New Canon FS300 camcorder: reduced features, same price!

[crammage]

i got mine for $79 at a pawn shop and i like it sad they took features out but hey i think i got a good deal , it came in the original box with all the documents and hookups even the softeare wasnt even opened yet ,

and support for 64 gb sd cards

major suck factor , horrible camera mode / picture quality ,

but it has geat zoom , isnt bulky and has plenty of features for me , like a led for night filming

[bakonfreek]

should have added internal memory to this one, then the fs300 would be pretty chill

[vwest7ife]

@bakonfreek The FS10, FS20, FS30, and FS40 have 8 GB of internal memory; the FS11, FS21 and FS31 have 16 GB; and the FS22 has 32 GB. But generally I don't like camcorders with built-in flash memory, because usually you can buy an SD card with the same capacity for less than the extra cost of these models, versus the basic models with no built-in memory.

[bakonfreek]

@vwest7ife true, I like paying less for a camera with no internal memory, but i'm kind of a dumbass and forget my card in the computer sometimes...then again, most camera owners aren't usually as dumb as me

[Blahguy300]

I won mine in a contest, so I didn't have to pay crap for it. Umadbro?

[mrschroeder1986]

IN ALL FAIRNESS: the video quality isn't perfect, but it does what it should - keeps great family memories.

[alexandermagnific09]

i got it for 126$

[sudzcityskatez]

wow, this cam has amazing quality so everybody can shut up! your only saying it cuz this 40 year old nerd says it fails, screw off you dont know what your talking about

[mrschroeder1986]

@sudzcityskatez The video does suck... just sayin'



[mrschroeder1986]

This camera is a piece of SH*T! I considered returning it after a week, but decided the restocking fee wasn't worth it - I regret that decision every time I use the camera. The video quality is terrible. From what I can tell, there is an auto-focus feature that messes up video with depth (the foreground moves at a different rate than the background when filming). I get dizzy watching my videos, even when the camera stays relatively still. TWO THUMBS WAY DOWN!

[vwest7ife]

@mrschroeder1986 This is an entry level standard definition camcorder. It works very well for its price range, but you can't expect professional quality. I suspect you would be equally disappointed with a JVC or Sony camcorder in the same price range; the Canon is not necessarily any worse or better than its nearest competitors. Try using manual focus if you find the auto focus isn't working as you like it to.

[mrschroeder1986]

@vwest7ife Thanks for the reply - I'm happy to know the JVC and Sony camcorders are at about the same level for video quality. I guess I am extremely spoiled and used to nice cameras - I majored in broadcast journalism and used $3000+ HD cameras. Looks like I'll have to shovel out the bucks for a nice picture.

[s00paMILK]

Its alright guys, i bought a new camcorder in december way back haha after christmas. it works fine, its a panasonic SDR-T55

[JackfromOntario]

I have owned the FS200 for almost 2 years, but it broke down a couple of months ago (the automatic cover does not open). The FS300 is on sale for $179 CAN at Best Buy; since I don't want to get into HD video, I will probably buy it, as I already have two battieries which are compatible. The FS200 was a good camcorder--small, OK quality.  In any case, thanks for your video, I really appreciate it.

[Anomaly003]

I bought this peice of shit.

Total rip off.

The video and photo quality sucks ass.

[s00paMILK]

somebody pleaaase answer this! i just receiveed this for christmas, and it wont let me record. it sas check card? i have the battery and sd card in, and i have no clue why it isnt recording. ive tried almost everything i can, ive looked through the manual several times

[vwest7ife]

@s00paMILK YouTube is not the place to ask tech support questions. Contact the manufacturer for help.

[xXRandomPianoXx]

@s00paMILK it only works with SDHC :/

[ThisIsAnnaA13]

@s00paMILK maybe your card is locked. Take our your sd card and on the side of it theres a little switch, make sure it's unlocked.

[duellegend71]

i have this but cant find my ac adapter and i also need that along with the other cord to upload pic/vids can i use any charger and the usb cord or only the ac adapter and usb cord?

[vwest7ife]

@duellegend71 Canon requires you to have the AC adapter plugged in while transferring videos using the USB cable. (Although you can transfer still photos without needing the AC adapter plugged in.) Alternately, you can take out the SD card and use a separate SD card reader on your computer.

[PTpaintball]

@vwest7ife im gettin this camcorder and does it come with the ac adaptor?

[vwest7ife]

@PTpaintball Yes.

[actor2120]

this video is AWESOME! :) You should check out my 300 deleted scene if you get a chance!

[lakai4187]

hey there, im looking for a cam to basically shoot video of my new baby girl on the way and to film some fishing action! haha i dont really care for the mic/headphones... so do you know if they're the same quality? feedback would be appreciated! the fs300 is actually cheaper right now on amazon but if the fs200 has better quality i'll shoot the extra $40

-Adam

[vwest7ife]

@lakai4187 The FS300 is really the same thing as the FS200 except for the lack of microphone and headphone jacks. The video quality, and quality of the built-in microphone, is identical. It is a pretty good camcorder overall, and I've seen the FS300 on sale lately for as low as $166.

[lakai4187]

@vwest7ife ok, thanks man. i'll just stick with the fs300, appreciate the feedback, take care.

-Adam

[JellieBeanGurus]

Thanks so much, I was going to buy it.

[SKYWOLF8858]

Thanks for the advise. I won't get it.

[NickMskateboarding]

can you put a fisheye on the camcorder?

[vwest7ife]

@NickMskateboarding Ah, skateboarders and their fisheyes! Haha... anyway, the answer is not easily, because the FS300 has no screw-on lens thread. The lens would have to be glued on.

[weezyfan25]

can u upload vids from fs300 without converting anything

[vwest7ife]

@weezyfan25 Yes. See my video "How to edit/upload from SD camcorders".

[joe133322]

wow... why am i watching this after i bought one

[CowboyPenner]

@joe133322 Im thinkin about buyin one

[crazzyformakeup]

SOO ARE YOU TRUING TO SAY THEY ARE THE SAME , because i want the canon fs 300 and i dont want to spend soo much money in something that is just as good !

[sillyplaydohead]

what website is that

[vwest7ife]

@sillyplaydohead In this video I was looking at Canon's own web site.

[TNT314159]

I'm happy I'm keeping my FS200. BTW the HF series is not totally 1080p HD, they actually use software to upconvert to 1080p before encoding. Add electronic image stabilization to that, and 1080p is really pointless on the HF camcorders.

[jakelamotta86]

thanks... i was about to buy it... before!

[TeExaltamosJesus]

do you know any other camcorders with mic imput.?

please asnwer me...

[vwest7ife]

@TeExaltamosJesus Many high definition camcorders still include a mic input, such as from Canon, Sony, Sanyo, and Kodak. But unfortunately this feature has disappeared from standard definition camcorders.

[TeExaltamosJesus]

@vwest7ife thanks for the info... ^_^

[Volvo745T]

Thanks for the info - great video.

[miriambosveld]

nah the FS200 was only in widescreen damn thats soo important to have more video formats anyway it probably lasts longer and it doesn't cost more than like 10 bucks extra just buy the 300 if you want one mine works great

[texcustoms]

Thx for the review, saw the FS300 the other day at Target and was a little bummed because I bought a FS200 last fall, that I really love and thought crap better CC for same price. feeling better about it now. And yes the ext mike is nice to have on the FS200

[Johnbosveld1]

and i can film in widescreen and fullscreen

[xXxstewiedudexXx]

I got the fs300 yesterday and it is awsome but if ur looking for good HD then don't get it the camera has very low video quality my 20$ video camera matches the quality so I think I'm goin to take it back and get sthing different

[vwest7ife]

@xXxstewiedudexXx Either yours is broken or you're not using it correctly, because the Canon FS series has excellent image quality. No, it's not "HD", but it is sharp, clear standard definition.

[FATMIME]

Agreed! Fail!

[bubbathesecound]

I just got the fs300 today at sears and love it. I don't need the the extra mic and headphone jack. The guy I bought it from said it works really good (and it does).

[xcrownboyx]

whats the headphone jack for to listen what u just filmed or just listen to what ur filming at the moment. does it have speaker?

[vwest7ife]

@xcrownboyx The FS200's headphone jack is for both video playback and "live feed." There is a small built-in speaker, but only for video playback, not live feed.

[MadameDior1]

In your opinion, what is the best camera to do youtube makeup and jewellry videos? What kind of camera should i use? Congrats...good work! Thanks.

[marrs1721]

The FS300 is excellent!! It is toe to toe in video quality to my Panasonic 3CCD camcorder. So they took away the microphone and headset Jack big deal. I would never use them anyway. Canon made it process faster than the FS200, and improved the image stabilization. In my opinion worth the extra money. I could not be happier with thus camera. EXCELLENT video quality which was #1 to me. You will not be dissapointed.

[CowboyPenner]

@marrs1721 I'm glad I read your post. 

[Leiflton]

nice work. thanks for the review.

wise customers form a de facto grassroots consumer advocacy group. and youtube rocks as the medium.

[CJFortune94]

Whats an affordable camcorder for no more than 500 dollars

[TomboFry]

@CJFortune94 Speed HD-8TZ on Amazon. Very affordable but very good at the same time, I'm glad I bought mine.

[vwest7ife]

@TomboFry Those inexpensive "Speed" camcorders can produce a very good "HD" image when used on a tripod in bright lighting, but they have terrible low light sensitivity, and the image will get very wobbly and shakey whenever you're moving the camera around. Name-brand standard definition camcorders still have the best low light sensitivity, which is very important for recording any video indoors and/or at night.

[Catalina031]

Hi!

Thanks for the great review-can't find an fs21 anywhere to purchase! Has anyone else found one?

[skeddyo]

wow that is a bad fail. i have the fs200 and i like using my external mic input

[vwest7ife]

I contacted Canon about the FS300, and this was their response:

"This model actually doesn't have a headphone jack. We apologize for any

inconvenience this causes you at this time. The new features included

on this model are as follows:

- Dynamic IS Mode steadies the video recording for high magnitude

motions.

- 16GB / 8GB of built-in memory.

- Class 10 SDHC cards now supported. (SDXC cards NOT supported.)"

But despite their claim, the FS300 does NOT have any built-in memory.

[DrCassette]

...but on the other channel you can hear the sound output. Really a stupid thing the designers did, if they would have put the connectors in a different order,they would have had an additional feature, for free!

[vwestlife]

Yes, if you make an adaptor cable, you can use an AV OUT jack as a headphone jack, although you don't get any volume control. However, the FS200 (and other Canons) give you an option in the menu if you want to use the AV OUT as a headphone jack, in which case the channels are correct if you just plug in headphones, and you get a volume control in the menu.

[DrCassette]

Now that is really stpid!!! It seemes like Canon was the only brand offering mic input on the lower priced models, and now that's gone as well!

The headphone output maybe still exists, but as a hidden feature. The sound output for the AV output is able to drive a headphone, so you could try plugging a headphone into the AV output jack, maybe it will work! On my Panasonic camcorder it doesn't work because they have the connectors in the wrong order, so on one channel you hear the video signal...

[SlimeTron5000]

I noticed that high definition video cameras have a 'shaky' image sensor. At the moment, I am satisfied with my miniDV Sony DCR-PC104E PAL.

[cbehr91]

2nd place for CES Fail of the Year goes to Panasonic for putting a single-1/8" CCD on the SDR-S26, rated at 20 lux.

[user12119]

They normally do this to reduce cost when they are about to release something new.