Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

We love this video camera. OK, maybe we're behind the times but the only video recorder we've owned before wa clunky, and hard to use. This one isn't. The only thing I regret is that (like most modern gadgets) is that it's short on well-produced, well-presented, clear "how to use" information. But you'll figure it out ...

This is a nice small Camcorder with a very easy to use format. How ever if your computer is a Mac the soft ware you get in the kit will not work on Apple.I have contacted Canon asking what I can do about this.

I bought this product primarily for the price but also because it was a Canon. I have owned Canon cameras and have been pleased with them.

Let me list the pros and the cons:

Pros: Lightweight, easy to operate, easy to transfer video to computer
Cons: I am used to looking through a viewfinder, but this camera like most of the others just has the small screen on the side. This is okay except in bright sunlight which makes it very hard to see the screen. I recently took it to an air show and had a difficult time in locating the planes. Another con is that you cannot charge the battery except in the camcorder, but so far the battery life has been good.

Some other viewers mentioned the transfer software was difficult to use, but I had no problem. But you do not even need the software if you use the removable flash memory (not included) and drag and drop to your computer. The downloaded video can then be selected and transferred to a DVD using a program such as Windows DVD Maker, which is what I used.

Overall, I like this camera. The videos are not high quality, but I knew this when I bought the camera. If you want high quality, buy the HD version.

My husband and I debated about wether or not to get an HD camcorder. We have a canon powershot camera that we absolutely love and this video camera was highly rated on consumer reports, so we got this one. We both felt the pic quality was awful. It was worse than a Video Cassette Camcorder quality. I don't know if something was wrong with ours in particular, because I can't imagine it would have received such high ratings from users and CR if all of them were as bad as the one we had. We used to it one day and returned it for a refund. Now, we're torn about going for a different SD camcorder or holding off and saving up some more and buying an HD one.

Also, if you use Mac, the storage is difficult to access. The files come in a weird format. My husband figured it out eventually using on line helps, but it took a long time.

Great little camcorder!!! Sound could be better, But picture is outstanding!
I'd tried one of the other Canon's ( the HF R20) and was very disappointed! ( short battery life+ other stuff). If you're looking for just a plain ol' do the job camcorder, the FS31 is it. 3+hr battery, 3+hr built in mem, easy to set up and use.
If your one who's trying/wanting to shoot hi-end HD/Hollywood productions then it's not.

I am not a huge fan of Cam-coders simply because my first preference is always a photograph..(yup... in the age of viral videos and I am old fashioned geek!!)
However, I had to get one (thanks to my Son's school programs) and I spent quite a lot of time searching for the right camera..to the extend of going completely nuts with the amount of choices and conflicting reviews. I ended up with this camera for
1) The Price
2) The compactness
3) Ease of Use
4) Dual mode for Pics + Video
5) Internal 16GB memory
6) The picture quality is excellent and has High resolution modes.
For the ardent fans of HD video, sorry to disappoint you, but here is my personal opinion for HD.
- They are not so light weight (yet)
- They are still pricey
- And uploaded HD videos take time to play back based on your internet connection.
7) Excellent ZOOM capability

Note: A frequent complaint about lower priced camcoders is the low-light clarity. But lets face it ..unless you are spending more than $500, you wont get crisp pixels in a low light condition in any camera.

Atleast I am using this camcoder coz it is easy to carry around (fits very snuggly in your palm or in your coat pocket.)

Do I have any cons for this..yes
1) The owners manual is not that great
2) If the external SD card is not class 10 (I have a Class 4), it takes time to save and quit. Could be a problem if you are using the dual mode of Photo+Video and are switching btw the modes continuously. However since there is a large internal memory, you wont be facing this issue unless u record a lot.
3) Took some time to figure out how the dual mode works.

We bought this camera right before our daughter was born and have been nothing but happy with its performance. My husband also takes it hunting with him when he wants to film wildlife. I do not have any really technical comments for the camera, but it functions as a good compact camera that has taken all the milestone videos of our daughter we wanted.