A useful new feature is the dial and Custom button, located on the left side of the lens barrel. It allows users to control Exposure, Focus, Assist Functions, Mic Level and AGC Limiter. It took a bit longer to focus than we expected, but the idea is still nice. There is no viewfinder, which may be a hindrance to some users. It is replaced with the power dial, which rests above the lithium ion rechargeable battery. The built-in Electronic Lens Cover offers nice protection and automatically opens when the camera is powered on. Turn it off, and the lens snaps shut. A nice design, very compact and functional with nothing in the way.

An innovative new feature on this model is Video Snapshot. Think of this as a way to pre-edit footage or edit it directly in the playback mode. The feature allows shooters the option of collecting multiple 4-second long shots, so that later they can be automatically edited on the camera directly and even set to music that has been pre-loaded on an SDHC card. This is great for novices, because it teaches them how to shoot more effectively, since they only have four seconds to work with to be descriptive instead of pressing Record and grabbing a long, boring shot. Short and descriptive is always better than long and rambling. This feature teaches those who are new to this concept. Unfortunately, some users who don't understand good pacing might use the Snap Shooting function too severely, making some shots that should be longer too short to be usable. All in all, though, it's a great concept to teach people how to edit themselves, especially in shoot-to-show situations.

Canon's Face Detection has also made the cut, as well as a nice new Pre REC feature that captures the three seconds of video prior to hitting the Record button. This ensures that shooters don't miss out on anything when capturing their video.

Canon's HF S10 is without a doubt one of this year's MVPs. It is a prosumer at its best, perfect for high-end amateurs, pro shooters and all-around video enthusiasts. 900 lines of resolution, Canon's DIVIC image processor, 32GB of internal Flash memory, Video Snapshot, 8.0-megapixel Stills, etc. This one is loaded - blame Canon!

Recording Media: 32GB internal flash, 1 SD/SDHC card slot
Data Format: AVCHD (1080i)
Image Sensors: One 1/2.6" CMOS, 8.59 million pixels gross, 6.01 million pixels/sensor effective
Lens
Interchangeable Lenses: No
f-Stop: f/1.8
Optical Zoom Power: 10x
Focal Length: 6.4-64mm
Filter Diameter: 58mm
Focus: Auto/manual
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/2000
Image Stabilization: Optical
Internal ND Filter: No
Video Features
Manual Shutter Speed Control: Yes
White Balance Control: Auto, manual, preset
Direct Iris/Gain Control: Aperture-priority AE
Zebra Stripes: Yes
Viewfinder: No
LCD Monitor: 2.7", 16:9 aspect ratio
Frame Rate Modes: 60i, PF24, PF30
HD Focus Assist: Peaking, B&W
Color Bar Generator: Yes, SMPTE
Audio Features
Audio Modes: Dolby Digital Stereo
Standard Mic Input: 1/8"
VU Meters: Yes, appears on on-screen display
Level Controls: In menu
Headphone Jack: Yes
Speaker: Yes
Video Input/Output
Analog Video In: No
Analog Video Out: Composite, component
FireWire In/Out: No
Analog to DV Conversion: N/A
USB (for Video File Transfer): Yes
Other Digital Video Out: HDMI
Wireless Remote: Yes
Miscellaneous
Battery Charging: On camcorder
Form Factor: Standard
Media Loading Orientation: Side
Onboard Video Light: LED
Accessory Shoe: Yes, mini advanced shoe

• 900 lines of resolution
• Up to 64GB of Flash memory
• Video snapshot on camera editing

• No viewfinder

Canon's HF S10 is a top consumer camera for shooters looking to step up into the forefront of professional videography.

Tom Skowronski is Videomaker's Associate Editor.

Canon USA
1 Canon Plaza
New Hyde Park, NY 11042
www.usa.canon.com
Price: $1300

View the Manual for the Canon HF S10 AVCHD.