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Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder

BH #CAHFM30 • MFR #4355B001
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Canon VIXIA HF M30 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder
Key Features
  • 8GB Internal Flash Memory
  • SD/SDHC Memory Card Slot
  • Eye-Fi Memory Card Compatible
  • 3.89MP CMOS Sensor
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.

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Canon HF-M30 Overview

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.

Flash Memory Recording
The VIXIA HF M30 allows you to record up to 3 hours of video to an 8GB internal flash drive or to a removable SD memory card. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the SD memory card when the memory becomes full. There's no need to worry about running out of recording time during a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime shot. You'll also have the flexibility of copying video from your VIXIA HF M30's internal drive to the removable SD memory card. 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 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

Note:
The maximum memory capacity and recording time can be increased by the combination of the internal memory and the size of the SD memory card chosen. For example, the VIXIA HF M30's 8GB of internal memory, combined with a removable 32GB memory card, would give 40GB in total memory capacity, and 15 hours, 15 minutes of recording time at the LP setting
Stunning HD Image Quality
A Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens delivers excellent image quality, while the Canon Exclusive 3.89MP HD CMOS Image Sensor captures video at 1920 x 1080 resolution and photos with astonishing detail, while the Canon Exclusive DIGIC DV III Image Processor provides impressive color and imaging performance, with enhanced reproduction of difficult to capture purple and blue tones. Exceptionally life-like tone and detail are captured thanks to 24Mbps Recording, which offers the highest bit rate in AVCHD. The VIXIA HF M30 not only captures images in HD, but records and outputs at 1920 x 1080 as well, so you get Full HD from lens to screen
2.7" Touch Panel LCD Display
See exceptional detail with a sharp 211,000 dot screen that delivers brilliant color together with touch panel control for faster and easier menu navigation. This 2.7" LCD also features Touch & Track, which allows you to get precise focus and exposure on any subject - whether it's people, vehicles, etc. by selecting your choice right on the touch panel display
3.3MP Camera Built-In
The VIXIA HF M30, in addition to being a brilliant camcorder, is also a 3.3MP digital camera. The VIXIA HF M30's Dual Shot makes it easier than ever to capture both video and photos. You'll even be able to shoot 3.0 megapixel photos while shooting video at the same time with Simultaneous Photo Recording. The VIXIA HF M30 can capture a rapid succession of photos, just like the motor drive on a digital camera. Shoot up to 3 frames per second in the Continuous Mode, or a blazing 5 frames per second in the High Speed Continuous Mode. The versatile VIXIA HF M30 even lets you capture a still image from an already recorded movie. While playing the movie in your camcorder, simply press the photo button to capture a 1920 x 1080 photo onto an SD card or to internal memory. Additionally, the VIXIA HF M30 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video. And in addition to all that your VIXIA HF M30's built-in flash lets you capture superb photos indoors and in low light conditions.
Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization with Powered IS
The VIXIA HF M30 features Canon's proprietary Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization which provides continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broad range of motion. Extra compensation is applied at wide-angle focal lengths to eliminate unwanted shaking which is common when walking. Together with Powered IS you'll find an even higher level of compensation for subtle hand movement at the telephoto end of the zoom range. Powered IS can be engaged by pressing or holding the Powered IS button on the touch panel LCD
Auto Intelligent Auto Focus
Auto Intelligent Auto Focus, AiAF, ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the VIXIA HF M30's 9-Point AiAF will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus
Selectable Metering Patterns
For optimal still image exposure the VIXIA HF M30 offers selectable metering patterns: Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average, and Spot. The AE Bracketing feature of the VIXIA HF M30 automatically takes three versions of the shot, with 'dark,' 'normal' and 'light' settings in ½ exposure steps so you may choose the one that best suits you
Histogram Display
For the advanced digital photographer, the VIXIA HF M30 comes with a Histogram Display - a feature found in Canon's line of digital SLR cameras. The display allows you to see the brightness information of your still images, so you can adjust your exposures as you shoot
Instant AF
The VIXIA HF M30 camcorder features Canon's Instant AF focusing system which offers an improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional auto focus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's auto focus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." This is especially beneficial in high brightness or night shooting situations. In addition, with Instant AF it's possible to capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.

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

Smart Auto
Smart Auto makes shooting great video easy. Using the power of Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor, the VIXIA HF M30 intelligently detects and analyzes faces, brightness, color, distance, and movement, then automatically selects the best settings for the scene
Touch & Track
Touch & Track delivers precise tracking of the focus and exposure on any subject: people, pets, vehicles, and more. Simply select your point of interest on the Touch Panel LCD and you will have your subject in sharp focus regardless of where in the frame it moves during the shot. Touch & Track is the default setting. You can also choose to adjust focus or exposure independently by turning off Touch & Track, and turning on Touch Focus or Touch Exposure
Advanced Video Snapshot
Advanced Video Snapshot allows you to capture the highlights of your adventures with the same ease as taking photos. Simply record a series of short video clips - or select your favorite clips while in Playback Mode - and blend in your favorite background music to create an exciting movie that will grab everyone's attention. This version of Advanced Video Snapshot allows selectable recording time (2, 4, or 8 seconds). Additionally, audio from an external source such as an MP3 player can be played along with the Snapshot movie, and playback can be controlled from that source
Easy Web Sharing
HD-to-SD Downconversion allows you to convert recorded high definition video to standard definition files while safely preserving the original HD video. These standard definition files make it even more convenient to edit, share video online, or create a DVD. The downconverted video can be transferred to your computer via traditional methods - i.e. USB connection, card slot - or wirelessly to sharing sites with an Eye-Fi SD memory card
Eye-Fi SD Memory Card Compatible
The VIXIA HF M30 is compatible with the Eye-Fi SD Memory Card. It's possible to wirelessly transfer your down-converted video and photos to your computer, or upload them directly to online sharing sites in a few simple steps. Insert an Eye-Fi SD Memory Card into the SD card slot on the camcorder, configure your computer to select the target site (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Shutterfly, Flickr) and you're ready to share your standard definition files with family, friends, and the world
Note:
Canon camcorders are not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with Eye-Fi, Inc. Outside of the United States and Canada, government approval is required to use Eye-Fi cards in many countries or regions. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with Eye-Fi, Inc
24p & 30p Frame Modes
24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional "film-look." You can change the camcorder's frame capture rate to 24p (recorded at 60i), which provides the appearance of the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, you can use the VIXIA HF M30's CINE setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently.

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

Terminals
To maximize the usefulness and versatility of the VIXIA HF M30, you'll find a range of terminals to extend the capabilities of your camcorder. 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. Easy, one-cable connectivity to HDTV is yours through the VIXIA HF M30's HDMI Terminal which also supports CEC and x.v.Color. The built-in Microphone terminal with manual audio level control and Headphone terminal provide exceptional audio flexibility
5.1 Channel Surround Sound
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 life-like. The built-in Microphone terminal, with manual audio level control and Headphone terminal, also provides exceptional audio flexibility
Note:
Optional SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone is required
Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software
The Pixela ImageMixer 3SE video editing software allows for playback of recorded video on your computer and editing in which you can trim, reorder, and combine scenes, as well as add music, titles, and transitions. With the Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Software, you can burn a standard definition DVD to relive the memories on your TV. And to perfectly complement the Video Snapshot feature found on Canon flash memory camcorders, a music CD containing royalty-free soundtracks is also provided
Print/Share
Print/Share allows you to connect your camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer. With the supplied USB cable and a touch of the Print/Share button you can print directly from your VIXIA HF M30. Print/Share also makes it easy to transfer your photos to your computer and easily burn DVDs of your photos, as the HF M30 is compatible with Canon's DW-100 DVD Burner. A one-cable connection is all it takes to send the files across and, with the click of a few buttons, your photos are ready to share with all
Creative Control and Workflow Features
  • Built-in video light for shooting video in low light conditions
  • Touch Focus for pinpointing an area to focus on - targets subject anywhere in frame
  • Intelligent Lithium-ion battery tracks remaining battery life for surprise-free recording
  • Burn DVDs of your video with the optional DW-100 DVD Burner and one-cable connection
  • Touch Exposure enables exposure to be locked or compensated for the area touched by user
  • Camera Exposure modes include Auto, AV (aperture priority), TV (shutter priority), CINE, and P (program)

Canon HF-M30 Specs

Key Specs
Image Stabilization
Optical
Zoom
Optical: 15x
Advanced (Optical): 18x
Digital: 300x
Built-In Speaker
Yes
Built-In Light
Light - Yes
Flash - Yes
Optics
Zoom
Optical: 15x
Advanced (Optical): 18x
Digital: 300x
Recording
Still Image Support
JPEG
3.3 MP
Features
Built-In Speaker
Yes
General
Built-In Light
Light - Yes
Flash - Yes

Canon HF-M30 Reviews

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