Canon Legria HF G10

Audio Features (7.0)

The HF G10 has some nifty audio features that are usually reserved for professional camcorders. Some of these controls include frequency response and microphone directionality control with the built-in mic, as well as audio mix options with the external mic jack. There's a wind cut feature, a microphone attenuator, and manual audio level adjustment as well.

The frequency response controls allow you to boost or cut the low frequency range, boost the mid frequency range, or boost both frequency ranges. The mic directionality controls can be set to mono, normal, wide, or zoom. Both of these features are something Canon has not included on its consumer camcorders before, so it is a pleasant addition that should make audiophiles happy.

The built-in mic records stereo audio.

The built-in mic records 2-channel stereo and the placement of the mic is decent (it's on the top of the camcorder). You may accidentally rub against the mic when you use the lens ring, but you should be able to keep away if you're careful. The external mic jack is unprotected on the right side of the camcorder, which is one of the few gripes we have with the G10's audio features.
 

Other Features (4.5)

Fader/Wipe
You can add faders or wipes (in a couple of different colours) to the beginning or end (or both) of your clips.

Video Snapshot
Canon has had this feature for a couple of years now and it hasn't changed all that much. With Video Snapshot you set a time limit to your recordings (2, 4, or 8 seconds) so that they all of your clips are roughly the same length. You can then group these clips together in playback mode, add music, and make your own little videos.

Story Creator
This new feature is a bit complicated to explain, but once you start to use it the system makes sense. In brief, Story Creator provides you with an outline or guide as to what shots you should collect in order to tell a specific "story." There are five story templates to choose from: Travel, Kids & Pets, Party, Ceremony, and Blog. Within each of these story templates are a number of scene ideas. For example, there's a "Setting up the venue" scene for the Party story and a "Snuggling - close-ups" scene for the Kids & Pets story. Many of the scenes give you advice as to how to get the shot (like saying "close-ups" or "wide-shots") and they all have a recommended time limit.

After you shoot a number of scenes with Story Creator, you can then view your stories in playback mode. Here, you can rearrange scenes, or view scenes as a labelled list. In playback mode, the stories function something like a more advanced (and better organized) play-list. There's also an Unrestricted story mode that does not provide you with any scene ideas or labels, but it still lets you rearrange any shots you took in playback mode.

Yes, Story Creator is very confusing to explain. It can also be difficult to work with, particularly if you're not fond of using the touch-screen interface on the LCD. Dedicated users, however, may find the function interesting and fun, and it definitely helps with clip organization. We're not sure a camcorder like the HF G10 is the best outlet for Story Creator, but we think the feature may be more popular on lower-end models.

Decoration
Want to add fun little stars or text to your video? Well, now you can with Canon's new "Decoration" feature. Honestly, we're surprised that Canon implemented this option on its flagship camcorder instead of trying it out on lower-end models first. Because that's really who this type of feature is meant for—beginners. Of course, it would be hilarious to watch a professional videographer add animated stamps to their video.

Pre Record
Canon has had this feature on its camcorders for a while, so at least some users should recognize it. Pre Record keeps a continual buffer of your video recording, so that as soon as you hit the record button the camcorder has already magically recorded 3 seconds of video. This feature will use up battery life, but it can be useful when you're trying hard not to miss any unrehearsed action sequences or exciting moments.

Canon HF G10 Comparisons
Canon HF S21	Panasonic HDC-TM700	Sony HDR-CX550V