Canon Legria HF S100

Compared to last year's model, Canon has made some major changes to this year's HF S100. With its bigger sensor and lens, it produces the sharpest videos and photos. The new processor allows for simultaneous video and photo recording. And there's our favourite new feature: the custom control dial, which allows for better manual focusing.

Of course, all manufacturers improved their 2009 camcorders, which made it a close call between the Sony HDR-XR520, the Panasonic HDC-HS300 and the Canon HF S100. All three camcorders offer vivid, sharp videos and photos. Testing showed that the HF S100  produced the sharpest image, but sharpness isn't everything. We were disappointed with the low light sensitivity of the Canon (though the deficiencies can be mitigated by setting the frame rate to 25p). The Sanyo HD2000, this year's biggest surprise, had an impressive low light performance—and retails for far less than the Canon, Sony or Panasonic.

Low light sensitivity aside, there are a lot of reasons to favour the HF S100. The biggest would be the number of manual controls included, especially advanced controls. The addition of an accessory shoe, microphone and headphone ports, and the best photography performance, make the HF S100 even more attractive. The only thing missing for the (almost) perfect camcorder: the viewfinder. The HF S100 might not have an enormous hard drive, but all together it offers a complete and robust user experience.