Canon VIXIA HF R21 Full HD Camcorder with 32GB Internal Flash Memory

by Canon

• 32GB internal flash drive and 2 SDXC-compatible memory card slots
• Genuine Canon HD video lens with 28x advanced zoom
• Canon 3.28-megapixel full HD CMOS image sensor
• Canon DIGIC DV III image processor
• Dynamic IS stabilizes a wide range of movements for smooth, steady video

Product Details

• Item Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B004HW7E6K
• Item model number: R21
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,509 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 1, 2011

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The VIXIA HF R21 allows you to record up to 12 hours of crisp high definition video to a 32GB internal flash drive or to two SDXC-compatible memory card slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the next available SD memory card when the memory becomes full. No need then to worry about running out of recording time during a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime shot. With SDXC memory card compatibility, you’ll have card storage capacity from more than 32GB up to 2TB and ultra-fast data transfer speeds. You’ll also have the flexibility of copying video from your VIXIA HF R21’s internal drive to removable SD memory cards. That makes it easy to insert the card into your computer or HDTV’s card reader and view your recorded footage immediately. Memory capacity MXP (app. 24Mbps) FXP (app. 17Mbps) XP+ (app. 12Mbps) SP (app. 7Mbps) LP (app. 5Mbps) 2GB 10 min. 15 min. 20 min. 35 min. 45 min. 4GB 20 min. 30 min. 40 min. 1 hour 10 min. 1 hour 30 min. 8GB 40 min. 1 hour 1 hour 25 min. 2 hours 20 min. 3 hours 16GB 1 hour 25 min. 2 hours 5 min. 2 hours 50 min. 4 hours 45 min. 6 hours 5 min. 32GB* 2 hours 55 min. 4 hours 10 min. 5 hours 45 min. 9 hours 35 min. 12 hours 15 min. 64GB 5 hours 55 min. 8 hours 20 min. 11 hours 30 min. 19 hours 10 min. 24 hours 30 min. * Size of internal memory in VIXIA HF R21 The maximum memory capacity and recording time can be substantially increased by the combination of the internal memory and the size of the SD or SDXC memory card chosen. For example, the VIXIA HF R21’s 32GB of internal memory, combined with two removable 64GB memory cards, would give 160GB in total memory capacity, and over 61 hours of recording time at LP setting. MXP and FXP modes record in 1920 x 1080 and require a Class 4 or higher SDHC or SDXC 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 R21 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 R21'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." Ultra-sleek, compact and lightweight, the VIXIA HF R21 is, at approximately 9.5 ounces and 2.4” x 2.4” x 4.8”, a companion you’ll always keep handy while traveling or at home. While we certainly hope you keep your VIXIA HF R21 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 minimizes the chance of data loss if you accidentally jolt or drop your camcorder.

Canon’s expertise in imaging technology is clearly seen in its superb EOS Digital SLR cameras. The VIXIA family of camcorders is also a part of this achievement with Canon’s own Full HD CMOS Image Sensor. It brings stunning high definition video quality with exceptional low light performance, capturing video at 1920 x 1080 resolution and with remarkable detail.

A Genuine Canon HD Video Lens with 28x Advanced Zoom delivers truly impressive image quality. Its aspherical lens minimizes spherical aberration, meaning sharper focus on your subject. With Advanced Zoom, you can seamlessly zoom both wide and long, retaining optical quality throughout the zoom range. The zoom is quiet, and optimized for flash camcorders. Together with the Canon Exclusive 3.2-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and Canon’s own DIGIC DV III Image Processor, this lens helps you capture high definition video and photos with astonishing detail, vivid color and enhanced reproduction of the full tonal range, including the most difficult purple and blue shades. With 24Mbps recording, video is captured at the highest bit rate in AVCHD. You get exceptionally lifelike tone and exacting detail.

With the Canon VIXIA HF R21, you can be sure that even on the move your video will be smooth, steady and professional looking. The Dynamic IS system 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 common when shooting while walking.

Smart Auto makes shooting great video easier than ever before. Using the power of Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor, the VIXIA HF R21 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. And with new Tele Macro, the VIXIA HF R21 automatically zooms the lens to the telephoto end and sets the minimum object distance to approximately 1.3 feet (from 3.3 feet) giving you the opportunity to shoot spectacular close-ups with the dramatic look of shallow depth of field. Tele Macro is one of 38 scenes available in Smart Auto Mode.

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 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 hold everyone’s attention. This version of Advanced Video Snapshot allows selectable recording time 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.

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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 or share video online. The 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 R21 is also compatible with the Eye-Fi SD memory card. It’s possible to wirelessly transfer video and photos to your computer, or upload them directly to online sharing sites (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Shutterfly, Flickr) in a few simple steps. Insert an Eye-Fi SD memory card into the SD card slot on the camcorder, configure your computer to select the target site and you’re ready to share your 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 the Eye-Fi card, please consult with the card manufacturer. The use of Eye-Fi cards may not be approved in all regions, or from one region to another; please contact the card manufacturer for status of approval in the country/region of use. Canon makes no representations or warranties with respect to any third party accessory or product mentioned herein.

Since Canon is acknowledged as a world leading maker of digital cameras, it’s not surprising that the VIXIA HF R21, in addition to being a brilliant camcorder, is also a very capable digital camera. Once again, Canon delivers features and technology that advance convenience and capability. The VIXIA HF R21 comes with a Level Marker feature to keep your camera level for more professional-looking photos. The VIXIA HF R21's Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately, according to the grid in your viewfinder. You can even choose from two different colors for the grid ensuring that you see the grid, no matter what the background color of your shot is. The versatile VIXIA HF R21 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 still image onto an SD card or to internal memory. Additionally, the VIXIA HF R21 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video. Now, better photos, filled with action and expressions, are easy to grab, print, post and share.

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 R21's CINE mode, 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 find 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 R21 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. In addition, this setting gives enhanced quality to photos captured after recording.

To maximize the usefulness and versatility of the VIXIA HF R21, you’ll find a range of terminals to extend the capabilities of your camcorder. Easy, one-cable connectivity to your HDTV is achieved through the VIXIA HF R21’s HDMI Terminal which also supports CEC and x.v.Color*. A Mini HDMI Cable is included with the camcorder. This camcorder also features 1080p output, converting 1080i video to 1080p through the HDMI terminal. A Microphone terminal with manual audio level control and a Headphone terminal provide exceptional audio adaptability. For the ultimate in flexibility, the VIXIA HF R21 is compatible with the optional Canon wireless microphone WM-V1**. Using a receiver which plugs into the microphone terminal, its audio can be captured from up to 164 ft. (50m) away. Use it to record audio from a distant subject, or as a transceiver to cue shooting from a third party. * x.v.Color is a trademark of the Sony Corporation. ** This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

Focus Assist To enhance focusing capability, the VIXIA HF R21 also features Focus Assist. This helps in capturing your subject in razor-sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject, which is automatically cancelled when you start recording. This is a feature normally found in professional broadcast-quality cameras. Filter threads on the lens of the VIXIA HF R21 give it compatibility with the Canon TL-H34 II tele-converter and WD-H34 II wide-converter. With these converters, you can expand the shooting range of the lens for greater creative options. 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. It couldn’t be simpler. Intelligent Battery The Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery accurately indicates remaining battery time down to the minute. Quick Start Never miss a quickly unfolding shot again, as it’s possible to shoot the moment the LCD is opened. No worries about using up power with Quick Start – by keeping the LCD screen closed between shots, Quick Start allows you to save battery power so you get longer battery life. Pre-Record The Pre-Record feature places your VIXIA HF R21 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. Pixela Video Browser Software is bundled with the VIXIA HF R21. 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 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. This software will also assist you in converting video to the optimum resolution for transmission over the Internet. The bundled application is compatible with Windows XP (Service Pack 2 and 3), Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

Product Description

The VIXIA HF R21 allows you to record up to 12 hours of crisp high definition video to a 32GB internal flash drive or to two SDXC-compatible memory card slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the next available SD memory card when the memory becomes full. No need then to worry about running out of recording time during a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime shot. With SDXC memory card compatibility, you’ll have card storage capacity from more than 32GB up to 2TB and ultra-fast data transfer speeds.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

176 of 181 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I was 60 seconds away from shipping this back... June 28, 2011

By Billy Bob

Amazon Verified Purchase

I spent a fair amount of time (four hours) reading reviews and comparing features of Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and Canon videocams. I also read all the reviews on Amazon regarding all the Canon videocams in the consumer line. Overall the Amazon had a slightly negative undertone, but I decided to go with Canon because of good experience with a point and shoot camera I had bought several years ago. But once I got the Vixia HFR21, I had a difficult time loading some test videos I had shot.

I remembered an Amazon review that said the .mts video format and the software used to upload Canon video was questionable. That's when I was a minute away from packing it back up and returning it. I am an above average computer guy, and I am an expert on Photoshop; a good user on Adobe Illustrator; above average on Microsoft products; and generally can do what I need to do to make things work via a pc. The mistake I made was following the directions included with the videocam that said if I don't have Windows 7, don't use the "VideoBrowser" software--it said to use the "utility" software. Wrong!!!!!!!!!! The VideoBrowser worked just fine with Windows XP.

After I discovered that, I pulled back from the brink of returning it. And now I've spent more time with HFR21, I am impressed. It's easy to upload video to your PC; it's even easy to watch a video you just shot on your flat screen TV. Also, of critical importance to me, is that .mts videos that Canon shoots, is readily useable by Adobe Premiere Elements 9. I'm updating my software (haven't yet) and any video I shoot must be compatible with Adobe. And it is.

All that is the backstory (but what good is video if you can't quickly upload it or view it????)....

About the HFR21: the video is sharp; shoots GREAT video right before sunset, when the dusk makes it difficult for a person to see really, really clearly. Video I shot last night at dusk looks as if the sun was shining; it wasn't, but you couldn't tell by watching the footage. Unbelievable really!

The battery is good; the size of videocam is SMALL and I LOVE IT! I want to be able to put the cam in a pocket and take a walk on the beach. I would never argue it's too small as some have on this website. The smaller the better.

The touch screen is good, average sensitivity. The size of the screen and the size of the icons is good. I have Polish-sausage sized fingers and the icons on the screen work fine.

I highly recommend the HFR21, especially at $449!

One other thing: this is not a fake review written by a competitor to Canon or by an employee of Canon. I'm telling like it is. Read more ›

131 of 142 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy with macbook pro June 2, 2011

By K.T.

Amazon Verified Purchase

Just got my Canon Vixia HFR21 in from Amazon and it seems great so far. I really haven't played around with all the features yet, however I just wanted to write this review for Mac users, since I had a little trouble making the decision to buy this model due to the conflicting information I was reading on the subject. I've read many reviews with people saying that this camera wouldn't work with their macs. My Vixia is working flawlessly.

I have a brand new macbook pro running imovie11. At first I thought I was going to have trouble because I couldn't figure out how to get imovie to import a few quick videos I took. After about 20 minutes I figured out all I have to do is plug the camera into through the USB, click the import video button on the camera, and then click on "All-For PC only" and whallah...videos imported to i movie. That simple. I did not have to install anything or download any conversion software.

Now, let me get back to shooting videos.

86 of 92 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Really Nice Camcorder May 30, 2011

By Mike Wallace VINE™ VOICE

Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

This is a really nice camcorder. It is small and lightweight and fits snugly in your right hand. The adjustable grip belt, holds it securely in place, for easy one hand operation. You can even adjust the zoom and take still pictures while holding it with one hand. This leaves your left hand free to adjust the rotation of the LCD screen and use the touch screen to change settings.

This camcorder is also intuitive to set up for basic operation. For more advanced functions, you will probably want to download the PDF manual. First thing I did, out of the box, was install the battery and then use the included power cord to charge it. After plugging it in, there is a LCD that flashes red as it charges and then turns green when the battery is charged.

While it was charging I installed the included software. It comes with 3 disks. One has the transfer utility, which you can use to transfer videos from your camera to your PC. You can also use the transfer utility to transfer videos and audio to your camera. The camera has built in editing functions, so you could actually compose and edit a movie on your camera, and then view it from the camera or use the included A/V or HDMI cables to view it on your TV.

It also comes with a Pixela Video Browser that you can use to view, edit, and create slideshows, with still pictures taken with the camcorder. The other disk contains some additional audio files for video editing and a manual for the included video and photo viewing software. I downloaded the actual manual, for the operation of the camcorder, from the Canon website. The manual is nice, because it explains less intuitive functions, like how to adjust settings when you are not using auto mode, and how to initialize the SD memory cards....

The HD video quality of this player is really nice. I used the included HDMI cable to hook the camera to my HD TV and the video quality blew away a standard definition camcorder hooked to the same TV with an A/V cable. This player also has 32 GBs of internal memory and two SD slots where you can add 32GB SDXC cards, and the player automatically switches to the next card when the previous memory is full.

The 28X Zoom works flawlessly and there are several presets for filming in different conditions. The auto focus makes filming as easy as pressing a button, and built in image stabilization will make even the work of a novice, look decent. The LCD screen is a touch screen and when used with the included stylus is very responsive. There are some fun added features, where you can use the stylus to draw on photos and add other effects suchs as bubbles or square pixels.

Besides the power button, the zoom, the photo button, and the record button, you will not find any other controls until you open the LCD screen. Once you open the LCD, it is a touch screen that enables you to browse photos and videos and change settings. Against the camera body are four other buttons, which let us toggle between record and view, video snap, auto focus, and an extra display light to make the LCD brighter, so it can be viewed in direct sunlight. You will find the mini USB slot and the HDMI slot under these buttons.

This camcorder has a lot of built in and adjustable advanced functions. Yet, it is easy enough to turn it on, hit auto focus, film some video, and hit playback on the LCD screen. You could also use one of the included HDMI or A/V cables and playback the video on your TV. This is a really nice camcorder and it's really fun to use. I have a feeling this will be replacing my regular camera and I will be getting a lot of use out of this camcorder. Read more ›

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars I can't recomend this camera December 14, 2011

By Adam The Great

I have had this Canon VIXA HF R21 for about a month now and I got it super cheap. For what I paid for the camera (205 on a Woot! offer) it works just fine for the price range. If you're looking for the step up from your Flip HD camera to a better quality camera, this will suffice. But for the upper 300-400 dollar range, this just doesn't make the cut. I would recommend the Canon VIXIA HF M40 or M41. The M40 is 50 dollars cheaper and you get a better CMOS censor, an accessory hot shoe for attachments like professional microphones or recording remotes, better zoom lens, and the low light recording is fantastic. This camera is about as bare bones as you can buy for a HD camera. The quality of video is pretty good when you play with the settings and crank them all up, but nothing too spectacular. The auto white balance doesn't ever seem to work for me, but custom white balance addressed that for the most part. I work with a professional lighting set up and green screen and when shooting with this camera, even with a 3000 watt lighting set up perfectly, i have to color correct in order to for chroma key the green screen. I tried to shoot my nieces ballet recital and I'm glad i always come with 2 batteries because it was definitely needed, and it didn't get very good quality video in low light. It turned out very grainy and saturated. I have to use an external microphone while working with this (I prefer Rode VideoMic Directional Condensor) because the on board mic picks up the camera motor and it sounds like you are shooting next to a jet engine. It is truly noticeable, especially when zoomed in, and because there is no hot shoe, I can't mount the microphone on the camera directly, i have to use a mic stand.... Still photos look like they are sub par to cell phone photos, but thats not why people buy this kind of dedicated cameras. One thing I can really appreciate is the 32 gig of on board memory. I can stick a card in the bottom and get a lot of recording time. I regret buying this camera. Spend less money and get a better camera. Ive had to invest quite a bit of money to make this camera functional enough to use it, while i could have spent more money just to get a better camera. This isn't the worst camera I have worked with, and it isn't really all that bad for your average consumer, but for the money you can do A LOT better. Read more ›