Canon Legria HF G10

Since the HF G10 is the first 2011 flagship camcorder we've reviewed, it may be a bit unfair to compare it to the top-of-the-line models from 2010. We're excited to see how Sony's updated Handycam line performs in our testing, but, for now, we must compare the HDR-CX550V (a 2010 model) to the new Canon HF G10. With a reasonable $1099 price tag, the Sony is a far cheaper camcorder, but it also has many few controls and options than the Canon HF G10.

We like the simple, easy-to-use design of the HDR-CX550V, and its front-mounted control dial is a pleasure to work with. Sony even included new manual control features like shutter speed and aperture adjustment on the CX550V, but even with these additions the camcorder pales in comparison to the manual offerings on the HF G10. While the CX550V may not be the top choice for professional videographers, it does have one feature that stands out—standard definition recording. Sony is one of the few manufacturers that still includes this option, while Canon has its more complex HD to SD downconversion feature that is not nearly as simple or easy to use.

The Sony HDR-CX550V is great for novice users who want to have a high-end camcorder (even more so than the HDC-TM700). Its menu system can be a bit tricky, but using the camcorder in auto mode is a breeze, and the CX550V feels comfortable in your hand. It captures good (but not the best) video, and its proportions are significantly smaller than that of the HF G10.

	Comparison Specs
	Canon HF G10	Sony HDR-CX550V
Price	£1235	£1100
Primary Recording Media	32GB internal flash memory	64GB internal flash memory
Secondary Recording Media	2x SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots	SD/SDHC/Memory Stick PRO Duo card slot
Image Sensor	1/3-inch CMOS	1/2.88-inch CMOS
Effective Pixel Count	2.07 megapixels	4.15 megapixels
Mic Input	Yes	Yes
LCD	3.5-inch with 922,000 pixels	3.5-inch with 921,000 pixels
Viewfinder	Yes	Yes
Weight	590g (with battery)	490g (with battery)
Dimensions	77 x 78 x 151mm	66 x 74 x 143mm
HD	Yes	Yes
Frame Rates	50i, PF24, PF25, 24p (native)	50i
Compression	AVCHD	AVCHD
Maximum Bitrate	24Mbps	24Mbps
Optical Zoom	10x	10x
Stabilisation	Optical with Dynamic and Powered IS	Optical with Active mode

Noise Comparisons
Canon HF G10 100% Crop	Sony HDR-CX550V 100% Crop

Required Illumination *

* the lower the lux required, the better the performance