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Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3I74H4G99VMB0 @ Everyone complaining about how poor this camcorder fares in a low-light condition should take a look at this test I conducted with the Canon Vixia HF11. Therefore, my comments are only based on the Canon Vixia HF11.just try the Cinema Mode and see the difference. By the way, someone posted a nice low-light condition video that they claim they shot in the Program AE mode.
Before I got the HF11, I specifically looked for reviews (mostly videos) of the low-light performance of the camcorder and almost nearly everyone that had the video tests mentioned the Cinema mode as the best mode to use in a low-light condition. I did tested other frame and bit rates on youtube; search man0war777 (zero between man and war). Keep in mind that the HF11 and the HG21 both have the same specifications except that the HG21 has a 120GB HD, (which I care little about cause my 16GB class 6 flash drive will transfer the videos files to the PC HD faster than the built-in HD on the camera) and a viewfinder (the main reason I've returned the HF11).
I didn't try that but it's worth the shot. Though, I'm still waiting for the HG21 to come in the mail but I can bet my last buck that if I ran the test today using the same settings I used for HF11 test, the outcome would be the same. Bottom line is, try the Cinema Mode and see for yourselves.
Peace.PS: I only rated this camera (even though) I haven't tested it only because I can't post this review without doing so. Good luck y'all.
Don't expect to have just one battery and be able to capture everything you'd like to capture for the next few days. I think you'll be very happy you bought this camera and took the time to master it. Also, about the graininess in low light. Get extra batteries like you should do for ANY camera you buy, and you'll be fine (and yes, splurge on the canon batteries and charger as third party batteries can possibly hurt the camera and won't tell you how long you have left to shoot with them, and being able to charge one battery while shooting on another is EXTREMELY helpful). It is small, so expect quite a bit of camera shake when you try to freehand it, even with the built in shot stabilizing tech.
In short, READ the manual and KNOW your camera inside and out and I guarantee you that this camera is hands down the best before you move up to the near $2000 price range.Now, I did give this camera four stars because there are a few things that annoy me about it. Stick with the LCD screen and you'll be fine (though it will wear on your battery faster).Other than that, it's just little annoyances with the camera. The decision to include this shoe, to me, is simply to ensure you give more money to canon and NOT to give you an "advanced" camera accessory. It has just enough features to make sure I don't feel stunted in what I would like to do (manual focus, auto-exposure, manual mic level adjustment, 12 hour shooting space at the highest quality picture, manual white balance, A HEADPHONE JACK - something apparently hard to find in small models like this one) as well as a rocking picture that beats every camera I've EVER shot on hands down, but is still affordable.My suggestion: BUY IT. I've shot on many DV cameras that cost hundreds of dollars more than this one, but none of them can hold a candle to this camera's picture.
I am a young aspiring director, and am in the process of buying a lot of my own equipment for shooting videos to enter in film festivals. Firstly, battery life isn't amazing, but I wouldn't expect it to be. The camera is simply too light for shot stabilization to really be able to do its job well. It doesn't swivel and is more work that it's worth. trust me. I suggest you do the same.
At the top of the list is the STUPID mini-shoe that is not "advanced," but just a reason to make you buy your shotgun and video light from cannon so it'll fit the thing. I shot a rainstorm at night with only lightning and a streetlamp across the street lighting the scene and had almost zero graininess that I could see when replaying it on my large high def 1080p TV via an HDMI cable, and I have a very discerning eye. When it came to buying my own personal camera, I'm glad I went with this one: a camera that proves size isn't everything when you're talking about quality of a camcorder.I would like to address some of the complaints I don't agree with. Your shoulder or neck will thank you for it. Honestly, it's a good idea to have at least one of these anyway, so it's not that big of a deal. My suggestion: either learn to stop your breathing and heartbeat for rock-steady hands or invest in a tripod/monopod. If you are getting graininess or artifacting in your picture, chances are you need to play with your camera settings before you go blaming the camera itself. I bought an (also very overpriced) adapter to make a universal shoe mount, and this gave me many more options.
Finally, if you are going to hook this camera up to your high def TV, note that the HDMI connection in the camera is a MINI-HDMI, not a full size HDMI. I have to tell you, what I've seen of the HG-21's sheer picture to price ratio has completely floored me. So, go out and splurge on a $15 camera strap and get the cushiest most awesome strap you can find. Also, I don't know why this camera didn't come included with a camera strap, but it doesn't. Oh, and don't expect to be able to use the viewfinder on this camera. So, keep that in mind when buying a cable to hook the two together. Read the manual to acquaint yourself with the menus (they can be a bit confusing until you master them), then just play with it to see what options work best under what conditions. Almost every camera I've ever shot on has had the same battery life as this camera: about an hour and a half for the small battery and over three hours for the large battery.
It's okay, the camera comes packaged with composite and component out lines so the camera can hook up to almost any TV.In short, for a young aspiring director like myself who has the want for quality but not the money for it, this is an excellent middle of the road camera. By the way, canon only offers one video light and shotgun that fit this mini-shoe and both are very overpriced in my opinion. It's better to overpay for an adapter than to overpay for a shotgun mic and video light. Don't have an HDMI input for your TV. I love it.
I'm extremely happy with the purchase of my Canon Vixia HG21 120 GB camcorder. 100% genuine product and the best part is the price. Very good clarity, sound and lots of features. For some serious shooting, would recommend an extra pair for battery.The camcorder looks perfect with smooth and curvy edges. Awesome deal. Shipping was instant and received within mentioned time frame.Would highly recommend this seller.
I'm well pleased with my camera, the only problem is I don't have enough time to really use it. But I'm looking forward to the many photo/video shots to come.
Canon informed me there is no upgrade process to FAT64 or NTSF and that I should join a bunch of chopped up little files together in a video capture program and have a cut and paste product that will surely be well presented. The hard drive is FAT32 format and you can only download 2gb at one time. If you want to video your children in a school play or any other project lasting more than two minutes and download the results to your computer, you will be sorely disappointed in this product. You just might miss your childs solo. From the beginning I was disappointed that it had no firewire port. What good does a 120gb hard drive do if you can't use it. I rate this product a complete waste of money due to the antique technology it uses. Very poor product.
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