Canon Vixia HF G21 Camcorder

Overview

The Canon Vixia HF G21 Camcorder offers full HD video recording along with 2× to 1200× fast or slow motion capture. This camcorder has a 20× optical zoom lens that also provides 400× digital zoom. The 2.91MP HD CMOS Pro image sensor improves the low-light performance of the camcorder. Moreover, the wide dynamic range reproduces impressive details to offer a fine image gradation. You can compose the scene with the 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD. The optical image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shakes. You can mount additional accessory such as a microphone or light to the mini advanced shoe. This camcorder supports most popular memory cards that include SD, SDHC, and SDXC. Along with the camera, you get a 1780mAh BP-820 Li-ion battery pack.

Optics and Focus

The Vixia HF G21 incorporates a 20× zoom lens that offers a Focal Length of 3.67–73.4mm. Thanks to the wide aperture range of f/1.8–f/2.8, the integrated lens provides a shallow depth of field. The lens can focus on an object from the closest distance of 2.0 cm on wide focal length and offers a minimum focus distance of 60 cm across the zoom range. Additionally, the camcorder has the focus peaking function that allows a quick focus check by accenting the edges of the subject in the frame. The lens has an 8-blade diaphragm that creates a smooth bokeh in the background. Apart from the 20× optical zoom, the camcorder offers a stunning 400× digital zoom.

Sensor and Screen

The camcorder works on a 2.9MP HD CMOS Pro image sensor that improves the low-light sensitivity of the camera. It offers a wide dynamic range to enhance image gradations, provide deep shadows, and cut down overexposed highlighted areas. You can use the 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen to compose the scene. The LCD can be tilted to facilitate high or low angle shooting techniques. With the LCD, you get a 460K-dot view of the scene. Alternatively, an electronic viewfinder is also provided on the camera. It offers a 1560K-dot view and covers 100% of the screen. There is an eyecup on the viewfinder that blocks unwanted light from entering.

Image and Video

The camcorder records 1080p videos at 60 fps in AVCHD and MP4 format. You can choose the native 24p mode to capture film-like videos. The Canon Vixia HF G21 has adjustable frame rates from 2× to 1200× that allows you to record both slow- and fast-motion videos. Enable the Highlight Priority Mode to capture imagery with saturated and detailed colors to get an HDR-like look on your LCD TV. There are 10 scene-optimized shooting modes apart from the aperture priority and manual mode.

Other Features

You can record audio with the built-in microphone. A headphone jack is provided to monitor the audio in the recorded video. The camcorder comes with a mini advanced shoe that allows you to mount a boom mic or light. Two SD card slots enable you to do relay recording or use one for backup. You can view the recorded videos on your PC and HD TV with the provided USB and mini-HDMI ports respectively. The camcorder has an ergonomic grip and an adjustable wrist strap.