I am trying to decide between these two. The HFS100 has far greater megapixels (8.59 vs 3.89). I understand the significance of megapixels in a DSLR but how does this relate to video?

Any other considerations between these two?

Is the HFS100 worth approximately $300 more.

Thanks for your comments.

I've been comparing these 2 cameras, and the HG20 as well for the past week. If you're going to do a lot of still photography with it, then the 100 seems like a better bet. For my use, I've already got a Pro1 8mp and a new SD880 10mp for my still shooting. Even though the hf200 has worse low-light scores, you have to take into account those tests are always done on auto mode. I have to think adjusting your settings manually will help things tremendously. If not, there's always editing in post -which I plan to do anyway.

I ended up getting the hf200 yesterday (it should be in the end of the week). I'll post some impressions and possibly some test videos on vimeo this weekend if I get a chance. The price difference was the killer to me between those two cameras. Plus, I love the idea of a super light, flash-based small camera, with fewer moving parts and no chance of a HD going bad (on the camera at least).

Any other HF20/200 owners out there want to chime in?

I almost purchased the HF100, but then ended up buying the HF20. I also purchased the accessory video light. I needed the 15x optical for surfing videos more than I needed low-light capability. However, I am ok so far with the low-light functions. I have checked out the manual modes to improve low light, and the video light seems to work well too.
I don't really have any way to compare low light except for what I read in reviews and forums, but I can't believe it is as bad as some indicate (e.g. camcorder review).

Any other considerations between these two?


It's not just about pixels, the HF S100 has many manual controls.

In another thread, ("HF11 vs. HFS10"), user Luc48 listed the features the HF S10 has over the HF11.
(The HF S10 is the same camcorder as the HF S100, but with built-in memory included.)

Here are differences (copied from my HF100/HF11 FAQ) between these 2:

- Bigger lens and bigger sensor: 58mm instead of 37mm
- New image sensor: 1/2.6", 8.5 million pixels (compares to 1/3.2" 3.3 million pixels). Brighter but potentially noisier given smaller pixel pitch
- New DIGIC DV III image processor
- 10x optical zoom (instead of 12x). However digital zoom 1.7x supposedly has no quality loss (due to high pixel count)
- Pre-recording of 3 seconds (requires camcorder to be in standby mode)
- Manual max gain controls: auto, 0,6,12,18dB
- SMPTE color bars and test tone for calibration
- Red, green or yellow peaking: highlight areas of the image that are in focus (also B/W option)
- Zebra patterns 70 / 100 IRE (to indicate areas of overexposure)
- Face detection technology
- Video snapshot (shot recording intended for uploading to computer)
- Custom dial. Assignable: exposure, focus (easier to control this way), assist functions, mic level, gain level
- Left/right Mics on the sides of the camcorder. Pro: potentially better stereo seperation; cons: potentially you pick up more handling noises (slashcam.de measured slightly higher noise levels, no test on channel seperation)
- Higher price: $1300 and $1100 (+$300). Prices go down normally after couple of months



Copied from this thread:

HF11 vs HFS10
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16344818#post16344818