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.
| 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 close |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type |
LCD
2
Please Note:Widescreen close |
| Screen Size |
3.0"
3
Please Note:(7.6 cm) close |
| 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
Mac
Please Note:Windows 7 (64 bit) requires 2GB RAM close |
| 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 |
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Reviewed by 6 customers
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Pros
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder:
This camera is very impressive - easy to use, easy to operate!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
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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.
Pros
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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!
Pros
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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...)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
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