Canon VIXIA HF M300 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 2.7 x 4.9 inches ; 13.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00322OOCS
• Item model number: HF M300
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,708 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 5, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Compare All 2010 Canon Camcorders


The Canon VIXIA HF M300 Flash Memory Camcorder records directly to an SD memory card slot and is ultra-sleek, compact and lightweight - it's a brilliant blend of capability and convenience. Canon's advanced imaging technologies, including a Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens and 3.89-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, help to deliver high definition video and 3.3 megapixel photos with incredible detail and lifelike color. Sophisticated features such as Smart Auto “reads" the visual components of the scene you're shooting and chooses the best settings. Touch & Track allows you to achieve sharp focus and precise exposure for any subject, simply by touching the 2.7" Touch Panel LCD. And to complete the entertainment picture, 5.1-Channel Surround Sound ensures your audio is every bit as impressive as your video.

Flash Memory
The VIXIA HF M300 allows you to record crisp high definition video directly to removable SD memory cards.

The advantages of flash memory go beyond added recording time. You'll also appreciate the quick response time, because there are no moving parts. Press the record button and your VIXIA HF M300 starts recording video faster than you've ever seen before. 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. It's just what you need so you don't miss that pivotal play on the field or the moment when they say "I do."

While we certainly hope you keep your VIXIA HF M300 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 if there is damage to your recording media or to the moving parts found in other camcorders.

Stunning Image Quality
A Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens delivers unsurpassed image quality. The Canon Exclusive 3.89-megapixel Full 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 the ultimate in color and imaging performance, with enhanced reproduction of difficult to capture purple and blue tones. Exceptionally lifelike 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 Full HD, but records and outputs at 1920 x 1080 as well, so you get Full HD from lens to screen.

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 the latest development, 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
A critical objective when shooting in high definition is achieving the sharpest focus possible. The VIXIA HF M300 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary Instant AF focusing system which offers a dramatic 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. This is a feature normally found in professional broadcast-quality cameras.

2.7" Touch Panel LCD Screen
See exceptional detail with a sharp 211,000 dot screen delivering brilliant color together with touch panel control for faster and easier menu navigation. You’ll also have 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 LCD.

Smart Auto
Smart Auto makes shooting great video easier than ever before. 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. Whether you are capturing a sunset, a day at the beach, or a fast-paced soccer game, Smart Auto delivers exceptional accuracy, raising your video to the next level.

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 – and, the exposure will be perfectly adjusted for subject and conditions. 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.
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.

Genuine Canon Face Detection
The same high quality 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 a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a family milestone 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.

The VIXIA HF M300 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 (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Shutterfly, Flickr) site and you’re ready to share your standard definition files with family, friends, and the world!

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. Without approval, use of the card is not permitted. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with Eye-Fi, Inc.

3.3-megapixel Camera
Since Canon is acknowledged as a world leading maker of still image cameras, it’s not surprising that the VIXIA HF M300, in addition to being a brilliant camcorder, is also a superb 3.3 megapixel digital camera. Once again, Canon delivers features and technology that advance convenience and capability. The VIXIA HF M300’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.

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.

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 M300 offers selectable metering patterns: Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average, and Spot. The AE Bracketing feature of the VIXIA HF M300 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.

The VIXIA HF M300 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 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.

With the Level Marker feature, it's easy to keep your camera level for more professional-looking photographs. The VIXIA HF M300'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 it, no matter what the background color of your shot is.

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. Additionally, the VIXIA HF M300 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video.

Your VIXIA HF M300'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 M300 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.

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.

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 M300 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.

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 your 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 lifelike than ever before. The built-in Microphone terminal with manual audio level control and Headphone terminal also provide exceptional audio flexibility.

* Optional SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone is required

Compatible with Optional WP-V2 Waterproof Case
Take full advantage of the brilliant 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.

Additional Features
Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery which accurately indicates remaining battery time down to the minute.

Built-in Video Light enhances your ability to shoot in difficult, low light conditions
Print/Share allows you to connect your camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the supplied USB cable and with a touch of the Print/Share button, print directly from your VIXIA HF M300. Print/Share also makes it easy to transfer your photos to your computer. You can also easily burn DVDs of your photos taken with your VIXIA HF M300 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.

Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software is bundled with the VIXIA HF M300.You can easily perform a variety of functions, including AVCHD Editing in which you can trim, reorder, and combine scenes, as well as add music, titles, and transitions. This software also allows you to play your AVCHD movies on your computer and will also let you share copies of your movie with friends and family through flash memory to hard drive copying. Transfer and store your movie onto your computer's hard drive with the software and easily convert your high definition video to standard definition video as well. Pixela ImageMixer 3SE will also assist you in converting video to the optimum resolution for transmission over the Internet.
With the Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Disc, you can burn your edited video onto Blu-ray disc, AVCHD DVDs, (which play in AVCHD compatible Blu-ray disc players), or onto Standard Definition DVDs. And to complement the VIXIA HF M300's Advanced Video Snapshot feature, a music CD containing royalty-free soundtracks is also provided.
* The bundled application is compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista.

DVD Burner Compatible
You can also easily burn DVDs of the video shot with your VIXIA HF M300 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 videos will be burned to an AVCHD disc for play in a compatible DVD player.

AVCHD discs containing scenes recorded in MXP mode cannot be created with the optional DW-100 DVD Burner.



Compare All 2010 Canon Camcorders

Product Description

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 strongStunning 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 else-if 7" Touch Panel LCD Display strong 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 - wh

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

144 of 145 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent when using manual settings; Horrible noise when using default settings (program AE); Not for point-and-shoot users, August 8, 2010

By 

A Roxette fan (Cebu, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HF M300 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Electronics)

First off, as the title of my review states, this camcorder is not recommended for users who don't want to fiddle with manual controls and just prefer to point-and-shoot. If you only use the default program settings (Program AE mode), you will be in for a disappointment when using this camcorder indoors. At the default program settings, this camcorder excessively jacks up the gain control and uses a fast shutter speed of 1/60s resulting to horrible trailing noise in even relatively bright indoor conditions. No problem however for bright outdoor conditions if that's what you intend to use it for. You just can leave it in the default 'Program AE' mode.
For indoor conditions however and for most other dim lighting conditions, I suggest you use the following manual settings
for the best video quality:

1. Shooting mode: Choose Shutter priority with 1/30s shutter speed (1/60s and above is only good for daytime outdoor conditions).
While the motion will be somewhat less smoother with a 1/30s shutter speed vs. 1/60s shutter speed, the slower shutter will allow for more light in challenging situations which will make the camcorder not jack up the gain control (AGC) to the maximum setting.

2. AGC (auto gain control): Set this to 16dB or less. This is sort of like an ISO setting in a digital camera. The higher the setting, the brighter the video capture but the more horrible and visible the trailing noise is. Setting it at 16dB or less limits the camcorder to manageable noise levels which, in low light and upon viewing in my Avia calibrated Sony LCD tv, is acceptable and very natural looking (grainy) rather than horribly blotchy in appearance which happens when the AGC is set too high (typically 18dB or higher). (The higher, the more blotchy and trailing the noise is when recording in moderate to low lighting conditions.)

3. Picture mode - choose 'Custom' and adjust the settings as follows for better color and detail retention:
Brightness = +1 (more shadow detail)
Contrast = -1 (less highlight clipping even with brightness set to +1)
Color = +1 (increases color saturation to compensate for the desaturation brought about by '+1' brightness and '-1' contrast)
Sharpness = 0 (improves video detail and changes the noise characteristics from 'blotchy'[-1] to 'grainy'[0] [more preferable])
(Some of you may prefer the +1 sharpness setting)
4. XV color mode = ON (Set this to 'ON' for a wider color gamut video capture.)

There you have it. Using these settings for your HF M300 camcorder should yield the best HD video quality in any indoor lighting condition, at least if you have calibrated your LCD tv like I do. (I use 'AVIA guide to home theater' in calibrating my 1080p Sony LCD tv.)

If after following the suggested manual settings above, you still feel the camcorder's HD video is horrible in indoor/low light conditions and there are better options out there for the same price range, then go ahead, buy them instead of this reasonably priced camcorder (at least when compared to the Sony XR150 which I also reviewed and returned because of super clean, soft and mushy, 'upscaled' HD video). The Canon Vixia HF M300 is probably the best performing camcorder for its price (currently at $438.82) in all lighting conditions. Simply spectacular in daylight, and very good in low light if you just try these custom settings. Forget the overpriced $649.99-$1,499.95 Vixia HF 100 (2008 model) and the $849.99 Vixia HF 200 (2009 model). They have since been replaced by this 'touch screen' 'XV color' equipped $438.82 HF M300 (2010 model) at a fraction of the cost of the previous two models and with better features. Forget also about using the MXP (24mbps) mode when recording your HD videos with this camcorder. You will not see any significant improvement in video quality as compared to the FXP mode (17mbps). Besides, using the MXP mode will not allow you to burn your HD movies into DVDR for viewing later in its native HD resolution because of the bit rate output limit of the DVD media. (You'll need to burn MXP (24mbps) videos in expensive BDR discs and burners for HD playback if you really want the highest quality which is practically indistinguishable from the FXP mode (17mbps)).
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Update: November 19, 2010

I would just like to add that this camcorder takes very good photos! I once forgot to bring my digital camera to a school event so I had to make do with this camcorder's photo options. I am impressed!!! The photos print nicely in 4"x6" up to 5"x7" for the typical family photo album. The colors are much better also than my Fujifilm F30 digicam's colors! Sometimes, if I don't intend to print photos larger than 4"x6", I just bring this HD camcorder with me and leave my digital camera behind as it does both photos and HD videos in one package. The built in flash makes good photo capture in low light possible!

I would also like to add that the 'trailing noise' which I and many users see in their HD videos when viewing the capture of this camcorder in their tv screens has MORE TO DO with the NOISE REDUCTION settings in their tv screens. DO TURN OFF ALL noise reduction settings as they tend to make the natural grainy noise of this camcorder (at high gain settings) become horrible, blotchy, trailing noise. Of course stay below 16dB AGC as much as possible. Buy a cheap external LED video lighting like those sold on ebay. (The 'CN 160-LED 9.6W Video Light for DV Camcorder Lighting' costs half the Canon VL-5 accessory video light and provides much higher light intensity: an impressive 100 lux illumination even at 10 ft or 3 meters away at half the price of the VL-5!)

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice HD video, but bad low light quality, May 7, 2010

By 

Sam (Council Bluffs, IA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HF M300 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Electronics)

I've only had this for a couple of days, but I wanted to try out different scenarios that I might be working with. I bought this to have video documentation of my older kids in sports and special occasions as well as of my soon to be born son. The camera is feature rich with so many options, that I an not likely to use many of them. Having enjoyed the quality of Canon in my DSLR, this seemed like the logical choice.

Pros:

Image stabilization - fantastic stabilization! Every video turns out smooth as silk with canon's stability feature
Color - It seems to be very true to life with natural colors
HD video - with today's HD tvs, it would be a shame to have anything else
Zoom - large enough to get close from a moderate distance and the variable speed is nice too. Better than some, not as good as others.
Mini hot shoe - great for adding accessories such as a flash, though I don't have one yet
light weight - I can't believe this is only 11oz!
Lens ring threads - Filters/protective lenses can be added

Cons:

No internal memory - Kind of pricey for not having anything, but I knew that getting into it.
Low light performance - It gets pretty grainy fast when the light disappears...even the light that comes with it doesn't help much
Touch panel sensitivity - I have been having a difficult time navigating through the menu by the touch screen. It would have been nice to have some physical navigation buttons to assist for this.

Conclusion:

Overall, this is a very nice video recorder that turns out quality videos each time. My only problem real problem is with the graininess of low light videos. This is something I believe is better handled by Sony, which I may get if I decide not to keep this one.

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Mid-Priced Camcorder with little drawbacks! - Bought for $418, July 15, 2010

By 

P-Square (Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon VIXIA HF M300 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Electronics)

Purchased Canon HF M300 for $418(four one eight) on Amazon.

I have used this for a week and my feedback.

Pros:
1. Size - Its smaller for mid-priced consumer camcorders.
2. Looks stylish(I got a silver color)
3. 15x zoom is enough for most consumer use/purpose.
4. Takes good still photos.
5. Touch screen

Cons:
1. Video looks grainy in low-level lighting. You may need a bigger sensor but then most camcorder(s) have this issue.

2. Camcorder gets HOT and sometimes its a bit unbearable - the underneath of the camera(right below the battery) gets hot and you can feel it.
My 4star rating since this behaviour is odd for canon camcorder and this could be a deal-breaker for me.
I may have a defective unit but I'll come back and make an update in the next few weeks(if needed)

3. I can't seem to transfer files using the USB cable. You'll have to use the CD software that came along with the camcorder.

Things to shop for prior to purchasing this camcorder:

1. The camcorder does NOT come with any internal memory, so its best to shop for a 16GB or 32GB SDHC card.
2. Canon does not provide a camcorder bag so buy one.
3. Its touch screen, so buy a screen protector.