Canon FS31 Flash memory Camcorder w/16GB Flash Memory & 41x Advanced Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 3 x 5.5 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00322OP4A
• Item model number: FS31
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,917 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 5, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Compare All 2010 Canon Camcorders


The Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory camcorder is lightweight, compact and user-friendly, records stunning video - and does it all at an affordable price.

As employed in advanced electronic products such as laptop computers, MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones, flash memory has numerous benefits. With the Canon FS31, you’re able to record to both the camcorder's substantial 16GB internal flash drive and a removable SD card. Not only does dual flash memory give you extended recording space, but it also gives you added flexibility in file transfer and playback. You'll have a chance to catch and share even more of your life's special moments with the FS31. Adding to the usefulness of this camcorder is Quick Charge - which reduces the recharge time for the FS31's battery, and Pre-Record which gives you a head start on capturing the action. With Canon Exclusive features such as Canon 41x Advanced Zoom and our DIGIC DV II Image Processor, combined with a 2.7" Widescreen LCD, Quick Charge and our new Dynamic IS - you've got a flash memory camcorder that's both hard to beat and unmistakably Canon.

Flash Memory
The ultra-sleek and compact FS31 allows you to capture video to a 16GB internal flash drive as well as onto an SD memory card. Video stored on the internal memory can be copied onto the memory card which can then be inserted into your computer or television's card reader slot for immediate viewing. Additionally, you can use higher capacity SD memory cards to further increase the video storage of your FS31.

In addition to the advantage of added recording time, offers more to you as well. You'll appreciate its quick response time, because it doesn't have to wait for moving parts. Press the record button and your FS31 starts recording video faster than you've ever seen before. In addition, when you review your footage, it will start playing more quickly as well. Another plus is the FS31's lower power consumption rate, allowing your battery to last longer. It's just what you need so you don't miss that pivotal play on the field or the moment when they say "I do." While we certainly hope you keep your FS31 securely in your hand while shooting, if it happens to slip, or you accidentally knock it against something, you'll be happy to know that flash memory makes your camcorder more shock resistant than other recording storage systems. It also minimizes the chance of data loss due to damage to your recording media or the moving parts found in other camcorders.

Memory capacity	XP (app. 9 Mbps) High Image Quality	SP (app. 6 Mbps) Standard	LP (app. 3 Mbps) Long Play
2 GB	25 min.	40 min.	1 hour 15 min.
4 GB	55 min.	1 hour 20 min.	2 hours 35 min.
8 GB	1 hour 50 min.	2 hours 45 min.	5 hours 10 min,
16 GB (*)	3 hours 40 min.	5 hours 30 min.	10 hours 25 min.
32 GB	7 hours 20 min.	11 hours.	20 hours 50 min.

(*) Size of built-in memory in FS31

The maximum memory capacity and recording time can be substantially increased by the combination of the internal memory and the size of the SD memory card chosen. For example, the FS31’s 16GB of internal memory, combined with a removable 32GB SD memory card, would give 48GB in total memory capacity, and 31 hours 15 minutes of recording time at the LP setting.

Ultra-Sleek, Compact and Lightweight Design
The FS31 is ultra-compact and lightweight. Measuring only 2.2" wide, 2.3" high and 4.8" deep, it combines big video storage capacity in a small, easy to carry camcorder weighing only 7.9 oz. You’ll want to take it everywhere you go.

Superb Image Quality
Great looking video starts with the images your camcorder sees, processes and records. Canon’s legendary technology works together in the FS31 to deliver the best at every step. Canon delivers the best in standard definition video in the FS31. A Genuine Canon 41x Advanced Zoom delivers unsurpassed image quality. The 680,000 pixel CCD Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC DV II Image Processor captures video with vivid, intense, lifelike detail.
 
Dynamic IS
With the Canon FS31, you can be sure that even on the move your video will be smooth, steady and professional looking. Dynamic IS provides continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broader range of motion. In comparison to conventional electronic image stabilization systems, extra compensation is applied at wide-angle focal lengths to eliminate unwanted vibration that is common when walking.

2.7" Widescreen LCD
The 2.7" LCD on the FS31 lets you see more of what your camcorder is recording. The 123,000 dot screen delivers bright, clear detail and the widescreen format means there's no need to imagine what your final image will look like on your widescreen television because it's not squeezed into a small space while you're shooting. What you see will be what you get.

Video Snapshot
Video Snapshot will let you shoot short movie clips with the FS31 in the same way you've shot snapshots with your still camera. You can create 4-second video clips which can be played back in the FS31 with background music. You'll also be able to capture clips in Playback as well, making it more convenient than ever to use this feature. It's the perfect way to document your vacation in a quick, easy, entertaining series of clips, perfect for Internet sharing.

Superb Shooting Control - Quick Start, Dual Shot, Quick Charge, Pre-Record and More
With Quick Start you’ll never miss a quickly unfolding shot again. When the FS31 is in Camera Mode and the LCD panel is closed, it is placed in standby. When the action starts, open the LCD panel and you'll begin recording in less than one second. You'll also help extend your battery life as compared to leaving the camcorder in regular recording mode.

Dual Shot makes capturing video and photos faster and easier than ever. Both types of images can be captured in the same mode - without requiring any switching. This ensures you will be ready to capture the action when it starts, helping you to avoid the chance of a missed shot.

When you've got a lot to shoot but not a lot of time to recharge your batteries, the Quick Charge feature comes to the rescue. In 20 minutes, you can charge up to approximately 60 minutes of recording time! It's ultra-fast battery charging when you need it most.

The Pre-record feature places your FS31 in a stand-by "pre-roll" mode. With this feature the camcorder continuously records three seconds of video to memory before you even press the record button. When you start recording, the additional video is recorded too. It will be easier than ever to capture the moment when the bat hits the ball at the start of that home run.

The FS31 captures and records true 16:9 High Resolution Widescreen for picture perfect video. It comes from Canon's sophisticated image processing system, which uses the entire width of the image sensor, capturing true 16:9 widescreen. The additional pixels captured deliver better image quality.

You’ll take the compact, lightweight FS31 wherever you go, so to give you the best exposure settings for different conditions and subjects, automatically, you’ll have Program AE.

Portrait mode ensures shallow depth of field for a pleasing background to your shots of friends and family. Sports mode stops the action with faster shutter speeds. Night mode is designed to give you great shots after the sun goes down. Snow and Beach modes compensate for bright surroundings and give you the proper exposure on your subject. Sunset mode results in vibrant, well-exposed colors for one of the toughest subjects to capture. Use Spotlight mode when your child is on stage and in the spotlight - literally - and you want to make sure the exposure is right for them. And, Fireworks mode records brilliant images of another tough subject: the holiday fireworks display.

With the Level Marker feature, it's easy to keep your camcorder level for more professional-looking results. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot - such as the horizon - to the marker and you can be sure your camcorder is level.

The FS31's Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately. You can even choose from two different colors for the grid. This ensures that you see the grid, no matter what the background color of your shot is.

Connectivity
You can also easily burn DVDs of the video shot with your FS31 as it is compatible with Canon's DW-100 DVD Burner. A one-cable connection is all it takes to send the files across and with the click of a few buttons; your videos will be burned to a disc ready to play in a compatible DVD player

To maximize the usefulness and versatility of the FS31, you’ll find an A/V terminal to easily view the recorded video on your television. The FS31 is also equipped with a USB port for direct transfer of your video and photos to your computer for editing or online sharing.
 
Additional Features
Built-in Video Light greatly improves the quality of your video shot in low light conditions.

Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software
The FS31 camcorder is bundled with a powerful software suite. Pixela ImageMixer 3SE* lets you play back your recorded video on your computer. You can also easily perform editing in which you can trim, reorder, and combine scenes, as well as add music, titles, and transitions. With the Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Software, you can burn a standard definition DVD to relive the memories on your TV. And to perfectly complement the Video Snapshot feature found on Canon flash memory camcorders, a music CD containing royalty-free soundtracks is also provided.

Intelligent Lithium-ion Battery
The Intelligent Lithium-ion battery which powers the FS31 is a major, and useful, advance. It not only more accurately tracks remaining battery life, it also gives a display in minutes remaining. It will allow you to better plan your shooting, so you won't be caught out with a battery that suddenly goes from "half" to "empty."

Built-in Electronic Lens Cover
The Built-in Electronic Lens Cover means you never have to go looking for your lens cover again. Turn your camcorder on and the lens cover automatically opens. Turn it off, and the cover closes.

Compare All 2010 Canon Camcorders

Product Description

%3Cp%3E The Canon FS31 Dual Flash Memory camcorder is lightweight%2C compact and user%2Dfriendly%2C records stunning video and does it all at an affordable price%2E With the Canon FS31%2C you%27re able to record to both the camcorder%27s substantial 16GB internal flash drive and a removable SD card%2E Not only does dual flash memory give you extended recording space%2C but it also gives you added flexibility in file transfer and playback%2E You%27ll have a chance to catch and share even more of your life%27s special moments with the FS31%2E %3C%2Fp%3E

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Go grab one, it's worth it., July 12, 2010

By 

Travis - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon FS31 Flash memory Camcorder w/16GB Flash Memory & 41x Advanced Zoom (Electronics)

This little camera was a real surprise for me when I first got a glimpse at it in Best Buy. The first thing to notice is its nice compact size. It is literally about the size of a 12-ounce, aluminum soda can. The LCD panel runs down the side of the camera which makes it proportionally large for the camera. The picture on the LCD is really good for its size and when you upload the video onto your computer or HDTV, the picture quality is great. I have not seen this good of video quality from a non-professional video camera before. Of course there are new HD cameras coming out, but if you want to save a couple of hundred dollars, choose this camera.

Using the camera is a snap too, all the controls are intuitive and the only feature missing is a viewfinder. The LCD works as the viewfinder and unfortunately whenever you close the LCD panel, the camera goes into standby. This way you don't accidentally take any pictures while carrying it around, but it also forcers you to have the big 'wing' sticking out of your camera when filming or taking pictures.

The Storage capacity is well worth the extra $100 compared to Canon's less expensive version of this device which has no internal memory storage. The internal storage alone gives virtually limitless picture space and enough video storage to outlast the battery itself (which lasts about 4 hours filming before needing a recharge). Now I haven't adjusted any of the video quality setting yet, but the point is that you won't have to buy any extra storage cards for this camera unless you are also carrying extra batteries.

Other than it being small enough to easily leave behind if you're not paying attention, this camera is a great buy for the asking price. I'm not sure you can get many other cameras of this quality without jumping to HD or professional level.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this camcorder, June 5, 2010

By 

Kevin the Dude (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon FS31 Flash memory Camcorder w/16GB Flash Memory & 41x Advanced Zoom (Electronics)

This is a great camcorder. So far it has lived up to my expectations. It's really easy to use right away without reading the manual and I began using it as soon as the battery was fully charged. After a month, I'm still learning all the available features, which are plenty. I have yet to use it to its full potential, so there's plenty of room to grow with it. The built-in flash memory is great. I can only think of two negatives for this camera: the still picture mode only takes 1MP photos, which is fine for the web, but not good for printing, and the built-in light doesn't provide much light. Everything else is above satisfactory.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Camera great, software not so much, December 12, 2010

By 

busygirl - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon FS31 Flash memory Camcorder w/16GB Flash Memory & 41x Advanced Zoom (Electronics)

This camera takes great video, is easy to use, and keeps its charge for a long time. The only issue is the software. It is not very user friendly. The manual indicates if you record on a card, you can simply insert the card into a reader to transfer the video to your hard drive, but I have been unable to do this. When I transferred straight off the card, none of the editing software I have would read the files. Had to reinsert the card into the camera and transfer via the cable.