Canon's VIXIA HF M300 Flash Memory Camcorder is a 1920 x 1080 high definition camera that records up to 12 hours of video (LP mode) to SD/SDHC memory cards. The HF M300 also doubles as a digital still camera with the ability to shoot 3.3MP stills, along with Dual Shot capture and capturing stills from already shot movies, among other functions.
At the heart of the HF M300 is the 3.89MP Full HD CMOS sensor and Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor. Other tools, like the Canon HD Video Lens, Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, a 2.7" LCD, and 18x Advanced Zoom all help to capture your videos with ease.
Other beneficial features include 24Mbps AVCHD recording, 24p and 30p frame modes, and microphone and headphone terminals. Features like Touch & Track, Face Detection, Advanced Video Snapshot, and Instant AF all take the guesswork out of getting just the shot you want. And last but not least, the HF M300 provides you with a video light and built-in flash for low-light shooting of both video and stills.
Flash Memory Recording
The VIXIA HF M300 allows you to record up to 12 hours of video to a removable SD memory cards. 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 M300's low power consumption rate, allowing your battery to last longer. And if your HF M300 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
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 M300 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 M300, in addition to being a camcorder, is also a 3.3MP digital camera. The VIXIA HF M300's Dual Shot makes it easier than ever to capture both video and photos. Shoot up to 3 frames per second in the Continuous Mode, or a blazing 5 frames per second in the High Speed Continuous Mode. You'll even be able to shoot 3.0 megapixel photos while shooting video at the same time with Simultaneous Photo Recording. The versatile VIXIA HF M300 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 M300 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video. And in addition to all that your VIXIA HF M300's built-in flash lets you capture superb photos indoors and in low light conditions
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 M300'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 M300 offers selectable metering patterns: Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average, and Spot
AE Bracketing Feature
The AE Bracketing feature of the VIXIA HF M300 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
Histogram Display
For the advanced digital photographer, the VIXIA HF M300 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
Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization with Powered IS
The VIXIA HF M300 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
Instant AF
The VIXIA HF M300 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 M300 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 M300 intelligently detects and analyzes faces, brightness, color, distance, and movement, then automatically selects the best settings for the scene
Touch & Track
Touch and 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
Genuine Canon Face Detection
The same Face Detection technology used in Canon digital cameras is available in the VIXIA HF M300 high definition camcorder. Up to 35 faces can be tracked automatically, ensuring razor-sharp focus and natural, accurate exposure. Of the faces tracked, 9 detection frames can be displayed at one time.
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
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
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 M300'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 M300 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 M300, 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 M300'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
Audio
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 more 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
Compatible with Optional WP-V2 Waterproof Case
Take full advantage of the clarity and drama of HD video in the beauty of the underwater world with your VIXIA HF M300 thanks to the optional Canon WP-V2 Waterproof Case. Compact, light and custom designed especially for the VIXIA HF M300; it's waterproof to 130ft (40m). It has direct control buttons for record start/stop, telephoto and wide zoom, photo capture and preview, to let you make the most of the VIXIA HF M300's capability
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 M300. Print/Share also makes it easy to transfer your photos to your computer and easily burn DVDs of your photos, as the HF M300 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
Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software
The Pixela ImageMixer 3SE video editing software allows for payback 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. This program is designed to work on computers running Windows operating systems only.
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
- 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)
- Burn DVDs of your video with the optional DW-100 DVD Burner and one-cable connection
- Intelligent Lithium-ion battery tracks remaining battery life for surprise-free recording
