Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder
- Price: $649.99
- Instant Savings: -$100.00 Offer ends MAY 31 '13
- You Pay: $549.99
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # CAHFM52
- Mfr# 6093B004
Product Highlights
- Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor
- Capture Full HD 1920 x 1080 Video
- SD/SDHC/SDXC Slot & 32GB Flash Memory
- HD Video Lens with 10x Optical Zoom
- LCD 3.0" Widescreen Touch Screen Display
- Optical & Powered Image Stabilization
- Cinematic Features & Touch Decoration
- HDMI Output & AV Output
- Built-In WiFi
The Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder is a 1920 x 1080 high def cam with 32GB of flash memory. In addition to its built-in memory, the HF M52 also boasts a SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot that supports up to 64GB memory cards. With this much storage space it's possible to record for several hours. Whether you record to the internal memory or removable card, the camera's 1/3" HD CMOS Pro Sensor and image processor work together to provide stunningly detailed, life-like images that look great on your HDTV. Of course, these two don't work alone: the HF M52 also employs a genuine Canon 10x HD video lens, optical image stabilization, powered image stabilization and a 3.0" widescreen touch screen LCD display, among other great features.
Designed with advanced users in mind, the camcorder also comes with headphone and microphone jacks. These connections make it possible to capture high quality audio to go along with your movies. In addition to using an external mic for audio, the HF M52 features an enhanced internal microphone, which gives you the choice of 4 different recording directions, including monaural, stereo, wide, or synced with zoom. This feature also allows for adjustment between low, mid-range, and high frequencies.
- 10x HD Video Lens
- The HF M52's 10x HD video lens produces extraordinary images. The high-performance Canon HD Video Lens uses low-dispersion glass to suppress chromatic aberration, delivering crystal clear video with excellent resolution, even at the telephoto end of the zoom. Super spectra coating technology lowers flare and ghosting. The lens also features an iris diaphragm, which produces highly expressive video with sharply focused subjects and beautifully blurred backgrounds
- Professional-Level Sensor for Professional-Quality Images
- Equipped with the same high-powered image sensor found in professional models, the compact HF M52 camcorder captures 1080p Full HD video. The professional-level 1/3" native 1920 x 1080 HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor has a large pixel size that captures more available light to deliver superb imaging. Technical refinements including a thinner on-chip microlens, improved color filter transmittance and deeper, wider photodiode allow 20% higher light transmittance. Additional light to the sensor means that video shot in low-light situations is brighter and clearer, with better noise suppression. The extended dynamic range is exceptionally wide, producing enhanced gradation and natural, lifelike realism in high-contrast scenes
- Record to Internal Flash Drive or SD Memory Card
- The camcorder's internal 32GB flash drive holds up to 12 hours of crisp, high-definition video safely and securely. With no moving parts, flash memory technology is perfectly able to withstand camcorder jolts or drops. You can also record to a removable SD memory card, making it easy to share your video with friends and family. The camcorder supports up to 64GB card, which means 24 hours of recording for a combined capacity of 96GB or 36 hours. For added flexibility, you can even backup your video directly to an external hard drive by using the optional UA-100 USB Adapter
- Record in AVCHD or MP4 Format
- The HF M52 camcorder gives you the flexibility of dual codec recording, allowing you to record in AVCHD or MP4 format, so you can pick the format that best suits your needs. AVCHD's higher bit-rate and finer resolution will yield the highest quality video for viewing on an HDTV or archiving to Blu-ray. For use with today's most typical video applications, the camcorder lets you record in MP4 format, which produces files you can share right away with no need for conversion. Video is immediately available to upload to social networking sites like Facebook or YouTube
- Built-in WiFi
- Built-in WiFi opens up a world of possibilities, giving you the connectivity and immediacy you expect today. The HF M52 camcorder is a sharing device, ready to send your video wherever you like, whenever you like. Plus, if you're in an Internet hotspot, you can post video to YouTube, Facebook and other sharing sites. The free Canon iOS Movie Upload app lets you upload video from the HF M52 camcorder to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. When you send video to your smartphone or tablet, you'll find it conveniently filed where your other videos are stored. Shoot video in your living room and save it to the PC in your home office over your home network. Wireless setup with the HF M52 is as quick and easy as it is with your other devices. You can register and store up to three networks for immediate retrieval at any time
- Intelligent IS
- Intelligent IS makes it easy to shoot clear, sharply focused video, even in situations that typically cause camera shake. The Intelligent IS system analyzes the shooting situation for you, then automatically switches to the image stabilization method best able to produce sharp, steady video. Four IS systems cover the gamut of shooting situations. Dynamic IS corrects minor movement and the shaking caused by walking while shooting. Macro IS delivers perfectly steady close-up shots. Powered IS comes into play when you're using the camcorder's powerful zoom, correcting shake that can occur in telephoto shots. Tripod Mode stops IS when the camcorder is stationary
- Increased Clarity & Adjustability
- The HF M52 camcorder's audio is an excellent match for its pristine image quality. The microphone has updated elements that increase clarity at medium and low frequencies, so even faint sounds are recorded clearly. Three microphone positions let you adjust recording to suit the position of the zoom or your subjects: front for monaural recording; regular for normal stereo effect; and rear for a wider, more enhanced stereo effect. Frequency response characteristics can be adjusted for the scene with several options. You can balance all frequencies for normal recording, emphasize low frequencies for impactful live music recording, attenuate low frequencies to reduce ambient noise, emphasize mid frequencies to focus on voices, or emphasize low and high frequencies to record live music with balanced lows and highs
- Widescreen 3.0" Touch Panel LCD
- The HF M52's 3.0" Flat Touch Panel LCD provides super intuitive control that feels instantly familiar. With a touch, you can shift focus immediately to any subject. Exposure for any area of the screen can be controlled with a touch as well. And with Touch Track, you simply place your finger on a moving subject and the focus will follow that subject. Tactile buttons are also available for selecting settings and controlling camcorder operations on-screen. A Home button on the camcorder takes you to the main LCD screen, where clear explanations of shooting modes and recording settings help you make informed choices for an exceptionally simple and enjoyable shooting experience
- Smart AUTO & Auto Tele Macro
- Smart AUTO lets you capture clear, bright, well-focused video while the camcorder takes care of all the details. The system recognizes 38 shooting situations based on numerous factors, then automatically chooses the optimal settings for the situation. When you shoot a nearby subject in telephoto zoom mode, Auto Tele Macro gives your video the high-end artistic effect of a well-focused subject against a beautifully blurred background
- Cinema-Look Filters
- Giving your videos more creativity is easy with new Cinema-Look Filters. Cinema Standard subdues brights and enhances darks for the feel of film. Vivid accentuates primary colors for a cheerful effect and Cool adds a bluish tint for a futuristic feel. Nostalgic recreates the look of 1970s TV shows. Sepia adds a distinctive fade and antique tint. Old Movies imparts the aged look of early cinema. Dynamic creates dramatic high-contrast grayscale. Dream adds a magical look (soft-focus) for dream-like scenes. Memory produces a faded, misty look-great for flashback scenes
- Story Creator
- Creating a compelling video that truly documents an important event can be challenging, so the VIXIA HF M52 camcorder steps in to help with Story Creator. The feature is even easier to use than ever, so even beginning videographers can cover an event with confidence. Before shooting, you'll see a list of scenes you'll want to be sure to catch for several different types of occasions. And now each scene selection includes specific shooting tips that help with scene structure and composition, including suggestions for wide-shots, close-ups, even recommendations for length of shots. After shooting, you can watch your video in coherent story order based on each scene's theme, as opposed to the order in which each scene was shot
- 24p Cinema & 30p Progressive Modes
- The HF M52 camcorder's sophisticated shooting mode options offer superior creativity and functionality. 24p Cinema Mode gives your video a film-like feel, making it look as if it were shot at the same frame rate as movie film, with a frame capture rate of 24p recorded at 60i. The camcorder also gives you the option of recording in 30p Progressive Mode, which is ideal for clips you intend to post online
- Microphone & Headphone Terminals
- The HF M52 camcorder offers exceptional audio flexibility with microphone and headphone terminals. The microphone terminal allows you to capture professional-quality sound with an external microphone and manual audio level control ensures proper volume for any situation. In addition, you'll find a dedicated headphone terminal, ideal for remote communication with the optional Wireless Microphone WM-V1 and other applications
| Camera | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 2.37 Megapixel 1/3" CMOS |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
6.1 - 61 mm f/1.8 - 3.0 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 10x Digital: 200x |
| Filter Size | 43 mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 32GB Video/Image SD/SDHC/SDXC Up To 64GB Video/Image |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory GB 32GB LP (5Mbps): 720 minutes 32GB SP (7Mbps): 575 minutes 32GB XP+ (12Mbps): 345 minutes 32GB FXP (17Mbps): 250 minutes 32GB MXP (24Mbps): 175 minutes Internal Flash Memory GB 32GB MP4 (4Mbps): 1015 minutes 32GB MP4 (9Mbps): 460 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition AVCHD (MPEG4) 1920 x 1080p / 24 fps 1920 x 1080p / 30 fps 1920 x 1080i / 60 fps |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 2.07 Megapixel, 1920 x 1080 |
| Channels |
2-Channel Stereo
1
Please Note:Dolby Digital AC3 or MP4 AAC - LC close |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type |
LCD
2
Please Note:Widescreen close |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Screen Size |
3.0"
3
Please Note:(7.6 cm) close |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical & Digital |
| Lux |
1.2 (Regular Mode) 0.1 (Low Light Mode) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - No |
| Accessory Shoe | Hot |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Outputs |
1x HDMI C (Mini) 1x Mini-USB 2.0 1x A/V |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages |
English Spanish French German Portuguese Japanese Dutch Russian Simplified Chinese Traditional Chinese Korean Italian Polish Romanian Turkish Arabic Czech |
| System Requirements |
Windows
Mac
Please Note:Windows 7 (64 bit) requires 2GB RAM close |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.6VDC, 1840mAh Hours per Charge |
| Power Adapter | 100-240VAC, 50/60HZ |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.68 x 2.52 x 4.76" / 6.8 x 6.4 x 12.1 cm |
| Weight |
10.93 oz / 310 g without battery 12.88 oz / 365 g with battery |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 28 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Zoom range/performance (25)
- Great picture quality (22)
- Easy to use (20)
- Good in low light (16)
- Image stabilization (16)
Cons
- Complicated to operate (3)
- Poor still image (3)
Best Uses
- HD shooting (17)
- Home movies (14)
- Low light (12)
- Travel (12)
- Weddings (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (13), Semi-pro (10), Enthusiast (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (24), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
The Beginning of a NEW Era!
Purchased this camera after having my Canon T2i (which I love for interviews and short videos), but I needed something that could record for longer shots, like meetings and seminars. I like that...Read complete review
Purchased this camera after having my Canon T2i (which I love for interviews and short videos), but I needed something that could record for longer shots, like meetings and seminars. I like that this has both a built in flash memory (which will pretty much never wear out because there's no spinning hard drive and really no moving parts) and as an alternative I can pop in my 32G Class 10 SD card from my T2i for even more space or for added ease in transporting the footage. Total I can record somewhere between 9-16 hours of footage depending on settings and codec!
Don't get frustrated, but understand it takes some careful reading and trial and error to send MP4 video from the camera, through the wifi to an ipad/iphone (very cool feature and ideal for a YouTube junky). Call Canon support if you need to--I did and they walked me through the whole process; super friendly and they were located in the US! note: if you own a Mac, don't use the provided cd's; the software is really designed for a PC.
I LOVE:
1) The wifi feature is way ahead of its time; no telling how this will be used in the future, but very helpful with uploading short videos to YouTube.
2) Dual codec is something I have only seen on very, very expensive cameras; AVCHD for DVD use and then being able to record in MP4 when recording a 6 hour long conference is very simple and takes up hardly any memory on the camera.
3) Touch screen on the camera is nice and LCD is so clear (thank you Canon)!
I DON'T LOVE:
1) That I can't send the footage straight to my MacBook Pro (at least I haven't figured it out yet although there is a way I'm sure.
2) The wifi setup is a less than intuitive.
3) the battery life isn't great--so plug that in!
4) when you upload from the camera to YouTube, it only displays in 360p, which is good enough, but not amazing (Looks amazing on an iphone though...)
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
excellent camcorder
Just got it , did my kids play at high school and it came out beautiful, excellent zoom, auto mode could use a tweak on lighting because faces get too bright. If you record...Read complete review
Just got it , did my kids play at high school and it came out beautiful, excellent zoom, auto mode could use a tweak on lighting because faces get too bright. If you record anything at length a good steadyrest is essential because it is small and light. Picture feature works but it should have a separate button, touching the screen makes the camera move and the picture is not as clear.My biggest gripe is with the software, you MUST set up a password protected profile which is a waste of time, the wireless feature works, but is finicky and so slow that you would be better off without it, and direct to tv wireless is a format problem that you have to research to get it to work(what your TV accepts vs what format you record in)" if " it can be compatable. The battery is only good for 70 minutes according to B&H, but it is actually 120 -130 minutes on the camcorder. I miss a full manual, if they want to save paper then don't give me a startup manual in 8 languages, which makes me throw out most of it.Definitely expensive and expected better for the price.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 28 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Corporate Video
- HD Shooting
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I purchased the Canon Vixia HF M52 for producing marketing videos inhouse. Primarily used for client interviews, event documentation, and b-roll shots for videos we will post to our web site. The camera is small, battery life is good, and the amount of built in memory is good (32GB). I added a 32GB SDHC memory card as well.
The camera is promoted as being optimized for HD video and it is. The video quality is outstanding. However, it's also true that this is not a good camera for taking still photos. If you need a camera that is good at both still and video then this is not the camera for you.
I used the HF M52 to document a recent users' conference at our company and while the video was excellent, the few photos I tried to take were dark, showed lots of noise, and are basically unusable if you intend to print them. They may work ok for online use.
The menu controls take a little getting used to. Everything is handled through on-screen menus. Basic auto operation is great. There are decent manual control - however, the manual features available are somewhat hindered by having to use the on-screen menus to access them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- SDHC memory card, Backup battery and battery charger
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Very good video quality, great in low light and I like the WIFI capability. I use this mostly for family outings and events that come up. I would recommmend this camcorder to a friend, Great purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Canon WL-D89 wireless controller
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor Software For Mac
- Wi-fi Too Complicated
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I purchased this product before heading out on a vacation. First of all, it's considerably smaller and lighter than you'd expect. It actually fit easily in the pocket of my cargo shorts. Every night I took advantage of the direct backup to hard drive feature by connecting an external USB drive using a Sony USB adapter cable. It performed well in low light as well. I only gave it 4 stars because of the lack of Mac software support. The Wi-fi capabilities aren't very useful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Everything worked as advertised. Setting the camera on auto does almost all the work for you but the more adventurous can play with the other settings. Having the extra 32 GB SD card is recommended. Videos are great quality, the camera is light. The only minor complaint is the position of the record button.
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
The touchscreen is a good idea for a consumer camera, but it is a little unresponsive. The menus are very simple to navigate through. It's a nice camera for a quick family video.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I'm a bit of an electronic idiot, but this is simple to use and takes great video.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Background Noise
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
We use the camera for everything from dance performances to football games and it gives wonderful coverage. The quality is fantastic!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Customer Testimonials
- Product Demos
- Tradeshows
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
My designer recommended the camera to me and used his a couple times. Loved the light weight and was easy to take with me on customer visits. It worked out so well we decided to purchase our own. He recommended B&H and we are glad he did.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Outdoor events games
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
This is a very easy to use video camera for the experienced user. It has a ton of features for low light and night time shooting as well as different daytime options. The sound and quality is top notch when viewed on a computer or television and the editing system that comes in the box is very useful. The battery lasts much longer than advertised and an HDMI cable also comes in the box so no need to go out and buy one!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No Build In Lightflush
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Under water
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I have Canon VIXIA HV40 (DV Tape) and I am comparing the Video quality with HF M52 its a huge difference. I do a lot of video editing and I have so many DV taps all over, but with M52 this is a huge advantage with 32GB memory and will never loose video quality no matter how many times I use it. One thing I don't like is that I wish it had build in flush light or light.
The Bottom line it is worth it if you are going to use it daily bases.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Video image clarity is OK, but suffers at low light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
BCTV is a community access TV station with lots of volunteers taping community events. They need an easy to use camera; I need good audio and good video. The Canon Vixia line of consumer camcorders has been our go-to product for years. It delivers what I need and it is easy to use for our volunteers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good in Low Light
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Touch Screen Difficult To
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Live Music
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I haven't had the camera long, but my immediate impression is that it is great. I mostly use it for recording live music in low light settings, and under those conditions it is outstanding in both performance and value. Video stays crisp even when zoomed way in, and audio can be adjusted so it doesn't blow out in a loud room. Of course most venues don't allow video recording, but when they do, this is the camera for the job.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Sound
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Battery Life About 45min
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I was looking for a camera with decent lens, audio mic input jack and headphone jack. Camera meets all of this and I didn't realize it, till I got it, there is a WiFi feature too. Camera very easy to use almost intuitive. I was afraid of Cannon's software taking over my computer like it did my neighbors. But it hasn't yet. Really haven't used the software quite yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Extra Battery
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Great for filming our new baby and also for documenting my fishing and hunting trips. Video is very clear; however, still pictures are very grainy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
- Poor Sound
- Terrible User Interface
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
The touch screen interface and menus for this camera are the least intuitive I've ever seen in my life. There seems to be no logic or sequence thinking. Just a lot of icons. Most of the time you can't hit a "Back" button to return to a screen. It's like wandering through a labyrinth.
Canon needs to take a hint from Apple and discover the concept of being "User-Friendly".
This is a camera that shoots beautiful video, but is so difficult to navigate I can't really use it for what I need.
I specifically needed to use an external mic with the unit. When trying to follow the steps in the User Manual, I found you could not do the steps as written. Some don't exist. Some searching through the icon jungle gave me hope when I found another Mic input button, but it was grayed out on the touch screen and unusable.
Support pages online were no help. Neither the printed manual nor the PDF version were of any help.
I can use it in Auto mode, but not with the audio input I need. Get a clue Canon. We're not all ubergeeks. Many of us need more clarity and ease of use. Why make a product that shoots such great video but is so hard to use?
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
The wife is an Author and food critic. Intend to augment her print articles with video of how various recipes should be prepared. Ease of use coupled with wireless microphone and reciever helps produce professional quality videos!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
the ease of use and quality is superb. I love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Wireless feature is tough
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Expecting my first child in a week and got the camera to capture it all. Very easy to use, great picture
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
The picture quality is very nice and all other things are also good. But there is a problem that is the picture formet is MTS. It's new formet for me and I'll have to formate it again before my editting! Otherwise it's the best!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 28 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Zoom range/performance (25)
- Great picture quality (22)
- Easy to use (20)
- Good in low light (16)
- Image stabilization (16)
Cons
- Complicated to operate (3)
- Poor still image (3)
Best Uses
- HD shooting (17)
- Home movies (14)
- Low light (12)
- Travel (12)
- Weddings (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (13), Semi-pro (10), Enthusiast (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (24), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
The Beginning of a NEW Era!
Purchased this camera after having my Canon T2i (which I love for interviews and short videos), but I needed something that could record for longer shots, like meetings and seminars. I like that...Read complete review
Purchased this camera after having my Canon T2i (which I love for interviews and short videos), but I needed something that could record for longer shots, like meetings and seminars. I like that this has both a built in flash memory (which will pretty much never wear out because there's no spinning hard drive and really no moving parts) and as an alternative I can pop in my 32G Class 10 SD card from my T2i for even more space or for added ease in transporting the footage. Total I can record somewhere between 9-16 hours of footage depending on settings and codec!
Don't get frustrated, but understand it takes some careful reading and trial and error to send MP4 video from the camera, through the wifi to an ipad/iphone (very cool feature and ideal for a YouTube junky). Call Canon support if you need to--I did and they walked me through the whole process; super friendly and they were located in the US! note: if you own a Mac, don't use the provided cd's; the software is really designed for a PC.
I LOVE:
1) The wifi feature is way ahead of its time; no telling how this will be used in the future, but very helpful with uploading short videos to YouTube.
2) Dual codec is something I have only seen on very, very expensive cameras; AVCHD for DVD use and then being able to record in MP4 when recording a 6 hour long conference is very simple and takes up hardly any memory on the camera.
3) Touch screen on the camera is nice and LCD is so clear (thank you Canon)!
I DON'T LOVE:
1) That I can't send the footage straight to my MacBook Pro (at least I haven't figured it out yet although there is a way I'm sure.
2) The wifi setup is a less than intuitive.
3) the battery life isn't great--so plug that in!
4) when you upload from the camera to YouTube, it only displays in 360p, which is good enough, but not amazing (Looks amazing on an iphone though...)
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
excellent camcorder
Just got it , did my kids play at high school and it came out beautiful, excellent zoom, auto mode could use a tweak on lighting because faces get too bright. If you record...Read complete review
Just got it , did my kids play at high school and it came out beautiful, excellent zoom, auto mode could use a tweak on lighting because faces get too bright. If you record anything at length a good steadyrest is essential because it is small and light. Picture feature works but it should have a separate button, touching the screen makes the camera move and the picture is not as clear.My biggest gripe is with the software, you MUST set up a password protected profile which is a waste of time, the wireless feature works, but is finicky and so slow that you would be better off without it, and direct to tv wireless is a format problem that you have to research to get it to work(what your TV accepts vs what format you record in)" if " it can be compatable. The battery is only good for 70 minutes according to B&H, but it is actually 120 -130 minutes on the camcorder. I miss a full manual, if they want to save paper then don't give me a startup manual in 8 languages, which makes me throw out most of it.Definitely expensive and expected better for the price.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 28 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Corporate Video
- HD Shooting
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I purchased the Canon Vixia HF M52 for producing marketing videos inhouse. Primarily used for client interviews, event documentation, and b-roll shots for videos we will post to our web site. The camera is small, battery life is good, and the amount of built in memory is good (32GB). I added a 32GB SDHC memory card as well.
The camera is promoted as being optimized for HD video and it is. The video quality is outstanding. However, it's also true that this is not a good camera for taking still photos. If you need a camera that is good at both still and video then this is not the camera for you.
I used the HF M52 to document a recent users' conference at our company and while the video was excellent, the few photos I tried to take were dark, showed lots of noise, and are basically unusable if you intend to print them. They may work ok for online use.
The menu controls take a little getting used to. Everything is handled through on-screen menus. Basic auto operation is great. There are decent manual control - however, the manual features available are somewhat hindered by having to use the on-screen menus to access them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- SDHC memory card, Backup battery and battery charger
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Very good video quality, great in low light and I like the WIFI capability. I use this mostly for family outings and events that come up. I would recommmend this camcorder to a friend, Great purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Canon WL-D89 wireless controller
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor Software For Mac
- Wi-fi Too Complicated
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I purchased this product before heading out on a vacation. First of all, it's considerably smaller and lighter than you'd expect. It actually fit easily in the pocket of my cargo shorts. Every night I took advantage of the direct backup to hard drive feature by connecting an external USB drive using a Sony USB adapter cable. It performed well in low light as well. I only gave it 4 stars because of the lack of Mac software support. The Wi-fi capabilities aren't very useful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Everything worked as advertised. Setting the camera on auto does almost all the work for you but the more adventurous can play with the other settings. Having the extra 32 GB SD card is recommended. Videos are great quality, the camera is light. The only minor complaint is the position of the record button.
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
The touchscreen is a good idea for a consumer camera, but it is a little unresponsive. The menus are very simple to navigate through. It's a nice camera for a quick family video.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I'm a bit of an electronic idiot, but this is simple to use and takes great video.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Background Noise
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
We use the camera for everything from dance performances to football games and it gives wonderful coverage. The quality is fantastic!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Customer Testimonials
- Product Demos
- Tradeshows
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
My designer recommended the camera to me and used his a couple times. Loved the light weight and was easy to take with me on customer visits. It worked out so well we decided to purchase our own. He recommended B&H and we are glad he did.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Outdoor events games
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
This is a very easy to use video camera for the experienced user. It has a ton of features for low light and night time shooting as well as different daytime options. The sound and quality is top notch when viewed on a computer or television and the editing system that comes in the box is very useful. The battery lasts much longer than advertised and an HDMI cable also comes in the box so no need to go out and buy one!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No Build In Lightflush
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Under water
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I have Canon VIXIA HV40 (DV Tape) and I am comparing the Video quality with HF M52 its a huge difference. I do a lot of video editing and I have so many DV taps all over, but with M52 this is a huge advantage with 32GB memory and will never loose video quality no matter how many times I use it. One thing I don't like is that I wish it had build in flush light or light.
The Bottom line it is worth it if you are going to use it daily bases.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Video image clarity is OK, but suffers at low light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
BCTV is a community access TV station with lots of volunteers taping community events. They need an easy to use camera; I need good audio and good video. The Canon Vixia line of consumer camcorders has been our go-to product for years. It delivers what I need and it is easy to use for our volunteers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good in Low Light
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Touch Screen Difficult To
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Live Music
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I haven't had the camera long, but my immediate impression is that it is great. I mostly use it for recording live music in low light settings, and under those conditions it is outstanding in both performance and value. Video stays crisp even when zoomed way in, and audio can be adjusted so it doesn't blow out in a loud room. Of course most venues don't allow video recording, but when they do, this is the camera for the job.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Sound
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Battery Life About 45min
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
I was looking for a camera with decent lens, audio mic input jack and headphone jack. Camera meets all of this and I didn't realize it, till I got it, there is a WiFi feature too. Camera very easy to use almost intuitive. I was afraid of Cannon's software taking over my computer like it did my neighbors. But it hasn't yet. Really haven't used the software quite yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Extra Battery
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Great for filming our new baby and also for documenting my fishing and hunting trips. Video is very clear; however, still pictures are very grainy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
- Poor Sound
- Terrible User Interface
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
The touch screen interface and menus for this camera are the least intuitive I've ever seen in my life. There seems to be no logic or sequence thinking. Just a lot of icons. Most of the time you can't hit a "Back" button to return to a screen. It's like wandering through a labyrinth.
Canon needs to take a hint from Apple and discover the concept of being "User-Friendly".
This is a camera that shoots beautiful video, but is so difficult to navigate I can't really use it for what I need.
I specifically needed to use an external mic with the unit. When trying to follow the steps in the User Manual, I found you could not do the steps as written. Some don't exist. Some searching through the icon jungle gave me hope when I found another Mic input button, but it was grayed out on the touch screen and unusable.
Support pages online were no help. Neither the printed manual nor the PDF version were of any help.
I can use it in Auto mode, but not with the audio input I need. Get a clue Canon. We're not all ubergeeks. Many of us need more clarity and ease of use. Why make a product that shoots such great video but is so hard to use?
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
The wife is an Author and food critic. Intend to augment her print articles with video of how various recipes should be prepared. Ease of use coupled with wireless microphone and reciever helps produce professional quality videos!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
the ease of use and quality is superb. I love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Wireless feature is tough
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
Expecting my first child in a week and got the camera to capture it all. Very easy to use, great picture
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
The picture quality is very nice and all other things are also good. But there is a problem that is the picture formet is MTS. It's new formet for me and I'll have to formate it again before my editting! Otherwise it's the best!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Media
Show more >Be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $14.95
Batteries & Power
Show more >Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $59.95
Bags & Cases
Show more >Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $17.95
Filters
Show more >Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $10.95
- Price: $23.89
Lenses & Adaptors
Show more >Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
- Price: $92.50
- Price: $239.99
Wireless & Streaming Video
- Price: $289.00
WHY SHOP AT B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don't turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you'll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We've made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
