Canon VIXIA HF S200 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder & Pro Manual Control

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 3 x 5.5 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00322OOXM
• Item model number: HF S200
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,459 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


Canon's VIXIA HF S200 Flash Memory Camcorder, with two SD memory card slots, offers Canon's most sophisticated feature set to date - blurring the line between consumer and professional. Canon's superlative proprietary imaging technologies help deliver video and 8.0 megapixel photos with incredible detail and lifelike color. Touch & Track allows you to achieve sharp focus and precise exposure for any subject, simply by touching the generous 3.5" High Resolution (922,000 dot) Touch Panel LCD. Native 24p Mode perfectly matches the frame rate of film. And 5.1-Channel Surround Sound ensures your audio complements the stunning realism of your video.

Flash Memory
The VIXIA HF S200 can record crisp, high definition video directly to two SD memory card slots, but it gets even better. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from one SD memory card to the next available SD memory card, when the first card becomes full. It will be easier than ever to capture that late game play or the exact moment those first steps are taken.

You'll also have the flexibility of copying video from one card to the other. That makes it easy to insert the card into your computer or HDTV's card reader and view your recorded footage immediately.
MXP and FXP modes record in 1920 x 1080 and require a Class 4 or higher SDHC Card.

The advantages of flash memory go beyond the added recording time. You'll also appreciate the quick response time, because there are no moving parts. Press the record button and your VIXIA HF S200 starts recording video faster than you've ever seen before. In addition, when you review, you'll have quick access to your footage.

Another plus is the VIXIA HF S200's low 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 VIXIA HF S200 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 if there is damage to your recording media or to the moving parts found in other camcorders.

Stunning Image Quality
A Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens delivers unsurpassed image quality and a smooth background for professional-looking results. The Canon Exclusive 1/2.6" 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor captures video at 1920 x 1080 resolution and photos with astonishing detail, while Canon's Exclusive DIGIC DV III Image Processor provides the ultimate in color and imaging performance, with enhanced reproduction of difficult to capture purple and blue tones. Exceptionally lifelike tone and detail are captured thanks to 24Mbps Recording, which offers the highest bit rate in AVCHD. Even when shooting in extended telephoto range, the VIXIA HF S200's built-in 1.7x Digital Tele-converter retains excellent image quality. The VIXIA HF S200 not only captures images in Full HD, but records and outputs at 1920 x 1080 as well, so you get Full HD, from lens to screen.

Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization with Powered IS
VIXIA HF S200 features Canon's proprietary Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization which provides continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broad range of motion. Extra compensation is applied at wide-angle focal lengths to eliminate unwanted shaking common when walking while shooting. Together with the latest development, Powered IS, you'll find an even higher level of compensation for subtle hand movement at the telephoto end of the zoom range. And it's easy to engage Powered IS. Simply press or hold the Powered IS button on the touch panel LCD.

Instant AF
Another critical objective when shooting in high definition is achieving a very sharp focus. The VIXIA HF S200 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary Instant AF focusing system which offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional auto focus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's auto focus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." The benefits of Instant AF are especially seen in high brightness and night shooting situations. With Instant AF, it's possible to capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.

And because a properly focused subject is more critical than ever with HD, the VIXIA HF S200 also features Focus Assist. This helps in capturing your subject in razor-sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject (when you start recording, this assistance is automatically cancelled). This is a feature normally found in professional broadcast-quality cameras. Another sophisticated control available on the VIXIA HF S200 is color peaking, which enhances the edges of your subject to aid in focusing.

3.5" High resolution Touch Panel LCD Screen
The VIXIA HF S200 features a 3.5" High Resolution Touch Panel LCD Screen which provides a large, expansive area for fast and easy menu navigation right at your fingertips. Boasting a resolution of 922,000 dots, the screen delivers exceptional detail and brilliant color for more accurate and enjoyable viewing. You'll also have Touch & Track, which allows you to get precise focus and exposure on any subject - whether it's people, vehicles, etc. by selecting your choice right on the touch panel LCD. To add to its versatile capabilities, the VIXIA HF S200 also features a viewfinder for use in extreme bright light situations.

Smart Auto
Smart Auto makes shooting great video easier than ever before. Using the power of Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor, the VIXIA HF S200 intelligently detects and analyzes faces, brightness, color, distance, and movement, then automatically selects the best settings for the scene. Whether you are capturing a sunset, a day at the beach, or a fast-paced soccer game, Smart Auto delivers exceptionally accurate results.

Touch & Track
Touch & Track delivers precise focus and exposure on any subject - people, pets, vehicles and more. Simply select your point of interest on the touch panel LCD, and you will have your subject in sharp focus, regardless of where in the frame it moves during the shot – and, the exposure will be perfectly adjusted for subject and conditions. Touch & Track is also the default setting, ready when you turn the camcorder on. For more creative control, you can also choose to adjust focus or exposure independently by turning off Touch & Track, and turning on Touch Focus or Touch Exposure.

Genuine Canon Face Detection
The same high quality Face Detection technology used in Canon digital cameras is available in Canon high definition camcorders. Up to 35 faces can be tracked automatically, ensuring razor-sharp focus and natural, accurate exposure. Of the faces tracked, 9 detection frames can be displayed at one time.

In fact, the system is so intelligent that it will recognize faces turned downwards or sideways. In addition, a specific face may be selected as the main subject for continuous tracking. This feature is convenient in searching for clips which feature that specific subject's face. In search and playback, use of the Face Index will display those frames with the chosen face as a thumbnail in each shot in which it appears. Your selected face can also be linked as a timeline to further identify footage containing your subject.

Advanced Video Snapshot
Advanced Video Snapshot allows you to capture the highlights of a once in a lifetime trip or a family milestone with the same ease as taking photos. Simply record a series of short video clips – or select your favorite clips while in Playback Mode – and blend in your favorite background music to create an exciting movie that will grab everyone's attention. This version of Advanced Video Snapshot allows selectable recording times of 2, 4, or 8 seconds. Additionally, audio from an external source, such as an MP3 player, can be played along with the Snapshot movie and playback can be controlled from that source.

Easy Web Sharing
HD-to-SD Downconversion allows you to convert recorded high definition video to standard definition files while safely preserving the original HD video. These standard definition files make it even more convenient to edit, share video online, or create a DVD. The downconverted video can be transferred to your computer via traditional methods - i.e. USB connection, card slot - or wirelessly to sharing sites with an Eye-Fi SD memory card.

The VIXIA HF S200 is compatible with Eye-Fi SD Memory Cards. It's possible to wirelessly transfer your downconverted video and photos to your computer, or upload them directly to online sharing sites in a few simple steps. Insert an Eye-Fi SD Memory Card into an SD card slot on the camcorder, configure your computer to select the target site (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Shutterfly, Flickr) and you're ready to share your standard definition files with family, friends, and the world!

Canon camcorders are not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with Eye-Fi, Inc. Outside of the United States and Canada, government approval is required to use Eye-Fi cards in many countries or regions. Without approval, use of the card is not permitted. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with Eye-Fi, Inc.

8.0 Megapixel Camera
Since Canon is acknowledged as a world leading maker of digital cameras, it's not surprising that the VIXIA HF S200, in addition to being a brilliant camcorder, is also a superb 8.0 megapixel digital camera. Once again, Canon delivers features and technology that advance convenience and capability. The VIXIA HF S200's Dual Shot makes it easier than ever to capture both video and photos. You'll even be able to shoot 6.0 megapixel photos while shooting video at the same time with Simultaneous Photo Recording.

Auto Intelligent Auto Focus (AiAF) ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the VIXIA HF S200's 9-Point AiAF will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus.

You can also choose from a range of exposure modes including Auto AV (aperture priority), TV (shutter priority), and P (program).

For optimal exposure, the VIXIA HF S200 offers selectable metering patterns: Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average, and Spot. The AE Bracketing feature of the VIXIA HF S200 automatically takes three versions of the shot with 'dark,' 'normal' and 'light' settings in ½ exposure steps so you may choose the one that best suits you.

The VIXIA HF S200 can capture a rapid succession of photos, just like the motor drive on a digital camera. Shoot up to 3 frames per second in the Continuous Mode, or a blazing 5 frames per second in the High Speed Continuous Mode.
For the advanced digital photographer, the VIXIA HF S200 comes with a Histogram Display – a feature found in Canon's line of digital SLR cameras. The display allows you to see the brightness information of your still images, so you can adjust your exposures as you shoot.

With the Level Marker feature, it's easy to keep your camera level for more professional-looking photographs. The VIXIA HF S200's Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately, according to the grid in your viewfinder. Choose from two different colors for the grid to ensure that you see the grid, no matter what the background color of your shot is.

The versatile VIXIA HF S200 even lets you capture a still image from an already recorded movie. While playing the movie in your camcorder, simply press the photo button to capture a 1920 x 1080 photo onto an SD card. Additionally, the VIXIA HF S200 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video.

Your VIXIA HF S200's built-in flash lets you capture superb photos indoors and in low light conditions. The VIXIA HF S200 also features red-eye reduction.
Print/Share allows you to connect your camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the supplied USB cable and with a touch of the Print/Share button, print directly from your VIXIA HF S200. Print/Share also makes it easy to transfer your photos to your computer.

You can also easily burn DVDs of your photos taken with your VIXIA HF S200 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 photos are ready to share with all.

Native 24p Mode / 24p Cinema Mode / 30p Frame Mode
The VIXIA HF S200 offers selectable frame rates to match both your lifestyle and creative vision.

Native 24p Mode allows 24 frames per second – exactly the same capture rate as film – to be captured and recorded. This is a big advantage for serious filmmaking work enabling you to achieve the ultimate cinematic experience.

24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional "film-look." You can change the camcorder's frame capture rate to 24p (recorded at 60i), which provides the appearance of the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, you can use the VIXIA HF S200's CINEMA setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently.

You would normally have to look to professional video cameras in order to have a sophisticated tool like 30p Progressive Mode at your command. In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the VIXIA HF S200 to capture video in 30p, (30 progressive frames, recorded to 60i) which is particularly useful for footage to be used on the Internet. It's also excellent for action and sports shots and additionally, this setting gives enhanced quality to still images captured after recording.

Terminals
To maximize the usefulness and versatility of the VIXIA HF S200, you'll find a range of terminals to extend the capabilities of your camcorder. A built-in LANC Terminal provides an easy connection to both Canon and third-party wired remote controllers. The Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe allows you to attach optional Canon accessories such as the VL-5 Video Light, DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone, or SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone. Easy, one-cable connectivity to your HDTV is yours through the VIXIA HF S200's HDMI Terminal which also supports CEC and x.v.Color. The built-in Microphone terminal with manual audio level control and Headphone terminal provide exceptional audio flexibility.

"x.v.Color" and "x.v.Color" logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Audio
For the ultimate home theater experience, 5.1-Channel Surround Sound* allows you to capture audio quality that matches the stunning realism of your high definition video. Since sound is captured from all directions through five different pickup sensors, your home movies will look and sound more lifelike than ever before.

The Automatic Attenuator feature prevents high volume distortion and optimizes audio quality in situations when sound levels quickly change, such as when loud music plays in the background. It automatically keeps the audio clean and even.

* Optional Canon SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone required

Additional Features

• Professional Shooting Assist Functions provide an exceptional level of control:
• Enhanced zebra pattern indicates "blown out" or high brightness areas to help you set the proper exposure.
• Color peaking enhances the edges of your subject to aid in focusing.
• Custom key allows functions including exposure, focusing, assist functions, mic volume level or AGC limits to be assigned to a custom key. Assist functions make it possible to change zebra and peaking settings.
• Color bars with reference tone help to set proper color and audio levels when editing video.
• Gain control allows you to lower the dB value to ensure that dark scenes can be shot with the correct level of darkness.
• Approximately 100% area display gives you a complete view in the LCD of the scene being shot - no need to worry that areas in the margins are being left out.
• Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery accurately indicates remaining battery time down to the minute.
• Built-in video light enhances your ability to shoot in low light conditions.

Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software is bundled with the VIXIA HF S200. You can easily perform a variety of functions, including AVCHD Editing in which you can trim, reorder, and combine scenes, as well as add music, titles, and transitions. This software also allows you to play your AVCHD movies on your computer and will also let you share copies of your movie with friends and family through flash memory to hard drive copying. Transfer and store your movie onto your computer's hard drive with the software and easily convert your high definition video to standard definition video as well.
Pixela ImageMixer 3SE will also assist you in converting video to the optimum resolution for transmission over the Internet.

With the Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Disc, you can burn your edited video onto Blu-ray discs, AVCHD DVDs (which play in AVCHD compatible Blu-ray disc players), or onto standard definition DVDs. And to complement the VIXIA HF S200's Video Snapshot feature, a music CD containing royalty-free soundtracks is also provided.

* The bundled application is compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista.

DVD Burner Compatible
You can also easily burn DVDs of the video shot with your VIXIA HF S200 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 an AVCHD disc for play in a compatible DVD player.

AVCHD discs containing scenes recorded in MXP mode cannot be created with the optional DW-100 DVD Burner.

Compare All 2010 Canon Camcorders

Product Description

Canon's VIXIA HF S200 Flash Memory Camcorder, with two SD memory card slots, offers Canon's most sophisticated feature set to date - blurring the line between consumer and professional. Native 24p Mode perfectly matches the frame rate of film. And 5.1-Channel Surround Sound ensures your audio complements the stunning realism of your video. Canon's superlative proprietary imaging technologies help deliver video and 8.0 megapixel photos with incredible detail and lifelike color. With the Canon VIXIA HF S200 4318B001 HD Camcorder, Touch & Track allows you to achieve sharp focus and precise exposure for any subject, simply by touching the generous 3.5" High Resolution (922,000 dot) Touch Panel LCD. Pick up your Canon VIXIA HF S200 4318B001 HD Camcorder today!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

192 of 198 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1080p and a bunch of cool features, April 4, 2010

By 

Busy Executive (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HF S200 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder & Pro Manual Control (Electronics)

I'm generally more of a still photographer at heart, but I finally decided to purchase an HD video camera, and after considerable research, I chose the Canon HF-S200. It seemed to have the right mix of features, size, price and quality - and so far, it's measured up.

From an ergonomics point of view, I found the camera about right for my hands. The controls seem logically laid out, and it fits naturally in my hand in a way that lets me hold it steady without feeling awkward. Still, even though the camera is barely a pound in weight, to get the best HD quality, you'll want to consider a monopod, tripod or some other support. I use a Kirk shoulder harness borrowed from one of my still cameras, and it works well. Otherwise, the controls seem to be where I'd like them and it took fairly little effort to get to the point where I could operate most of the features without fixating on the camera itself. Also, because of the memory card architecture, there are no moving parts in the recording system (there are of course moving parts in the lens, focusing mechanism, zoom, etc), making it quick, responsive and - best of all - totally silent in operation.

The camera also has all the right connections, including HDMI input/output, LANC remote controls, and connectors for outboard audio or microphones. The camera also has a shoe mount for things like video lights, and it can connect to some of Canon's cool accessories like their DVD burner (which I don't own, so I can't comment on).

This recorder writes to SD (SDHC) memory cards - up to two at a time, with the ability to fill one then overflow onto the other. Recording times are purely a function of how large your memory cards are, but assuming 32GB cards, you can get almost five hours of HD recording time by installing two cards in the S200. And of course you can carry a pocket full of extras, making recording time essentially unlimited. The AVCHD video format means you can plug your cards directly into many video editing programs with no need to transform or re-do anything. All in all, this is very convenient compared to other media (such as tape) where you essentially have to copy video to your computer as a separate step before you can work with it.

The camera includes a 10x zoom Canon lens, plus an additional digital zoom feature. I found the lens to be very good for a camcorder, producing bright, sharp and detailed videos with good color and contrast. Still, if you look at the output frame by frame on a computer, you can tell the lens - while impressive - is no match for a top quality DSLR lens. Plus, you're getting only an effective 6-8MP - pretty low by today's DSLR standards. I'm not so sure this is an issue, but I guess I don't shoot serious video with my DSLR, and I wouldn't shoot serious stills on my video camera. In 35mm terms, the range is about 43-435mm...good on the long end, but not quite as wide as I might like overall. Still, it's a fast lens and focuses close (about a foot, depending on zoom setting). A final nice feature is that the lens takes standard photo filters (58mm), and I find it handy for instance to screw on a polarizer sometimes.

I find most of the other features Canon includes to work well and to be thoughtfully designed. The 3.5" LCD panel is sharp and clear, although not always readable in bright sunlight. Auto-exposure and focus seem very fast and accurate, and even when there's a lot of fast motion, I usually find all the critical parts of the scene to be in sharp focus and properly exposed, aided by Canon's face and scene detection capabilities. When you want to, you can override exposure and focus to get a specific effect.

This is also the first consumer camcorder I've used that offers a choice of frame rates, from 24p to 30, giving you video that can have more of a film-like quality (24p) or be more natural to post online (30). The camera also has support for the latest wide-gamut color (x.v.color), giving you rich and vibrant colors if the rest of your equipment can handle it. In my case, displayed on a high-quality 60" plasma monitor, the videos look amazing.

To be clear, this camera is essentially the same as the Canon S20 or S21, the main difference among the models being the amount of on-board memory. I believe the S21 comes with 64GB built-in, the S20 has 32GB and this one (S200) has only the SD slots - you supply the memory. Since I like the idea of external memory cards that I can pop into my computer for editing and post-production, I think I'd end up using the slots anyway, and the onboard memory in the other models wouldn't be particularly helpful for me. This was the main reason I went with the S200 instead of one of the other models.

From an overall image quality perspective, the Canon offers the best image quality I've seen from a consumer product, period. HD images in 1080p are simply stunning, as good as anything you'll find anywhere. The image stabilization helps ensure you don't get "bumpy" scenes, and even the audio channels (which are capable of 5.1 recording with an add-on surround microphone) are quite good for such a small device. Overall, I was blown away by the video quality - it was much better than what I thought I could get at this price point.

Great camcorder - highly recommended and worth the price.

180 of 188 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars One deal breaker for me, July 17, 2010

By 

William M. Gibson (Washington DC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HF S200 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder & Pro Manual Control (Electronics)

I'm going to keep this short. Other reviewers have pointed out the many great things about this camcorder, and there are many. Unfortunately, there is one deal breaker for me, and I'm absolutely shocked that more people haven't mentioned it.....the lens is not wide angle enough!! I bought this a week ago to take on vacation. I am in Orlando right now doing the Disney thing, and I'm in a big suite, and I am constantly backing up, and telling my kids to back up, so I can get them in the picture. Even then, it's still not quite enough, and I'm not getting the shots I want. Just to make sure I wasn't being too critical, I asked my 19 year old stepson what he thought (and he's a film/video major in college right now), and he totally agreed. He said his much less expensive JVC has a much, much wider angle (of course the overall quality of the camera and of the videos is less than the Canon).

To put it in perspective, consider the 2 top competitors to the Canon HF S200, the Panasonic TM700 and the Sony CX550V. Without hashing out the merits of the 3 camcorders, just know that the wide on the Canon is 43, the wide on the Panasonic is 35, and the wide on the Sony is 29. Huge differences!!!

If you plan on doing videos of the family at home, as I do, I really think you want to consider this. It's a problem for me, and it may be a problem for you. Not sure if this is a tradeoff between higher quality video and photos and having a wider angle lens. I'm going to return my HF S200 and do some more research to find a better balance. I need that wider angle!

**Update 7-21-10**Wrappinig up my vacation, and I realized that there is another huge negative for this camera (and any camera without a viewfinder).....I was shooting video outside all week, and it was a total crapshoot. I couldn't see a thing on the LCD due to the sun. Again, this is not a knock to this camera specifically, but to any camera that does not have an EVF. I know that this is not an issue for many (most) people, but something to consider if you plan on shooting vacation videos outside in the bright sun.

**Update 5-27-11**I did return the Canon and got a Sony CX550V. Picked it up last year. Yes, the wider angle lens made a big difference, at least to me. I have never had a problem framing the video the way I want and getting everything in. Overall quality is very good, with a few quirks. I did a full review under the product listing.

193 of 203 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great, but not as nearly good as the Panasonic HDC-TM700, May 15, 2010

By 

Cheap-n-Easy (Triad, NC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HF S200 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder & Pro Manual Control (Electronics)

I bought the Vixia H S200 based on the many good reviews and the top rating on cNet. It is a great all around camcorder no doubt with fabulous image and video quality. It ranks at the top of what's out there today in the prosumer or near-prosumer category. Then I read about the Panasonic HDC-TM700 and especially the comparison of the Panasonic with the Canon VIXIA H S21 was intersting. The Vixia H S200, VIXIA H S20 and VIXIA H S21 are identical from a hardware/firmware perspective, just that the H S21 has a viewfinder and 64GB built in memory, the H S20 has 32GB built in memory plus SDHC slot and the H S200 does only have SDHC card slots.
The Panasonic beat the $400 more expensive Canon easily. So I decided to do my own comparo and ordered the HDC-TM700. Now after two weeks of comparative footage I have to agree. The Panasonic HDC-TM 700 is the better camcorder for all the same reasons listed on camcorderinfo.
Since this is a common comparison many consumers are doing these days, I will frame my input here in a Canon vs. Panasonic list.

Pros of the Canon VIXIA H S21/20/200 camcorders vs. the HDC-TM700:
- Sound quality seems a tad better, but not much
- 3" touch screen is much larger and has much, much higher resolution
- Menu structure is better
- Still image capability is significantly better
- Video gain functionis flat out excellent and can effectively be used to increase low light sensitivity, while reducing image noise drastically
- Two SDHC card slots
- Flash is more powerful
- Has a built in video light, even though it's meek
- Hot shoe layout is much better than Panasonic, but it's a Canon proprietary design, so you can only use Canon accesories
- The standard battery is not very large (last about 80-90 minutes) quite tricky to eject, especially when you have wet or sweaty hands. It doesn't come right out when you release the lock and is hard to pull out.
- The hand loop is very chintzy and permanently mounted to the camera body (cannot be replaced if it wears out). It is not big enough for larger hands and constantly a bother.

Pros of the Panasonic HDC-TM700 vs. the Canon VIXIA H S21/20/200
- Lowest price of all of these ... even lower than the H S200 which has no viewfinder and no built in memory
- Far better video image quality in all aspects in the new 1080p60 mode, especially resolution and sharpness
- Smoother video quality, especially when panning
- Better and more vivid colors .. this used to be Canon's strength ... go figure
- Better low light capability and better low light colors, although video gain function is much better on the Canon
- Wider angle, 12x aoom and faster lens f/1.5 ... this seem unimportant, but the wider lens is immensly important for capturing everything in close ups. Big advantage for the Panasonic!
- More manual controls, especially the fact sharpness levels can be set !!
- Much more comfortable to handle and operate. The Canons are quite a bit larger in size and more awkward to handle.
- Better full size manual control ring around the entire lens vs. the silly knob on the Canons
- Has a real battery charger/power supply in which you can charge one battery while the other can be charged on the cam simultaneously (Canon has only a power supply, a charger to charge batteries out of the cam is extra!)

Things I don't like:
Canons: Lens is not wide angle enough which makes getting all into the picture, especially challenging for inside a home or when close up. Touch screen is not very sensitive and smooth scrolling through the menu is difficult. I often also accidentally selected a menu items while trying to scroll. This really needs work and makes the high res screen quite cumbersome. Lack of a real battery charger and on top of that the power pack has a proprietary plug (for all of my Nikon and Panasonic gear I only need to take one AC cord and can use it with all chargers or power packs, for this camcorder you need a proprietary AC cord!). The camcorder is a bit awkward to hold and really too big for today's standard. Glossy high shine finish makes the camcorder slippery with wet or sweaty fingers and you see every finger print.

Panasonic: The bolt-on accessory shoe is a real joke. Like a massive bolt on to the side. Screen and menu structure not up to par of the Canons, albeit the touch screen works much better for touch commands. Cooling fan is a moving part and will break eventually. Only one card slot.

In the end I am after the best video quality and most vibrant colors with super sharp footage. In that department the Canons do not even come close to the new Panasonic. Period. Since I am also carrying a bunch of Nikon gear around for still photography, I like that the Panasonic is smaller and is also much more comfortable to hold.