The Canon VIXIA HF10 is a solid-state High Definition video camera, which means it doesn't use tape or any mechanical mechanism for the recording media. Instead it uses a memory card called Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) and built-in internal flash memory.

This camera is generally considered a high-end consumer-grade camera. The difference between this camera and a pro model largly revolves around the number of CCDs (charged coupled device) chips for recording the image. Most professional-grade cameras have three CCDs, as opposed to one chip. Generally, three-chip cameras capture a much higher quality image with better color rendition, but at a substantially higher cost. The Canon VIXIA HF10 is a one-chip camera.

Features of the Canon VIXIA HF10:

• Uses a dual-system to record video. You can record to either a SDHC memory card or 16GB of built-in internal memory (approx. 2 hours in highest quality)
• Has a mode specifically to take still images.
• Records video in either Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD) modes.
• Offers manual focus, manual exposure, manual white balance and manual audio level overrides.
• Audio mic in, and earphone out plugs.