subject: Canon Legria HF S11 Next Generations HD Camcorder ? [print this page] Canon Legria HF S11 Next Generations HD Camcorder ?
Canon Legria HF S11
1Ox optical zoom lens fuIl HD 1920 xlO8O 64GB dual flash memory recording Dolby digital 5.1 surround sound 8-megapixel still Optical Image Stabiliser DIGIC DV Ill Image CPU
Canon Legria HF S11 is just one amongst the quality hd camcorders on the market
Now a Camcorder that you hold up with pride , the Canon Legria HF S11 not only does it come with so many advanced video shooting features also the Canon Legria HF S11 comes with so many different techno adds on , all compacted into a tiny body , one has to take you're hat off to canon. Canon HF-S11 really is one that you can pick up and use without having to spend hours getting all the settings for shooting our video perfect.
The Canon Legria HFS11 is the choice for hands-on enthusiasts. It will also suit novices who aren't afraid of using camcorder menus. If you want the very best in video quality, this camcorder is pretty hard to pass up.
Canon is their flagship HD video camcorder, replacing the superb S10. Offering full 1O2Ox1080 HD, the HF S11 comes complete with a larger- than-average CMOS sensor with Canon's own DICIC DV Ill processing for improved image quality. The internal flash memory is a very usable 64GB, which can hold between just under six hours' recording at full HD resolution, to over 24 hours' storage at a lower resolution. There is also a provision to shoot LP mode too.
The camcorder has a 10x optical zoom and a 15x optical zoom and has both both automatic and manual focus, exposure and audio levels.
The camcorder also comes with an SDHC slot useful if you want to store stills separately ~ The Legria HF S11 can capture 1,920x1080 resolution video at 24fps (frames per second) and can also take 8Mp still photos}. And the branded Canon lens features 1Ox optical or 200x digital zoom and optical image stabilizations , the pro-spec features onboard the Canon HF 511 makes it a severe contender for semi-professional work, The menu system allows for full manual control of everything pragmatic: focus, exposure, White Salience, gain, together with full audio recording levels control too. Or, you could just set the HF 511 to Auto and let the shiny black beast do its thing for you.
HFS11 has image stabilisation capabilities which holds itself against sony's image stabilisation systems, quality of video captures by the HFS11 is superb, with DIGIC DV III processor supports x.v.Color giving you richer colours and hues during playback on compatible TVs. There is also a inbuilt flash, which houses a discrete video light too, pop up automatically when the light levels are low. This can be turned off, though, if it becomes annoying.
When it comes to shooting still images whilst recording HD video , the HF S11 offers a dual recording which does this seamlessly and silently even so, you need to set the image quality first, as the camcorder tells you nothing about the file size shot until you get to your PC. You can shoot up to 8-megapixel stills on the HF S11, which look superb too even straight from camcorder. Overall, this sleek Canon model is a proper' dual camera/camcorder but it comes at a steep price.
Handling & ease of use
Packed with pro-spec features
The Legria HF Si 1 feels quite substantial when you pick it up. It's slightly larger than the average camcorder, and still a little plastic', but it oozes pro-spec quality. The sleek all-black body of the HF S11 is great to hold and feels right'. The flip-out screen showing the main controls is good to navigate around, with the buttons and joystick being of sufficient size, even for the largest of hands. The menu system, though, is a little convoluted to navigate around for beginners, but then again, the HF S11 is aimed at experienced videographers looking to upgrade anyway. It's worth noting that there is an alarming rattle inside the front of the lens as it is being powered up. This is the optical Image Stabiliser unit and it is supposed to make that sound, so don't panic
More detail
Hands tree operation & manual focus wheel control
It comes with a wireless remote control, which is great news for wildlife fans out there who don't want to disturb their subjects. It works to a distance of 5m or so, so there plenty of space to bidel
There is a small knurled wheel underneath the lens for manual focus control. As the ring is turned, the image on-screen zooms in to aid fine focusing.
Performance capability
When you have the HF 511 in your hand , you now your getting something special And it is. If ever a camcorder promised to do exactly what it said on the box, this is it. The pro-spec nature of the new Canon is simply stunning. Image quality is amongst the best we've ever seen, with beautiful bright and punchy HO video even in low light thanks to the large sensor and DIGIC DV LII processing combination, The Canon branded lens shows excellent sharpness and contrast with the AD wnrking perfectly; only on a couple of occasions in low light did it stutter slightly and correct itself, but that's to be expected of any camcorder in the circumstances, The accompanying optical Image Stabilisation is dynamic and reacts perfectly to adverse camcorder movement with just enough input to remain unnoticed.
The Dual Shot mode worked well, producing accurate still images when required, plus) the standalone image quality of S-megapixels was excellent and comparable with many digital camera on the market at that resolution, Where the camcorder really scores highly, though is in the manual options menus, The camcorder can be operated fully manually on everything from for exposure, gain, exposure compensation, through to White Balance and audio recording levels. With this degree of manual control, the camcorder should definitely be on the radar for semi-professional videomakers. Add a decent video light and tripod with a good fluid head and you're all ready to shoot profession video productions rarely does a camcorder look as well as it performs. However, the HF 511 is as small as it is sexy, and the results are worth the expense it's pricey, but quality always is.
Anatomy Very thing about this camcorder from pro spec features to the large CMOS senor, say the HF 511 means business It's not for the faint-hearted. .
1) CMOS SENSOR
A large CMOS sensor with canons patented DIGIC DV Ill Image Processor technology, for improved quality.
2) STEREO MICROPHONE
It zooms with the lens and has a wind filter to help when outdoors.
3) HIGH QUALITY OPTICS
1Ox optical zoom lens with 2OOx digital zoom.
4) CONTROL
All of the main working functions can be found around the edge of the screen.
5) MANUAL WHEEL
controls manual locus. for those occasions when you want to be control.
6) ACCESSORY SHOE
Powered accessory shoe for an external microphone or video light.
VERDICT ON Canon HF S11
Good Points
Image quality stills and video. Pre record function, manual controls and loads more
Bad Points
Needs external mic to minimize user and camera noises, feels plastic' for the price, no headphones sockets.
Overall
Simply the consumer- level camcorder to beat for image quality, features and performance.
Canon HF S11 if not the most affordable hd camcorders in the HD camcorder maket , but what you pay is what you get , in the case of the Canon HF S11 you get a lot .
