Canon HF S21 Viewfinder?

[Nicks6]

How is the quality and usability of the HF S21 viewfinder?
I'm about to purchase a HD camcorder for use in the bright Florida sun. I have serious doubts about relying on the LCD to always frame and view the scenes. I can't help but believe that I'll sometimes need the viewfinder.
I'm surprised that I rarely read any posts on the various forums about needing or using a viewfinder in lieu of the LCD in bright sun. I'm also surprised that so few consumer camcorders have them. Are the LCDs so good that you can get by without a viewfinder? Is everyone using a LCD hood? What's the real deal here?

Anyway, I'd really like to hear about the quality/usability of the HF S21 viewfinder from anyone that has used one.

Thanks!

[INFRATOM]

I studied and compared every aspect of this model to make a decision if it worths paying extra for a view finder. There were two things for me since this model is $400 more than it's cousins. One the two other models come with no on board memory and the other with 32 Meg memory. Each 32 meg memory with speeds compatible to taking HD is from $100 to $180 for 32 meg so I decided it worth paying extra to get the memory on board since it helps to make Blu-ray folder for playing on Blu-ray player also to convert HD to SD inside the camera. Now I was left with paying $100 extra for view finder, after buying this model with view finder I was glad I paid the extra $100 for following reasons:
1- In bright light it is virtually impossible to see the LCD specially it gets smugged since it is touch screen.
2- In a crowded surrounding like school etc using view finder is easier.
3- It is easier to hold the camera in a stable position using view finder.
4- It saves a bit of battery time if LCD is not opened.
There are more reasons but holding the camera and bright situation tops them all.
Good luck

[Nicks6]

Thank You INFRATOM, you have confirmed everything I have suspected.
It sounds as though you're happy with the optical quality of the viewfinder and the ability to determine correct focus while using the viewfinder.

I do have one more question.
I've read that the S21 reverts to it's lowest quality setting when turned off/on. Is this a menu driven setting or a button/switch on the camera body? Perhaps I overlooked this in my searches.

I can't lay my hands on one because no one in my area carries this model.

Thanks Again!

[INFRATOM]

I have used the view finder on auto setting, and haven't tried the manual settings yet. To use the snap focus etc LCD needs to be touched so LCD has to be open. The view finder shows all the settings but one should not expect much from such a small viewing space. On settings I haven't noticed if it resets, expensive high end camera's should not do that unless it's been left without battery for a long time. Manual is available for download and all the aspects are similar to its cousins if you want to check it out in a camera store.

[intracube]

How is the quality and usability of the HF S21 viewfinder?

I've got an HF S21, and decided to get it for similar reasons to you and Infratom. When factoring in the on-board memory, the viewfinder didn't add significantly to the price.

I've used it occasionally - for framing in bright sunlight.

Now for the bad news. The electronic viewfinder is quite poor, IMO.

It's low resolution and has a visible pixel structure, which gives the image a strong dot pattern/texture. When manual focusing, the HFS21 enlarges the middle of the frame and can apply 'peaking' to help to focus. Even so, I've found it difficult to use in that way.

Canon would have done far better to use a higher resolution monochrome screen.

It's also quite fatiguing to use for any length of time because of the lack of resolution and fuzziness. It's one of the only things I've been disappointed with.

The camera itself produces very nice images for the price.

I'd recommend visiting your local electronics retailer and trying out the camcorder there - even if you end up buying online.