This item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
The VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder from Canon is a mid-range HD camcorder that provides you with numerous features and functions. The camera gives you 1920 x 1080 HD video recording, 3.3MP still image capture, and an 8GB internal flash memory. The HF M30 can also store video and still images to SD/SDHC memory cards, including Eye-Fi memory cards.
The heart of the HF M30 is the 3.89MP Full HD CMOS image sensor. This sensor works with Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor to capture detailed footage in 24Mbps AVCHD. Other tools that help you record include the Canon 15x HD Video Lens, 18x Advanced Zoom, Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, and a 2.7" LCD display.
When it comes to user-friendly options, the HF M30 gives you many to choose from. The camera offers Touch & Track for tracking of focus and exposure in your footage, Face Detection for clear exposures on the faces in the frame, and helpful functions like Smart Auto and Instant AF. Other useful and practical applications include Advanced Video Snapshot and PictBridge. And let's not forget the built-in flash and video light which help you capture video and still images in low-light settings, 24p and 30p frame modes, and microphone and headphone connections.
The advantages of flash memory go beyond the added recording time. You'll also appreciate the quick response time, because there are no moving parts. In addition, when you review, you'll have quick access to your footage. Another plus is the VIXIA HF M30's low power consumption rate, allowing your battery to last longer. And if your HF M30 happens to slip, or you accidentally knock it against something, you'll be happy to know that flash memory makes your camcorder more shock-resistant than other recording storage systems. It also minimizes the chance of data loss if there is damage to your recording media or to the moving parts found in other camcorders 1
To further enhance focusing capability, the VIXIA HF M30 also features Focus Assist. This helps in capturing your subject in razor-sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject, which is automatically cancelled when you start recording
In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the VIXIA HF M30 to capture video in 30p Progressive Mode, (30 progressive frames, recorded at 60i) which is particularly useful for footage to be used on the Internet. Excellent for action and sports shots, this setting gives enhanced quality to still images captured after recording
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 3.89 Megapixel 1/4" CMOS |
| Lens |
4.1 - 61.5 mm f/1.8 - 3.2 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 15x Advanced (Optical): 18x Digital: 300x |
| Filter Size | 37 mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 8GB Video/Image SD/SDHC Up To 32GB Video/Image |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory LP: 3 hours SP: 2 hours, 20 minutes MXP: 40 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080 (24/60/30 fps) 1 Please Note:24p Progressive records at 60i, 30p Progressive records at 60i close |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 3.3 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 2-Channel Stereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.7" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Add-on Lens |
|---|
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux | 0.4 (Low Light mode) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - Yes Flash - Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Mini Hot |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini |
| Outputs |
1x HDMI A (Full Size) 1x HDMI C (Mini) 1x A/V 1x USB 2.0 1x Component Video (out) 1x Composite Video (out) |
| 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, Ukrainian, Arabic, Persian, Thai, Greek, Czech, Hungarian
2
Please Note:Also displays Malay close |
| System Requirements |
Windows
Mac
Please Note:Also supports Snow Leopard close |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | 100-240VAC |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.7 x 2.4 x 4.9" / 6.86 x 6.10 x 12.45 cm |
| Weight | 11.3 oz / 320.36 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Why buy anything else?
I bought this camcorder back in July, and I was kind of hesitant about it, because it seemed like a small, handheld camcorder, with standard features, but in HD. I was so ...Read complete review
I bought this camcorder back in July, and I was kind of hesitant about it, because it seemed like a small, handheld camcorder, with standard features, but in HD. I was so wrong! This cam boasts amazing image quality, with that professional low depth of field ability, incredible zooming, full HD at 60 fps, advanced image stabilization, ON CAMERA LED light, up to 17 mbps, tap to focus, manual focus, 360 deg rotatable LCD, MAC OS CAPABILITY, and More! I use this for promotional videos, product reviews, video blog-in, event videography and more. On the negative side, I don't find the touch screen menus easy to navigate, and the hot shoe is a mini hot shoe, so you need to but an adapter to use an external mic or light. The built in 8 GB is a plus, and another SD card slot allows for extended recording times. Audio is OK, but definitely suggest getting an external mic. They're cheap, and very affective.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Counter-intuitive touch screen interface
The touch screen leaves something to be desired. I would describe it as the complete opposite of an iTouch or iPhone-type interface, which most would recognize as completely intuitive with no need for training ...Read complete review
The touch screen leaves something to be desired. I would describe it as the complete opposite of an iTouch or iPhone-type interface, which most would recognize as completely intuitive with no need for training or manual reading. I am patient and very tech knowledeable, but I expect a certain minimum level of functionality and navigability to be obvious out of the box. Merely getting the the menu item choices you want even after the right screen is displayed requires a "leap" of knowledge in that the scroll bars on the right of the screen operate in the exact opposite of the way scroll bars are used on any PC. To move down to a lower menu item, one must swipe the right-hand scroll bar UP and not DOWN as one would on a PC or any other device with a scroll bar. This requires fighting against years of "training" we've all had using computers every day. I spent over an hour trying to click on the menu text itself, trying to move the scroll bar down, and then eventually calling tech support, who was very helpful. I honestly thought the touch screen was broken on my model during my hour or two of frustration.
This may seem like a minor annoyance that once learned correctly, goes away. However, after setting the camera aside for a night and trying it again, I find that if you have fingers any thicker than a 5 year olds (mine are by no means thick for an adult man), it requires 3 or 4 attempts at swiping the scroll bar to move it up or down, and even then the highlighted area often goes past where you want to be.
This is my first Canon camcorder, so I can't say whether the user interface is similar to previous models with the touch screen navigation just "tacked on" or if this UI was designed specifically for these touch screen models. If it's the former, then they seemingly made a poor choice in order to save on development costs. If it's the latter, then I cannot fathom the choices the person or people in charge of the project made. Just speaking to 5 or 10 non-technical people could have alerted them to this counter-intuitive choice, and if they insisted on sticking with this way of changing highlighted menu items, they should have added the ability to just click on the text of the menu item as a secondary way to get where you want.
I thought seriously about the HF S100 because it is pre-touch screen generation, but my research indicates these older models lack the "Easy Web Sharing" ability to downscale HD videos onto DVD's easily. Reviews indicate a difficult to use software interface, so I may have to go with another manufacturer to get what I am looking for. Do any manufacter's allow for web updating a camera's firmware periodically, kind of like how Tivo continuously tweeks and improves their software? This camera could greatly benefit from some major software updates, and I might keep it if I thought that there would be future updates I could flash onto the firmware.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
This is my first video camera. I bought it to shoot video of soccer matches for recruiting videos for colleges. So far I've only had 2 opportunities to use the camera but the video quality looks excellent. However I do have some criticisms:
- The manual is nearly useless. Everytime you get to a piece of important information it refers you to a PDF version - so much for learning how to use the camera on the fly.
- As many have commented on regarding Canon's video cameras, the menu system is a bit cumbersome and overly reliant on a touch screen that doesn't work exceptionally well. Once you learn where things are it's not too bad, just don't expect to be able to make any quick changes to settings.
- Battery life is marginal. I can't get through a whole 80 min. soccer match even if I stop the video during stops in action.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I used this camera recently to video tape a ping pong game and some activity at a dock. Its a great camera for beginners to use, and the touch screen interface is great for the newer generations. The touch screen is a litle hard to use, but you all you need to do is press firmly on it and it works fine. I read many reviews on different video cameras and chose this one, I am very impressed.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I use this camera with my Video Technology class that I teach. The camera is lightweight and easy to use. I like that you have the option to record using the internal memory or on a SD card. Selected this model because of the price and the mic input. You can achieve professional quality audio with this camera when paired with a Beachtek adapter.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
It was easy to use,
Good HD quality.
The stabilization in the macro recordings wasn't sufficiently good, but I have no experience with
camcorders, maybe it is common problem.
About other things I am satisfied...
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I use this to record voice lessons. I like that it has an external mic input, but I have been happy with the sound quality for lessons (for recitals I would probably hook up an external mic for better quality.) Very useful.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
So far it has worked exactly how I expected. Not all the bells and whistles but has been a great camera for the price. The dual shot mode where you can take photos or video has been fantastic. Touch screen menu takes some getting used to.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
The camera produces really sharp images and mostly is easy to use. My chief complaint which prevents 5 stars is mediocre integration with Mac platform. I can import into iMovie 11 but it seems to be fragile and requires some side-stepping. I wish HD camera makers (Sony, Canon) would stop insisting on making poor camera import PC software, focus on the camera itself and let us seamlessly use our own Mac/PC movie import programs.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I'm very much happy about reasonable pricing and its image / movie quality, I'd recommend it to friends.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Bought this as a 3rd cam to match footages with our main cameras (Canon 60D) to film weddings. With minor tweaking, it matches the footages from our DSLR just perfect. We also use this cam to capture our wireless audio and it works great. With the 24p option and Image Stabilizer this cam is worth every penny !
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Works well in HD mode, easy operation, pixels noticable in low light, the LED for night recording very weak no benefit, pictures OK 3MP. Battery life only 1 hour, would recommend getting extended 5 hour. Playing of camcorder after recording HD in daytime light is good quality on HDTV.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I use this mostly for shooting the kids and pet. I'm not an advanced user, but I found it easy enough to use and produces great quality. In low light, the image is grainy, but that's to be expected. I'd prefer more buttons rather than a touch screen. A good setup all in all.
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Just had my first child and this camera is great. Very easy to use and software is easy as well. Get an extra battery and charger and a memory card and you will be in buisness.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
I would recommend this camera to anyone.
Pros
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Easy to set up right out of the box
Touch screen is a bit challenging to scroll through menu items
Pros
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
This camera has everything that I needed. Its perfect for school and personal video. I use it for a live news broadcast on campus and the quality is amazing. The mic input allows me to easily edit the audio for television. The one thing that I don't really care for is the touch screen but don't need to use it much except for playback. I would reccomend this camera to anyone!!
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
great camcorder- works like it should and a perfect companion to imovie. no complaints so far. I love it!!!
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Camcorder will certainly meet our needs.
Excellent picture and audio
many useful features
documentation is somewhat confusing
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Love this camera. It takes great video outdoors. The auto settings are nice, but you really need to tweak everything in manual mode to get good shots indoors. I'm not a camera pro by any means, I recommend this to people who are wanting to dive in to the video world.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
Love the camera, touch screen works fine and easy to follow. But shame on Canon the battery life is terrible and they don't include the wall charger in the kit. So the upgrade battery and wall charger will run you another 125.00.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder:
amazing little camera, does everything that most pro cameras do and more...24 P...and one feature I have been dying to get, and even the salesman dud did not know this, volume control while shooting! Control! you have not idea what this mean if you are not a pro...but for example in an interview you want to keep the volume low and constant, not automatic rising and background noise, none of that...and real slow zoom if needed.
all in all amazing images...also great stabilizer with extreme control if necessary. All in all amazing little camera...
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