Canon has introduced three new high-definition consumer camcorders, the flash-based Vixia HF-11, along with the hard-drive based Vixia HG20 and Vixia HG21, all of which max out the AVCHD video format with 24Mbps recording. All three camcorders should be available at retailers in September.
“The upgrade to 24Mbps enables consumers to capture the highest quality of video in the market today, providing the best high-definition experience on an HDTV” said Canon USA’s senior VP and general manager for consumer imaging Yuichi Ishizuka, in statement. “This increase, as well as dual recording options on all three Vixia camcorders, is just another example of Canon’s commitment to understanding the marketplace and helping to lay the groundwork to lead the market for the current and next generation of High-Definition camcorders.”
The Vixia HF-11 sports 32 GB of internal flash memory that can handle up to 12 hours of video in LP mode—just under 3 hours at 24Mbps—along with a 12× video zoom, a 3.3 megapixel full HD CMOS sensor, and a 2.7-inch multi-angle LCD viewfinder display. The HF-11 also sports USB 2.0 connectivity, component and composite output, HDMI, and an SD/SDHC memory card slot. Expect to see the HF-11 for a suggested price of $1,199.
The Vixia HG21 sports a 120 GB hard disk for up to 45 hours of LP recording (just over 11 hours of 24Mbps recording), along with a 12× video zoom, a 3.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, a 2.7-inch widescreen LCD viewfinder, and instant autofocus—the HG21 can also record directly to SD/SDHC memory cards. The HG20 rolls back to a 60 GB hard drive, but otherwise brings the same features to the table. Expect to see the HG21 for a suggested price of $1,299, while the HG20 will go for a suggested price of $949.
