In its digital camcorder catalogue, Canon has now completed the quartet, following the release of the DVD-based HR10, the 'record straight to hard drive' HG10 and the MiniDV-centred HV30. Although Canon has taken its time to follow the other camera manufacturers in producing a flash memory-based system, the result has definitely been worth the wait.

The HF10 truly lives up to the name compact, weighing a mere 380g and with barrel-shaped dimensions of 73 (W) x 64 (H) x 129 (D) mm. Styled in chic jet black, the one noticeable change in the layout compared with others in the Canon range is the appearance of a control joystick and a function button on the edge of the fully rotating 2.7-inch LCD monitor.

This takes a little bit of getting used to, as you'll often be holding the LCD to help stabilise the camera. In addition, the joystick is used for manual focusing rather than the more usual lens ring, which is fiddly to say the least.

Get the latest Dell Coupons and other computer coupons at CheapStingyBargains.com.

Unlike its younger brother, the HF100, the HF10 has dual flash memory; an internal 16GB flash drive as well as a removable SDHC memory card slot. This means you have a minimum of 2 hours recording time on the internal drive in the highest FXP mode and up to 6 hours in LP mode. When that drive is full, you can then easily transfer footage to your external SDHC card.

Canon has developed a new 3.3-megapixel HD CMOS image sensor for this model, which is slightly smaller than in the HG10 and HV30 but still manages to record at 1,920 x 1,080 pixels before compressing to the current top AVCHD data rate of 17Mbps. The sensor also features on-chip noise reduction technology which comes into its own in low light situations.

While the image sensor may have slightly shrunk, the lens itself has expanded from the standard 10x to 12x HD, which, as well as extending your reach, also features a 'super spectra' coating to lower flare and ghosting. As well as the manual focusing option, you can access Smooth Zoom Control which offers three pre-set zoom speeds. Canon's HD friendly Instant AF system includes an Ai-AF function which automatically selects from 9 metering frames on the screen, even if your subject isn't in the centre of the frame.

Camera shake is countered via the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer and there's a built-in video light to help with dimly-lit locations. In addition to all the recognisable scene modes (Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, and Fireworks) there's a 24p Cinema mode to emulate film, a 30p Progressive mode designed to capture footage for the Web and even an Easy mode for those who want all the settings sorted out for them.

While we applaud the proliferation of inputs and outputs (headphones, microphone, HDMI, USB, component), the new Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe has of necessity meant a reduction in size of 50 percent, so standard fittings won't apply.

However, when it comes to seeing the results of the footage you've shot on playback, you should be delighted with the sharpness and clarity of the images and the authenticity of colour and contrast. While the days of the MiniDV are far from numbered, the HR10 has proved that Flash can now be recognised as a serious rival.

Ultra compact yet bristling with features, Canon's entry into the flash-based camcorder market is a striking success with its powerful sensor, onboard technologies and impressively high picture quality even in low level conditions.