Camcorder test: Sony HDR-XR500 versus Canon HF S10

Two top end full HD camcorders face to face. In the red corner, the Canon Legria HF S10 with its 6 Mpix sensor and 10x zoom. In the blue corner, the Sony HDR-XR500 with the new ultra-sensitive Exmor sensor and built-in GPS.

The Sony HDR-XR500 and the Canon HF S10 are two top end high definition camcorders, on sale at 1500 and 1549 euros respectively.

Apart from this slight difference in price, there are quite a few other differences. Sony has gone for the hard disk, while Canon has chosen internal flash memory.

In terms of image quality both models are excellent. Sony has developped new more sensitive sensor technology for low lighting and Canon has given us the best possible speed for AVCHD format with a better defined image.

Difficult to split them then. Which to go for?

Check out the camcorder product survey

Canon Legria HFS S10

Sony HDR-XR500