Is the VIXIA HF S100 that much better than the HF20

[Raycaster]

I'm getting ready for a Summer Europe trip with the family and have my eyes set on purchasing a Canon HF20.

Getting older and cheaper by the minute I'm constantly reading the same reviews referring to the HF20 having less than average low light performance. So I quickly start thinking maybe the VIXIA HF S100 would be a better bet.

The VIXIA HF S100 is another $400 and really wondering if it's worth it.

Is the low light performance really a deal breaker? I usually pay the extra cost for better equipment but $400 would get me a 3 hour battery and Popcorn unit to view the video...

Sorry for asking so many questions but darn, its getting harder and harder for me to open my wallet...

[Soopafresh]

Get the cheaper one, as the accessories will end up being the most expensive part of the camcorder experience. 3 hr battery is great, as is a wide angle lens. And I always recommend a stabilizer http://www.b-hague.co.uk/hague_mini_motion_cam_steadicam_type_camcorder_stabilizer.htm

[zoobie]

I have a sneaking suspicion that, once the fam is in Europe, that $400 is going to look more and more like 400 pennies...especially this year

[Raycaster]

Thx for the replies.

It's a tough decision as low light performance is important but does the HF20 really suk at it? Is it 10% worse? Is it 5X better than my old DV Camcorder? Is it $400 worse?

I think the HF20 may be just fine... And thanx for the suggestion of the stabilizer! I had a stroke awhile back and always worry about shake.

[Braindrain]

I did a side-by-side comparison of the HFS100 and HF200. Chose the HF200 for the following reasons:

1) HF200 less bulky. HFS100 is significantly larger - but, for good reason!
2) Since I'm not a pro, the HF20/200 met my needs.

Yeah, the reports indicate worse low-light recording on the HF20/200 but I tried it out in an unlit room with a lower level of ambient lighting. Seemed fine. I think we're talking about really low lighting.

[Raycaster]

Thank you Braindrain (and others).

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Yes the more expensive unit is better but by $400?
Maybe for some yes but for me at this time I think not.

Time to look for cheaper than Canon $185 3hr batteries!