Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder

#13

★★★★★
4.6

based on 50 reviews  

 

Ratings Distribution

5 star
 
32
4 star
 
15
3 star
 
0
2 star
 
0
1 star
 
1

Category Average

★★★★☆
4.1

$699.00 - $1,299.99

from 14 stores
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Pros

  • Comfortable to operate (44)
  • Great picture quality (42)
  • Great features (37)
  • Simple controls (33)
  • Versatile (27)
  • Great sound quality (21)
  • Durable (19)
  • Amazing recording length (1)
  • Clarity and definition (1)
  • Good zoom (1)
See less See more

Cons

  • Poor battery life (23)
  • Poor sound quality (2)
  • Buy the extended battery (1)
  • Charging batteries on cam (1)
  • In motion distortion (1)
  • Larger than other options (1)
  • Low-quality recordings (1)
  • Need second battery (1)
  • No firewire (1)
  • No twin battery charger (1)

Best Uses

  • Home movies (38)
  • Travel (35)
  • Hd shooting (33)
  • Movies/short films (17)
  • Documentaries (16)
  • Editing (11)
  • Surf and skate films (1)
 
 
 

Provided by OneCall

120GB Hard Disk Drive
The VIXIA HG21 captures 1920 x 1080 High Definition resolution video directly to a large capacity 120GB Hard Disk Drive. Hard Disk Drive recording is an especially convenient format if you plan to transfer your video to a computer for viewing, editing or sharing. It also has the added benefit of taking away any worries about not having enough recording media with you, so you're more likely to be able to capture all those future memories as they happen. With LP mode, while recording 1440 x 1080 resolution video you'll be able to record up to an astonishing 45 hours and 15 minutes of video. In addition, the VIXIA HG21 can record in MXP mode at 1920 x 1080 resolution. This gives the highest quality 24Mbps recording, with a full 11 hours and 5 minutes of superb video. Hard Disk Drive recording also delivers true random-access play. It lets you view the scene you select instantly. You'll also have no fear of accidentally recording over footage you've already shot. Like a computer, the VIXIA HG21 automatically searches for blank space on the drive onto which to record. It's simple to delete unwanted footage and you can record as the action unfolds without worry.

Record HD Video Directly to SDHC Memory Cards
The VIXIA HG21 allows you to capture video to the camcorder's internal 120GB Hard Disk Drive as well as directly to an SDHC memory card. Video stored on the internal memory can also be copied onto the memory card which can then be inserted into your computer or HDTV's card reader slot for immediate viewing. It is also possible to transfer video and still images recorded to the SDHC card to the internal Hard Disk Drive.

Genuine Canon 12x HD Video Lens
For over 70 years, Canon has been producing exceptional photographic lenses that are synonymous with unsurpassed optical performance. Because of Genuine Canon Optics, every Canon broadcast lens, 35mm film camera, digital camera and camcorder assures brilliant optical quality - and the VIXIA HG21 is no exception.

Simulated image
The VIXIA HG21 comes with an outstanding High Definition video lens - a Genuine Canon 12x HD lens. It's the tool you need to record long shots of your child on the soccer field, wide shots of beautiful landscapes, and everything in-between. And because it comes with three pre-set zoom speeds, you always get smooth, steady, professional-looking zoom shots.

Super Spectra Coating technology results in images with minimal flare and ghosting. Plus, the lens' aspheric design reduces aberration and increases resolution, ensuring crisp, sharp video and enhancing the HD image quality. Not only that, but a gradation neutral density (ND) system gives you better exposures in bright shooting situations. In addition, for those times when you need to get a particular shot from a very long distance, this flexible lens also has a 200x digital zoom.

Canon Exclusive: 3.3 Megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor
The VIXIA HG21 captures 1920 x 1080 high definition video through its Canon designed and manufactured 1/3.2-inch 3.31 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor, similar to the CMOS image sensors in Canon's EOS Series Digital SLR cameras. The VIXIA HG21's CMOS image sensor provides high color resolution and advanced color reproduction for brilliant results. It is also unique in featuring Canon's proprietary noise reduction technologies for crisp, sharp images. Low noise technology also means that even in dimly lit scenes, the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible, with minimal noise or other aberrations. It's the ideal sensor for HD. The VIXIA HG21 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter with Bayer Placement Pattern that separates light into red, green and blue color components. This results in vibrant images with deep, rich, accurate color and natural-looking tones similar to what you'd obtain from 3CCD camcorders. In addition, the Bayer Placement Pattern delivers sharp high definition images with true-to-life color reproduction. As an added benefit, the CMOS sensor provides outstanding image capture in low light conditions.

Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV II Image Processor
The DIGIC DV II Image Processor is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology. Designed specifically for HD, DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality for still images, even though video and photos have different color requirements. The DIGIC DV II Image Processor is just another one of Canon's advanced technologies that make the VIXIA HG21 an exceptional performer. Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the VIXIA HG21 produces video with improved color reproduction - especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction - for high definition images with crystal clear audio. Plus, DIGIC DV II features improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the VIXIA HG21. You can shoot five (3.1 Megapixel) still images per second, and enjoy faster processing of your images to your memory card (1.4x normal card; 2.5x Hi Speed card). It also helps lower power consumption for longer battery life.

1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording
The VIXIA HG21 delivers 1920 x 1080 Full HD, from capture to recording to playback, thanks to Canon's own 3.3 Megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor, combined with the Genuine Canon 12x HD video lens and DIGIC DV II Image Processor. They ensure that the VIXIA HG21 will not only capture video in Full HD, it will record Full HD. It delivers superb, high quality, high definition video with vibrant color, crisp contrast and great detail- what you expect from Canon HD. You can also burn your HD video onto DVDs which play in AVCHD compatible Blu-ray disc players for the full home theater experience.

Canon Exclusive: SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
The high-resolution images of high definition video demand a steady hand. It's easier to get those clear, steady images with the VIXIA HG21, thanks to Canon's innovative SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization. It combines gyro and image sensors to give image stabilization through a wider range of camera motions. Some image stabilization systems correct one type of camera motion or vibration better than another. But Canon's SuperRange OIS corrects for a wide range of camcorder motion: the fast vibration you'd experience while recording from a moving car; the medium-speed motion of handheld recording; and the slower motion of body sway. No matter what you're recording and how you're recording it, the VIXIA HG21's stabilization design corrects camcorder shake instantly. SuperRange OIS also delivers steady images when shooting at long focal lengths.

In addition, optical image stabilization keeps your shot steady without a loss in image quality - something that can't be said for electronic image stabilization. And optical image stabilization isn't just for video; you can even use it for taking sharper, clearer digital photographs with your VIXIA HG21. Thanks to Canon's expertise, it's easy to eliminate one of the telltale signs of amateur video and photography.

Canon Exclusive: Instant AF
Another critical objective when shooting in high definition is achieving a very sharp focus. The VIXIA HG21 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary Instant AF auto focusing system which offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional auto focus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's auto focus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." The benefits of Instant AF are especially seen in high brightness and night shooting situations. With Instant AF, it's possible to capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.

And because a properly focused subject is more critical than ever with HD, the VIXIA HG21 also features Focus Assist for achieving sharp images when manual focusing. This helps in capturing your subject in razor sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject as well as a "peaking" function. Peaking gives you a visible outline of where the correct focus on your subject is located. It's a feature normally found in professional broadcast-quality cameras. (When you start recording, this assistance is automatically cancelled.)

24Mbps Recording
The 24Mbps recording capability of the VIXIA HG21 gives you the highest AVCHD quality video possible. You'll see enhanced detail, finer gradations of tones and improved reproduction of moving subjects. Video shot by the VIXIA HG21 of fast-moving sporting events, multi-color butterflies on a variegated leaf or the shading of a brilliant sunset will be remarkable.

24p Cinema Mode
The VIXIA HG21 offers you more choices than ever before in selectable frame rates. You can choose between 60i, 30p and 24p to achieve just the look you want. 24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional "film-look." You can change the camcorder's frame capture rate to 24p (recorded at 60i), which provides the appearance of the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, you can use the VIXIA HG21's CINE setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently.

30p Progressive Mode
This is a unique feature that only Canon offers in the consumer camcorder market*. You would otherwise have to look to professional video cameras in order to have this sophisticated tool at your command. In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the VIXIA HG21 to capture video in 30p (30 progressive frames, recorded at 60i) which is particularly useful for footage to be used on the Internet. In addition, this setting gives enhanced quality to still images captured after recording. It's also excellent for action shots and sports.

Canon Exclusive: 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
The 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD and the .27" EVF on the VIXIA HG21 let you see more of what your camcorder is recording. Using a hard coat Anti-Reflective surface and improved color reproduction, the scene in the LCD is more accurate to what you're capturing in the camcorder. An added benefit of this Canon Exclusive is the wider range of viewing angle possible with this new LCD screen. With less glare and deeper contrasts, a group of people can gather around it, seeing the image displayed more clearly than ever before.

Specification Description
Model 2704B001, 2704B001AA, HG21, VIXIA HG21
UPC 013803092592
Accessory Shoe Advanced Accesory Shoe
Analog Audio / Video Yes
Card Slot SDHC
Card Slot Secure Digital
Compatible Battery BP-807
Component Video Side Output
Definition High Definition
Depth (Inches) 5.5
Digital Zoom 200
Filter Diameter 37mm
Hard Disk Drive 120GB
Height (Inches) 3.0
LCD Display Size (Inches) 2.7
Minimum Illumination (lux) .2
Optical Zoom 12
Recording Format Hard Drive
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Resolution High Definition
Select Format Internal Hard Drive HDD
USB Port Mini-B
Video Compatibility NTSC
Weight (Pounds) 1.2
White Balance Auto
White Balance Cloudy
White Balance Daylight
White Balance Fluorescent
White Balance Manual
White Balance Shade
White Balance Tungsten Bulb
Width (Inches) 3.1

Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder Questions

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Where to Buy

Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder

Product Reviews

Last update: Nov 18, 2009

Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder Reviews

 
 
 

Most helpful positive review

[17 of 17 customers found this review helpful]

Most helpful negative review

[0 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
★★★★☆
4.0
Awesome Video Quality!

"I bought this camera a month ago and am using it primarily to shoot Pop Warner football games. The video quality is amazing when you watch the end product hooked up to an HD television. It was bigger than my old camcorder, but it's much lighter. The adjustable screen brightness and adjustable zoom speed work well for me. The only downside is that the battery that comes with the camera doesn't last long enoug..." Read Full Review »

Oct 07, 2008 by Steve

See more positive Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder reviews

★☆☆☆☆
1.0
Too Bad

"Says Video solutions disk for Windows and Macintosh. Too bad it's not compatible with a Mac. Sent it back...." Read Full Review »

Mar 24, 2009 by ShutterFool

See more negative Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder reviews

 
 

Displaying 1 - 5 of 50 Reviews

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[17 of 17 customers found this review helpful]

Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder Review

Awesome Video Quality!

★★★★☆
4.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Simple Controls

    Cons

  • Poor Battery Life

    Best Uses

  • HD Shooting
  • Home Movies
  • Travel
 

"I bought this camera a month ago and am using it primarily to shoot Pop Warner football games. The video quality is amazing when you watch the end product hooked up to an HD television. It was bigger than my old camcorder, but it's much lighter. The adjustable screen brightness and adjustable zoo …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (17)  (0)  0 comments
Oct 7 2008
Steve
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
I am:
  • Casual User
Reviewed at:
Price: $699.00
 

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder Review

HG21 performance and accessories review

★★★★☆
4.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Goog light sensitivity
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Simple Controls

    Cons

  • Poor Battery Life
  • VL15 cam light poor

    Best Uses

  • Home Movies
  • Travel
 

"Purchased from Abes for $ 400 less that market prices. Battery life is good as long as dont use VL15 cam light which reduces battery usage by about 50%. VL15 is overpriced, for an over glorified flashlight which supplies poor lighting Menu is simple to use, many option features. Did well in low ligh …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (2)  (0)  0 comments
May 18 2009
Shutterbug
Bristol Connecticut
I am:
  • Video Enthusiast
Reviewed at:
Price: $699.00
 
 

Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder Review

Great Little Machine

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Durable
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Simple Controls
  • More »

    Cons

  • None

    Best Uses

  • HD Shooting
  • Home Movies
  • Travel
 

"I'm a pro video shooter/producer with a Sony EX1 camera as well. This little machine is just a blast. I've had it one week and have already shot plenty and loaded it into my computer edit suite (Adobe CS4) without a hitch. Terrific in low light, and honestly when it gets down to it, EVERYONE need …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (0)  (0)  0 comments
Nov 11 2009
Sully
Cary, NC
I am:
  • Pro Videographer
Reviewed at:
Price: $699.00
 

Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder Review

Awesome camera, with minor reservations

★★★★☆
4.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Simple Controls
  • Versatile

    Cons

  • Poor Battery Life
  • Poor Sound

    Best Uses

  • Documentaries
  • HD Shooting
  • Home Movies
  • Travel
 

"I use this camera mainly for home movies, some documentary work, some B-roll footage, and the images so far are very impressive, especially at the high-quality 24Mbs. Not as lovely as some higher-end HDV camcorders, but really nice for AVCHD.



This is my first HDD cam, and I have to say I'm addict …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (0)  (0)  0 comments
Nov 13 2009
Edward the First
Chicago, IL
I am:
  • Semi-pro Videographer
Reviewed at:
Price: $699.00
 

[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder Review

Everything I had expected

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Versatile

    Cons

  • None

    Best Uses

  • None
 

"I was torn between the HG21 and the HF11. I liked the size of the HF11 and the fact that it didn't have a hard drive. I bought the HG21 though because it had a viewfinder and I wanted the flexibility to use it in really bright sunlight.



I think I may have had unrealistic expectations for low-ligh …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (4)  (0)  0 comments
Jan 26 2009
Husky91
Woodinville, WA
I am:
  • Video Enthusiast
Reviewed at:
Price: $699.00
 
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Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition Camcorder

 

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