Summary: Good camera. I got a solution for these .mod files

Comment: Let me start out by saying I am a novice to video editing. I read about the problems with .mod files before I bought this camera, but purchased it anyway. The files were driving me nuts. I tried everything I read on reviews and nothing seemed to work real well. I was using a pretty old version of Adobe Premiere Elements. I read some reviews on this web site http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/. I downloaded a trial version of the two top rated which were CyberLink PowerDirector 7 and Corel Video Studio X2. I used the software that came with the camera to put the video files on my hard drive. The were saved as .mpg file (not .mod files). Using either of these applications, I was able to edit the files and make perfect DVDs in both 4:3 and widescreen. I preferred Corel Video Studio and purchase it. It is so easy to use. So now I don't have any problems with this Canon .mod files at all. Of course I had to buy new software, but my Adobe version was pretty old anyway.

In regards to the camera, I really like it because it is small and convenient. What I don't like is that it is not good in low light and is very shaky when using the zoom. But for the price I really like this camera

Summary: Good camcorder

Comment: Overall, this is a great value camcorder. Focus could be faster under low light condition. Hard to focus when you try to follow the subject. Very shaky compare to the older DV model. You must have a steady hand to capture good video. Video file has "mod" file format which may not be recognizable by some player.

Summary: Good Product, Poor Support

Comment: I am pleased with the camera, but don't try to get any technical information. I tried three times and got conflicting information between two and just a smattering of information all together. Canon's view seems to be that this is a consumer camera and no consumers ask technical questions. The support staff seemed ill prepared to handle even basic questions. If you purchase a consumer-grade camera from Canon, you are on your own. I guess you have to spend over $900 to rate support.

Even though I couldn't get answers or specs, Some reviews, flash memory storage and the processing chip prompted me to buy the camcorder anyway; I could always return it if my evaluation was unsatisfactory. The camera performs well for the price, but, without complete specs, it is a guessing game to perform manual operations and I don't know what will happen if something goes wrong.

Tom H.

Summary: FS100 -SUITS MY NEEDS

Comment: Canon FS100 Flash Memory Camcorder with 48x Advanced Zoom (Silver)
I purchased the FS100 for my wife's B-day. She wanted something to record our infants 'firsts'(rollovers...crawling, etc all that good stuff). I read a lot of the reviews and took the chance with the FS100 as my first camcorder. I got the package deal @ amazon w/extra battery and 16gb card. Pretty good deal compared to sale prices (e.g.at Best Buy). I also got an extra 8gb card and bag. Total (w/shipping $461)
Camera is pretty easy to use right out of the box(after charging) for a novice. There are plenty of features that you can use to fine tune your recordings...night time, snow backrounds, etc.....read the book...there if you need them.
While recording the mini joystick gets you through the menus relatively easily. You can turn on the LED light with about two movements if you wish. Sound is well, and you can play with that after the fact anyway.
I was tempted to go with an HD, but read mixed reviews for the both the FS100 & for HD devices. Seems there were issues with both. So, I saved at least $400 by not getting one of the comparible HD models.
I think the video on the DVD is fine....and I didn't have to do anything to the format or get another Program to do it. I used the software that came in the box. The only problem I had was that it would not recognize the particular DVD-RW I had. But once I stuck in a DVD-R(up to 16x)walllah...it worked just fine....(for me). Again, I'm not making any professional videos, I'm just watching my new baby roll around on the floor. But plenty good enough to send DVD's to the grandparents and make keepsakes. I haven't had it that long yet, so I'll keep you updated if I run into any other issues.
One other note,...several people complained that the two software programs included do not have manuals. FALSE. The discs have PDF manuals on them. You must install the software first, and then you can open up the pdf's (I dropped them on my desktop) to lead you. They may not be the best programs for video/image stuff, but they are all I need. Definitely reccommend have an extra memory card. The software does take a long time to make DVD. Plan on kicking it off via the SD cardreader and walking away from your computer and just let it go. Then you can pop in your other memory card and still record if you want.
I would reccommend for others that aren't looking to make professional broadcast videos or something....I think it's fine for school, home, the kids soccer games....etc....stuff like that.

Summary: Gr8 camera for the $$$ and cute too!

Comment: Let me first give Amazon.com 5 stars for following through on the promised shipping date. That was truly a life saver.I was attending my sons graduation and I needed the camera OVERNITE. And thats precisely what I got. Cudos to you Amazon.
Now onto the camera. I LOVE it. I am totally electronically challeged, so it was great to see the ease and simplicity with which this camera operates. Not to mention the color is so pretty. I highly recommend this camera for the novice photog such as myself. If you are into making short films this camera is way beneath your skill level. But for taking pix of your kids on the beach or in a school play, it works.