HD Camcorders

iVIS HF S21

VIXIA HF S21

LEGRIA HF S21

  • Japan
  • Americas
  • Europe, Asia, Oceania
  • Outline
  • Specifications
Marketed March 2010

The new Canon iVIS HF S21, the top-of-the-line model in the iVIS series delivers exceptional image quality and superlative functionality. The unit features an 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, DIGIC DV III Image Processor, and Genuine Canon HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom to deliver high-quality recording in response to the demands of advanced-amateur users. In addition to high-resolution HD video recording at the maximum AVCHD-format bit rate of 24 Mbps and Instant AF, the iVIS HF S21 offers a variety of features users expect from a top-of-the-line camcorder.

The HF S21’s Custom Dial and Custom Key allow users to register frequently used functions while a range of shooting-assist operations support focus adjustment and exposure control, such as zebra patterns to display high brightness levels, color peaking to enhance color lines around subjects in focus, and an AGC limit to adjust noise and brightness levels. In addition to 8.0-megapixel photo capture, the model features an Auto Microphone Attenuator to achieve optimal audio recording performance.
The iVIS HF S21 comes equipped with a 3.5-inch 920,000-pixel Touch Panel LCD with 100% viewfinder coverage and, like the HF M31, offers Touch and Track operation. The model features Powered IS and a Dynamic mode setting for stable shooting performance, and Smart Auto mode to automatically apply optimal settings based on shooting conditions.

The HF S21 also features a 64GB internal flash memory and two SD/SDHC memory card slots for Relay Recording, HD-to-SD Downconversion and Eye-Fi wireless data transfer capabilities. In addition, when equipped with the optional Zoom Remote Controller ZR-2000 (sold separately), the unit allows for remote-controlled zoom operation for steady tripod shooting.

Digital Video
Standard Definition or High Definition High Definition
Television System NTSC

* PAL (LEGRIA HF S21)

Video Recording system MPEG4-AVC / H.264
Image Sensor 1/2.6-inch CMOS, RGB Primary Color Filter
Total Pixels Approx. 8.59 Megapixels
Effective Pixels Video: Approx. 6.01 Megapixels (3264 x 1840)
Photo: 16:9 Approx. 6.01 Megapixels (3264 x 1840); 4:3 Approx. 8.02 Megapixels (3264 x 2456)
Maximum recording time 64GB internal flash drive: Recording time based on internal flash memory only. Greater capacity is possible when SD memory cards are also used (2 card slots).
LP (5Mbps) 24 hours 30 minutes
SP (7Mbps) 19 hours 10 minutes
XP+ (12Mbps) 11 hours 30 minutes
FXP (17Mbps) 8 hours 20 minutes. Allows 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording.
MXP (24Mbps) 5 hours 55 minutes. Allows 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording.
Lens Zoom Ratio 10x Optical/200x Digital
Focal Length f-6.4-64mm (35mm equivalent 43.5-435mm)
Zoom Speed Variable / 3 Fixed Zoom Speeds
Max. F/Stop f/1.8-3.0
Focusing System Instant AF, Face Priority AF, TTL (through the lens)
Manual Exposure Yes
Programmed AE Smart Auto, P, Av, Tv, Cine*, Portrait, Sports, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Night Scene, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks

* Movie mode only

Max Shutter Speed Movie: 1/2000; Photo: 1/500
Minimum Focusing Distance 10mm (wide) / 1m (tele)
White Balance Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Manual
Frame Rate 60i, Native 24p (records at 24p), 24p Progressive (records at 60i), 30p Progressive (records at 60i)
Minimum Illumination 0.3 lx (Low Light mode)
Image Stabilization Dynamic SuperRange Optical (lens shift) / Standard SuperRange Optical (lens shift) / Powered IS
Filter Diameter 58mm
Viewfinder 27-inch, approx. 123,000 dots
LCD Screen 3.5-inch High Resolution Touch Panel Widescreen Color LCD (Approx. 922,000 dots)
Flash Built-in
Recording Media Internal flash drive (64GB) or SD memory cards (2 slots) **

**1920 x 1080 movie recording requires a Class 4 or higher memory card. For other recording formats, a Class 2 or higher card is recommended. Also, movie recording requires cards with 128MB of memory or more. Cards made by Toshiba, SanDisk or Matsushita are recommended. No particular restrictions apply for still images.

USB Terminal USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
Video Terminal component (output), composite (output)
Audio Dolby Digital 2 channel (AC-3), 5.1-channel (with optional Canon SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone)
Accessory Shoe mini Advanced
Supplied Video Editing Software Pixela ImageMixer 3SE
HDMI Terminal HDMI Mini Connector (output), CEC and x.v.Color supported
Microphone Terminal 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal 3.5 mm 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio output only)
Remote Control Terminal Yes (compatible with LANC protocol)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 3.0 x 2.9 x 5.8in. (75 x 74 x 148mm)
Weight (not including battery pack and memory card) 1.0 lbs. (470g)
Weight (fully loaded) 1.2 lbs. (520g) (including BP-808 and memory cards)