Choosing Memory Cards for the Canon VIXIA Camcorder

by on March 14, 2011 in Canon Vixia Memory Card

The Canon Vixia line of camcorders is designed to be simple to use. The intuitive controls and performance in low light conditions make it an excellent choice. Since the camcorder is so enjoyable to use, you will likely want to consider the purchase of additional flash memory to store your video. While choosing from the various types of memory cards available for this camera may seem overwhelming at first, here is an explanation to make your decision easier.

Figuring out SD, SDHC and SDXC

Transcend 64 GB Memory CardSD (Secure Digital) cards are often the least expensive and most widely available type of memory card. Storage capacity starts at 1GB. While the lower price point of this older generation of memory cards may be tempting, more serious photographers often choose SDHC (Secured Digital - High Capacity) memory cards. These cards are available with storage capacity of up to 32 GB. With the higher capacity, photographers can capture more still photos and video.

Even more advanced than SDHC, the newer SDXC (Secure Digital - eXtended Capacity) card formats have the potential to one day provide capacity approaching 2048GB! Currently, the highest capacity available is 64GB SDXC which doubles the maximum amount of storage available on SDHC cards. The higher capacity means the photographer can spend time on capturing more action instead of changing memory cards.

What is Flash Memory Card Bus Speed?

An additional consideration when purchasing a memory card is bus speed. The definition of bus speed is the speed with which data can move through a connection between circuits. For the older SD memory card format, speeds are rated using the measurement of bus speed with Classes of 2, 4, 6 and 10. Class 2 will not work for High Definition (HD) video but is sufficient for pictures. Classes 4 and 6 can store two resolutions of HD video, 720p and 1080p. Class 10 and UHS are adequate for capturing large HD videos as well as recording for live broadcast. Though the higher speeds provide more video and photography options, as the speed increases so does the price.

Memory Cards supported by the Canon Vixia

While some models provide internal Canon Vixia memory, adding external memory cards expands storage. Some Canon Vixia Camcorder models, including the VIXIA HF R20, VIXIA HF M400 and VIXIA HF R200 feature the capability to use two SCXC memory cards for video capture. This boosts recording capacity for videos and photos. MXP and FXP recording modes require SDHC Class 4 or higher when using dual cards.

Best memory cards for the Canon Vixia

The dual card capability is an outstanding feature of the Canon Vixia. When the first memory card is full, the camcorder automatically switches to the second card. This allows the photographer to continue capturing photos or video without having to manually change cards. Since an SDHC Class 4 card is the minimum specification needed to take full advantage of the camcorders advanced features, SanDisk's Ultra 16GB Class 4 SDHC card available at Amazon for less than $32 (click for current SDHC price) is a good entry level SDHC card for the Canon Vixia.

Transcend’s 64 GB Class 10 SDXC Ultra Speed 25MB/S Flash Memory Card, listed at under $160 (click for current SDXC price) on Amazon provides amazing speed and storage for non-stop video and photo capture!

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Top Three External Microphones for the Canon VIXIA Camcorder

by on March 9, 2011 in Canon Vixia Microphone

Canon Vixia CamcorderThe Canon VIXIA is Canon's first in a new breed of camcorder, known as flash-based camcorders. These relatively new devices store video on to a small chip, rather than the optical disk or cassettes most of us use. While this doesn't sound like a big deal, flash memory allows for faster transfer of data, allowing for higher definition and clarity at high resolutions which would have been previously unattainable with disks or cassettes. This new technology allows Canon's VIXIA to capture video at 17 megabits at 24, 30 or the standard 60 frames per second while remaining in constant focus. While this auto-focus technology allows for constant motion shots at high-resolution, it also offers a slight drawback.

As you can imagine, shooting a 17 megabit video at 30 frames per second all while remaining in constant focus requires a serious amount of computing horsepower, as well as the aid of several small servo motors inside the camcorder itself. While the video quality is impeccable, the small microphone inside the VIXIA tends to pick up the sounds of the servos, resulting in a noticeable interference with the audio on your recordings. The solution? Thankfully, Cannon equipped the VIXIA with the industry standard 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) audio input jack. This allows you to add an external microphone, which, if you were planning on having great audio to match your great video quality, you would've needed anyways. So, here are a few ideas that will help make your video's audio match the outstanding quality of the video produced by the Cannon VIXIA.

First on the block is the Rode VideoMic Video Condenser Microphone. The VideoMic is known as a shotgun mike, meaning it will pick up the sounds from the general direction in which the mike is pointed. Features include a two-step high-pass filter for reducing low-frequency sounds and noises, and a shock resistant shoe-mount, which counters any noise the mike might make from jostling or moving while filming. It boasts a frequency range of 40Hz - 20kHz, meaning it does a great job in picking up a full range of sounds. It has a wired plug that fits into the VIXIA's 3.5 mm jack. It comes with an industry standard wind guard, preventing any interference on a breezy day. It's powered by a single 9V battery, and is available from Amazon for $149.00.

The Azden SMX-10 Stereo Condenser Microphone is the next option for higher sound clarity for VIXIA owners. Unlike the earlier VideoMic, the SMX-10 is a stereo mike, meaning it picks up sound from two distinct left and right channels. While you won't be picking up conversations 30 feet away, the SMX-10 has a broader range of input, simply meaning you will pick up MORE sounds. Its frequency range compares to that of the VideoMic, but lacks the shock resistant mounting, possibly resulting in more audio interference. The SMX-10 also comes with the standard wind guard to prevent wind from interfering with the audio. It fits to the shoe of the VIXIA, has a battery life of up to 400 hours on a single AAA battery, and connects to the VIXIA via the 3.5 mm jack. The price reflects the lack of features in the SMX-10, and is available from Amazon for $67.95.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Canon SM-V1 5.1 Channel Surround Microphone. This mike is one of the first of its kind, allowing a user to capture sound from all directions at once. This is a relatively new technology for camcorders, but old-timers beware: sound quality from the SM-V1 is reputably unmatched by other types of mikes. While lacking the wind guard, shock protection, and high-pass filter of its competitors, the SM-V1 makes its case with the unmatched sound quality it produces when compared to other mikes of a similar price range. Similar to the others, the SM-V1 mounts to the shoe of the VIXIA and connects through the 3.5mm input jack. It is slightly more expensive than the VideoMic, coming in on Amazon at $162.00.

Cannon's VIXIA camcorders are great pieces of equipment to any cameraman, from amateur to professional. The ability to focus on the fly is one of the VIXIA's strongest features, and should be taken into consideration when purchasing your external microphone. An integrated microphone, no matter what the designers come up with, will pick up stray noises from the camcorder itself. If you want great sound quality, you need an external microphone. Not only do you cancel out the annoying noises made by the motors controlling your lenses, you also get protection from wind, noises from handling and shooting, and a better range of frequencies to pick up on. With that said, I've ranked the competitors on our list below. Bottom line: If you're going to have a great picture, you'll need great audio to go with it.

Good: Azden SMX-10 Stereo Condenser Microphone - Cheap and effective, but the lack of a solid shock protection system leaves you with many of the problems you started with.

Better: Cannon SM-V1 5.1 Channel Surround Microphone - Excellent sound quality, but price and lack of features keep it in a definite second.

Best: Rode VideoMic Video Condenser Microphone - Best overall bang for your buck. Exclusive features coupled with attractive pricing make the VideoMic the best choice overall.

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Canon VIXIA HD Camcorder CMOS Pro Image Sensor

by on February 14, 2011 in Canon Vixia

VIXIA HD video camcorders have an advantage over other manufacturer models due to Canon's expertise in the design of CMOS Image Sensors. The sensor performance helps you to create beautifully lifelike and clear videos in Full HD.

Canon's latest innovation is the application of HD CMOS Pro, which is a 1/3” native 1920 x 1080 image sensor built into the latest models. This sensor delivers outstanding video resolution, superb low-light performance and a wide dynamic range. Amazingly, this technology allows Canon to actually use fewer pixels, but these pixels are significantly larger and more sensitive which creates higher video performance.

Canon VIXIA CMOS Pro Image Sensor Technology

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New Canon VIXIA HF R Series Camcorder for 2011

by on January 20, 2011 in Canon Vixia HF R Series

Canon Vixia HF R21 CamcorderAffordable, slick and versatile are just some of the attributes which describe the new Canon Flash Memory camcorders. Choose from three models, the VIXIA HF R20, the VIXIA HF R21 and the VIXIA HF R200 which merge outstanding performance with modest pricing while delivering Full HD 1920 x 1080 video.

3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD screen, Genuine Canon HD Video Lens with 28x Advanced Zoom, 3.28-megapixel Canon Full HD CMOS Image Sensor are only some of the perks packed into the entire line of Canon VIXIA HF R Series camcorders. The new Canon camcorders are also equipped with Dynamic IS to stabilize the image, Touch Decoration to add creative touches, not to mention Smart Auto which is great for the novice photographer by automatically analyzing and choosing the best setting for the image being recorded, Advanced Video Snapshot as well as relay recording. No need to worry about losing files with precious photos and videos. Back up your files instantly with dual SDXC-compatible memory card slots standard on the Canon VIXIA HF R200. Photographers have choice of internal flash memory devices with the Canon VIXIA HF R20 (8GB) and the Canon VIXIA HF R21 (32GB). Canon's HD-to-SD Downconversion is a feature of both the Canon VIXIA HF R20 and Canon VIXIA HF R21 models. Express yourself with the Canon VIXIA HF R200 model with choice of chic colors including black, red and silver.

Available February 2011, the Canon VIXIA HF R21 (click here for current HF R21 price), Canon VIXIA HF R20 (click here for current HF R20 price) and Canon VIXIA HF R200 (click here for current HF R200 price) camcorders offer the user excellent solutions to recording in HD, with an easy to use, lightweight camcorder.

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New Canon VIXIA HF S30 Camcorder for 2011

by on January 18, 2011 in Canon Vixia

Canon Vixia HF S30 CamcorderAs an additional member of the Canon HF S-series, the new Canon VIXIA HF S30 makes it possible for everyone to record impressive HD-quality videos as well as high-resolution pictures with the use of an easily manageable camcorder, which encompasses an array of expert features.

Canon's 3.5-inch High Resolution Touch Panel LCD Screen (loaded with 922,000-dot) and the Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens, are few of the standard advantages of Canon's new VIXIA HF S30 camcorder. Brimming with a variety of built-in automatic features, the VIXIA HF S30 makes it possible to assign pre-sets providing more control and quicker access to commonly used settings using the Custom Key and Dial. Magnificently vivid photos and amazingly crisp and clear videos, is the outcome when using 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor. Canon's VIXIA HF S30 makes storage and back-up a cinch with the use of 32GB of internal memory and dual SDXC-compatible card slots for immediate recording. Not to be forgotten, are other features of the VIXIA HF S30 which expand to include HD-to-SD Downconversion, color viewfinder, Advanced Video Snapshot, Canon's Touch & Track Technology, Relay Recording, Smart Auto and Powered IS.

Perks, perks and more perks is what Canon's new VIXIA HF S30 model boasts. The list goes on as it is also equipped with a built-in Remote Control Terminal, Native 24p recording as well as sharp, selectable features such as Zebra patterns and color bars. Scheduled for availability in March 2011, order from Amazon for $1049.00 (click here for current HF S30 price).

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