Canon VIXIA HF M32

The Canon HF M32 is a brilliant mid-range addition to its Vixia line. It has been designed with an ultra-sleek, compact and lightweight body, as compared to its predecessor, the HF M31.

Its generous 64GB worth of internal storage is sufficient for about 10 hours of recording, option dependent (see below for various record times). You can also use SD or SDXC cards for more space. The HF M32 can record immediately as soon as the 64GB runs out, so precious moments will not be missed. This is called Relay Recording.

Canon VIXIA HF-M32

Features

True to its form, the Canon Vixia HF MF32 15x HD lens serves up remarkable image quality. The Canon Exclusive 3.89-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor captures video at 1920 x 1080 resolution. It provides a mode to record progressive-like 24fps or 30fps video onto its 60i stream. The DIGIC DV III Image Processor provides the ultimate in color and imaging performance, with enhanced reproduction of difficult to capture purple and blue tones. These are all made possible by the Smart Auto feature.

The intelligent Touch and Track is a function that allows focusing on the subject on the touch screen. This is activated by a single tap on the 2.7 inch LCD panel. What was even more mind-blowing when this is paired with the Powered IS super-range optical image stabilization system. Without these, recording a fast-paced basketball game from up close on a less than steady bleacher or mass ballroom dance competition will prove to be challenging. It also includes two other image stabilization options: Standard, and Dynamic. These features will very well give the other camcorders a run for their money.

The HF M32 compresses video to the AVCHD format at user-selectable data rates from 5Mbps to 24Mbps, the highest the format built-in supports. Advanced Video Snapshot captures two-, four-, or eight-second video clips while recording or during playback.

Performance

Motion and Color

When it comes to motion, the Vixia HF M32 impresses with its smoothness and sharpness for its class. The artifacting and trailing are virtually negligible. Zoom speed is also good.

Subject and background are very discerning with colors that are absolutely pleasing although the purples and reds may not be the most accurate. The Vixia HF M32’s got full exposure control, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Portrait Mode, and, Cine Mode, one to suit various needs. The camera works best in the 24Mbps mode, as opposed to the other modes. Some of these features may very well push the watermark higher for the solid Vixia series and perhaps in its basket of mid-range camcorders.

The Canon Vixia HF M32 is brilliant when recording in a bright light environment, but struggled in low light. This is due to the camera’s relatively small single 1/4-inch CMOS chip. However, Shutter Speed is very helpful to compensate in this respect. Motion will be choppy otherwise. It is advisable to use the video light whenever possible. Colors in bright light were brilliant, and the Canon Vixia HF M32 handled motion well, especially with the ability to also alter the framerate. You may find that the camera works best in its 24Mbps mode. It’s got a full color palate suite to shoot Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Soft Skin Detail, and a fully customizable Color mode.

Sound

The microphone does a very good job recording dialog and both soft and loud sounds. For Manual Controls, Canon gives you the ability to adjust the focus using onscreen. The Manual Gain control lets to adjust the microphone levels, which is particularly helpful for those who like to record with a boom microphone or the like.

Digital Still Camera

Hailed as the world leader in still image cameras, the Vixia HF M32 Dual Shot delivers quality with convenience. It takes 3.3 megapixel pictures while shooting video at the same time with Simultaneous Photo Recording. It takes life-like pictures comparable with most entry-level point-and-shoots. You can also choose from a range of exposure modes including: Auto, AV (aperture priority), TV (shutter priority), CINE and P (program).

The HF M32 can capture a rapid succession of photos. It shoots up to 3 frames/sec in the Continuous Mode, or a blazing 5 frames/sec in the High Speed Continuous Mode. It even lets you capture a still image from an already recorded movie. Additionally, the camera allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video.

For the advanced digital photographer, it comes with a Histogram Display. This is a feature found in Canon’s line of digital SLR cameras which allows you to see the brightness information of your still images, so you can adjust your exposures as you shoot. With the Level Marker and the Grid Marker feature, keeps your camera level and compose for more professional-looking photographs.

Battery and Peripherals

The standard battery provides about an hour and 45 minutes of runtime, and several hours of standby time. Those who are looking for longer runtimes can purchase higher-capacity Canon battery packs (See below for max recording times). The camera provides 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, a nice feature not found on all mid-level camcorders. HDMI and USB ports provide HDTV and computer connectivity.

Maximum recording Time

64GB internal flash drive. Recording time based on internal flash memory only. Greater capacity is possible when SD memory cards are used.
LP (5Mbps) 24 hours 30 minutes
SP (7Mbps) 19 hours 10 minutes
XP+ (12Mbps) 11 hours 30 minutes
FXP (17Mbps) 8 hours 20 minutes – Allows 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording
MXP (24Mbps) 5 hours 55 minutes – Allows 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording

Conclusion

The Canon Vixia HF M32 is light and compact but it delivers quality video and still images without compromise. The only drawback is that some users may find the touch-screen a little too small to maneuver around the option menu but the interface is intuitive and user-friendly. It has great auto functions for easy shooting and still has room for advance users to move around with its comprehensive options. It comes with great features and is overall a smart choice for the average user who is space conscious but need for big internal or external memory.

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