Canon Announces 8 New VIXIA HD Camcorders Including New VIXIA HF G10 and VIXIA HF S30
New 2011 Canon VIXIA Camcorders Enable Users To Easily Capture Stunning HD Video Quality And Push Their Creative Limits
Features Include a Newly Designed HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor to
Improve Resolution, Enhance Low-Light Performance and Expand Dynamic
Range
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 5, 2011 – Canon U.S.A.,
Inc, a leader in digital imaging, today announced an exciting new line
of eight VIXIA High Definition flash memory camcorders. The 2011
high-definition lineup includes Canon's new flagship model the VIXIA HF
G10, the high-end VIXIA HF S30, three compact VIXIA HF M-series models
and three entry-level VIXIA HF R-series models. Constantly pushing
digital imaging forward, Canon has improved upon its Full HD CMOS image
sensor, with the introduction of the new HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor,
available in the VIXIA HF G10 and VIXIA HF M-series camcorders. This new
sensor incorporates larger, more sensitive pixels resulting in high
video resolution, outstanding low-light performance and an expanded
dynamic range [www.usa.canon.com/HDCMOSPro].
Other new features enhancing Canon's 2011 VIXIA lineup include dual
SDXC-compatible memory card slots for maximum storage capacity,
Cinema-Look Filters that add various cinematic effects, and new Story
Creator and Touch Decoration features for an easy and fun way to shoot
great video and add creative flair.
"Canon's tradition of delivering best-in-class image
quality and performance is continued with the introduction of the new HD
CMOS Pro Image Sensor. Our enhanced sensor technology helps deliver
better overall image quality with stunning resolution and low-light
performance for HD video," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice
president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
All of the 2011 VIXIA High Definition camcorders retain Canon's
proprietary imaging technologies - a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens, Canon
DIGIC DV III Image Processor, and Canon Full HD CMOS Image Sensor.
Additional advanced features include:
New Advanced Technologies and Features:
- Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor:
A new 1/3-inch native 1920 x 1080 sensor which delivers
professional-level HD video performance. Unlike image sensors found in
other consumer camcorders, Canon HD CMOS Pro uses fewer pixels, which
are significantly larger (61 percent) and more sensitive, resulting in
high video resolution, outstanding low-light performance, and expanded
dynamic rangei:
- Video resolution of 900 horizontal and 800 vertical TV lines, for Full HD video with professional precision
- A 25 percent improvement in low-light sensitivity with a
minimum illumination rating of 1.5 Lux, Canon's lowest Lux rating to
date in a consumer HD camcorderii
- A 280 percent improvement in dynamic range for exceptional reproduction of both highlights and shadowsiii
- Dual SDXC-compatible Card Slots:
Each new model in Canon's 2011 VIXIA lineup includes two card slots
which ensure that users always have multiple sources of memory and allow
for super-high capacity storage that expands as the capacity of SDXC
memory cards increases.
- High-Quality Microphone:
Canon has enhanced the internal microphones on its 2011 VIXIA models to
give users the high-quality sound to match their HD video. With four
directional options, users can set internal microphones to Monaural,
Normal (Stereo), Wide, and new Synced with Zooming mode. When in Synced
with Zooming mode, the microphone will adjust directionality to coincide
with the lens's focal length position to properly match the audio with
the portion of the scene being captured. Users can also adjust frequency
response characteristics to dampen the effect of unwanted noise.
- Tele Macro: Reduces the
minimum focusing distance at the telephoto end of the zoom range to 1.3
feet (from 3 feet) allowing users to capture spectacular close-ups at
full telephoto with the appearance of a shallow depth of field for
stunning imagery. This is one of 38 scenes available in Canon's Smart
Auto mode.
- Cinema-Look Filters: Nine
different built-in cinema filters - Cinema Standard, Cool, Dramatic
B&W, Dream, Memory, Nostalgic, Old Movie, Sepia, Vivid - allow users
to create video with a variety of professional cinematic looks.
- Story Creator: Canon's new
Story Creator assists you in the process of storyboarding an organized
and sophisticated video shoot. Choose one of five themes - Travel, Kids
& Pets, Party, Ceremony, and Blog - and the camcorder provides a
list of suggested scenes to shoot to help walk users through the process
of creating a complete video storyline.
- Touch Decoration: While
shooting, Touch Decoration allows users to add creative flairs to video
via the Touch Panel LCD screen. Users can superimpose fun images into
their video, such as animations (i.e. shooting stars or thought
bubbles), freehand drawing or writing, clip art, or decorative frames.
Popular VIXIA Features:
The 2011 VIXIA line-up retains many popular features that make it
easy to record outstanding HD video, such as Canon's Smart Auto mode
which intelligently detects and analyzes brightness, color, distance and
movement and automatically selects the best setting for the scene being
recorded. Canon's Touch & Track feature allows users to select any
subject on the Touch Panel LCD screen with their finger, the camcorder
will then track the subject ensuring sharp focus and proper exposure.
All 2011 VIXIA models have Relay Recording for seamless uninterrupted
video recording from one memory source to the next. When the primary
recording media is full the camcorder continues to record the scene by
switching to the next memory source, so that users won't miss a moment
of action. Canon's Powered IS provides a higher level of compensation
for subtle hand movement at the telephoto end of the zoom range. In
addition, all VIXIA camcorders with built-in memory feature HD-to-SD
Downconversion which enables users to convert recorded high-definition
video to standard-definition files while preserving the original HD
footage. These down-converted files make it even more convenient to
share video online or create a DVD. Each new model is also compatible
with Eye-Fi SD Memory Cards, allowing for wireless uploading of video
content to a computer, social networking site or video sharing website.
VIXIA HF G10:
Packing in every feature a video enthusiast could ask for, the VIXIA
HF G10 Flash Memory camcorder is Canon's new flagship consumer camcorder
providing the ultimate in HD video performance and quality. Recording
Full HD 1920 x 1080 video, this camcorder features a Genuine Canon 10x
HD Video Lens (35mm equivalent of 30.4mm-304mm) with an 8-blade iris
providing smooth background blur and reduced lens diffraction. The lens
also includes a dedicated manual-focus ring for enhanced control. The
VIXIA HF G10 features the new HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor for high video
resolution, outstanding low-light performance and an expanded dynamic
range. It also features a 3.5-inch High Resolution (922,000-dot) Touch
Panel LCD screen for a large, bright display and easy menu navigation. A
Custom Key and Dial can also be used to assign commonly used functions
for quick and easy access. As the flagship model in the lineup the
camcorder includes, selectable zooming speed, Face-Only AF, Canon's new
customizable Cinema-Look Filters and Tele-Macro as well as Touch &
Track technology, Smart Auto, Relay Recording, Powered IS, and HD-to-SD
Downconversion. The VIXIA HF G10 comes with 32GB of internal flash
memory and dual SDXC-compatible card slots which allow for simultaneous
card recording enabling users to create immediate back-up.
For more advanced videographers, the VIXIA HF G10 includes manual
color temperature adjustment (2,000K-15,000K in 100K increments), color
bars with test tone, manual shutter speed and aperture control, a
built-in Remote Control Terminal (which supports LANC protocol), and
Native 24p recording. For shooting on a sunny day, the camcorder also
includes a color viewfinder which offers a reliable viewing environment
when shooting in bright conditions. The VIXIA HF G10 Flash Memory
camcorder is scheduled to be available in March with an estimated retail
price of $1,499.99.
VIXIA HF S30:
The Canon VIXIA HF S30 Flash Memory camcorder continues the appeal of
Canon VIXIA HF S-series camcorders with professional and easy-to-use
features to allow anyone to capture outstanding HD video quality and
high resolution photos in one device. The camcorder captures Full HD
1920 x 1080 video and features a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and a
Canon 1/2.6-inch, 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor for stunning
video and outstanding eight megapixel photos. Equipped with 32GB of
internal memory and two SDXC-compatible card slots, the camcorder
features Canon's 3.5-inch High Resolution (922,000-dot) Touch Panel LCD
screen and a color viewfinder. The VIXIA HF S30 offers Canon's Touch
& Track technology, Smart Auto, Relay Recording, Powered IS,
HD-to-SD Downconversion, and Advanced Video Snapshot. Users can also to
assign commonly used functions to the Custom Key and Dial for quick and
easy access.
The VIXIA HF S30 includes a host of professional features such as
color bars and selectable Zebra patterns, a built-in Remote Control
Terminal (which supports LANC protocol), and Native 24p recording. The
VIXIA HF S30 Flash Memory camcorder is scheduled to be available in
March for an estimated retail price of $1,099.99.
VIXIA HF M-series:
The Canon VIXIA HF M41, VIXIA HF M40 and VIXIA HF M400 Flash Memory
camcorders offer consumers stunning HD video in an ultra-sleek, compact
and lightweight body. Recording Full HD 1920 x 1080 video, the new VIXIA
HF M-series feature a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and Canon's new
HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor for high video resolution, outstanding
low-light performance and a wide dynamic range. All three models include
Canon's 3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD screen for a large display and easy
menu navigation. The VIXIA HF M-series include Canon's new Cinema-Look
Filters, Story Creator and Touch Decoration, as well as Touch &
Track technology, Smart Auto, Powered IS, Tele Macro, and Advanced Video
Snapshot. The VIXIA HF M41 and VIXIA HF M40 incorporate 32GB and 16GB
of internal flash memory, respectively, and feature HD-to-SD
Downconversion. The VIXIA HF M400 records directly to dual
SDXC-compatible card slots. The VIXA HF M41 features a color viewfinder
which helps provide a reliable viewing option, free from glare, when
shooting in bright conditions. The new VIXIA HF M-series is also
compatible with the new Canon WP-V3 Waterproof Case. The VIXIA HF M41,
VIXIA HF M40 and VIXIA HF M400 Flash Memory camcorders are scheduled to
be available in March for an estimated retail price of $799.99, $699.99
and $649.99 respectively.
VIXIA HF R-series
The Canon VIXIA HF R21, VIXIA HF R20 and VIXIA HF R200 Flash Memory
camcorders offer the ideal combination of price and performance for the
budget-conscious consumer who wants Full HD 1920 x 1080 video. All three
models include a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens with 28x Advanced Zoom,
3.28-megapixel Canon Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, a 3.0-inch Touch Panel
LCD screen, Touch Decoration, Dynamic IS, Smart Auto and Advanced Video
Snapshot. All three models feature Relay Recording while both the VIXIA
HF R21 and VIXIA HF R20 include Canon's HD-to-SD Downconversion.
Additionally the VIXIA HF R20 will be available in three stylish colors,
black, red, and silver. The VIXIA HF R21 and VIXIA HF R20 models
incorporate 32GB and 8GB of internal flash memory, respectively, and the
VIXIA HF R200 records directly to dual SDXC-compatible memory card
slots. The VIXIA HF R21, VIXIA HF R20 and VIXIA HF R200 Flash Memory
camcorders will be available in February for an estimated retail price
of $499.99, $399.99 and $379.99 respectively.
FS series:
In addition to the new VIXIA High Definition lineup, Canon is also
introducing two standard-definition models, the FS40, and FS400 Flash
Memory camcorders. The Canon FS40 model records to 8GB of internal flash
memory, while the FS400 records video directly to an SDXC-compatible
memory card slot. Compact and lightweight (approximately 7.8 oz.), both
new FS models offer 41x Advanced Zoom to help capture great video even
at extreme telephoto distances, as well as Dynamic IS. In addition, the
Canon FS400 will be available in three eye-catching colors, silver,
red, and blue. The Canon FS40 and FS400 Flash Memory camcorders are
available in February for an estimated retail price of $299.99 and
$279.99 respectively.
New Optional Camcorder Accessories
The new Canon WP-V3 Waterproof Case helps protect any of the 2011
VIXIA HF M-series Flash Memory camcorders in depths of water up to 130
feet, allowing users to capture exciting HD footage even underwater.
The ultimate camcorder accessory for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts,
this compact and lightweight housing seals the camcorder, allowing easy
on-camera operation and control. The Canon WP-V3 Waterproof Case will
be available in February for an estimated retail price of $599.00.
Also new from Canon is the WM-V1 Wireless Microphone* for
recording accurate audio without cumbersome wires from up to 164 feet
away, ideal for ceremonies, family events and recitals. This new WM-V1
Wireless Microphone is compatible with the new 2011 VIXIA HF G10, VIXIA
HF M-series, and VIXIA HF R-series camcorders and will be available in
May for an estimated retail price of $250.00.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer,
business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its
parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of
technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global
revenues of US $35 billion and is listed as number six in the computer
industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2010 list.
Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer
satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer
service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we
care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded
upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless
of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together
into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth,
educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling
initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at
www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
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*This device has not been authorized as required by the
rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and
may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until
authorization is obtained.
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
Prices, specifications and availability are subject to change without
notice. Prices are estimated retail prices. Actual selling prices are
set by dealers and may vary.
i This is compared to the pixel size of Canon's Full HD
CMOS image sensor, available in the 2010 and 2011 VIXIA HF S-series
camcorders, of 1.7μm. The current HD CMOS Pro pixel size is 2.75 μm
reflecting a 61.76 percent increase in size.
ii Rating measured with auto shutter speed of 1/30 seconds
iii This statistic is the result of comparisons with
Canon's Full HD CMOS image sensor, available in the 2010 and 2011 VIXIA
HF S-series camcorders.
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