General Features
Video Camcorder Features
Digital Still Camera Features
Battery Information
Inputs And Outputs
Software Requirements

General Features

2.7" Widescreen LCD Screen: The HF10 features a 2.7" TFT, color widescreen LCD screen (211,000 pixels) to make it easy to compose and review your shots. The bright screen lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording, and what your widescreen TV will display later. You can rotate the LCD screen 90-degrees downward and 180-degrees toward the lens allowing the subject to monitor the LCD screen. The LCD screen also features a backlight that you can set to either normal or bright. The LCD Screen's frame contains zoom, playback and menu controls for added convenience.

Note: This camcorder does not feature a separate viewfinder.

AVCHD 1080i Format: This camcorder captures high definition video footage in the AVCHD 1080i format. The AVCHD format is a high definition video camcorder format used to record an HD signal in 1080i on its internal 16GB flash memory or an inserted SD/SDHC memory card using efficient data compression coding technology. MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 is used to compress the video data while Dolby Digital or Linear PCM is used to compress the audio data. The result is image resolution of approximately 4.5 times that of standard definition image quality. Using the enclosed PC software, high definition footage can be copied onto DVD media through your computer. However, DVD media containing AVCHD footage should not be used with standard DVD based players or recorders, as the DVD player/recorder may fail to eject the media and may erase its contents without warning. DVD media containing AVCHD footage may be played on a compatible Blu-ray Disc player/recorder or other compatible devices.

True HD CMOS Sensor (1920 x 1080) Image Sensor: The 1/3.2"-inch CMOS sensor (3,310,000 gross-pixels) reproduces high-resolution images at 1920 x 1080 resolution with full HD information in video images. The HF10's CMOS's high color resolution and advanced color reproduction gives brilliant results. It is also unique in featuring Canon's proprietary noise reduction technologies for crisp, sharp images. Low noise technology also means that even in dimly lit scenes, the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible, with minimal noise or other aberrations. As an added benefit, the CMOS sensor provides outstanding image capture in low light conditions. The camcorders effect gross pixel count is determined by what mode the HF10 is used in.

• 16:9 Movies: approximately 2,070,000
• 16:9 Still Images: approximately 2,070,000
• 4:3 Still Images: approximately 2,760,000

RGB Primary Color Filter With Bayer Pattern: The HF10 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter with Bayer Pattern that separates light into red, green and blue color components. This results in vibrant images with deep, rich, accurate color and natural-looking tones. In addition, the Bayer pattern delivers sharp, high definition image without creating false colors.

Digic DV II: Designed specifically for HD, DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality. It also ensures optimal image quality for still images, even though video and still images have different color requirements. The DIGIC DV ll image processing produces video with improved color reproduction; especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction for high definition images that are crystal clear. Plus, DIGIC DV ll features improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the HF10. You can shoot five (3.1 Megapixel) still images per second, and enjoy faster processing of your images to your memory card (1.4x normal card; 2.5x Hi Speed card). It also helps lower power consumption for longer battery life.

High Definition Video Lens: The HF10 comes with a High Definition video lens with a 12x Optical zoom and 2400x total digital zoom. The digital zoom can bet set to either 40x or 200x. The HF10 allows you to select one of 3 pre-set zoom speeds for smooth, steady, professional looking zooms or you can choose the variable speed option that depends on how you operate the zoom. Press gently for a low zoom or press harder for faster zooms. The HD lens's super spectra coating technology results in images with minimal flare and ghosting. Plus, the HD lens' aspheric design reduces aberration and increases resolution, ensuring crisp, sharp video and enhancing the HD image quality. It gradation ND system gives you better exposures in bright shooting situations. The camcorder's built-in electronic lens cover means you never have to go looking for your lens cover again. Turn your camcorder on and the lens cover automatically opens; turn it off, and the cover closes.

Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization: The HF10's stabilization design corrects camcorder shake instantly. Canon's Super-Range OIS corrects for a wide range of camcorder motion: the fast vibration you'd experience while recording from a moving car; the medium-speed motion of hand-held recording; and the slower motion of body sway.  In addition, optical stabilization keeps your shot steady without a loss in image quality. You can also use it for taking sharper, clearer digital photographs with your HF10.

Focus Modes: The Canon HF10 features the following Focus Modes to choose from.

• Instant AF (Auto Focus): The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with the HF10's autofocus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." The benefits of Instant AF are especially seen in high brightness, and night shooting situations. With Instant AF, it's possible to capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.
• Manual Focus: The HF10 features a manual focus in situations where the Autofocus may not work well, such as recording reflective surfaces, subjects with low contrast or without vertical lines, fast moving subjects, through wet windows or night scenes.
• Infinity Focus: Use this function when you wish to focus on faraway subjects such as mountains or fireworks.

Focus Assist: The focus assist function magnifies the image that appears at the center of the screen to help you focus manually.

Exposure Mode: The Canon HF10 allows you to select from the following exposure modes.

• Manual: allows you to adjust the exposure manually to correct underexposed or overexposed subjects
• Auto Mode: the camcorder adjusts the focus, exposure and other settings automatically, allowing you to just point and shoot.
• Program AE: the camcorder automatically adjust the aperture and shutter speed to obtain the optimal exposure for the subject
• Shutter-Priority AE: the camcorder automatically sets the appropriate aperture value while you set the shutter speed
• Aperture Priority AE: the camcorder automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed while you set the aperture value
• Cine Mode: gives a cinematic look to your video recordings
• Special Scene Recording Modes: The HF10 features the following Preset Scene Recording Modes to match special conditions.
  • Portrait: camcorder uses a large aperture, achieving a focus on the subject while blurring other distracting details
  • Sports: use this mode to record sports scenes or fast moving events
  • Night: use this mode to record in low-light conditions
  • Snow: use this mode to record in bright ski resorts, it prevents the subject from being underexposed
  • Beach: use this mode to record on a sunny beach, it prevent the subject from being underexposed
  • Sunset: use this mode to record sunsets in vibrant colors
  • Spotlight: use this mode to record spotlight scenes
  • Fireworks: use this mode to record fireworks

Auto Backlight Correction: With this feature turned on, you can have the camcorder automatically correct for the backlight with the press of a single button when shooting subject with a strong light source behind them.

Auto Slow Shutter: In this mode, the camcorder automatically uses slow shutter speeds to obtain brighter recordings in places with insufficient lighting.

White Balance: The camcorder's auto white balance system compensates for a wide range of lighting conditions. The white balance can also be set manually or by using one of the six preset modes: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent or Fluorescent H.

Image Effects: The HF10 allows you to record with the following saturation and contrast color effects:

• Vivid: emphasizes the contrast and color saturation to record in crisp colors
• Neutral: tones down the contrast and color saturation to record in neutral hues
• Low Sharpening: records subjects with softened outlines
• Soft Skin Detail: softens the details in the skin tone area for a more complimentary appearance
• Custom: allows you to adjust the brightness, contrast, color depth, and sharpness of the image

Level Markers: The Level Marker feature allows you to easily keep your camera level for more professional looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot, such as the horizon, to the marker and you can be sure your camcorder is level.

Grid Markers: The HF10's Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately, according to the grid in your viewfinder. You can even choose from two different colors for the grid. This ensures that you see the grid, no matter what the background color of your shot.

Bright Ultra Video Light: The HF10 uses an ultra bright video light to allow you to shoot subjects in color in low light up to 4.9 feet away.

Wireless Remote Control: The wireless remote control lets you operate your HF10 from a distance, so you won't be left out of the picture. It is also very useful for playback of your video and helpful when you have the camcorder stationed on a tri-pod.

Multi-Language Menu Display: The camcorder features 17 different menu language displays to choose from. You can select from languages such as English, French, Spanish or German.

Video Camcorder Features

AVCHD 1080i Format: The VIXIA HF10 captures high definition footage in the AVCHD 1080i format along with a 16:9 aspect ratio onto its internal 16GB flash memory or SD/SDHC memory card (sold separately). The camcorder supports SD cards up to 2GB and SDHC memory cards up to 8GB.

Recording Modes: The camcorder offers four video recording modes. Changing the recording mode will change the recording time available on the memory card. Select the FXP or XP+ mode for better movie quality, SP mode for standard quality, and LP mode for longer recording times. You can capture the following video recording times using these modes.

Copy: You can copy a full-length video or a playlist from the camcorder's built-in flash memory to the corresponding location on an inserted memory card.

Frame Rate: You can select the frame rate to be used when recording video. You can choose from 24 fps or 30fps.

• 30fps: 30 frames per second, progressive, avoids jagged edges in the picture even when recording fast-moving objects
• 24fps: 24 frames per second, progressive, gives your recordings a cinematic look

24p Cinema Mode: 24p Cinema Mode enables you to achieve a professional "film-look" with your recorded video. You can change the camcorder's frame rate to 24p, which provides the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, you can use the HF10's CINE setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently.

Wind Screen: The camcorder automatically reduces the background sound of wind when recording outdoors when Wind Screen is turned "On".

Playback Modes: The camera uses the following special playback modes - Fast Playback, Reverse Playback, Frame-by-Frame Playback, and Slow Playback.. During these playback modes there is no sound.

Date Search: You can locate video on the inserted SD memory card by searching changes in the date and time.

Faders: You can select one of the following faders:

• Fade Trigger: When you start recording, the scene gradually fades in from a black screen. When you stop recording, it gradually fades out.
• Wipe: When you start recording, the picture begins as a thin vertical line in the center of the screen which gradually expands sideways until it fills the whole of the screen. When you end a scene, the image is wiped from both sides of the screen.

Digital Still Camera Features

Still Image Recording: The AVCHD camcorder is also a high performance digital camera capable of capturing stunning 3.1 Megapixel photos in a 4:3 aspect ratio or a 2.07 Megapixel photo in a 16:9 aspect ratio on its internal 16GB flash memory or SD/SDHC Memory Card (sold separately). You can record in the following still image sizes - L: 2048 x 1536 (4:3), LW: 1920 x 1080 (16:9), M: 1440 x 1080 (4:3), or S: 640 x 480 (4:3).

Simultaneous Photo Recording: The HF10 can record AVCHD video and capture a 2 Megapixel photo to its internal 16GB flash memory or SD memory card simultaneously. During Simultaneous Photo Recording the still image is recorded at a 16:9 aspect ratio with 848 x 480 (SW) pixels.

Capturing Still Image From Movie: You can capture still image frames from a movie scene. The size of the captured still image will be 1920 x 1080 with a16:9 aspect ratio and it cannot be changed, but you can select the image quality.

Copy: You can copy still images from the camcorder's built-in flash memory to an inserted memory card or vice versa.

Number of still images that can be recorded on a memory card:

Auto Intelligent Auto Focus: Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the HF10's Ai-AF will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus. When the Focus Priority is activated, the camcorder records a still image only after the focus has been adjusted automatically. You can select from the following Auto Focus Priority modes.

• ON/AiAF: depending on the shooting conditions, one or more AF frames out of the nine frames available are automatically selected and the focus is fixed on them
• ON/Center: in this mode, a single focusing frame appears in the center of the screen and the focus is automatically fixed on it. This is convenient for making sure the focus is exactly where you want it.
• Off: this option is used if you wish to record a still images as soon as you press the Photo button

The Drive Mode: This feature allows you to choose between Single or Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing. You can catch every instant of a moving object with continuous shooting or use the exposure bracketing to record the same picture in 3 levels of exposure in order to choose the picture you like best. You can choose from the following options.

• Single: records a single still image
• Continuous Shooting: records up to 60 image at 3 images per second (2.1 images per second with flash)
• Hi-Speed Continuous Shooting: records up to 60 images at 5 images per second (2.1 images per second with flash)
• Auto Exposure Bracketing: records a still image in 3 different exposures (dark, normal, light in 1/2 EV steps), allowing you to choose the shot you like best
• Self-Timer: This feature allows the camcorder to start recording after a 10-second or 2-second (using wireless remote) countdown.

Flash Modes: You can use the built-in flash for recording still images in dark places. You can choose from the following modes:

• Auto: flash fires automatically according to the brightness of the subject
• Red-eye Reduction, Auto: flash fires automatically according to the brightness of the subject and the assist lamp lights up to reduce the red-eye effect
• Flash On: flash always fires
• Flash Off: flash does not fire

Light Metering Modes: The camcorder measure the light reflected from the subject in order to calculate the optimal exposure settings. You can select from the following metering modes:

• Evaluative Metering: used for standard conditions. The area within the frame is divided into several zones and light is measured based on subject position, brightness, direct light, and backlighting.

• Center-Weighted Averaging: averages the exposure from the entire frame but places more weight on the subject at the center

• Spot: measures the area within the spot AE point frame

Digital Effects: You can select from the following effects:

• Black and White: makes the image black and white
• Sepia: makes a monochrome image with a brownish tint
• Art: adds a paint-like effect, called solarization, to the image

Histogram Display: The HF10 comes with a Histogram Display. The display allows you to see the brightness information of your still images, so you can adjust your exposures as you shoot.

Review: You can select the time to display a still image after it has been recorded to Off, 2 seconds, 4 seconds, 6 seconds, 8 seconds or 10 seconds.

Playback Modes: You can view your still images as a Slideshow or in an Index Screen.

Magnify Playback: During playback still images can be magnified up to 5 times. You can also select the area of the screen to be magnified.

Image Jump: You can jump ahead to a specific image without having to browse all images one by one. You can jump ahead 10 to 100 images.

Protect Sill Images: You can protect sill images from accidental erasure.

Print and Share Button: Print & Share allows you to simply connect your camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the supplied USB cable. Then, with a simple touch of the Print & Share button, print directly from your HF10 without going through a computer. Print & Share also makes it easy to transfer your still images to your computer. Simply connect your HF10 and your computer, press the Print & Share button and your photos are downloaded to your computer.

PictBridge Printing Capability: PictBridge is a standard that allows you to connect a PictBridge compliant camera directly to a PictBridge compliant printer and make prints, regardless of brand.

Exif Print (Exif 2.2): The Canon HF10 conforms to "Exif Print", a worldwide standard. Vital camera settings (such as: exposure mode, white balance, exposure time) and scene data are recorded to the image file when it is captured. Printers compatible with "Exif Print" are able to use this information to produce high quality photographs, exactly the way they were intended at the time of capture. This intelligent communication process also allows the printer to correct for poor lighting or mistakes, resulting in photos which can be even better than the originals.

DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) Settings: On the memory card, you can select which image or images you want to print and how many copies you want. This is convenient for printing images all at once on a Canon Direct Print function compliant printer or printing at participating photo labs. You can set print orders for up to 998 still images.

Battery Information

Li-ion Battery Pack: The Canon VIXIA HF10 comes supplied with a rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Pack (BP-809). The camcorder also comes supplied with an AC power adapter and charger (CA-570S). The battery recording and playback times (in minutes) are as follows. 

Note: The supplied BP-809 battery pack requires 155  minutes to fully charge using the supplied AC/Battery charger. The optional BP-819 battery back requires 275 minutes to full charge.

Power Save: In order to save power when the camcorder is powered by a battery pack it will automatically shut off if left without an operation for 5 minutes.

Inputs And Outputs

AV/Headphone Output: The camcorder features an AV output to playback audio and video on your television using the supplied composite vide/stereo audio RCA cable. You can select between a 4:3 aspect ratio or a 16:9 aspect ratio for the video out based on your television's aspect ration. When you're using the viewfinder for playback, you can connect a pair of headphones to this output to listen to the sound. You can also use the headphones to check the audio level while recording.

Component Out Terminal: The camera also comes supplied with a Component video cable that is used to view video from the HF10 on to your TV. You can select the output of the Component Out Terminal to display either 1080i or 480i depending on what standard you recorded in and the capability of your TV.

mini-HDMI Out Terminal: The HF10 makes sharing your High Definition video on your HD television even easier by utilizing a miniHDMI output terminal. HDMI uses only a single cable to connect your camcorder to your TV for the highest quality playback of digital video and audio. miniHDMI cable is not supplied.

USB 2.0 Connection: The camcorder features a USB 2.0 full speed terminal for fast transfer of photos.

SD-Card Slot: The HF10 records still images and video onto SD and SDHC memory cards.

Microphone Input: In addition to the camcorder's built-in microphone, the HF10 features a 3.5mm microphone input for connecting an external microphone (sold separately).

Advance Accessory Shoe Terminal: Another pro-level feature of the HF10 is the Mini-Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal on the camcorder which allows you to attach extras such as a video light, flash or directional microphone without additional wires or batteries to raise the production value of the video you shoot.

Software Requirements

Included Still Imaging Software: The Canon VIXIA HF10 camcorder comes supplied with two CD-ROM application discs - Digital Video Solution Disk Ver. 30.0 (for still images) and Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Ver.1.0 (for video).

The Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Ver. 1.0 contains the following functions (Windows Only):

• Transfer Movies: Transfer the movies recorded from the camcorder to the you computer. On the computer you can organize and quickly search your video library, rate your favorite videos and use the albums created automatically (by recording date) or create albums of your own.
• Playback Video: After transferring your movies from the camcorder, play them back directly from your computer.
• Edit Movies: Trim out your movies to keep only most interesting scenes. Rearrange them as you wish and add transition effects, subtitles or background music to your preference.
• Create Discs: Create backup discs from your video files. Create AVCHD discs to keep them in HD quality or DVD-Video discs that you can share with friends and family. You can also create original menus for your discs.
• Write To Computer: Transfer your movies from the computer back to the camcorder, even after editing them to your liking.

The Digital Video Solution Disk Ver. 30.0 contains the following applications (Windows/Macintosh):

• CameraWindow (Windows & Macintosh): Allows you to:
  • Download still images recorded on the disc or memory card
  • Print still images recorded on the disc or memory card without downloading them to the computer
  • Enter an owner name to the camcorder
• Zoom Browser EX 6.0 (Windows): Allows you to:
  • View and organize downloaded still images
  • Edit downloaded still images: Red-eye collection, color & brightness, sharpness, trimming and inserting texts on images
  • Print still images and contact sheets
  • Add sound to still images
• ImageBrowser 6.0 (Macintosh): Allows you to:
  • View and organize downloaded still images
  • Edit downloaded still images: Red-eye collection, color & brightness, sharpness, trimming and inserting texts on images
  • Print still images and contact sheets
  • Add sound to still images

Windows System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista
• CPU: Intel Pentium D 3.0 GHz or Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHz
• RAM: 1 GB (XP) or 2 GB (Vista)
• Hard Disk Space: 300 MB (Installation), 10 GB (DVD writer)
• Display: 1280 x 1024 resolution, 32-bit color, Intel G965 Express Chipset on-board
• Sound: Sound card compatible with DirectSound
• DVD Drive: Preinstalled DVD drive with writing capabilities
• Others: Preinstalled USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed USB) port, System that can run DirectX 9.0c, Apple QuickTime 7.1 or better installed and running, Internet connection (during installation)

Macintosh System Requirements:

• OS: Mac OS X (10.3/10.4)
• Computer Model: Computers that came with above OS preinstalled
• CPU: PowerPC G3/G4/G5 or Intel Processor
• RAM: 256 MB or more
• Interface: Built-in USB ports
• Free Hard Disk Space:
  • Canon Utilities/ImageBrowser 6.0: 300 MB or more
• Display: 1,024 x 768 pixels/32,000 colors or better