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Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder

  • Price: $749.99
  • 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, Component & Composite Connectors
  • Built-In WiFi

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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
Optics
Sensor 2.37 Megapixel 1/3" CMOS
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
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
32GB MP4 (4Mbps): 1015 minutes
32GB MP4 (9Mbps): 460 minutes
Video Format High Definition
AVCHD (MPEG4)
1920 x 1080p, 1920 x 1080p, 1920 x 1080i (24/30/60 fps)
High Definition
AVCHD (MPEG4)
1920 x 1080p, 1920 x 1080p, 1920 x 1080i (24/30/60 fps)
Still Image Resolution JPEG: 2.07 Megapixel, 1920 x 1080
Audio Format 2-Channel Stereo 1
Please Note:

Dolby Digital AC3 or MP4 AAC - LC

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Display
Display Type LCD 2
Please Note:

Widescreen

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Screen Size 3.0" 3
Please Note:

(7.6 cm)

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Touchscreen Yes
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 Composite Video (out)
1x Component 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, Arabic, Czech
System Requirements Windows
  • XP (SP3), Vista (SP2), 7
  • Core 2 Duo 1.66GHz Processor or greater
  • 1GB RAM

Mac
  • OS X 10.6
  • Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz Processor or greater
  • 1GB RAM
4
Please Note:

Windows 7 (64 bit) requires 2GB RAM

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Battery Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.6VDC, 1840mAh
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
CanonVIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder
 
4.3

(based on 6 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Zoom range/performance (7)
  • Great picture quality (5)
  • Easy to use (4)
  • Good in low light (4)
  • Great sound (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • HD shooting (5)
    • Low light (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Casual user (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (6)

    Reviewed by 6 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-6

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    5.0

    Wonderful!

    By Joanne

    from Burlington, VT

    About Me Casual User

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy to Use
    • Great Picture Quality
    • Great Sound
    • Great Zoom
    • Zoom range/performance

    Cons

    • Not as heavy duty as our
    • Old camera

    Best Uses

    • HD Shooting
    • Travel

    Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:

    This camera is very impressive - easy to use, easy to operate!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    Great image for the price

    By Andi Pete

    from WI

    About Me Casual User

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy to Use
    • Good in Low Light
    • Great Picture Quality
    • Great Sound
    • Great Zoom
    • Large Clear LCD

    Cons

    • Edit time very long
    • Large File Sizes

    Best Uses

    • HD Shooting
    • Indoors/Low Light

    Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:

    I purchased this camera as an upgrade for work at a manufacturing facility to document machines we build once they are up and running. Image looks great using the existing lighting on our shop floor. Camera is a good size/weight. I do find using the face detection a little difficult for my application as we film moving equipment parts and it seems to have a hard time keeping focus, that is if I can get the face detection to work in the first place. I think it would work perfectly fine for filming people...

    My only real complaint is that since it is HD, it obviously takes up a lot of computer memory and editing takes a lot longer. I knew this would happen before I purchased - just realize this before making your decision on HD. I still love the outcome - and that's all that matters!

    Nice camera, great image.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    3.0

    excellent camcorder

    By JeffJ

    from ny

    About Me Video Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Good in Low Light
    • Great Picture Quality
    • Great Zoom
    • Zoom range/performance

    Cons

    • Poor manual
    • Poor Software

    Best Uses

    • HD Shooting
    • Indoors/Low Light

    Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD 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 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.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    5.0

    Great Product!

    By Alchemy27

    from Plymouth, MI

    About Me Casual User

    Verified Buyer

    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
      • Travel
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:

      This is my first camcorder and what an experience it is! Menu and controls are very responsive and intuitive. Useful for beginners and experts. Easy to transfer files and play them on your TV via HDMI. Made very clear videos of my wedding ceremony and reception. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a high performance, top-of-the-line camcorder!

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      The Beginning of a NEW Era!

      By Jo_nun

      from Lincoln, NE

      About Me Semi-pro Videographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Good in Low Light
      • Large Clear LCD
      • Lightweight
      • Mic input
      • WiFi

      Cons

      • Non-intuitive WiFi setup
      • PC only software

      Best Uses

      • Conferences
      • Meetings
      • Road Trips
      • Seminars
      • YouTube

      Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:

      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...)

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Very Impressed

      By Lama

      from St. Louis

      About Me Video Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy to Use
      • Good Image Stabilization
      • Great Picture Quality

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • HD Shooting
        • Movies/Short Films

        Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:

        Took video at my son's baseball games. Video's were easy to upload to my iPhone and iPad. Excellent quality and the image stabalization was perfect. A little difficult to use the screen for right-handed folks like me, I need a little more practice.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        Media

        Be prepared - always carry extra media.

        SanDisk -  8GB SDHC Memory Card Extreme Class 10
        • Price: $13.95
         

        Batteries & Power

        Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.

        Canon -  Battery Pack BP-718
        • Price: $74.99
         

        Bags & Cases

        Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.

        Pearstone -  Onyx 1030 Digital Camera/Camcorder Shoulder Bag
          • Original: $17.95
          • Save: $1.79
        • Price: $16.16
         

        Filters

        Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.

        Tiffen -  43mm UV Haze-1 Filter
        • Price: $10.99
         
        Tiffen -  43mm Circular Polarizing Filter
        • Price: $35.95
         

        Lenses & Adaptors

        Capture the right view with a conversion lens.

        Canon -  WD-H43 43mm 0.7x Wide Angle Converter Lens - for the HV20
        • Price: $189.00
        • Limited supply at this price
         
        Canon -  TL-H43 43mm 1.7x Telephoto Lens
        • Price: $169.00
         
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        What's in the Box

        Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder
        • Battery Pack BP-718
        • Compact Power Adapter CA-110
        • HDMI Cable HTC-100/S
        • Stylus Pen
        • USB Cable IFC-300PCU/S
        • CD-ROM Bundle
        • 1-Year Limited Warranty
         
         
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