under even slight wind conditions, ANY camcorder must use an external video mic equipped with a "dead cat" wind screen. Next, imagine you are sitting w/friends at dinner and you point the camera to capture mom holding baby on the opposite side of the table, but can't get them into the frame because you need to buy a wide-angle lens. And there are a half-dozen other critically-needed video accessories you'll find you must buy to cover different shooting conditions; otherwise, you are gonna get embarrassingly mediocre video. This holds true for any camcorder, not just this one.

CONCLUSION: if this camcorder AND the minimally-required accessories (and new PC!) is outside your budget, then you're better offer buying a less-expensive camcorder so you can then also buy its critically needed accessories because that lower cost (but more complete system) will yield better final video product, even if the video happens to be slightly lower resolution and not as crisp as you get from this Canon camcorder.

OK, let's say you're not worried about your budget. You've got money to burn. That's why I posted this review, to offer tips on the best "minimal set of accessories" for this Canon camcorder. I spent many hours reading online reviews specific to the S100, then I bought a variety of recommended accessories and tested them, figured out which are critically-needed for good video, parsing them down to this list of MUST-HAVE accessories to get great video from the S100:

-> PC w/Intel Core i7-920 2.66GHz (or similar), at least 4GB (or more) SDRAM, ATI Radeon HD 4850 (or better) video card, Blu-ray Disc Burner, plus a good 1080x1920 LCD monitor OR matching dual-LCD-monitors (1080x1920) highly recommended for video editing. OR: (expensive choice) Mac Pro Quad-Core (or 8 Core), with 3GB SDRAM (or more). Plus in either case you need at least a 1TB (2TB is better) in a RAID0 (or RAID10) array for needed read/write speeds; alternatively, you could go without the RAID and instead temporarily edit your video off a super-fast SSD (Intel X25-M, or similar), but you'll still need a large conventional hard drive (min 2TB) for archiving your video.

-> Video editing software. Limit your choices to software built to handle AVCHD format, such as: Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9 (PC Windows, lowest cost but powerful), OR: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 (expensive but considered very good, well-reviewed). NOTES: the Canon Pixela video editing software included w/this camcorder is horrible. WARNING: before you buy ANY version 9 of Sony Vegas Movie Studio, be sure you read the reviews explaining the "crashes during render" which the only known fix can be a bit too "complex" for non-geek types and involves downloading CFF explorer from ntcore, installing it, then running CFFExplorer as Administrator and MANUALLY re-setting the 2GB limit flag in about FIVE different Sony Vegas run files so they can handle > than 2gig address space. This complex solution is found in the site sonycreativesoftware, go to Support > Forums.

-> Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone (I strongly recommend this Canon mic, as it does both mono shotgun mode, and also 90-degree and 120-degree stereo modes, and the S100 interacts w/this mic through the Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe), However, some pro's seem to prefer the Rode mics, such as Rode Stereo VideoMic + Dead Kitten wind screen, OR the Rode (shotgun) VideoMic. NOTES: for Rode camcorder mics to mount on S10/S100, you should google something like "Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe to Universal Shoe Adapter" to find the adapter you'll need.

-> Canon BP-819 Lithium Ion Battery Pack for HF10, HF100 HF S & HF M Camcorders (expensive!). It doubles the std battery capacity (1780mAh vs. 890 mAh), giving you about two hours or typical recording time, compared w/one hr for the standard battery. The Canon BP-827 Lithium Ion Battery Pack for Vixia HG, HF S & HF M Camcorders(very expensive!) triples the capacity to 2670mAh, OR consider a great MONEY SAVER: for only $40 to $60 for 2700mAh non-OEM (non-Canon) battery, including the non-OEM battery charger (Note: the S100 will NOT charge these non-intelligent batteries or show battery time remaining, so that extra non-OEM charger is req'd, and consider the non-OEM battery available with LED power level indicator). Try a Google search string such as "BP-827 Canon Compatible Battery LED+Charger Kit"

-> Canon 2590B002 CG-800 Lithium Ion Battery Charger for 800 Series Batteries. OR: find the $20 non-OEM charger, see search string above.

-> SanDisk 32GB Ultra 15MB/s SDHC SD Card (SDSDH-032G-P36, Retail Packaging). Since the price is now so close, you might as well get the 15MB/sec instead of the Class 4 version. Canon explicitly states the Canon S10 / S100 is compatible with the SanDisk DHC SD Cards of at least Class 4.

-> Canon SC2000 Soft Carrying Case. Alternative: (less expensive) Lowepro Edit 120 Bag (or similar)

-> Tiffen P/N 58UVP 58mm UV Glass Filter, OR: Tiffen 58CLR 58mm Glass (protection) Filter, OR: Tiffen W58DIGULTCLR 58mm Ultra Clear Glass (protection) Filter

-> Moderate Wide-angle lenses: S10/S100 user community prefers the HD6600PRO58 or SRW-6600-58LE over the Raynox HD-7000PRO 0.7x Wideangle Lens. While Raynox claims slightly better optical performance of HD-7000PRO on S10/S100 vs HD6600PRO58 or SRW-6600-58LE (yet the pro users disagree claiming the HD6600PRO58 or SRW-6600-58LE have great optics). Be aware big drawbacks of the HD-7000PRO are high price, and it is a VERY heavy lens. The HD6600PRO58 or SRW-6600-58LE are said to avoid vignetting ONLY up to 5X zoom, (HD-7000PRO to 10X) but who uses a wide-angle lens beyond 5X zoom level anyway? (As for the Canon WD-H58 Wide Converter, plenty of pro's are saying that is a POS lens which is also far more expensive than the superior Raynox lenses mentioned above.) Many also note that the "expensive looking" profile and Industrial Design of those Raynox lenses somehow gives the Canon S10 / S100 a much "sexier" looking profile in a high-end camcorder kind of way, and yet the Canon WD-H58 just doesn't give your camcorder the same *bling*

-> HoodMan HD-300 LCD hood to shade the display from the sun. Tip: do a google search for Canon HV forum to find some good threads on accessories.

-> Tiffen 58CP, 58mm Circular Polarizer Filter, OR: Hoya B58CRPL, OR Tiffen 58WIDCP. Helps "pop" the clouds out against blue sky, and greatly reduces reflections on sunny days.

Nice-to-have Accessories:

-> Tiffen 58mm 812 Warming Filter

-> Tiffen 82mm Digital Ultra Clear Protective Filter (use if you buy the Raynox HD-7000, buy different size for the HD6600PRO58 or SRW-6600-58LE)

-> 0.45x or 0.50x Wideangle Lens.

-> Steadicam or similar. This is a VERY light camera, so easly shakes in hand when used without Steadicam.

WARNINGS: Do not buy the cheap Tripp Lite Mini-HDMI to HDMI Cable. They are worthless. I recommend the Sony Mini-HDMI to HDMI cables.

Read Best Reviews of Canon VIXIA HFS100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom - 2009 MODEL Here

First off, the HD quality is amazing. I'm not a professional, but it looks like broadcast quality to me. I really like the camcorder, it fits comfortably in my hands. The controls are easy to use, and the lcd is bright and easy to see. It is not nearly as small as the Canon VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom, but its quality makes up for the bigger size. Its size is really almost all lens, the lcd and electronics don't add much space to it.

I spent a lot of time trying to decide between the Canon VIXIA HFS100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom and the Canon VIXIA HFS10 HD Dual Flash Memory w/32GB Internal Memory & 10x Optical Zoom. The only difference between the two devices is the 32GB built-in memory. While that might sound like a nice feature, 32GB for $200 extra is ridiculously expensive. Also, 32GB is not that much if you are recording @ full quality.

I found a solution which gave me A LOT more memory at a fraction of the cost. I got a MoFoto 500GB Portable Photo & Video Storage to backup the SDHC cards when they fill up. This gave me over 460GB more storage space than I would have gotten with the Canon VIXIA HFS10 HD Dual Flash Memory w/32GB Internal Memory & 10x Optical Zoom. I'm really happy with my solution.

This also saved me a lot of money over buying anotherSanDisk 16gb Extreme® III 30MB/s Edition SDHC High Performance Card.

I agree with other reviewers that the battery it comes with doesn't last very long. Get the Canon BP-827 Lithium Ion Battery Pack for Vixia HG 20/21, HF11/10 & 100 Camcorders, even though it's way over priced. I've ordered mine.

If you want to see the quality, just google for HFS100 sample footage, there is a lot starting to show up on the web/youtube.

Bottom line, buy this. I couldn't find anything better, and I'm really happy with it. You get some amazing quality at a reasonable price.

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This camera is getting great reviews here and on the net, but having owned one for a while, I have some positive comments and usability tips I haven't seen elsewhere. (By the way, I've owned SLR's and camcorders since the 70's; including the old VHS on-the-shouldder camcorders. My previous camcorder, while I'll keep handy, is a Canon Optura 300 DV camcorder. I also still use a Canon Powershot G3.).

1) Many net reviews knock the lack a view finder. Not a problem for me. I've shot lots of vacation video, on and off busses, and and out of taxis, lots of soccer games and band concerts. The tiltable LCD allows you to point or position a camera in many ways in which it would be impossible to use a view finder. So I got out of the habit of using a viewfinder years ago, except when trying to carefully compose a still shot. I now use the available gray 3x3 overlay grid to help with composition.

2) Compactness. I didn't have to buy a new bag. The HF S100 fits well into the same bags I used for my PowerShot G3 and Optura 300; even better than the Optura 300 because I'd have to remove the Optura's extended battery. The BP-819 I purchased for my HF S100 can stay in the camera all the time; much better for those vacation situations where I'd have to grab the camera out of the bag and be shooting within seconds.

3) Remote control can be used from behind the camera (receiver is on the visible side of the LCD). This is more of a usability comparison with my Optura 300 and PowerShot, but consider the following comments when considering other cameras, or using a camera with this capability:

When shooting, you don't have to touch the camera, great for not jiggling the camera for stills (I've previously used the timer), but also shooting video without having to jar the camera on the tripod.

For shooting a soccer game or band concert from in the stands, I raise the tripod head as high as possible, and use the remote in my left hand to start/stop the recording, zoom, change settings, etc. My right hand just controls the tripod's pan/tilt handle.

4) AVCHD is very handy. One reason this became important to me is I have a 1st generation HDTV without an HDMI input. I also don't have a BlueRay burner. Before I bought the camera, I agonized over how I would look at the video except on my computer.

Sony Playstation 3 to the rescue. After shooting my initial test videos, I had what I initially thought was a silly idea; plug the camera into one of the PS3's USB ports. What's the worst that could happen, except that the two devices don't communicate?

To my surprise; the PS3s menu showed it communicating with the camera, and the camera indicated I needed to choose between a DVD burner mode and computer mode. I set it to computer mode.

Then after selected the camera's icon on the PS3, after waiting a few seconds, it started playing the video clips on the camera!

One unhandy thing about using the PS3 exactly that way, is it didn't allow me to choose which clips to view, it plays from the beginning of the 1st clip.

To get around that, I import the video from the camera to my computer as one would normaly would (except it's much faster than tape; ~20 min for 13 Gig). But my PIXELA library is on an external 500 Gig drive.

After safely ejecting the external drive from the computer, I carry it a few steps to the PS3, and plug it into a USB port.

From the PS3, I choose Options -> Display All, which allows me to navigate into the drive's PIXELA library, and choose which clips to play individually. (I also have PS3 Media Server installed on my computer, but my home network can't keep up; the resultant video stutters, with dropped frames, etc.)

So lacking HDMI in my home entertainment system hasn't been a handicap; thanks to my PS3.

Another BIG surprise as a first time AVCHD user: HD DVDs.

I initially thought the manual was mentioning creating a regular DVD, which is also possible.

But in fact, when creating an AVCHD DVD from the PIXELA software, you're actually burning/storing BlueRay compatible files and directories on the DVD, such as with data.

Pop the resultant DVD into the BlueRay player (in my case my PS3), and you're looking at your editted video (with menus, etc.) in full HD!

5) Low light capability. One of the big reasons I finally chose this camera over cheaper alternatives, is the comparatively big image sensor, and published specs (how many lux required).

My first real use of the camera was a night baseball game. With default settings (NOT "Night" setting for example), the recorded video not only looks natural with the baseball stadium lights, but the dark areas are free of noise, with nicely saturated color. So in that situation, you get the nice HD perception of looking through a window at the game, without the noise I've seen with my older video cameras.

I've also shot video indoors, including a banquet, intentionally testing by shooting from the back of the banquet hall, zoomed in (optical only) toward the front where the speaking and awards are happening under the room's lights, not extra lighting. Again, the final video looks pleasing and natural on my HDTV.

6) PIXELA ImageMixer software. I'm sure this package can't hold a candle to iMovie or FinalCutPro, but it can do basic editting, and the gui allows you to browse through and view video clips directly in the library. I've also created MPEG4, and .mov versions of a particular movie. The .mov seems to have better quality than the mpeg4, with the same file size.

What I'm missing from my latest Canon cameras (I also own a PowerShot 590) is Stitch Assist. I fell in love with Stitch Assist (for panoramic stills), which I first used with my PowerShot G3, and also with my Optura 300. It surprises me that Canon is leaving out this feature. I'll have to learn how to do without it, because I really enjoy panoramic photos I have hanging. The old PowerShot G3 still has a job.

In conclusion, my new Canon HF S100 does everything (well just about) that I need it to do, compactly and with pleasing results. So it gets my 5 stars.

Blackberry ACC-40486-301 Micro HDMI Data Cable - Retail Packaging - Black

This was worth every penny plus some. I really enjoy being able to hook it up to watch movies and even give presentations.

Excelent accesory for your Playbook, you can watch exact what you see on your tablet on your plasma with excelent definition. Picture, HD videos and much more. Recomendable!!!

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I'm sorry about the length......So I love it and would be 110% happy had I not received a used cable. the packaging had clearly been opened and the item used as the ports had signs of use obvious by the scuffs and light discoloration on one port. The way the cable was packed inside the worn packaging was not like any other item from RIM would typically be packed. I paid for a brand new cable and I feel I did not get what I paid for, instead I got someone else's unwanted and returned item. Shortly after receiving it, bummed when I should have been happy, I decided I was going to return the used cable and get exactly what I payed for, a new cable. I gave it more thought and considered that I waited a long time to get this cable and it worked fine. So I decided against returning and I figured this one time I could SETTLE and just deal with it despite me feeling like I was not receiving the best customer service. In conclusion it works but someone else had already used up some wear on it before I did and i won't ever get that back......

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Panasonic Professional BT-LH1710 17-Inch LCD Production Monitor

That basically sums up my feeling for this monitor.

Yes, I'm fully aware it is a broadcast/studio/production monitor which commands a far higher price than a consumer monitor, BUT, it's just not that good. Take away the special functions, a $600 PC monitor (IPS or PVA panel) with the right adapters and/or format converters would equal the PQ at a fraction of the cost.

Pros;

1. Metal frame (see below),

2. Typical studio/production functions: cross pulse, underscan, blue only,

3. Four preset & three user adjustable white balance settings (confusing user adjustments, see below) ,

4. Composite, S-video (Y/C), component and two SDI inputs (all loop thru),

5. Three independent user memories,

6. AC or DC operation (removable power cord),

7. Various markers & waveform monitor display (see below),

8. Removable metal stand (see below).

Cons;

1. Very pricey, especially for a 720p panel,

2. Weight. Over 15 lbs with stand. Until you pick it up, 15 lbs doesn't sound like much, but it is!,

3. This appears to be a TN panel (un-confirmed) judging by the poor vertical viewing angles. (side to side angle is better),

4. Uneven backlighting,

5. No DVI input,

6. Noticeable 'green' cast with the D65, D56 or variable 0-65 user settings (but can be adjusted out),

7. User white balance (Var 1-3) are confusing since each control affects both high and low Y levels. Controls are labeled "High" & "Low", but each has "Bias" & "Gain" figures shown, both change while adjusting,

8. Older design introduced in 2005. (1760 replacement introduced in 2008 with a apparent IPS panel with a even hight price tag),

9. Heavy, non tilting stand (2 lbs). No sharp edges, but I wouldn't use it on a surface that would scratch or able to dent easily. Since the vertical viewing angle is poor, something that tilts is imperative,

10. WFM display is very crude and inconsistent. Can't be used for a reliable level readout. (1760's firmware changes the overlay to double the resolution.)

Epson America Inc 3000 Lumens

We did a lot of research when it came to replacing the eight year old LCD projectors at our church. The colors on that one were always wrong and washed out, no doubt because it was only 1600 lumens. So one of our priorities was much higher lumens and the other was accurate color definition. This Epson does both extremely well. Whatever color shows up on our LCD computer monitor is the same color that shows up on the screen, and the brightness of this projector is amazing. Epson makes a point to say that they use a different scale for measuring brightness that compares to other projector brands with higher advertised lumens and I would be inclined to believe them. This projector was the best compromise of low price and high brightness and features we could find, though after we started using them we see no compromise at all. The best feature that was never mentioned in the advertising and only found out after installation was that the image fills the screen even after correcting for keystoning. Our other projector corrected the keystone effect but it overshot the screen and we were always missing part of the image. I just cannot find anything negative to say about this projector, and am a huge fan of Epson projectors now.

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Belkin Micra Digital High-Speed HDMI Cable (15ftt)

I was using this cable to feed from my Laptop to our big TV for streaming shows. One of the first times that I used it I went to pick the Laptop up off of the floor and the cable with the plastic covers pulled right off of the metal portion of the plug which was left in the laptop. The ends of the wires appeared to only be slightly crimped at the ends where they had been in the connector. There was no solder and there did not appear to be any mechanical connection or adhesive between the metal and plastic parts of the end. It appears to be either a bad design or part of the assembly process was skipped.

Belkin makes many of the best cables out there. They are respected by so many in the business world for a reason. You will not be disappointed with this cable. If you are in the market for a good HDMI cable then give this one a try. I also highly recommend Media Bridge cables.

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Too many times I find HDMI cables that are of inferior quality at seemingly ridiculous prices. I this case you get a high quality cable at a reasonable price point. It's truly a win-win!

Pros:

good quality construction cable surface is textured and has high quality coatings to prevent interference and snags.

HDMI connections are solid. No loose connections here.

Cons:

none that I could discern.

Overall you get a great cable at a great price.

Hope that helps.

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The end of the cable broke off after 10-15 plug-ins, very poor quality. Just sitting plugged in, the weight of the cable itself bends the connector in the socket.

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I received six of these cables and two did not work out of the box. I read a review on PCMag online that stated that HDMI cables should all work the same assuming they are manufactured to a basic standard. Due to the low price I paid for these cables I'm not going to mess with exchanging or returning the defective cables. For the cables that did work, they work well and I'm happy with the braided coating on the cable as compared to standard plastic-coated cables.

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HMC-1015G HDMI A/V Cable - 15 ft

Not much to say, plug it into TV, plug it into Xoom, sound and video plays on your TV and the Xoom acts like a corded remote control. Works well! The 15 foot length gives many options for placement of your Xoom.

Although the screen on my smartphone is rather larger than many, the HDMI cable allowed me to share my videos on a much bigger LCD TV screen for others to see. Make sure to mention difference between micro HDMI and mini USB.

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Does it live up to the name "Premium GOLD"? I'm not sure about that. But, it was a great price, it came quickly in good shape, it worked well. Over all the shopping experience was very good and I am very satisfied with the HDMI cable.

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The price is great, its appears to be of good quality. On my phone the conection at the phone loses contact if moved once it is conected. It could be the phone and it could be the cable. The 6ft cord wouldn't cut it. you need 15ft so thats a plus.

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I use this to connect my Motorola XOOM HD dock to my LCD TV. It works very well. I had no problems connecting to the dock or the TV. It is long enough that the dock can be beside my recliner so I can easily use the XOOM and watch the TV. YouTube videos are much nicer this way.

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Premium Grade (6 Foot) HDMI to Mini HDMI Cable replacement

Bought this cable to connect my canon digital camera to my HDTV. The cable does as it is advertised to do. No problems so far

Before I have a second tought to buy this product because it is cheap i was thinking low quality and maybe it's not works to my 7d camera but i was wrong it turned out it's works well it's delivered real 1080p.

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I'm sure there's a "serious videophile" who'll claim to see some difference on his TV when using solid gold, jewel encrusted cables sheethed in the braided hairs of the firstborn daughters of a small town outside Vienna, but they're lying. HDMI carries a digital signal which is not subject to "noise" or signal degredation like analog cables. This cable works very well for me and is well constructed. Most importantly, it fits my Canon Vixia HF200--the sole reason I bought it.

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The cable works as advertised and the price is unbeatable. I am not using it for a camcorder but for a canon elph camera with HDMI out. The photos and videos look great

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I'm using this to view pictures and video from my "point and shoot" camera. The cable is very good for short money, the pictures in HD through the HDMI cable are wonderful.

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