In the continuum that runs from low-resolution, cheapo camcorders like the Creative Vado to high-quality, solid-state “prosumer” HD models like Canon’s own Vixia HF10, Canon’s line of SD-based camcorders–FS11, FS10, and FS100–falls exactly where you’d expect. At budget prices under $600, they’re small, stylish, and provide a reasonably expansive feature set; unfortunately, the real “budget” aspect of these models is the video quality.

The individual models in the FS series differ only by memory and color, with list prices that increment by $100 (but with lower actual street price gaps). The top-end model, the FS11, comes in dark gray and includes 16GB built-in memory; its lesser sibling, the FS10, wears silver and includes 8GB. The cheapest child, the FS100, has no built-in memory but comes in silver, blue, and red. Capacities run about 13.8 minutes per gigabyte of storage for best-quality mode, 39 min/GB for lowest quality; we don’t recommend shooting below best-quality, however.

Unfortunately, in a market that’s crowded with camcorders vying for their piece of the standard definition pie, the Canon FS100 just doesn’t stand out. It has better video performance than cheap YouTube camcorders like the Pure Digital Flip Mino, but it also isn’t as small or as easy to use. It may have superior handling and good manual controls, but we like a camcorder that performs well. Similar models from JVC and Panasonic perform better. Then again, when you’re dealing with standard def video, personal preference may be more important than performance. And in that case, the Canon FS100 is certainly worth considering.

The back of the FS100 has just a single, prominent feature: the impressively large mode dial. In the slimming trend of today’s camcorders, the mode dial or mode switch is usually tucked away to make room for other features. On the FS100 (as well as the FS10 and FS11), the mode dial is enormous, but also highly responsive. Just push in the button on the right and rotate to select your mode: Photo, Video, Video Playback, or Photo Playback. In the center of the dial is the glistening Record button. Everything is well within thumb’s reach.

What is the FS100 missing in order to accommodate such a dial? Most camcorder use the back as a repository for the battery, which can then be replaced by a larger battery (it lasts longer, but protrudes more from the back). Canon’s FS series houses the battery in the bottom of each camcorder, which means an enclosed chamber and no battery upgrading.