Canon's VIXIA HF M32 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder has a lot going for it. In a world of point-and-shoot ease, the HF M32 boldly puts itself out there with the options and extras that those looking to make more complicated videos need. That being so, the HF M32 still provides you with easy peasy uploading to your favorite social media sites, especially when using optional Eye-Fi memory cards.
However, when it comes to big-boy (or girl) features here's what the HF M32 is offering. First up is the dual flash memory that the camera is named for. The HF M32 features a 64GB internal flash memory and the option to use SDHC or SDXC memory cards for up to 48 hours of recording time (64GB card in LP mode). The camera also features something called, "Relay Recording" which automatically switches from the internal memory to the SD memory card when the built-in memory becomes full.
Aside from good-sized memory capacity, the HF M32 touts another much sought after feature: 1920 x 1080 high def recording. The M32 gives you the option to record in 24p or 30p (at 60i) for a film-look or for video that's well suited to viewing on the 'net. Assisting in capturing all that HD video would be the camera's 3.89MP CMOS sensor, Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor, and 24Mbps recording for AVCHD. And, let's not forget the Genuine Canon 15x HD video Lens.
Among the slew of other features that Canon gave the HF M32 you'll find microphone and headphone connections, for cleaner, more detailed recording - and a built-in flash and a built-in video light for low-light capture of video and stills. Also assisting in clean image capture you'll find Canon's Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization with Powered IS for smooth, jerk-free video.
Other highlights of the HF M32 include: the presence of a 2.7" touch screen LCD, Face Detection, 3.3MP digital still capture, and the option to capture 5.1 Channel Surround Sound when using the optional SM-V1 microphone. If you're looking for bells and whistles, and the quality of the Canon name, the HF M32 delivers.
The VIXIA HF M32 is compatible with SDXC memory cards, which provide super-high capacity and ultra-fast data transfer speeds. Unlike an SDHC memory card, which has a maximum storage capacity of 32GB, SDXC memory cards have an increased storage capacity from more than 32GB up to 2TB
The advantages of flash memory go beyond the added recording time. You'll also appreciate the quick response time, because it doesn't have to wait for moving parts. Press the record button and your VIXIA HF M32 starts recording video fast. In addition, when you review, you'll have quick access to your footage
Another plus is the VIXIA HF M32's low power consumption rate, allowing your battery to last longer. And while we certainly hope you keep your VIXIA HF M32 securely in your hand while shooting, if it 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 due to damage to your recording media or to the moving parts found in other camcorders
To further enhance focusing capability, the VIXIA HF M32 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
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
The VIXIA HF M32 is compatible with the Eye-Fi SD Memory Card. It's possible to wirelessly transfer your downconverted 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!
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 M32's 9 point AiAF will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus
You can also choose from a range of exposure modes including: Auto, AV (aperture priority), TV (shutter priority), CINE and P (program)
For optimal exposure, the VIXIA HF M32 offers selectable metering patterns: Evaluative Center-Weighted Average, and Spot. Additionally, the AE Bracketing feature of the VIXIA HF M32 automatically takes three versions of the shot, with 'dark,' 'normal' and 'light' settings in 1/2 exposure steps so you may choose the one that best suits you
The VIXIA HF M32 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
For the advanced digital photographer, the VIXIA HF M32 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
With the Level Marker feature, it's easy to keep your camera level for more professional-looking photographs. The VIXIA HF M32's Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately, according to the grid in your viewfinder. Choose from two different colors for the grid to ensure that you see the grid, no matter what the background color of your shot is
The versatile VIXIA HF M32 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 memory card or to internal memory. Additionally, the VIXIA HF M32 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video
Your VIXIA HF M32's built-in flash lets you capture superb photos indoors and in low light conditions
You can also easily burn DVDs of your photos taken with your VIXIA HF M32 as it 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
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 M32 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