Review 1 of 1
Price Paid:
$990.00
from B&H Photo Summary: It wasn't all that long ago that flash camcorders were cheap low end products that would take video barely equal to that of a cellphone. Now that flash memory is cheap and available in high capacity, tape is rapidly disappearing from the consumer market.
The HF S100 is a little further along than most camcorders in that it can take decent still pictures, has a built in flash, and also has an advanced hot shoe.
Video quality (if properly used) can be outstanding. Still pictures remember those taken by my Fuji S5200. A little over-processed looking with easily blown highlights, but they look like real pictures. Every still I've seen by a camcorder until now has looked like a grainy frame grab.
Overall it nearly fits the bill of something I'd been longing for over ages; a device that can take good pictures and decent video all in on package, just I never thought it'd be a camcorder as opposed to a true camera. Strengths: A little bigger than most camcorders, but still small, in a slick black/charcoal package.
Controls are reasonably laid out and intuitive, I've only had to check the manual a few times.
Cant take Hi-Def up to 1920X1080 at 60 FPS interlaced, but see below
Not quite able to see in very dim light, but better than any camcorder I've owned so far. Turn the shutter speed way down and it's great but jerky.
Hot shoe can take flashes or a directional mike.
Still pictures look like real photos rather than frozen video stills, but see below.
Battery is not completely enclosed, so extended (large capacity) batteries can be made, but I haven't seen any yet.
Lots of customization so you can make shots turn out great.
Threaded lens ring for filters and adapters. Weaknesses: Expensive!
It looks good but is largely plastic and feels frail.
Every review I've seen mentioned the lens cover rattles---it does but I barely notice it.
The full quality files are simply too much for even my desktop (dual core XP-6000) to play well. the 14440X1080 XP+ at 30FPS plays great.
The AVCHD codec is new and not all video editors support it yet.
A little too complex for the casual user, you have to learn it's intricacies for best results.
Photos have scene settings and the usual aperture/shutter priority, but no manual control (such as ISO). The camera is rather hard to keep steady when pressing the shutter button, especially for slower shutter speeds. I kind of wish it had a detachable grip with a shutter button built in so it could be held more like a real camera. Similar Products Used: Canon FS100
Mini-DV Camcorder
At least three VHS-C Camcorders
More cheap low end flash camcorders than I'd care to admit Customer Service: Haven't used
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