The Canon VIXIA HF M41 Flash Memory Camcorder is a 1920 x 1080 high def cam with 32GB of internal memory. In addition to the built-in memory, the HF M41 also boasts 2 SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots. With this much space it's possible to record up to 2TB of files to memory cards alone.
Whether you record to the internal memory or removable cards, the camera's 1/3" CMOS sensor and Canon's DIGIC DV III 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 M41 also employs a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens, optical image stabilization, a 0.24" color viewfinder, and a 3.0" touch panel LCD, among other necessities. Designed with advanced use in mind, the camcorder also features headphone and microphone terminals. 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 M41 also features an enhanced internal microphone. You'll have the choice of 4 different recording directions, including monaural, stereo, wide, and synced with zoom. This feature also allows for adjustment between low, mid-range, and high frequencies. For those times when you feel like letting the camera do the work, the HF M41 has a number of user-friendly shooting controls that make for uncomplicated shooting. Face detection, Instant AF, Smart Auto, and a bevy of others all take the guess work out of recording, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment instead of worrying about settings. Other important features of the HF M41 include Photo Grab, for taking still images from already shot video, 24p and 30p frame modes for cinematic and Internet-friendly videos, along with Cinema-Look filters. A number of other options give you the tools necessary for capturing memories that will last a lifetime.You'll also have the flexibility of copying video from your VIXIA HF M41's internal drive to the removable SD memory cards. That makes it easy to insert the card into your computer or HDTV's card reader and view your recorded footage immediately
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 the recording process. Press the record button and your VIXIA HF M41 starts recording video faster than you've ever seen before. In addition, when you review, you'll have quick access to your footage
Since the effective number of pixels of HD CMOS Pro is equal to 1920 x 1080 (2.07MP), resizing is eliminated, allowing Full HD video to be captured and recorded with professional precision
Because each individual pixel is larger and more sensitive, each is capable of capturing more light, allowing high quality video to be achieved even in dimly lit conditions. The sensitivity of HD CMOS Pro is approximately 25% better than the HD CMOS sensor in the 2010 VIXIA HF S series
Using the wide dynamic range, a larger pixel area also allows more light to be stored, resulting in 280% improvement in dynamic range for exceptional reproduction of both highlights and shadows. Skin tones are captured in a finer gradation, and stable gamma and Auto Exposure control is also achieved resulting in a more 'lifelike' image
To further enhance focusing capability, the VIXIA HF M41 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. This is a feature normally found in professional broadcast-quality cameras
You'll also be able to use the Touch Panel for Touch Decoration. This feature lets you superimpose select decorations onto the images on your LCD and then records the images complete with the additions. You may add animation effects, hand written and stamp messages or insert a still image to give your video a truly individual look.
For your convenience, the VIXIA HF M41 is also equipped with a viewfinder for use in shooting when very bright outdoor light conditions may make it difficult to see the LCD display
Touch Focus allows the user to pinpoint a specific area to focus on. This function is similar to the Push AF feature found in professional camcorders, but can target a subject anywhere in the frame.
Touch Exposure enables exposure to be locked or compensated for the area touched by the user
The system is in fact so smart that it will recognize faces turned downwards or sideways. In addition, a specific face may be selected as the main subject for continuous tracking. This feature can be used to search for clips featuring that specific subject's face. In search and playback, use of the Face Index will display frames with the chosen face as a thumbnail in each shot in which it appears. The selected face can be linked as a timeline to further identify footage containing that subject
You would normally have to look to professional video cameras in order to have a sophisticated tool like 30p Progressive Mode at your command. In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the VIXIA HF M41 to capture video in 30p, (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
- Cinema Standard: Tones down highlights slightly, boosts shadows slightly and adds warmth for a cinematic look
- Cool: Adds a bluish tint for cool, futuristic-looking scenes
- Dramatic B/W: Creates bold B/W movies with high contrast and grain
- Dream: Adds a magical look (soft focus) for dream-like scenes
- Memory: Adds a faded, misty look to create flashback scenes
- Nostalgic: Recreates the look of old '70s TV programs
- Old Movie: Gives movies the aged look of old cinema
- Sepia: Uses a sepia tint for an antique, faded look
- Vivid: Accentuates primary colors for a bright, cheerful look
Through a menu selection, 1080i video is converted to 1080p and can be output through the camcorder's HDMI terminal. The 1080p output offers smooth reproduction of fast action, such as sports.
The Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe allows you to attach optional Canon accessories, such as the VL-5 video light, DM-100 directional stereo microphone, RA-V1 remote control adapter, or SM-V1 5.1 channel surround microphone.
The built-in microphone terminal with manual audio level control and the headphone terminal provide exceptional audio flexibility.
Canon's new optional WM-V1 wireless microphone allows you to record high-quality audio without a hard connection from up to 164 feet away (50m). This feature is, ideal for wedding or graduation ceremonies, documenting meetings and recitals
- Monaural: Single point direction
- Normal (stereo)
- Wide: Provides a more enhanced, separated stereo effect than normal
- Synced with Zoom: Directionality is adjusted to match the zoom position
In addition, the frequency response characteristics of the microphone can be adjusted between low, mid-range and high frequencies.
- Normal: Provides a balance throughout all frequencies
- Low-range emphasis: Excellent for recording live music with impact
- Attenuate low frequencies: Reduces ambient noise and the sound of traffic outdoors, such as wind, cars, etc.
- Mid-range emphasis: Ideal for capturing people's voices
- Low and high range emphasis: Record live music with balanced lows and highs
The built-in microphone terminal with manual audio level control and the headphone terminal provide exceptional audio flexibility.
Canon's new optional WM-V1 wireless microphone allows you to record high-quality audio without wires from up to 164 feet away (50m), ideal for ceremonies and recitals.
For the ultimate home theater experience, 5.1 channel surround sound allows you to capture audio quality that matches the stunning realism of your high definition video. The sound is captured from all directions (five different pickup sensors) so your home movies will look and sound more lifelike than ever before.