New Canon FS300 camcorder: reduced features, same price!

The Consumer Electronics Fail of the Year Award goes to Canon, for introducing the new FS300 flash memory camcorder for 2010, replacing last year's FS200. So what's new? They deleted the external microphone and headphone jacks, but kept the price the same! Otherwise it is identical to the FS200, except with slightly improved image stabilization. The new FS31 also deletes the mic and headphone jacks, and also downgrades the image sensor from 1.07M to 680k pixels, compared to the outgoing FS21, but at least they dropped the price.

But still, who in their right mind would settle for such a downgraded camera? The FS200 has been on sale recently for as low as US$199. At that price, you can get a 16 GB flash memory card to put in it, and have a better camera overall than the new FS31, at a lower price. "New" doesn't always mean "Improved"!

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Science & Technology

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[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.

[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.

[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]

@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.

[mrschroeder1986]

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



[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.

[alexandermagnific09]

i got it for 126$