Canon VIXIA HF G10 Review

The PowerShot G9, this camera’s forerunner, was examined last year.

So even though the Canon PowerShot G10 has been in development for more than a year, the new camera doesn’t seem all that different from the previous one. But there are some notable variations. The G10’s higher resolution, with a 14.7-megapixel sensor compared to the G9’s 12-megapixels, is expected to draw the most attention.

But in reality, that distinction is probably the least significant. In terms of numbers, it doesn’t amount to much at all, and as we’ve frequently seen before, pixel densities this high cause major noise (and noise reduction) problems.

Canon VIXIA HF G10 Upgraded Lenses

Instead, one of the most helpful upgrades to this camera is the substitution of a 28-140mm lens for the older model’s 35-210mm approximate 6x zoom.

Although there is a loss in zoom power from 6x to 5x, you still get a respectable 28mm equivalent wide-angle rather than the mediocre 35mm equivalent of the previous lens.

On the top of the camera, there are other changes. On the G10, the ISO dial has been moved underneath the main mode dial to the right from where it was on the G9’s far left.

There is now a convenient EV compensation dial on the far left. And it is actually useful. Having such easy access to ISO and EV correction adjustments is a breath of fresh air.

Canon VIXIA HF G10 Raw Energy?

Two other items merit extra attention. One is the RAW mode, which the G10 possesses in addition to capturing and saving RAW files as quickly as a DSLR.

RAW modes are uncommon on other compacts; when they are present, they hog the camera’s processor for so long that they are useless. As a result, the LCD has also been improved.

The screen is the same size as the G9’s at 3 inches but has twice as many pixels, at 461,000. It also has a broad viewing angle and is highly crisp, rich, and vivid.

The LCD is almost too good. When viewing a shot taken with the G10, you may be astounded by its depth and richness, but once you download it to your computer, you may find it rather unexceptional.

Canon VIXIA HF G10 Image Quality

Apart from anything else, the G10’s display exaggerates its images’ saturation and contrast, making it difficult to tell whether you just took a fantastic photo or a lackluster one.

Additionally, a few too many of our test shots were underwhelming. Finally, the G10’s default settings for contrast and saturation are pretty conservative. It is okay to regularly edit every image after taking it, but not so great if you count on getting vibrant results from the camera.

The high-resolution sensor won’t provide significantly improved detail rendition, either. However, the 1/1.7-inch sensor of the G10 is considerably smaller than a DSLR’s 1-inch sensor, signaling that megapixel count is no longer a limiting concern.

Fine textural detail is resolved less clearly, and how quickly image quality degrades as ISO is raised. Despite its reasonable rates, there is a limit to how good the G10 can be.

Canon VIXIA HF G10 Superior In Design

The best option now is to carry a camera in your coat pocket.

Although the Canon PowerShot G10 is a cast-iron beauty and a pleasure to use, the image quality hardly raises the bar.

Other manufacturers may have some knowledge of image quality, but Canon is a camera maker.

Canon VIXIA HF G10 Specs

Standard Definition or High Definition	High Definition
Recording System	Movies: AVCHD Video compression: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264; Audio compression: Dolby Digital 2ch; Dolby Digital 5.1ch** Only when using the optional SM-V1 Surround Microphone.
1080/60i* or 1080/24p (only recordings made with the [24P] frame rate)* Recordings made with the [PF24], [PF30] frame rate is converted and recorded on the memory as 60i.1080/50i(LEGRIA HF G10)** Recordings made with the [PF25] frame rate are converted and recorded on the memory as 50i.
Video Signal Configuration	– Built-in memory: 32 GB – SD, SDHC (SD High Capacity), or SDXC (SD eXtended Capacity) memory card (not included)
Recording Media	60 cm (2 ft.); 2 cm (0.39 in.) at a full wide angle
Image Sensor	1/3-inch CMOS, 2,370,000 pixels Effective pixels: 2,070,000 pixels
Viewfinder	0.24 inch, wide, color, equivalent to 260,000 dots, 100% coverage
Microphone	Stereo electret condenser microphone
Lens	f=4.25-42.5 mm, F/1.8-2.8, 10x optical zoom, iris aperture 35 mm equivalent: 30.4 – 304 mm
Lens Configuration	12 lenses in 10 groups (2 double-sided aspheric elements)
AF System	Autofocus (TTL + external distance sensor when set to [Instant AF] or [Medium AF]) or Manual focus
Filter Diameter	58 mm
Minimum Focusing Distance	Auto white balance, Custom white balance (2 settings), User-defined color temperature, or Preset white balance settings: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Tungsten
White Balance	3.5 mm stereo minijack (unbalanced) Sensitivity: For microphone input: -65 dBV (auto volume, full scale -12 dB) / five kΩ For line input: -30 dBV (auto volume, full scale -12 dB) / 5 kΩ Microphone attenuator: 20 dB
Image Stabilization	Optical-Shift Image Stabilizer
Size of Video Recordings	MXP, FXP mode: 1920 x 1080 pixels; XP+, SP, LP mode: 1440 x 1080 pixels
Size of Photos	1920 x 1080 pixels
Terminals
AV OUT/ Terminal	3.5 mm minijack; output only (dual purpose terminal also for headphones stereo output) Video: 1 Vp-p / 75 Ω unbalanced Audio: -10 dBV (47 kΩ load) / 3 kΩ or less
USB Terminal	mini-B, USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed USB)
COMPONENT OUT Terminal (proprietary mini-D terminal)	Luminance (Y): 1 Vp-p / 75 Ω; Chrominance (PB/PR): ±350 mV / 75 Ω 1080i (D3) compatible; output only
HDMI OUT Terminal	HDMI mini connector; output only; compatible with HDMI-CEC and x.v.Color
MIC Terminal	3.5 mm stereo minijack (unbalanced) Sensitivity: For microphone input: -65 dBV (auto volume, full scale -12 dB) / five kΩ For line input: -30 dBV (auto volume, full scale -12 dB) / five kΩ Microphone attenuator: 20 dB
Power/Others
Power supply (rated)	7.4 V DC (battery pack), 8.4 V DC (compact power adapter)
Performing temperature	0 – 40°C (32 – 104°F)
Dimensions [W x H x D] (excluding the grip belt and lens hood)	94 x 78 x 195 mm (3.7 x 3.1 x 7.7 in.)
Weight (camcorder body only)	545 g (1.2 lb)

Canon VIXIA HF G10 Final Verdict

The Canon VIXIA HF G10 is a high-definition camcorder that impresses with its video quality and has a variety of functions that are designed for professionals. It is crafted specifically for filmmakers that want mobility, dependability, and exceptional picture performance from their equipment.

The image quality of the VIXIA HF G10 is the device’s most notable characteristic. The camera has a CMOS sensor that is 1/3-inch in size, and it also has Canon’s sophisticated DIGIC DV III image processor. These features combine to produce a film that is crisp, detailed, and vivid, even in low-light conditions. Even if you are shooting handheld or in complex settings, you will still be able to get smooth and stable photos thanks to the image stabilization system’s high level of effectiveness.

There are manual control options available on the camcorder, giving users the ability to fine-tune parameters such as exposure, focus, and white balance. This degree of control is helpful for videographers who want to achieve a particular look or have greater freedom to express their creativity. In addition, the camera has a number of other shooting modes, including a cinema mode that simulates the appearance and feel of classic film and gives the footage a more theatrical sense.

Canon VIXIA HF G10 FAQs