Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD 32 GB Flash Memory Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

• Item Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001DTV95C
• Item model number: 3079B001AA
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,283 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 7, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer

Canon HD Video Lens

Adding to the success of the VIXIA HF10 and HF100, Canon introduces the HF11 which captures stunning High Definition video with even greater detail and tonal reproduction, with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and a higher internal Flash drive capacity of 32GB plus an SDHC card slot that allows extended recording time. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HF11 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the HF11’s 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon's Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HF11’s 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects.

The HF11 offers the unparalleled combination of Canon’s exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, Instant AF for accurate focusing that’s critical for HD, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and a 2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD that allows you to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast. The HF11 features the latest HD technology, excellence in Canon optics and engineering in a compact, sleek design to deliver the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon.

Canon HF11 Highlights

Dual Flash Memory -- Taking Video to the Next Level
Canon’s breakthrough use of Dual Flash Memory -- the ability to record to an internal Flash drive as well as a removable SDHC memory card -- allows consumers to experience a new level of performance, style and flexibility. It boasts a number of advantages and end-user benefits for maximum convenience and flexibility. Since Flash Memory is a solid-state memory format and has no moving parts, the camcorder can be smaller, sleeker, more compact and lighter than ever before, allowing it to be carried anywhere. Dual Flash Memory allows consumers to record video to the camcorder’s internal Flash drive even if they do not have a memory card. When the internal Flash drive becomes full, footage can be easily transferred to a SDHC memory card and when it comes time to view their video, the card is simply 'popped into' a memory card reader in a computer or a compatible HDTV for instant viewing. Furthermore, having a SDHC memory card slot allows for expandability, since greater capacity can be added in the future by purchasing additional cards.

Flash Memory is a highly stable method of storage, and as a result, accidental jolts to the camcorder are much less likely to result in failure or data loss. Consumers will also enjoy the camcorder's low power consumption, which leads to longer battery time. Compared with other types of storage, Flash Memory camcorders are able to read and write data faster, so users can start recording faster and have immediate access to their recorded scenes.

Record Up to 12 hours 15 minutes of High Definition Video on an internal 32 GB Flash drive.
The HF11 enables extended high definition videos to be recorded to the internal 32 GB Flash drive or directly to secure digital high capacity (SDHC) cards. Enjoy the great convenience of taping directly to the drive or the flexibility of convenient, easily interchangeable recording media.

Genuine Canon 12x High Definition Video Lens
The HF11 comes equipped with a 12x HD Video lens. An aspherical lens is used to help achieve low aberration and high resolution. The lens also features super spectra coating technology which lowers flare and ghosting. A gradation ND system is used for better exposure in bright shooting situations. This lens design creates true HD image quality.

RGB Primary Color Filter
Whether you're shooting video or photos, you will appreciate the HF11 stunning, high-definition image production. For rich, accurate color, the HF11 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter. It separates light into red, green, and blue color components, resulting in vibrant images with natural-looking tones similar to what you’d obtain from 3CCD camcorders.

Canon 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Sensor (1920 x 1080)
The HF11 features a newly developed; Canon manufactured HD CMOS Image Sensor. Similar to its use in Canon's EOS Series Digital SLR Cameras, the CMOS Sensor reproduces high resolution images as true HD movies. Canon's HD CMOS Sensor acquires image information at 1920 x 1080 pixels. Canon’s HD CMOS Sensor also features on-chip noise reduction technology. This low noise technology feature means that even in dimly-lit scenes, the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal 'noise' or other aberrations.

DIGIC DV II Image Processor
DIGIC DV II is the latest generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology designed specifically for HD. Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the HF11 produces video with improved color reproduction -- especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction -- for images that are crystal clear. Since video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV II HD digital signal processing ensures optimal image quality for both HD video and still images.

1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording
The Canon HF11 not only captures images in Full HD, but records and outputs 1920 x 1080 as well, so you get Full HD from lens to screen. Experience the ultimate in clarity and detail. Instant AF (Auto Focus)
Instant AF is Canon’s new and advanced autofocus system required for High Definition. Using a Hybrid Control system, the Instant AF makes it easy to focus on previously difficult subjects. It dramatically decreases the time it takes to achieve proper focus and increases accuracy especially in low-light and high-brightness situations.

SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
The HF11 features Canon’s SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Utilizing a Hybrid detection method (combining vector and gyro detection method) corrects camera shake instantly for steady shots. And unlike other optical stabilization systems, Canon's Super Range OIS covers a wide range of movements while preserving image quality. It is even effective while taking photos.

24Mbps Recording
Offers the highest bit rate in AVCHD for High Definition video that captures extraordinary lifelike tonal quality and exceptionally fine detail.

24p Cinema Mode
24p Cinema Mode is a feature demanded by professional filmmakers and previously, only available on pro-level camcorders. 24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring movie makers achieve a professional 'film-look'. This mode is actually two different features, which can be used independently, or together, depending on the user’s preference.
1. The captured frame rate changes to 24p -- the same frame rate as movie film.
2. The HF11 changes the color and tonal characteristics to make you feel like you are watching a movie in the theatre.

30p Progressive Mode
30p Progressive mode is a progressive format that is the perfect frame rate for the web because it delivers clarity for fast-action subjects. Plus, it is ideal for displaying crisp images on your home theatre system or computer monitor. Before now 30p was exclusively featured on pro-level camcorders but Canon now offers the widest frame rate options for every videographer. (Note: Records in 60i onto memory card.)

Mini Advanced Accessory Terminal
The Advanced Accessory Shoe allows the use of additional accessories such as Canon's video light and directional microphone. Compared with Canon’s original Advanced Accessory Shoe, the new version is 50% smaller in size.

Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery
The remaining battery time is now indicated down to the minute, so you will never have to guess the recording time available.

3.1 Megapixel Photos
Built directly inside your HF11 is a fully functional digital camera, capable of capturing stunning 3.1 Megapixel photos. You have the option of storing these pictures directly to the internal Flash Memory or the optional SDHC memory card.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface Terminal)
HDMI Terminal transports high definition video signal with audio in one cable to your HD Television. The new standard in HD connection.

2.7-Inch Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
The HF11 is equipped with a Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. This screen offers two key advantages for easy, flexible operation.
1. A wide viewing angle - view from any direction
2. A wide color range - provide robust, accurate color

Microphone Terminal with Audio Level Control
The HF11 features a microphone terminal for attaching an external microphone. The audio level can be manually adjusted for greater flexibility. A level meter is shown in the LCD screen.

One Touch Power Button
Power your camcorder with a touch of a button just like a digital camera.

Built-in Auto Lens Cover
A built-in electronic lens cover automatically opens when the camcorder is turned 'On' and closes when turned 'Off'. There is no dangling lens cover to lose.

Quick Start
Instead of powering your camcorder off between shots, simply close the LCD to activate the Quick Start function which puts the camcorder in stand-by mode. Quick Start considerably reduces the power consumption of the battery and allows the user to return to recording mode in less than a second, so you’ll never have to miss another special moment.

Program AE Mode
The HF11 gives you a choice of settings that automatically result in the best exposure for different conditions. Scene modes include: Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, and Fireworks. Each adjusts your camcorder's settings to compensate for different lighting conditions and different subjects.

Simultaneous Photo Shooting
While shooting an HD movie, you can simultaneously capture photos to a memory card by simply pressing the photo button. It's perfect for anytime you don't want to miss a moment.

Built-in Video Light
Increase your low-light capabilities even further by shooting with the HF11’s built-in video light. This light enables you to shoot subjects in low-light at distances up to 4.9 feet away.

Headphone Terminal
The audio/video terminal doubles as a headphone terminal for monitoring sound while recording.

Focus Assist function
When shooting in high definition, a properly focused subject is more critical than ever. With one push of the Focus Assist Button (during manual focus setting), video zoom (that enlarges the on-screen image of your subject) is displayed. Not to worry, this is automatically cancelled when recording is started.

It's easy to keep your HF11 level for more professional looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Then line up any horizontal lines in your shot to the marker and you know your camcorder is level. The Grid marker is also very convenient for setting up the special balance in your shots. And since background colors vary, you can select from two line colors to make the lines easily visible.

Smooth Zoom Control
With this innovative feature, you can always be sure of smooth, steady, professional looking zoom shots. Simply select one of three pre-set zoom speeds. You can also select variable so you can control the speed manually.

3.1 Megapixel Photos
Capture stunning 3.1 Megapixel photos in 4:3 aspect ratio to an SD card (2.07 megapixel at 16:9).

Photo Grab
With this professional level feature, capture photos during playback. With one push of a button you can 'grab a 2 Megapixel (1920 x 1080) still from your HD video footage. There is no need to worry about taking a photo while you’re shooting.

9 Point Ai-AF Mode
Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the HF11’s Ai-AF function will automatically select from 9 focus areas on screen to help bring images into sharp focus.

Built-in Flash
Capture superb images in low light and indoor photography settings.

Histogram Display
Commonly used in Canon’s line of digital SLR cameras, the HF11 features a Histogram Display. With just one push of a button, the brightness information of a still image is revealed. This allows you to monitor image quality so you can make adjustments to improve the next shots.

Print/Share Button
For fast and easy, one-touch printing of your photos at home, simply press the camcorder’s Print & Share Button. The button can also be used for one-touch downloading of your images to a computer.

One Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty
Canon’s one year camcorder limited warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers’ warranties expire.

Product Description

Adding to the success of the VIXIA HF10 and HF100, Canon introduces the HF11 which captures stunning High Definition video with even greater detail and tonal reproduction, with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and a higher internal Flash drive capacity of 32GB plus an SDHC card slot that allows extended recording time. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HF11 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the HF11's 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon's Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HF11's 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects. The HF11 offers the unparalleled combination of Canon's exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, Instant AF for accurate focusing that's critical for HD, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and a 2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD that allows you to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast. The HF11 features the latest HD technology, excellence in Canon optics and engineering in a compact, sleek design to deliver the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Personal Camcorder in its class !!, September 13, 2008

By 

Nils Valentin (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD 32 GB Flash Memory Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Long review: 10 min.| I got the HF11 video camera in urgent need for a specific occasion.
The 60th fireworks event of Suwako lake / Nagano Prefecture in Japan on 15th August 2008.
(official sale start in Japan)

As the overall package Canon with its long term experience in Imaging seemed like "The natural Choice to make".

The video camera integrates a huge amount of intelligent functions that ensure the quality of your video experience.

- image stabilizer,
- light sensitivity sensor,
- profiles
- variable zoom speeds,
- remaining battery status info,
- alignment markers in the screen
- smart replay functions (slow motion, freezing , advancing frame by frame etc.)


On top of that the video cameras body weight with 380gr. and the size of your favourite beverage is well acceptable even for ladies or kids hands.

The HF11 does come with a few usability hitches in terms of inconsistency, bugs etc. (see my how to guide for details), but besides that, the HF11's navigation is intuitive and exactly as the digital camera products. So, that was not a showstopper for us.

Most users are able to use the product within minutes !!


For video editing features you might want to look into additional software editing and codec converter solutions like Divx, Xvid etc. to be able to share the joy with your friends on DVD etc. The package contains all possible cables but NOT the ultra compact HDMI cable connection.


The major salespoints of this video camera are

- Imaging quality (resolution and smoothness of video)
- Canons colours
- Usability
- Usability and
- Usability


The Imaging quality is unlike anything I have seen before and easily justifies the product alone.



HF11, HF10 or HF100, which one should I get ?

If you cant compromise video quality for anything get the HF11 with its 24mbps recording mode and be rest assured you have the extra stretch when you need it f.e. in low light scenarios and the best model on the marcet in the personal camcorder class.

Otherwise, if you can life with good quality and the same usability and other features as the big brother than you can make a deal by getting the HF10 or the HF100.

The intelligent functions and the exceptionally good design make the HF100, the HF10 or the HF11 the natural choice for beginners, amateurs and entry professionals.

This is the quality customers are expecting from a long term Imaging company like Canon !!


Additional Notes:

Vibrations:
Note that other camcorders with moving parts f.e. HDD's might not be working in extreme situations with strong vibrations f.e in concerts due to bass vibration. The camcorder makers do specifically NOT recommend taking videos in live houses - as they formulate it. So you might find yourself having to record onto the memory card while the HDD is NOT usable.
(I mention it because its not so obvious from the product descriptions of camcorders.)

Fortunately with the HF11/HF10/HF100 or any flash memory based camcorder you dont have to worry about this too ;-)

Memory usage:
8GB of memory will provide you with 1h of best quality Full HD pleasure. So even if you just use the 32GB internal memory it means that the HF11 has enough storage for 4h of best quality Full HD video.

Thats plenty f.e. for your best friends wedding ceremony, the wedding party afterwards and even your kids school ceremony the next day.

Also memory usage is the same when actually comparing, this video camera has at least 3.5 times more details on the screen than the best digital camera out there with video function.


Please see my How to guide for more details and all PRO's and CON's.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get Adobe Premier Elements 7 or Pinnacle Studio Plus 12 to edit your Canon AVCHD files!, January 1, 2009

By 

L. Bradshaw (Fort Worth, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD 32 GB Flash Memory Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

While Adobe Premier Elements 7 is a big joke for the MP4 AVC/H.264 formats...it is a superstar with the AVCHD / .mts files this Canon HF10 generates.

Before I bought my own HF10 I was asked by a buddy to edit and burn some youth football footage from his newly acquired Canon HF10 with SDHC card. I was excited. Although I had no clue what an .mts file was Adobe PE 7 not only recognized it and imported it quickly...but I proceeded to edit both video and audio (together and separately)as well as burn to a regular DVD (not BluRay). My jaw just dropped and I said WOW!

I will add that while I am not a big fan of the GUI of Pinnacle Studio Plus 12 it also handles the AVCHD / .mts from the Canon HF10 just fine...and also handles those other MP4's just fine too.

The really important part is that while I have a nice amount of ram (4GB) my computer is nothing special at all. I am running Vista Basic on a Celeron 1.60Ghz processor (Dell Inspiron 530 desktop) with the 4GB of ram.

Now that I have purchased my OWN Canon HF10 AVCHD camcorder Adobe PE7 is my go-to program for this type of footage. Again, it handles the AVCHD / .mts file format flawlessly. Check out my other reviews for some other programs I have tried like Corel VideoStudio X2 and Magix - Movie Edit pro 14. If you are going to be working only with AVCHD, specifically from any of the Canon HF series camcorders that put .mts on sdhc flash cards...then I believe Adobe Premier Elements 7 is the best option.

Warning: If you are going to rely on ONE software solution for multiple formats other than AVCHD, Adobe PE7 is not the way to go! I use several little camera/camcorders other than the HF10. They all use the MP4 AVC/H.264 format...while the previous version of PE handled them fine, Adobe PE 7 HATES the MP4 format! You can't even add them to the time-line without it crashing! If you are looking for a single editing program to handle not only the AVCHD from the Canon HF10, HF11 or HF100 but other formats as well...specifically the MP4 AVC/H.264 format then I would go with Pinnacle Studio Plus 12. Like I said before, the interface and work flow is nothing like Adobe's but it works fin with the multiple formats.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Things to think about, June 23, 2009

By 

D. Sanders (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD 32 GB Flash Memory Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I've had this camcorder for 7 months now and have been somewhat pleased with it overall. The reason I only gave it 4 stars is for some annoying issues I have with it.

First off, you can only transfer your video clips if you have the power cord attached. This is inconvenient if you want to get one or two clips onto your computer and have a fully charged battery on the camcorder. Also, once you have your camcorder connected to your computer (via USB cable), you cannot turn the camcorder off unless you disconnect the USB cable. I'm guessing Canon felt it was necessary to protect interruptions during transfer of your video clips. But who would be dumb enough to disconnect or turn off their camcorder in the middle of a transfer?

Another issue I have is that if you don't want to use ImageMixer 3 SE software program to access your video files via your computer you'll have to follow this path from your hard drive: G:\ (or whichever drive it's assigned to) PRIVATE\AVCHD\BDMV\STREAM\00000.MTS. If you use the ImageMixer 3 SE software it basically adds another set of steps in order to view your clips on your computer. Because once you copy your video files using ImageMixer software, you must open the ImageMixer 3 SE Player if you want to view your video. Another step. The ImageMixer 3 SE Player doesn't display which video file you're viewing. That is such a simple thing to have showing that I wonder why it was left out. So you click File then Select File. Choose a file and click Open. The files are number like this example: 20090622091442 (Year, month, day, hour, minutes, seconds). That's great if you can remember which clip number among many is showing in the viewer. Note: the long number is automatically generated from using the ImageMixer software to copy the video to your computer. If you go directly to your hard drive (see above path) then you won't get the data (long file number). It will just be 00000, 00001, 00002.MTS, etc.

From here I must give this camcorder a big plus. I've dropped this camcorder twice. It was on a tripod and the tripod fell down on a ceramic floor. The camcorder still worked and with no visual scars. Then it fell off a handle bar mount on a bicycle and tumbled into the street. It's scratched up but it works fine. I think good construction and a little luck kept if from imminent death.