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Canon Vixia HF G21 Full HD Camcorder | Reviews 2019

January 12, 2019 by  
Filed under Digital Camcorders

Canon VIXIA HF G21 Flash Memory HD Camcorder

Canon VIXIA HF G21 Flash Memory HD Camcorder (with lens hood)

Rated 4 1/2 Stars

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The Canon HF-G21 is Canon’s top of the line flagship of consumer Full HD camcorders. The G21 has a new sensor with Wide Dynamic Range Gamma and improved low light performance. Compact in size. Records video in full 1920 x 1080 Full HD (1080p). Records to SDHC/SDXC memory cards (camcorder has two memory card slots) The 20x zoom HD Video Lens delivers excellent image quality and low light performance even at full zoom. The Dynamic SuperRange optical image stabilization (keeps video sharp in low light, or when holding the camcorder without a tripod). The Large 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen has capacitive touch, for touch focus or menus. External Microphone Terminal with Manual Audio Level Control, Headphone Terminal, 3 megapixel photos and the new Digital DV 4 image processor.

Included are advanced features such as an updated large 1/2.84 inch HD CMOS Pro Imager (better for low light) provides a wide dynamic range, AVCHD H.264, and has a true 24p Cinema mode. (native 24p) a 30p mode, and a high 60p (60fps) mode. External Microphone Jack for better sound options. The HF G21 records at up to 28mbps (the AVHCD best bit rate), or 35mbps using the MP4 recording mode. At maximum quality , you can record about 2 hours and 55 minutes to a single 32GB flash card, or 5 hours 50 minutes if using both card slots. Canon’s Instant AF focusing system greatly enhances auto focus speed and accuracy and decreases the time to lock in focus (even in low light).


Full HDThe HF-G21 has an HDMI Mini Connector (output) for best quality when hooking this camcorder directly to an HDTV. Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe to add an external light or microphone. Dedicated manual focus ring. Built-in video light. Features a 3.0 inch LED screen (with 460,000 pixels). Also included is a 0.24-inch color viewfinder (1,560,000 pixels). Remote Control Terminal (compatible with LANC protocol). Dolby Digital 2 channel (AC-3) stereo sound, or 5.1-channel (with optional Canon SM-V1 microphone). Cinema-Look Filter with 9 built-in filters. Built-in Wi-FiĀ® technology allows you share video files wirelessly to your PC or favorite social network using internet browsers, smartphones or tablets. You can remotely control key functions of your camcorder wirelessly using the Wi-Fi Remote control features. Slow and Fast Motion recording available. Mini Advanced accessory shoe for adding lights, microphones.

Canon HF-G21 Dimensions: 4.3″ x 3.3″ x 7.2″ (2.0 pounds w/ battery).
Full HD Recording Modes: 1080p @ 30fps, 1080p @ 24fps, 1080p @ 60fps, 24p, 30p, 60i, 60p
Camcorder 20x Lens: 35mm equivalent: 26.8mm-576mm f/1.8-2.8, filter 58mm


Best of 2019 AwardSmart-Review Commentary: Canon’s top of the line Full HD camcorder. The HF-G21 features a new 1/2.84-inch HD CMOS Pro Image sensor for better low light performance and high dynamic range. The 8 blade iris provides smoother background images. A new improved detachable lens hood (which prevents light glare) is included as well as an improved larger eye cup, when using the camcorder’s EVF viewfinder. The viewfinder has 5x the resolution of most viewfinders with 1.56 million pixels. The Canon HF G21 uses dual SDHC/SDXC memory card slots for long recording times. The lens on this camcorder offers a wider 26.8mm field of view to get more of the scene indoors, and scenery shots outside, and high zoom of 20x ( maintains f2.8 at full zoom). Double Slot Recording can record to two SD cards simultaneously as a safety backup. The Full HD CMOS Pro Imager uses fewer pixels, which are much larger and more light sensitive than the pixels of other camcorder sensors, which results in better video performance and dynamic range.

Canon HF G21 Side View

Canon Vixia HF G21 Side View (Click to Enlarge)

A color viewfinder (EVF) is included. Viewfinders are disappearing on camcorders, so this is a nice feature to see, which can be used in strong sunlight when it is harder to see the LCD screen. The Touch & Track system on this camcorder keeps focus and exposure on any subject, no matter where it moves. Just choose your subject on the 3.0-inch LED touchscreen. External Mic Jack for enhancing your sound options, and headphone jack to monitor sound. Professional-quality 16-bit PCM recording is available for best sound quality. The Instant AF focusing system offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy. Great for sports. The Canon HF G21 is a not only a SmartReview Top Pick for 2019 but has won our BEST of 2019 award for consumer HD camcorders.

Canon Vixia HFG21 Canon HF G21
HD Camcorder
2018-2019 Model
Canon Pro XA11
Pro Camcorder
2018-2019 Model
Canon GX10 4K Ultra HD Camcorder 2018-2019 Model
    Canon G21 Top Features

  • *Top Consumer Model
  • Full HD Recording
  • High Dynamic Range (HDR)
  • 20x Optical Zoom
  • Native 24p Mode
  • 24p,30p,60p Progressive Mode
  • HDMI Terminal for HDTV
  • Dual SDHC Memory Card Slots
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Large 1/2.84 inch imager
  • Color Viewfinder
  • Included Lens Hood
  • Touch & Track Feature
  • Linear PCM Audio
  • Mic and Headphone Jacks
  • 3.0-inch LED Screen

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Full HD
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Digic DV4
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Full HD
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Digic DV4
XLR Audio

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4K Ultra HD
5 Axis Stabilization
Dual Pixel AF
Dual Digic DV6
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Camcorder Bundle Deals Canon HF G21
+ Accessory Kit
Canon HF G21
+ Accessory Kit
Canon HF G21
+ Accessory Kit
    Bundle Deals
    Canon Vixia
    HF G21
    + Accessory Kits


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SmartReview.com previewed the HF-G21 and Pro XA11 HD Full Camcorders at CES 2018


Related Article: Canon Vixia Camcorders Model Lineup and Comparison

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Related Article: Flash Memory Camcorder Roundup and Comparison


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Description: The Canon Vixia HF G21 is the top of the line Full HD Consumer Camcorder from Canon. The camcorder is capable of recording at 60 progressive frames per second (60p) at full HD, Dual memory card slots, and has 20x of optical zoom. Manual zoom ring and other manual options. This model is a SmartReview.com top pick.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5