Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder
- Price: $539.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
Remember the Essentials
Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
The Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder is a 1920 x 1080 high def cam with an 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. Plus, 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 M500 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 M500 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 M500'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 M500 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 Directly to SD Memory Card
- Record directly to a removable SD memory card. The memory card slot makes it easy to share your video with friends and family. The camcorder supports up to 64GB card, which means 24 hours of recording. Plus, for added flexibility, you can even backup your video directly to an external hard drive by using the optional UA-100 USB Adapter (sold separately)
- Record in AVCHD or MP4 Format
- The HF M500 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
- 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 M500 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 M500'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 M500 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 M500 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 M500 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 | SD/SDHC/SDXC Up To 64GB Video/Image |
| Recording Time |
SD 64GB LP (5Mbps): 24.5 hours 64GB SP (7Mbps): 19.2 hours 64GB XP+ (12Mbps): 11.5 hours 64GB FXP (17Mbps): 8.3 hours 64GB MXP (24Mbps): 5.9 hours SD 64GB MP4 (4Mbps): 33.9 hours 64GB MP4 (9Mbps): 15.4 hours |
| Video Format |
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 Camera Only 12.88 oz / 365 g Camera, Battery, Memory Card & Grip Belt |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good in low light (7)
- Great picture quality (7)
- Easy to use (6)
- Zoom range/performance (6)
- Image stabilization (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home movies (5)
- Travel (5)
- HD shooting (4)
- Low light (4)
- Documentaries (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)
Reviewed by 7 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder:
I use the Canon VIXIA HF M500 for filming interviews and b-roll used in reporting. The image is top quality - it uses the same sensor as the Canon HF G10 and XA10.
The controls are mostly intuitive, but touchscreen based so that could be a downside for some people. Easy access to exposure and focus point selection. The face tracking seems to work well and my footage is always sharp.
I'm using an external mic - there is a level indicator on the touchscreen in addition to a headphone jack which is really convenient.
It would be nice to have two memory card slots like the HF G10, but with a small form factor and at half the price it is still a bargain.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder:
I have been working for two days just getting use to it and it is very easy to use wheather on auto or manual. I found the touch screen easy to use and get around using and PDA stylus seems easyer than the one that came with it mostly cause I am use to the feel of it. Looking at getting antother because I shoot with two tripod mounts and a mobile. GREAT low light abilities.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder:
I bought this toy, especially because it is equipped with HD CMOS Pro sensor which is said to be excellent for low-light situation. It's picture quality is great and very convenient to use. Sometimes color reproduction is not exactly right, but with this price, it's o.k.
Few minor things are: It doesn't have speaker, nor video light, and LCD resolution is not that great, the part connecting tripod is not a metal(!), just a plastic (even my old HV20, HF200 have metal part! So it was an unexpected dissapointment.). But overall, considering its price... it's a fair buy. (Be careful to check SD card always, for it dose not have any memory inside, if you realized there is no memory card after you arrived in a mountain grandeur, you goofed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- HV 20
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder:
Turn this little camera on, put it in auto mode and let it do it's thing; that is, shoot great quality video. I've tested it in very low lit rooms and outside in bright sunshine with very satisfying results. Unless you have hands like a basketball player, this little baby should be very convenient. Put it in your spouse's poketbook, in a small camcorder case, or in the leg pocket of your carpenter jeans- it works. No need to get overly technical here; if you're the average Joe or Josephine who wants a simple camera to use, I highly recommend this one.
- 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
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder:
I would consider myself a pro-sumer. I will use this camcorder for weddings, sporting events, and various other productions.
This is the 3rd Canon (and the 5 camcorder overall) that I've worked with. Things I like:
Small size
Great color
Image stabilization is very good
Mic input option
Built-in stereo mics with automatic level balancing is very good
Focus options using the display
Automatic lense cover (I don't know why they don't list this, I've had camcorders without this option and they are a big pain).
Large capacity SD card option (32GB=almost 3 hours of record time in very high quality)
Price; I paid $1200 for the next step up model with only a few more features, larger/heavier size, and similar quality. $550 + $40 for a 32GB SD card for this one is very reasonable.
Things that aren't so great:
The image stabilization does some shifting that is noticeable when going from a following a subject to when the stop. i.e. You pan with the camcorder and then stop, the image takes a moment before it stops. It's not a show stopper, just something to know about.
Every once in a while, because of image stabilization, you see a little dark patch in the corner of the screen.
Proprietary mini-shoe; only important if you're adding a light or microphone.
Conclusion: I'd buy this camcorder again! I did a little comparison between recording with an iPhone 4s, a Nikon S8000 (camera in video mode), a Nikon S9300 (camera in video mode), my original Canon camcorder with no IS (Image Stabilization), and this camcorder. The test included walking while recording, holding it still, panning, and zooming (not an option on the iPhone). This camcorder won hands down.
If you want a quick video, the other devices are OK, but you'll want to use a tripod. If you want your video to look more professional and smooth, this is a great camcorder (and is small enough to take with you when you're out and about).
- 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
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder:
This camcorder is exactly what I was looking for. Takes great video, both in sunlight and low light situations. The ability to shoot in mp4 format with direct upload to computer is great. Imports into Final Cut Pro and iMovie (both AVCHD and MP4) without a problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- BP-727 High capacity battery, CG-800 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
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder:
This camcorder is amazing. I was able to shoot some scenes with a nice shallow depth of field. Very nice way to organize your video clips all within the camcorder. There's just a lot of control with the Canon M500. Even the audio can be adjusted and set to what you need.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-7
Media
Required item: Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $13.95
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $74.99
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
-
- Original: $17.95
- Save: $1.79
- Price: $16.16
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $10.99
- Price: $35.95
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
- Price: $189.00
- Limited supply at this price
- Price: $169.00
What's in the Box
- 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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