The Canon Vixia HF11 happens to be in various aspects a minor upgrade to the highly appreciated camcorder. The prior generation HF10 delivered some of the best video for the year and promisingly the sharpest. The latest HF11 assures to overcome even that with the increased bitrate, enabling it to be the first camcorder to shoot at A VCHD specifications ceiling for 24 Mbps. The Canon HF 11 is certainly a compelling camcorder.
The front
The Canon HF 11 is imperceptible from its former version, the HF10. Both the camcorders appear similar except from a ting of bronze paint. So the lens is the same of focal length covering 4.88mm to 57mm and aperture covering up to f/1.8 to f/3.0. A filter diameter with 37mm is also featured with the lens. A console located towards the right of the lens has Instant AF sensor, LED video light and Flash. The LED video light of HF 11 is very powerful. The integrated stereo microphone is fitted beneath the lens built using 2 metal screens that cover each pick up. The microphone placement has been done very intelligently which is a problem experienced in Panasonic SD9.
The right side
This side has stealthy black paint as well as bazooka inspired built identical to the Sony HDR-CX12. The hand strap is comfortable providing padding and ventilated mesh liner on the internal side. The mode dial of the HF 11 is located at the back and can be switched to Video Playback, Video Record mode, Photo mode and Photo playback. You may have to take help of your right hand to get a good hold on the dial as it is a bit difficult to operate using right thumb. The USB and HDMI slots are located beneath the hand strap masked by rubberized dock cover.
The back
The back side of the Canon HF 11 is simple similar to the HF 10. This is a unique camcorder to feature flat back without battery or protruding controls. Aesthetics are observed as Canon appeals to stylish customers and professional videographers. The battery intelligently fits behind the camcorder and merges with the contours of design. Towards the left are the two plastic dock covers which come out to reveal Mic, DC jacks and AV/ Headphone. You may not find the architecture as sleek as of the Sony but still offers rigidity. The DC port is appreciable as they extend away from body making way for power plug. The record and Start/Stop key is easy to access located on the right hand side of the battery case.
The left
On the interior side of the 2.7 inch LCD screen, a handful of ports and buttons are available. The circular Display/Battery and Easy keys are located over the cam engraved in the frame. These buttons are difficult to access as they are buried in the plastic. Normal function keys are provided like the play, stop, pause and a joystick on the screen.
The top
On the top you will find plenty of Zoom toggle along with Photo Capture button. The power key is provided on the left hand side which is convenient as it avoids inadvertent switching off while switching through Mode dial.
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