Canon VIXIA HG21 AVCHD 120 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.1 x 3 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001DTXK8G
• Item model number: 2704B001AA
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,541 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)

  #96 in

  Camera & Photo > Camcorders > High Definition

• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 7, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer

Canon HD Video Lens

The Canon HG21 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive camcorder sets a new standard for High Definition, delivering optimal image quality, long shooting times along with the extraordinary ease and versatility when viewing video on television or a computer. Capture amazing HD video with even greater detail and color reproduction with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and the addition of a video-capable SDHC card slot plus the extended 120 GB internal Hard Disk Drive allows you to now record up to 45 hours of video onto the internal hard disk drive so there’s no need to worry about running out of space. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HG21 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 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon’s select Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HG21’s 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects.

The HG21 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 when shooting in HD, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and the Canon exclusive 2.7-inch Multi-angle Vivid LCD Screen to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast. The HG21 features the latest HD technology, excellence in Canon optics and engineering in a compact, sleek design that delivers the high level of performance you’ve come to expect from Canon.

Canon HG21 Highlights

Record Up to 45 Hours of High Definition Video to a 120 GB Hard Disk Drive
For the first time from Canon comes a large-capacity hard disk drive camcorder. HG21 enables extended high definition videos to be recorded. There is no longer any fear of missing those precious scenes when replacing recording media. Enjoy the great convenience of no longer needing to purchase and carry recording media. And with the ability to record up to 45 hours of video without having to empty your camcorders’ hard drive; you can keep the action going for much longer than ever before.

Genuine Canon 12x High Definition Video Lens
The HG21 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 HG21 stunning, high-definition image production. For rich, accurate color, the HG21 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 HG21 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 HG21 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 HG21 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 HG21 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 HG21 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 HG21 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 HG21 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 HG21 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 HG21 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 HG21’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 HG21 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 HG21’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 HG21 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

The Canon HG21 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive camcorder sets a new standard for High Definition, delivering optimal image quality, long shooting times along with the extraordinary ease and versatility when viewing video on television or a computer. Capture amazing HD video with even greater detail and color reproduction with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and the addition of a video-capable SDHC card slot plus the extended 120 GB internal Hard Disk Drive allows you to now record up to 45 hours of video onto the internal hard disk drive so there's no need to worry about running out of space. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HG21 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 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon's select Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HG21's 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects. The HG21 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 when shooting in HD, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and the Canon exclusive 2.7-inch Multi-angle Vivid LCD Screen to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast. The HG21 features the latest HD technology, excellence in Canon optics and engineering in a compact, sleek design that delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

135 of 135 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great daylight video, grainy in low light - updated 1/10/2009, December 29, 2008

By	Slickdawg "electronics junkie" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HG21 AVCHD 120 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Let me start by saying that I've been using camcorders for 20 years, way back to the full sized VHS days. Canon and Sony have been my favorites for many years, starting with their 8mm days. Since consumer HD seems to have stabilized in its second generation, I decided to upgrade from my six year old Sony 8mm.

The Canon Digital SLR cameras are second to none, I own three of them (Digital Rebel, Rebel Xti and an EOS 40D) and they blow the competition away. I fall into the "prosumer" category for digital categories, and the Canon Digic processor is one of the things that has separated Canon from its competitors. So certainly the second generation HD Canon Vixia 21 with the Digic II processor would be a no-brainer, right? Not exactly.

The good:

120GB hard disk drive - you can record up to 45 hours of video in LP mode, and about 11 hours in the best HD mode the camera has. The storage capacity will, by far, outlast the battery that comes with the camcorder.

SDHC slot - Unlike Sony and their proprietary Memory Stick, Canon has and continued to use SD and now SDHC memory. SDHC cards are available from numerous vendors and they are easier to find and less expensive than the Memory Stick.

12X optical zoom - this works extremely well, as advertised. Digital zoom takes away from the quality of the recording, so I prefer to stick with the optical zoom. The controls for the zoom are very fluid and smooth.

Picture quality - in daylight and indoors with good light, the picture quality is exceptional. Playing the video on my HDTV is just as good as any broadcast HDTV quality you'll ever see on TV.

Image stabilization - very few people can hold anything completely still. With the image stabilization feature, you don't have to worry about it - the camcorder handles it for you and does a great job of it.

The bad:

Short battery life - the battery that ships with the camcorder (BP 807/808) will give you no more than 80-90 minutes of operation. If you don't plan to use it any more than that on each outing, then it is not a big issue for you. If you plan to use it for a day of on and off shooting, you need to get another batter. The BP827 will give you almost five hours of running time, for a steep $144. Adding to this, you can only charge the battery while the battery is in the camcorder. The external battery charger is another $60 or so. In short, if you plan to use this camcorder for longer than an hour, buy an extra battery and the external charger so you can charge one battery while using the other. This is not a Canon specific problem, every vendor, including Sony, has its limitations with batteries and charging. They also have the "optional" longer life batteries and external chargers for a steep price as well.

Low light shooting - The picture quality is grainy and unimpressive. After seeing what the daylight shots looked like on the TV, then watching the low light shots, you will be somewhat dissapointed. Perhaps there is some special low light setting I do not know about - I've only had the camcorder for a week. Another reviewer indicated better luck in low light. I will report back if this is resolved.

Despite the additional battery and charger purchase, I think this is a very good camcorder. I hope to resolve the low light issue. Daytime and good lighting recording is breathtaking on replay. Given that this is a consumer grade camcorder, I doubt you'll find any better for the money.


Update:

As promised, I've worked with the camcorder for a couple of weeks now, and not much has changed. The daylight and well-lit room video is broadcast quality HD. Low light is still somewhat grainy. I also purchased a longer life battery and external charger from Amazon, which comes in very handy. I would still purchase this camcorder.

111 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most Interesting Camera, September 18, 2008

By	K. Cook (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HG21 AVCHD 120 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

First of all, this is my first camcorder. We do have the ability to use our small Canon digital camera in this mode but this is a far cry from that. I was excited to get one of the first even though I figured I would be taking a slight gamble as I am not exactly that informed on the subject and wonder about the wisdom of getting a product that is not yet proven.

So far, so good...Our grandchild had a birthday the very day this thing came in so I was determined to figure things out in order to capture the event. I figured that we paid a premium price to have the high HD quality so of course I shot in the highest mode. I only had time to charge the battery and skim through the book but I am happy to report that the quality of the videos was simply outstanding. In my opinion, the easy part is taking the pictures...set it to the quality and mode and fire away. Then, the question is, what to do afterwards...This is the hard part.

I have an Intel Mac and IMovie 08 so I read other reviews of similar cameras and figured out how to move the shots from the camera to the computer. No problem. In my opinion, and that is what these reviews are all about, if you are shooting at the highest quality, you better have a lot of room on your hard drives, and, or, prepare to spend a lot of time on the back end moving your videos off the camera and on to disks or the drives. I did not have much hard drive space left on my Mac so perhaps that fact made things seem very slow. On the other hand, because I wanted to shoot in the highest quality, the wait and trouble were worth the investment...Remember, I am just at the edge of knowing what I am doing so you must consider that my skill level is still very low by comparison.

The great thing about this camera, in addition to the fact that the HD videos are breathtaking, is that the built in hard drive is 120 gigs...wow! that is equal to 82 of the smaller 3 inch DVDs! About 45 hours of recording time on lower quality and near 11 hours or so in the highest quality...so, unless you get nervous about hard drive failure, you can go for a long time without having to move them off the camcorder.

After doing a little reading and fiddling around, I hooked the camera up to our HD TV and was pretty much able to use the little remote device and see the videos. Simply outstanding...most shots were taken in the house with average lighting. One of my concerns was reading that low light might cause grainy videos but I did not find this to be the case....I suspect this could be the case when shooting in extremely low light but I cannot see this ever becoming an issue. I was too impatient to actually link into the HD ports of my TV so we settled for using the ports at the front and went to the game port...I do not think this was actually in HD but it still was just incredible. Later, when I played back some videos on our HP Vista computer and just was blown away with the quality...I had gone outside and take videos of the hummingbirds on our feeder and could not believe how crystal clear the shots were.

The 12X optical zoom is very close to walking up to the subject...very nice. The image stabilizer works great as I never used a tripod and still saw no real shaking. I did notice that you can negate image stabilizer when using the camera on a tripod so that was something I was a little concerned about.

One addition thing that may concern some...apparently these hard drive camcorders could suffer damage to the drives if used at an altitude of 9800 feet and above. If you are a serious mountain climber or plan to be above 9800 feet, you might consider other options.

I am very interested in reading other reviews. So far I am very pleased...no camera will ever be perfect and do all things so, regardless of the quality or cost, there will always be some element of compromise. I have already ordered another battery as well as an SD card for it. The battery life is short of two hours so trips out in the wild pretty much would demand more power. Most may not feel the need to have another battery but I cannot imagine missing any great shots...you pay too much for these things not to be able to use them to their fullest extent...maybe another review when I actually know what I am doing!

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars HG21 Works for Mac/iMovie, January 31, 2009

By	Ji Shen (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HG21 AVCHD 120 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

HG21 is probably the best HD Camcorder out there. I say this because I have tried another high end camcorder from Sony with a 120GB harddrive, which (the Sony) was unbelievably disappointing in both color and resolution. Fortunately, we bought it at Costco, and just returned the Sony within a day.

The Canon HG21 has amazing High Def pictures for daylight scenes. The color is very rich and eye pleasing. If you do a good job shooting, it can fool the untrained eyes as if it's professional HD video. I have a Pioneer 50" 1080i Plasma, and the pictures from the HG21 are so refined, the colors are beautiful.

Night scenes are grainy. This is very disappointing. I also have a Flip MinoHD. The $200 little Flip out performs the Canon for night scenes. Canon should be a bit embarrassed by it and catch up on this front.

The Mac/Apple compatibility of HG21 is a big plus. Canon has shipped a software CD with the camcorder, however, the software doesn't work for Mac, and Mac users really don't need it anyway. It was a pleasant surprise to open up iMovie'08 and the HG21 was automatically recognized on the USB port, and the Camera Import Window within iMovie popped out immediately to guide you through the importing of videos. Previously, everyone said AVCHD editing tool is hard to find. The Mac has it built in. Hats off to Apple. Select "Large" setting to import, "Full" resolution will cost you a lot of hard drive space.

Overall, I would give this HG21 a "A-" for great daylight performance, working with iMovie'08 which is a wonderful consumer movie making tool, but has lackluster grainy night scenes.