Hi Brent, everyone. The camcorder will be used to document training in many different environments with quick movement from light to shadow and at times darkness. Self-focusing is important to me.I have nearly zero experience and will be winging it! Comments are welcome. Thanks. Kevin
You should probably hire a cinematographer who knows his/her way around a camera. Otherwise filming with this camera with no experience is the same as filming with a smartphone. Check online there are alot of film students willing to work for credit and very little to no pay.
So what I noticed in the video at 2:26 there's a switch for infrared night vision, but you didn't talk about the infrared at all! So I just have a few questions... 1. Can you record with the infrared active? 2. How well can it be used for night vision? 3. Can it consume battery more when it's active?
Hello Dave-0: You certainly have an eagle-eye! Thank you for pointing out this error and we apologize for any confusion it may have caused. The Vixia HF G21 does not have infrared recording. The clip in the video may have been from one of the two other camcorders that were released at the same time; the XA11 and XA15. These two camcorders are very similar to the HF G21, with the addition of professional XLR audio inputs and of course the Infrared recording function. You can learn more about these camcorders from the manual at the following link. (Infrared recording begins on page 87): Canon.us/5n2bp. If you have other questions our video support agents can be reached at 800-652-2666.
Hi there! To use backlight correction, open the [FUNC.] menu and select [BLC Always On]. Then, select [ON] and touch [X]. Backlight correction can be used to make the entire picture brighter, especially in darker areas. We hope this helps!
Hi Jeff. They are pretty much the same with the exception of the pro handle on top. The XA11 also has an impressive infrared shooting mode for extreme low-light conditions. Our team of experts is happy to go over the finer points with you if you give them a call at 1-800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666) weekdays between 10 AM and 10 PM ET. We hope this helps.
I have 3 cameras. 2 canon XC 10’s and the HF 21. Which is the best profile setting to color grade to the XC 10’s? I’m assuming I’m going to need to shoot in c-log on the XC 10’s and grade to the HF 21. And shoot in wide dynamic range on the HF 21.
I just purchased this used off a person. Do you sell owners manual ? What's the Best setting to set my sound at for making a video of my Harley-Davidson's exhaust sound for making a UA-cam video?
Hello Lorenzo! The camcorder can auto-focus while you zoom in and out. You can find more details on pages 49-51 of the camcorder manual. Here is a shortcut: Canon.us/ccsxe. We hope this information helps.
@@CanonUSA Thank you. What if it is set to manual focus? Will the focus have to be adjusted after zoom in or out? Or is the focal point set regardless of zoom use?
WISH LIST: firmware upgrade, allow both the view finder and side sreen to be seen at once. I would like to be able to look through the viewfinder and see where my finger is dragging the focus box.
Hi Jason: The camcorder outputs Clean HDMI video. You have the [Output Onscreen Displays] menu option that turns on Onscreen Displays if you desire. See page 97 of the camcorder manual for more details. We hope this helps.
Hi there. If you're looking to do live streaming, we suggest a model more built with this in mind, like the XA15. Check it out! ua-cam.com/video/KX-jOF1v-VY/v-deo.html
Hi there! The VIXIA HF G21 does not have an infrared mode. However, infrared is available moving up to the more professional model XA11. We have another video like this one about the XA11 you might like at ua-cam.com/video/KX-jOF1v-VY/v-deo.html We hope this answers your question!
We have this camera mounted high on a wall with the video feed routed to a computer. My question is regarding the power options, if there are any. Right now we’re climbing a ladder to turn it on/off. Is there some software available for the pc that would allow me to power it on/off and maybe adjust some settings?
Hi! The VIXIA HF G21 features a hard power switch which requires manual operation in order to turn the camcorder on or off. This prevents the camera from being powered on and off remotely. Hope this helps!
Hi! While the HF G20-series camcorders are all closely related, the specifications of individual models will vary depending on the region of the world each one is intended for and the technical standards required therein. We recommend checking the web site for the Canon company in your part of the world to see your local version's exact specs. You can easily find the Canon company that serves you by visiting canon.us/globalsupport and clicking your country or region on the map. Hope this helps!
Great video, I just purchased a Canon Vixia hf G21 full HD camcorder and new to the filming world. I will be using the camera on a tree arm for filming deer hunts in a tree. What is the best fluid head and shotgun mic for this small camera? Thanks for any advice.
Hi Chuck! Congratulations on the new camcorder. There are many third-party microphones that that you would be able to connect to the MIC terminal of the camcorder. You would need to use a condenser microphone that has its own power supply and that has a 3.5mm diameter plug. Canon does not do comparison tests on all these models, so you may wish to contact your camcorder dealer, who sells these brands, for a recommendation. For a directional microphone, you can also use the Canon DM-100. When it comes to fluid head tripod heads, there are many great companies that produce these, Canon however does not make tripod heads so we could not make a recommendation. Again, you would want to contact your video products dealer. We hope this helps.
Hi Dylan! The VIXIA HF G21 is great for that use-case. You may even consider going up to a more professional level with something like the XA11. We hope this helps!
Hi there! We don't have any information about a possible replacement for the VIXIA HF G40, but we recommend that you continue to visit www.usa.canon.com for more information about new models as they are announced. As for image quality, it is reasonable to expect the quality to be similar to the high quality of the VIXIA HF G40. We hope this helps!
Hi Joe: You may want to contact our video support agents for one-on-one support with this question. For support, please register your product to under your Canon Account at the link: Canon.us/mcahy. Once you log into your account, click the [Service & Support] link and select the contact method. If by timer, you are referring to the 3 second Pre-Recording function you will want to refer to page 80 of the camcorder instruction manual. Here is a shortcut to the manual: Canon.us/p5rac. We hope this helps.
Hola! espero lean español? estoy en duda si comprar la g21 o la g50. Yo voy a grabar siempre en full hd. Cual de las dos cámaras me da mejor calidad de imagen? El precio es prácticamente igual, tengo idea por el tamaño de sensor que la g21 ?
Hello Quico, Canon U.S.A. provides support in English. If you would like assistance in other languages, you can find those resources at the link here: Canon.us/globalsupport. We hope this help.
Is the stabilization in the Canon VIXIA HF G21 the same as the Canon VIXIA HF G40? I’ve been trying to figure out which one to get and I’d like to have the better video stabilization, since this will mostly be used handheld.
Does this camera have infrared? I see what looks like an IR light on the bottom of the lens, but I don't see a switch to the left of the SD card slots like on the XA11/XA15.
Have seen both now. Not at all sure why the G21 is out there at the same price as the G40, due to it's lesser features (processor, touch screen size, and wifi ability for starters). I'm getting the G40. Thought long and hard about the G40 vs. the Panasonic VX models - the dual simm cards and stabilization are winning the day for me ... I don't care about 4k - can't imagine a scenario where that would be more important to me than the simm cards or stabilization (now battery life, ... that might be more of a concern).
Hi Cristian! The XA-Series camcorders are more professional models that have many similar features to the HF G-Series, with the addition of features professionals need, such as the detachable pro handle unit with XLR microphone inputs and controls. The VIXIA HF G21 is newer than the XA10 and can be more closely compared with the XA20 or XA30 instead. We hope this helps!
Hello sir. We bought canon vixia g40. When i put sandisk 64 gb and recording till 1 hour. When i put this memory card to pc for copy file. It show two part of video. Division in two part. 38 min and 22 min. But i want to video without division video. So please help me in setting
Hi Deepak! This is normal. For scenes with a long recording time, the video file will be split approximately every 4 GB. Even in such a case, playback will be continuous. With the Data Import Utility software, you can join the split files into a single file and save it on your computer. We hope this helps!
As an 80D user, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the color science... Does this g21 have that same color technology? I really need the clean HDMI out for streaming, and would use my 80D, But, no clean HDMI out. Would this give me a similar "look" to that 80D with the kit lens? I'm really needing video and NOT stills... Thanks :-)
Hi there! The EOS 80D and VIXIA HF G21 are both different types of cameras with different image sensors, but you can expect the same great color science you've come to expect from your EOS 80D. We hope this helps!
We are an a capella group located in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are interested in purchasing a camcorder to record our performances. Would this be a good camera to record a performance on a stage and outdoors? We are interested in this product because of the mentioned dim light capabilities and the easy use but just want to make sure it can work for all of our needs before we buy it. Thank you!
Hi there! The VIXIA HF G21 is a great choice for recording your performances. You may also consider a similar model professional camcorder like the XA11 or XA15, which offers more options for audio recording with a handle unit on top that has 2 built-in XLR terminals and controls. We have another video for those if you'd like to check them out at ua-cam.com/video/KX-jOF1v-VY/v-deo.html We hope this helps!
Or record audio onto a separate device. I'm not sure how good the preamps are in the camcorders but for music I like to use a soundboard/audience mix into a professional recorder like a Zoom or Tascam then synchronize everything in post using Premiere.. Unless I'm wrong the XA11 and XA15 provide the same video as the G21 but with more audio options only. Hope this helps.
Hi Brent, everyone.
The camcorder will be used to document training in many different environments with quick movement from light to shadow and at times darkness. Self-focusing is important to me.I have nearly zero experience and will be winging it! Comments are welcome.
Thanks. Kevin
You should probably hire a cinematographer who knows his/her way around a camera. Otherwise filming with this camera with no experience is the same as filming with a smartphone. Check online there are alot of film students willing to work for credit and very little to no pay.
So what I noticed in the video at 2:26 there's a switch for infrared night vision, but you didn't talk about the infrared at all!
So I just have a few questions...
1. Can you record with the infrared active?
2. How well can it be used for night vision?
3. Can it consume battery more when it's active?
Hello Dave-0:
You certainly have an eagle-eye! Thank you for pointing out this error and we apologize for any confusion it may have caused. The Vixia HF G21 does not have infrared recording. The clip in the video may have been from one of the two other camcorders that were released at the same time; the XA11 and XA15. These two camcorders are very similar to the HF G21, with the addition of professional XLR audio inputs and of course the Infrared recording function. You can learn more about these camcorders from the manual at the following link. (Infrared recording begins on page 87): Canon.us/5n2bp.
If you have other questions our video support agents can be reached at 800-652-2666.
@@CanonUSA I understand now, thank you for responding!
Is this camera waterproof?
Hi! We recommend keeping the VIXIA HF G21 dry as the camera is not waterproof. Hope that helps!
@@CanonUSA Oh, you actually replied. Thanks by the way!
How can we use the backlight on for capturing video with Canon Vixia G21?
Hi there! To use backlight correction, open the [FUNC.] menu and select [BLC Always On]. Then, select [ON] and touch [X]. Backlight correction can be used to make the entire picture brighter, especially in darker areas. We hope this helps!
Is the only difference between the G21 and the XA11 the XLR top handle?
Hi Jeff. They are pretty much the same with the exception of the pro handle on top. The XA11 also has an impressive infrared shooting mode for extreme low-light conditions. Our team of experts is happy to go over the finer points with you if you give them a call at 1-800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666) weekdays between 10 AM and 10 PM ET. We hope this helps.
I have 3 cameras. 2 canon XC 10’s and the HF 21. Which is the best profile setting to color grade to the XC 10’s? I’m assuming I’m going to need to shoot in c-log on the XC 10’s and grade to the HF 21. And shoot in wide dynamic range on the HF 21.
This camera it's very cool.
I just purchased this used off a person. Do you sell owners manual ? What's the Best setting to set my sound at for making a video of my Harley-Davidson's exhaust sound for making a UA-cam video?
Hi! You'll find the manual for your VIXIA HF G21, which includes how to adjust the audio settings, at canon.us/33mmTbT
Hope this helps!
Does zooming in and out require refocusing, or can the focus be set and remain unaffected by zooming?
Hello Lorenzo!
The camcorder can auto-focus while you zoom in and out. You can find more details on pages 49-51 of the camcorder manual. Here is a shortcut: Canon.us/ccsxe.
We hope this information helps.
@@CanonUSA Thank you. What if it is set to manual focus? Will the focus have to be adjusted after zoom in or out? Or is the focal point set regardless of zoom use?
This can potentially be the perfect vlogging camera for me. Can the screen tilt 180 degree?
Yes it can!
Whats the difference between the g40 and the g21 vixia models?
Hi there! The VIXIA HF G21 has a slightly smaller screen and does not have Wi-Fi. We hope this helps!
Not much really. If you have the G40 this would not be an upgrade in my opinion.
That does help, thank-you - any benefits of the G21 over the G40?
After talking to many different stores the only difference between both models is the smaller screen and no wifi on the G21.
In short, this version is inferior
WISH LIST: firmware upgrade, allow both the view finder and side sreen to be seen at once. I would like to be able to look through the viewfinder and see where my finger is dragging the focus box.
Clean HDMI?
Hi Jason:
The camcorder outputs Clean HDMI video. You have the [Output Onscreen Displays] menu option that turns on Onscreen Displays if you desire. See page 97 of the camcorder manual for more details.
We hope this helps.
is this camera a good choice for LIVE sports streaming? Is the live output as great as the recording?
Hi there. If you're looking to do live streaming, we suggest a model more built with this in mind, like the XA15. Check it out! ua-cam.com/video/KX-jOF1v-VY/v-deo.html
Does it have Nightvision? I thought I saw an infrared button. I did some research but could not find a definitive answer. Thanks.
Hi there! The VIXIA HF G21 does not have an infrared mode. However, infrared is available moving up to the more professional model XA11. We have another video like this one about the XA11 you might like at ua-cam.com/video/KX-jOF1v-VY/v-deo.html We hope this answers your question!
Yes, thanks!
2:26 I guess your editor overlooked that close-up shot of the SD card slots. :p
Yea, that's exactly what I was referring to. I have since found out that camera at 2:26 is the XA11.
Bad ass camera!!
We have this camera mounted high on a wall with the video feed routed to a computer. My question is regarding the power options, if there are any. Right now we’re climbing a ladder to turn it on/off. Is there some software available for the pc that would allow me to power it on/off and maybe adjust some settings?
Hi! The VIXIA HF G21 features a hard power switch which requires manual operation in order to turn the camcorder on or off. This prevents the camera from being powered on and off remotely.
Hope this helps!
@CanonUSA Our other option is to simply switch off the power circuit, but this would eventually damage the device after repeated practice, correct?
Hi, is that the same as the hf g26 in Europe?
Hi! While the HF G20-series camcorders are all closely related, the specifications of individual models will vary depending on the region of the world each one is intended for and the technical standards required therein. We recommend checking the web site for the Canon company in your part of the world to see your local version's exact specs.
You can easily find the Canon company that serves you by visiting canon.us/globalsupport and clicking your country or region on the map.
Hope this helps!
Great video, I just purchased a Canon Vixia hf G21 full HD camcorder and new to the filming world. I will be using the camera on a tree arm for filming deer hunts in a tree. What is the best fluid head and shotgun mic for this small camera? Thanks for any advice.
Hi Chuck!
Congratulations on the new camcorder. There are many third-party microphones that that you would be able to connect to the MIC terminal of the camcorder. You would need to use a condenser microphone that has its own power supply and that has a 3.5mm diameter plug. Canon does not do comparison tests on all these models, so you may wish to contact your camcorder dealer, who sells these brands, for a recommendation. For a directional microphone, you can also use the Canon DM-100.
When it comes to fluid head tripod heads, there are many great companies that produce these, Canon however does not make tripod heads so we could not make a recommendation. Again, you would want to contact your video products dealer.
We hope this helps.
Would this camera be ideal for long-term usage of the hdmi output? We are looking to add cameras to our video system at our church!
Hi Dylan! The VIXIA HF G21 is great for that use-case. You may even consider going up to a more professional level with something like the XA11. We hope this helps!
That is great, thank you!
What’s the difference between the G21 and G40? I’m in the market to buy but trying to decide which one to get.
Hi!
While the two cameras have a lot in common, the VIXIA HF G40 boasts a slightly larger LCD screen and Wi-Fi connectivity.
We hope this helps!
So will there be a HF G50 or will the G40 still be around this year? does this have improved image over the g40?
Hi there! We don't have any information about a possible replacement for the VIXIA HF G40, but we recommend that you continue to visit www.usa.canon.com for more information about new models as they are announced. As for image quality, it is reasonable to expect the quality to be similar to the high quality of the VIXIA HF G40. We hope this helps!
I can no longer get the self time option to come up on my VIXIA HF G21 camera.
Hi Joe:
You may want to contact our video support agents for one-on-one support with this question. For support, please register your product to under your Canon Account at the link: Canon.us/mcahy. Once you log into your account, click the [Service & Support] link and select the contact method.
If by timer, you are referring to the 3 second Pre-Recording function you will want to refer to page 80 of the camcorder instruction manual. Here is a shortcut to the manual: Canon.us/p5rac.
We hope this helps.
Hola! espero lean español? estoy en duda si comprar la g21 o la g50.
Yo voy a grabar siempre en full hd. Cual de las dos cámaras me da mejor calidad de imagen?
El precio es prácticamente igual, tengo idea por el tamaño de sensor que la g21 ?
Hello Quico,
Canon U.S.A. provides support in English. If you would like assistance in other languages, you can find those resources at the link here: Canon.us/globalsupport.
We hope this help.
Is the stabilization in the Canon VIXIA HF G21 the same as the Canon VIXIA HF G40? I’ve been trying to figure out which one to get and I’d like to have the better video stabilization, since this will mostly be used handheld.
Hi there! The Image Stabilization system in the VIXIA HF G21 is similar to that of the VIXIA HF G40. We hope this helps!
G21 seems to be newer than the G40.
Does this camera have infrared? I see what looks like an IR light on the bottom of the lens, but I don't see a switch to the left of the SD card slots like on the XA11/XA15.
Hello! The VIXIA HF G21 does not have the capability to record infrared light.
hows the slow motion mode?
Hi there. The slow motion work with the VIXIA HF G21 is great!
So would the g40 or the g21 model be the better purchase?
Have the same question - not sure about the substantial differences - same price (roughly) at the moment ...
Quay Rude me too....
Have seen both now. Not at all sure why the G21 is out there at the same price as the G40, due to it's lesser features (processor, touch screen size, and wifi ability for starters). I'm getting the G40. Thought long and hard about the G40 vs. the Panasonic VX models - the dual simm cards and stabilization are winning the day for me ... I don't care about 4k - can't imagine a scenario where that would be more important to me than the simm cards or stabilization (now battery life, ... that might be more of a concern).
Hi! What's the difference between this model and the XA10? I can't decide which one to aqcuire, 'cause both have a similar price in my country.
Hi Cristian! The XA-Series camcorders are more professional models that have many similar features to the HF G-Series, with the addition of features professionals need, such as the detachable pro handle unit with XLR microphone inputs and controls. The VIXIA HF G21 is newer than the XA10 and can be more closely compared with the XA20 or XA30 instead. We hope this helps!
@@CanonUSA thank you 🙏🏼
Hi there, is this compatible with the MA-300?
Hi, Eduardo! The VIXIA HF G21 is not designed for use with the MA-300 microphone adapter. Hope this helps!
Hello sir. We bought canon vixia g40. When i put sandisk 64 gb and recording till 1 hour. When i put this memory card to pc for copy file. It show two part of video. Division in two part. 38 min and 22 min. But i want to video without division video. So please help me in setting
Hi Deepak! This is normal. For scenes with a long recording time, the video file will be split approximately every 4 GB. Even in such a case, playback will be continuous. With the Data Import Utility software, you can join the split files into a single file and save it on your computer. We hope this helps!
That's a sexy looking camera.
As an 80D user, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the color science... Does this g21 have that same color technology? I really need the clean HDMI out for streaming, and would use my 80D, But, no clean HDMI out. Would this give me a similar "look" to that 80D with the kit lens? I'm really needing video and NOT stills... Thanks :-)
Hi there! The EOS 80D and VIXIA HF G21 are both different types of cameras with different image sensors, but you can expect the same great color science you've come to expect from your EOS 80D. We hope this helps!
Needs 4K, as well as 120 o 180 fps shooting for true slowmo!
We are an a capella group located in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are interested in purchasing a camcorder to record our performances. Would this be a good camera to record a performance on a stage and outdoors? We are interested in this product because of the mentioned dim light capabilities and the easy use but just want to make sure it can work for all of our needs before we buy it. Thank you!
Hi there! The VIXIA HF G21 is a great choice for recording your performances. You may also consider a similar model professional camcorder like the XA11 or XA15, which offers more options for audio recording with a handle unit on top that has 2 built-in XLR terminals and controls. We have another video for those if you'd like to check them out at ua-cam.com/video/KX-jOF1v-VY/v-deo.html We hope this helps!
Or record audio onto a separate device. I'm not sure how good the preamps are in the camcorders but for music I like to use a soundboard/audience mix into a professional recorder like a Zoom or Tascam then synchronize everything in post using Premiere.. Unless I'm wrong the XA11 and XA15 provide the same video as the G21 but with more audio options only. Hope this helps.
Not a bad camcorder for the price but a smaller size would be better. Sony FDR-AX53 come with 4K for the same price and it's a lot smaller
True but the Sony FDR-AX53 doesn't have all the manual features of the G series from Canon.
That's what had me looking at this camera over the AX53 actually. Can't live without full manual.
Nicce!!!
You'd think Canon would use lighting and set white balance in their videos.
Cool :D
The price?
$1000
Let me guess no 4K .. no higher frame rates ... this camcorder better not be in that 1000 range
its 2018 we need 4k
you want 4k - few applications benefit from it
all this for $500, niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Hah. Let me know if you find it for $500.
found it, only one doe, sorry.