Canon Legria HF S21

Compression (8.0)

The Canon HF S21 uses AVCHD compression to record HD video. The camcorder has no options for recording standard definition video, but it does have five quality settings for HD recording (each setting records at a different bit-rate). Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of AVCHD compression here. The following table lists all of the video quality options on the HF S21:
 

Media (10.67)

The HF S21 can record video to its 64GB of internal flash memory, or it can record to SD/SDHC memory cards. The Canon HF S21 will also be compatible with SDXC memory cards when they become available to consumers. The most interesting thing about the HF S21, however, is the fact that the camcorder includes two memory card slots. This gives you the option of really loading the camcorder full of memory so you have a lot of room to work with if you're planning a long day of shooting. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of flash memory.
 

The HF S21 features 2 SD/SDHC card slots as well as 64GB of internal flash memory.

The table below lists the approximate record times for each quality setting on the HF S21:

Editing (7.0)

The Canon HF S21 ships with Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software, which is the same programme that came with last year's Canons. For an overview of the software that ships with the Canon HF S21 and other Canon camcorders, see our article: 'Video Editing Software For Your Camcorder,'

In addition to this software, the Canon HF S21 has a few internal editing features that allow you to split or join clips, create playlists, and convert HD footage to standard definition.

Canon HF S21 Comparisons
Panasonic HDC-TM700	JVC GZ-HM1	Canon HF S100