Canon Vixia HF S21 First Impressions Camcorder Review

Canon didn't make any changes to the lens on the HF S21.

You won't find any differences with the lens or sensor on this year's HF S21 from Canon—it has the same specs as last year's HF S models (the HF S11, HF S10, and HF S100). The camcorder still has a 10x optical zoom lens and a 1/2.6-inch CMOS sensor. The lens is very large (the filter diameter is 58mm) and it has the same focal length as last year's models.

Front

Canon's big lens dominates the front of the HF S21.

The front of the camcorder is all lens, although you can see Canon's small Instant AF sensor just below the lens. You can also see the control dial sitting to the lower right of the lens.

Right

The right side should look familiar, but there's been a few changes from last year.

The right side of the HF S21 is a bit different than last year because Canon has redesigned its mode dial. Instead of a circular switch with options for Dual Shot (auto), video mode, and photo mode, the HF S21 features a sliding switch that allows you to go only from Dual Shot (auto) to manual mode. The photo mode button is now located on the LCD screen as a touch button.

There's also an unprotected external mic port near the front of the right side. The port is bright red, so you shouldn't have any trouble noticing it. What you can't see in the above photo are the HDMI and USB terminals because they're blocked by Canon's large hand strap.

Back

The HF S21 is Canon's only new camcorder with a viewfinder.

The back of the HF S21 is different from every other Canon model from 2010. Why? Because it features an electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder is extendable (but it cannot pivot), and it has a small diopter adjustment slider near its base. As usual, the battery compartment is also located back here.

Left

The HF S21 features a 3.5-inch LCD and 2 SD/SDHC card slots.

The left side of the HF S21 has a huge, 3.5-inch LCD screen. There's also a bunch of buttons, ports, and two SD/SDHC card slots located inside the LCD cavity. Both the ports and the card slots are well-protected by plastic doors.

Top

The top of the HF S21

The top of the HF S21 has the camcorder's zoom toggle, photo shutter button, and a hot accessory shoe. The shoe is located behind a sliding flap near the front of the camcorder (just behind the lens). On top of the lens (where it says HD CMOS) is a built-in flash and video light that pop up when you turn them on from the menu.

Bottom

The bottom has a tripod mount and battery release switch.