Drop, charge, and lose the cordsCanon FS11
Manufacturer: Canon USA Part number: 2685B001
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Convenient, well-designed camcorders that look pricier than they are, models in the Canon FS series--FS11, FS10, and FS100--nevertheless deliver typical budget video in line with their budget price tags.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Canon FS11 price range: $550.99
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 06/30/2008
- Released on: 01/24/2008
The good: Compact, attractive design; mic input.
The bad: No optical image stabilization; ineffective wind filter; no headphone jack; modest video quality.
The bottom line: Convenient, well-designed camcorders that look pricier than they are, models in the Canon FS series--FS11, FS10, and FS100--nevertheless deliver typical budget video in line with their budget price tags.
In the continuum that runs from low-resolution, cheapo camcorders like the Creative Vado to high-quality, solid-state "prosumer" HD models like Canon's own Vixia HF10, Canon's line of SD-based camcorders--FS11, FS10, and FS100--falls exactly where you'd expect. At budget prices under $600, they're small, stylish, and provide a reasonably expansive feature set; unfortunately, the real "budget" aspect of these models is the video quality.
The individual models in the FS series differ only by memory and color, with list prices that increment by $100 (but with lower actual street price gaps). The top-end model, the FS11, comes in dark gray and includes 16GB built-in memory; its lesser sibling, the FS10, wears silver and includes 8GB. The cheapest child, the FS100, has no built-in memory but comes in silver, blue, and red. Capacities run about 13.8 minutes per gigabyte of storage for best-quality mode, 39 min/GB for lowest quality; we don't recommend shooting below best-quality, however.
Weighing only 10.7 ounces and fitting comfortably into the palm of a hand--one my size, at least--the FS is, for the most part, quite well designed. As is becoming typical for SD-based models, you choose among video and still, record, and playback modes plus toggling recording on and off via a big thumbwheel at the back of the camcorder. You operate the zoom switch, photo shutter, and on/off switch with your forefinger. The battery and SD card slot lie under a sliding panel on the bottom of the unit. Some of the nicer touches include a built-in electronic lens cover--at this price, they're usually manual--and an LED video light.
Behind the LCD, there's an Easy button for a completely automatic mode and a button to display battery info, which displays the estimated time remaining. There's also a standard mini-USB port, 3.5mm microphone jack, and an AV out connector for hooking up to a TV via the bundled composite cable. As is becoming typical for Canon, you use a joystick on the LCD to bring up a few quick-access controls, including triggering the video light, exposure compensation, shutter speed, and manual focus. It doesn't magnify the focus area while in manual focus, but despite the smallish 2.7-inch LCD, it's pretty usable.
You also use the joystick to navigate the menus, which you pull up via a membrane button on the bevel of the LCD (other membrane buttons include playback controls, recording start/stop, and backlight compensation). Unusual in a budget model, the camcorder offers shutter-priority mode in addition to program exposure and a variety of scene modes. Beyond that, the shooting functions are scarce: white balance, digital and image effects, and a choice of 9Mbps, 6Mbps, and 3Mbps bit rates. Some of the other options, available deeper within the menus, include variable or one of three constant zoom speeds, 16:9 wide-screen recording mode, and a wind screen filter.
I do have a few minor quibbles with the design and operation. First, the zoom switch feels a bit loose, and I had trouble controlling the pace of the zoom with it. The on/off switch lies flush with the body of the camcorder, and thus requires some concerted effort to press. Finally, I don't like the placement of the USB port underneath the LCD or the SD card slot on the bottom of the unit; those just feel like awkward locations.
With the FS series, Canon debuts its Advanced Zoom technology, which transforms the camera's 37x optical zoom into 48x. It does so by moving lens elements to change the area of the sensor focused on by the lens. As a result, the effective video resolution changes while you zoom. For example, with AZ turned off, 16:9 video sensor resolution is about 550,000 pixels. With it on, at minimum zoom, it's approximately 710,000 pixels (full effective sensor resolution), and at 48x, it's 410,000 pixels. So while it's technically not digital zoom, it's still not maintaining the resolution across the entire zoom range (though it's in fact better than status quo at the wide angle). And for that reason, though I know Canon will probably beg to differ, I'm going to refer to it as a hybrid zoom.
Ultimately, however, it all ends up downsampled to a standard-definition video resolution of 720x480, or 345,600 pixels. So one would think the real question is, "How does it look?" And the answer to that is: "It looks better than digital zoom." But the real question should be, "Who the heck can use it?" Aside from the fact that I couldn't find anything interesting to shoot that far away during testing--even at a mere 37x--you run into serious control problems with these extra-long zooms. First, they're usually on cheap camcorders without optical image stabilization, so the telephoto video tends to be a jittery mess. And second, when you're zoomed out very far, if the subject moves out of the frame, it can be close to impossible to find them and get them back in frame without zooming out. So really, these ultramegatelephoto zoom lenses serve one purpose: to shoot distant, nonmoving subjects from a tripod mount. Hello, stalkers and stakeouts!
As for the rest, the FS models perform very well, from the fast, accurate autofocus and speedy autoexposure adjustment, to the solid LCD, which is a bit coarse but remains viewable even in direct sunlight. The latter is essential because of the lack of an electronic viewfinder, which is typical for the FS series' class. Like most flash-based models, the battery should also outlast the time required to fill up a 16GB card. Start-up and shutdown are relatively quick, and Canon includes an instant-start standby mode that toggles when you open or close the LCD.
Because the camcorder is higher-end looking than its price tag implies, the typical budget video it produces is that much more disappointing. Except when zoomed in, the video looks pretty soft, and like many of its peers, seriously blows out highlights. Most colors tend to look washed out, and orange hues shift. Low-light video is even softer, and relatively noisy. (For examples and more information about video quality, click through the slide show.) The audio is OK, though the wind filter is pretty ineffective. Canon bumps the saturation up tremendously for still photos, but they're low resolution--about 800,000 pixels--and are suitable only for scaled-down Web use. On the compatibility upside, most software recognizes the MPEG-2 MOD files, and I had no problem connecting the camcorder to a current Mac.
Unfortunately--or fortunately, depending upon your perspective--flash card prices are volatile enough that it's hard to make a recommendation as to which model to buy. Just remember to factor in the cost of a Class 4 or better SD card, though you probably should double-check that it supports a minimum transfer rate of 10MB/sec or better, since that's not a given, and figure out which total is cheapest. There's really no advantage to having the memory built in, except for the convenience of not having to make sure a card is fast enough. (In fact, I tend to prefer it not built-in, because then I don't have to worry about making sure the camcorder is recording to the right place.)
Any one of the Canon FS series models--FS11, FS10, or FS100--is a stylish, flexible camcorder that produces serviceable video for its price. The flash-based camcorder market is composed of an odd group of competitors, including the much cheaper straight-to-Web mini models, with the occasional ultracheap HD unit like the Aiptek Go-HD or DXG DXG-567V; alas, a real recommendation from among the group will have to wait until we can review the latter devices.
User reviews
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Warning - Canon FS11 Poor Performer
by snowman78x on May 31, 2008
Pros: Lightweight, Small, Solid State Flash Drive
Cons: Awful unnatural light performance (worse than my $175 still camera on video mode), No thread to attach filters, LED light is useless
Summary: Do NOT buy this camera if you intend to use it in unnatural light conditions (anything other than sunlight with the exception of maybe studio lighting).
I recently got this ...Summary: Do NOT buy this camera if you intend to use it in unnatural light conditions (anything other than sunlight with the exception of maybe studio lighting).
I recently got this camera as a replacement for a Panasonic Mini DV GS-230 that was stolen from me. Although I had not had it long the idea of carrying tapes had started to bug me and I thought this would be a good opportunity to upgrade to something with a HDD. I was offered a few options from my insurer, one of which was the Canon FS11. I must admit the idea of a solid-state flash memory camera excited me as I intended to use it for snowboarding and vibration can trigger HDD cameras to power down to protect the drive. I searched in vain for a review on the FS11 with no luck so I decided to take the gamble and boy was it a bad one. Upon receiving the camera the first thing I did was charge it up to have a play, as it was night time I just did the basic walk around the house filming random stuff. While filming I noticed that in rooms that had light fittings over the globes that the picture looked very grainy with purple and green pixels appearing of which my first assumption was that maybe it was just the quality of the LCD. I copied the footage to my PC and in horror found that it looked just as bad. As I had not had my other camera for long I only had limited footage to compare it to which included some footage shot at night in my study, I decided to replicate the footage as I knew the light would be the same. I shot some footage of me standing in the study and the new footage was awful, I could hardly see the details of my face, I compared it to the footage shot on the GS-230 which looked flawless in comparison. The first thing I did was to call the insurer and organized to exchange it ASAP and fortunately I was able to. To be honest I imagine the FS11 would have probably performed a lot better in daylight but as an amateur/hobbyist I was looking for a good all rounder and the FS11 seemed far from it. I ended up paying an extra $100 and got the Panasonic SDR-H280 and so far I am really impressed with the performance, funnily enough both of the Panasonics I have had are 3CCD cameras which are noted as having excellent colour definition at the expense of poorer quality in low light, from what I have seen they both perform 100 times better than the FS11 did. As an amateur I, like most am restricted to a relatively low budget and as a result cannot expect to have the best of the best however, considering the price I would expect much better performance, Canon should be ashamed and I hope that anyone who buys one still has the ability to exchange/return it.6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I didn't think Canon made any bad products. Wrong!
by Capnamerica on March 26, 2009
Pros: It's pretty and feels nice in your hand. The main thing I like about it is, it's not mine.
Cons: 1. MOD files 2. Terrible video quality 3. There is no warning label that says, "Beware, this camera takes MOD files."
Summary: MOD files will not work with Windows Movie Maker. Tried Prism to convert to AVI but the results were awful. I thought it took AVI when I foolishly advised a ...
Summary: MOD files will not work with Windows Movie Maker. Tried Prism to convert to AVI but the results were awful. I thought it took AVI when I foolishly advised a friend to buy one because, "if it's Canon, it's good." My old ZR45MC Mini-DV blows it away as far as video and audio quality. So does my friend's FlipCam Ultra. Horrible choice for YouTube! I am VERY disappointed in Canon for making this (expletive deleted) hunk of junk and making me look like an idiot. I'll certainly never buy one. Canon may take some comfort in my opinion that the Panasonic MOD camcorders may be even worse, Before you buy a camcorder, google canon mod files user reviews. I advised her to return it pronto!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It's Not The worst!
by kidrobot666 on November 7, 2009
Pros: Its compact attractive and does have a few settings.
Cons: it's not a good graphics camera
Summary: i like it becasue its attractive
Summary: i like it becasue its attractive
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A little better than mediocre camcorders
by jonizzzzle on March 15, 2009
Pros: Easy import to iMovie '09, large flash memory allows you to store hours of video on it, 3 hours of battery life, great zoom (48x), compact & lightweight
Cons: Mediocre video quality (but it doesn't fill up your hard drives as much as HD video so this can also be a pro), image stabilizer isn't very effective, still photos are really grainy
Summary: This camera is suitable for the average user because it has moderate video quality. The mediocre video quality can be a positive thing too; it doesn't fill up your ...
Summary: This camera is suitable for the average user because it has moderate video quality. The mediocre video quality can be a positive thing too; it doesn't fill up your hard drive space as fast as High Definition video. I've used this for recording my band's concerts and marching performances and the sound is magnificent. Its small size allow me to bring it everywhere and it's 3 hour battery life is a major advantage for my long road trips. The zoom feature is awesome but the OK image stabilizer makes it hard to maintain a steady shot so I recommend using a tripod when using the zoom feature unless you have good hands. Overall, I would recommend this to someone who does a lot of YouTube videos because it's easy to import to iMovie '09 and then upload it to youtube from there.
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A very great Camera!
by mikemiller1 on October 17, 2008
Pros: Great quality, great options, great controls.
Cons: Hard to figure what settings you need to get the perfect picture.
Summary: This camera is one of the best Cameras I've ever used. It has easy controls, great picture, great audio, with many different options to choose from to make your ...
Summary: This camera is one of the best Cameras I've ever used. It has easy controls, great picture, great audio, with many different options to choose from to make your video perfect. It is a great camera, I recommend it to any amateur filmmaker.
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The best i have ever seen!
by hcoolh on March 9, 2008
Pros: Perfect zoom,video recording,well-sized,...
Cons: Photography quality is 1 MPixel,i expected more!
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worst Camcorder ever!
by area33 on August 10, 2008
Pros: None that I have seen so far
Cons: Horrible video, shaky video, horrible in dim light, not eternal light, software for computer does not work
Summary: This is the worst camcorder I have ever seen. Canon should be ashamed of this product. The video is worse than the video I shoot on a 4 Megapixel camera. ...
Summary: This is the worst camcorder I have ever seen. Canon should be ashamed of this product. The video is worse than the video I shoot on a 4 Megapixel camera. The video is grainy, has four colors to it that looks like a rainbow snow storm. I really thought this product would be up ther with my Rebel camera, but it is awful. I don't recommend you waste any money on this. Spend your money on a Panasonic or Sony.
1 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Canon USA
- Part number: 2685B001
- Description: From Canon's long history of optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance and technological innovation in photographic and broadcast television cameras comes the latest in camcorders. With the light, compact Canon FS11, you can have stunning video with the ease and numerous benefits of flash memory, at an affordable price. Flash memory is used in some of the world's most innovative electronic products such as laptop computers, MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones. Canon offers the best in flash memory with dual flash memory - record to both the camcorder's 16 GB internal memory and a removable SDHC card, extending your available recording space and offering added flexibility in file transfer and playback. It is just the thing for catching more of your life's most special moments. Add to that the FS11's Canon exclusive features such as Canon 48x Advanced Zoom and the DIGIC DV II Image Processor, combined with a CCD image sensor, Image Stabilization and a Widescreen LCD - and you truly have a flash memory camcorder that's both hard to beat and unmistakably Canon.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Digital Zoom 2000 x
- Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Image Stabilizer Electronic
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Spotlight, Night mode, Sports mode, Portrait mode
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Daylight, Tungsten light
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 1.07 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 0.8 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Remote Control Camcorder remote control
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 16 GB Flash - Integrated (soldered memory - 16 GB )
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Media Type Flash card
- Recording Speed LP, SP, XP
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 2.6 mm - 96.2 mm - F/2.0-5.2
- Focal Length 2.6 mm - 96.2 mm
- Lens Aperture F/2.0-5.2
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
- Optical Zoom 37 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 2.6 mm
- Max focal length 96.2 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Features Built-in lens shield
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Min Focus Range 0.4 in
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Additional Features PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility, Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording
- Remote control Camcorder remote control
- Software PIXELA Image Mixer
- Included Accessories Wrist strap
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Microphone ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ), 1 x USB
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable, 1 x A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Canon BP-808
- Supported Battery 1 x Canon BP-808 Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 123,000 pixels
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.3 in
- Depth 4.9 in
- Height 2.4 in
- Weight 9.2 oz
Product series
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Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 37 x, Flash card, 9.2 oz
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Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 37 x, Flash card, 9.2 oz
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Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 37 x, Flash card, 9.2 oz
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Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 37 x, Flash card, 9.2 oz
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Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 37 x, Flash card, 9.2 oz
Manufacturer info
- Canon USA
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Canon USA products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://estore.usa.canon.com/
- Address:
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042 - Phone: 516-328-5000
- Email: mediacontact@cusa.canon.com
