Canon VIXIA HF R200 Full HD Camcorder with Dual SDXC Card Slots

by Canon

• 2 SDXC-compatible memory card slots
• Genuine Canon HD video lens with 28x advanced zoom
• Canon 3.28-megapixel full HD CMOS image sensor
• Canon DIGIC DV III image processor
• Dynamic IS stabilizes a wide range of movements for smooth, steady video

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.2 x 5.2 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B004HW7EAG
• Item model number: R200
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,168 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 1, 2011

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The VIXIA HF R200 allows you to record crisp high definition video to two SDXC-compatible memory card slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from one SD memory card to the other when the memory becomes full. No need then to worry about running out of recording time during a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime shot. With SDXC memory card compatibility, you’ll have card storage capacity from more than 32GB up to 2TB and ultra-fast data transfer speeds. You’ll also have the flexibility of copying video from one removable SD card in your VIXIA HF R200 to another. You can easily insert one of the cards into your computer or HDTV’s card reader and view your recorded footage immediately. Memory capacity MXP (app. 24Mbps) FXP (app. 17Mbps) XP+ (app. 12Mbps) SP (app. 7Mbps) LP (app. 5Mbps) 2GB 10 min. 15 min. 20 min. 35 min. 45 min. 4GB 20 min. 30 min. 40 min. 1 hour 10 min. 1 hour 30 min. 8GB* 40 min. 1 hour 1 hour 25 min. 2 hours 20 min. 3 hours 16GB 1 hour 25 min. 2 hours 5 min. 2 hours 50 min. 4 hours 45 min. 6 hours 5 min. 32GB 2 hours 55 min. 4 hours 10 min. 5 hours 45 min. 9 hours 35 min. 12 hours 15 min. 64GB 5 hours 55 min. 8 hours 20 min. 11 hours 30 min. 19 hours 10 min. 24 hours 30 min. MXP and FXP modes record in 1920 x 1080 and require a Class 4 or higher SDHC or SDXC Card. 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. Press the record button and your VIXIA HF R200 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 R200'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." Ultra-sleek, compact, and lightweight, the VIXIA HF R200 is, at approximately 9.5 ounces and 2.4” x 2.4” x 4.8”, a companion you’ll always keep handy while traveling or at home. While we certainly hope you keep your VIXIA HF R200 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 minimizes the chance of data loss if you accidentally jolt or drop your camcorder.

Canon’s expertise in imaging technology is clearly seen in its superb EOS Digital SLR cameras. The VIXIA family of camcorders is also a part of this achievement with Canon’s own Full HD CMOS Image Sensor. It brings stunning high definition video quality with exceptional low light performance, capturing video at 1920 x 1080 resolution and with remarkable detail.

A Genuine Canon HD Video Lens with 28x Advanced Zoom delivers truly impressive image quality. Its aspherical lens minimizes spherical aberration, meaning sharper focus on your subject. With Advanced Zoom, you can seamlessly zoom both wide and long, retaining optical quality throughout the zoom range. The zoom is quiet, and optimized for flash camcorders. Together with the Canon Exclusive 3.2-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and Canon’s own DIGIC DV III Image Processor, this lens helps you capture high definition video and photos with astonishing detail, vivid color and enhanced reproduction of the full tonal range, including the most difficult purple and blue shades. With 24Mbps recording, video is captured at the highest bit rate in AVCHD. You get exceptionally lifelike tone and exacting detail.

With the Canon VIXIA HF R200, you can be sure that even on the move your video will be smooth, steady and professional looking. The Dynamic IS system provides continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broader range of motion. In comparison to conventional electronic image stabilization systems, extra compensation is applied at wide-angle focal lengths to eliminate unwanted vibration common when shooting while walking.

See exceptional detail with a sharp 230,000 dot screen delivering brilliant color together with touch panel control for faster and easier menu navigation. Touch Focus lets you tap the subject on the touch panel to shift the focus for recording. It’s that simple. You have Touch & Track, which allows you to get precise focus and exposure on any subject, people, vehicles, fast moving athletes and more, by selecting your choice right on the Touch Panel LCD. Touch Exposure adjusts the exposure on the area of your image where you touch and sets the brightness needed. You may also drag on the panel to adjust the level. While shooting, Touch Decoration can be activated via the Touch Panel LCD, allowing you to superimpose and record a variety of fun and exciting images along with your video. Animations such as shooting stars, thought bubbles, and others, freehand drawing, stamps, and various decorative frames can be added to give your video an amusing and creative flair.

Smart Auto makes shooting great video easier than ever before. Using the power of Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor, the VIXIA HF R200 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 exceptionally accurate results. And with new Tele Macro, the VIXIA HF R200 automatically zooms the lens to the telephoto end and sets the minimum object distance to approximately 1.3 feet (from 3.3 feet) giving you the opportunity to shoot spectacular close-ups with the dramatic look of shallow depth of field. Tele Macro is one of 38 scenes available in Smart Auto Mode.

The same high quality Face Detection technology used in Canon digital cameras is available in Canon high definition camcorders. 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. In fact, the system is so intelligent 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 is convenient in searching for clips which feature that specific subject's face. In search and playback, use of the Face Index will display those frames with the chosen face as a thumbnail in each shot in which it appears. Your selected face can also be linked as a timeline to further identify footage containing your subject.

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 hold everyone’s attention. This version of Advanced Video Snapshot allows selectable recording time of 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.

The VIXIA HF R200 is also compatible with the Eye-Fi SD memory card. It’s possible to wirelessly transfer video and photos to your computer, or upload them directly to online sharing sites (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Shutterfly, Flickr) 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 and you’re ready to share your 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 the Eye-Fi card, please consult with the card manufacturer. The use of Eye-Fi cards may not be approved in all regions, or from one region to another; please contact the card manufacturer for status of approval in the country/region of use. Canon makes no representations or warranties with respect to any third party accessory or product mentioned herein.

Since Canon is acknowledged as a world leading maker of digital cameras, it’s not surprising that the VIXIA HF R200, in addition to being a brilliant camcorder, is also a very capable digital camera. Once again, Canon delivers features and technology that advance convenience and capability. The VIXIA HF R200 comes with a Level Marker feature to keep your camera level for more professional-looking photos. The VIXIA HF R200's Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately, according to the grid in your viewfinder. You can even choose from two different colors for the grid ensuring that you see the grid, no matter what the background color of your shot is. The versatile VIXIA HF R200 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 still image onto an SD card or to internal memory. Additionally, the VIXIA HF R200 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video. Now, better photos, filled with action and expressions, are easy to grab, print, post and share.

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 R200's CINE mode, 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 find 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 R200 to capture video in 30p (30 progressive frames, recorded to 60i), which is particularly useful for footage to be used on the Internet. It’s also excellent for action and sports shots. In addition, this setting gives enhanced quality to photos captured after recording.

To maximize the usefulness and versatility of the VIXIA HF R200, you’ll find a range of terminals to extend the capabilities of your camcorder. Easy, one-cable connectivity to your HDTV is achieved through the VIXIA HF R200’s HDMI Terminal which also supports CEC and x.v.Color*. A Mini HDMI Cable is included with the camcorder. This camcorder also features 1080p output, converting 1080i video to 1080p through the HDMI terminal. A Microphone terminal with manual audio level control and a Headphone terminal provide exceptional audio adaptability. For the ultimate in flexibility, the VIXIA HF R200 is compatible with the optional Canon wireless microphone WM-V1**. Using a receiver which plugs into the microphone terminal, its audio can be captured from up to 164ft. (50m) away. Use it to record audio from a distant subject, or as a transceiver to cue shooting from a third party. * x.v.Color is a trademark of the Sony Corporation. ** This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

Focus Assist To enhance focusing capability, the VIXIA HF R200 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. Filter threads on the lens of the VIXIA HF R200 give it compatibility with the Canon TL-H34 II tele-converter and WD-H34 II wide-converter. With these converters, you can expand the shooting range of the lens for greater creative options. Built-in Electronic Lens Cover The built-in Electronic Lens Cover means you never have to go looking for your lens cover again. Turn your camcorder on and the lens cover automatically opens. Turn it off, and the cover closes. It couldn’t be simpler. Intelligent Battery The Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery accurately indicates remaining battery time down to the minute. Quick Start Never miss a quickly unfolding shot again, as it’s possible to shoot the moment the LCD is opened. No worries about using up power with Quick Start – by keeping the LCD screen closed between shots, Quick Start allows you to save battery power so you get longer battery life. Pre-Record The Pre-Record feature places your VIXIA HF R200 in a stand-by "pre-roll" mode. With this feature the camcorder continuously records three seconds of video to memory before you even press the record button. When you start recording, the additional video is recorded too. It will be easier than ever to capture the moment when the bat hits the ball at the start of that home run. Pixela Video Browser Software is bundled with the VIXIA HF R200. 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 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. This software will also assist you in converting video to the optimum resolution for transmission over the Internet. The bundled application is compatible with Windows XP (Service Pack 2 and 3), Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

Product Description

The VIXIA HF R200 allows you to record crisp high definition video to two SDXC-compatible memory card slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from one SD memory card to the other when the memory becomes full. No need then to worry about running out of recording time during a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime shot. With SDXC memory card compatibility, you’ll have card storage capacity from more than 32GB up to 2TB and ultra-fast data transfer speeds.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

176 of 177 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Vixia HF R200 - Good value and quality for home movies, works with my Mac. July 13, 2011

By R. A. Holland

Amazon Verified Purchase

Bottom line: A good value-oriented camera that works well with my Mac. It is easy to use with intuitive controls - although some of the advanced settings required me to read the instruction manual. For good quality home movies, it seems to be perfect; and the minor improvement in video quality available on higher-end models probably isn't worth the additional cost.

Opening the Box:
All items were packed securely in the box except the battery, which was just rattling around in the box; and the box was not taped shut. I don't know if this had to do with the seller or the manufacturer; but I wish that all manufacturers would get in the habit of sealing the boxes at the factory with security tape, so that there would be no question that the box remained sealed from factory to consumer. Maybe I am nit picking, but the lack of security tape on the box and the battery issue could signal larger quality control problems at Canon.

First Use:
My 16GB SDHC card did not arrive on time, so I popped in a Kingston 4GB (class 4) card that I had. I wanted to take a short test video first thing, so I ignored the instructions about charging the battery first. I just plugged the camera in and began to use it.

After I took my test video, I charged the battery as indicated in the instructions: the first time you use it you are supposed to charge it to full capacity, and then use it until completely drained.

Operation:
The camera's operations and controls seem very easy to me. I know that review sites like CNET give Canon low marks for hard to use LCD touchscreen menus, but I found them rather easy to navigate, even without reading the instructions. The exterior buttons and controls were intuitive....

I use a Mac computer, and it was easy to transfer video to iMovie for editing and uploading to YouTube. Instead of connecting the camera to the computer via the included USB cable, I just stuck the SD card into the card reader on the side of my MacBook Pro, opened iMovie and clicked the button that tells it to look for a camera ... and bingo, there was my movie. I did some quick editing and uploaded it to YouTube. I would say that the total time from plugging in the SD card to having the video on YouTube ready to go was no more than 10 minutes.

I have read other websites where people make a fuss about the software not working well with a Mac. The bottom line here is that the Mac recognizes the video shot with the camera and easily transfers it to the computer for editing and storage. Honestly, I can't think of a reason why anyone would need the software that comes with the camera. I'll probably never take it out of the package.

Complaints I have Read in Other Reviews:
1. Noise. I think I hear a very faint sound on playback that might be the noise people have talked about when shooting in very quiet locations. But it certainly is not anything I would ever worry about. The background noise from my computer equipment is louder than the faint noise I was hearing. I probably wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't read about it. It might be an issue with Canon's 2010 models, but not with this one.
2. Battery Life: Using the Advanced Zoom and the Dynamic Image Stabilization features (and other such things, which are "ON" by default) suck down the battery pretty quick. If you don't need these features, just turn them off, and the battery will last much longer. There is a convenient button on the side of the camera labeled "Auto." You can turn off all of that stuff and run the camera in manual mode, and then easily use the "Auto" button to activate the other features, and switch back and forth. With a tripod I would leave the IS turned off all the time. You can also dim the LCD screen if you are doing a lot of indoor shooting to get a few more minutes of battery life. I spent a couple of hours shooting test video, turning different features on and off, and using the included HDMI cable to watch playback on my TV, and I still have 75% battery life remaining. I used various recording settings, including highest quality MXP mode, and that didn't seem to make a difference in the battery life. The reviewers who say that battery lasted only an hour must mean that the battery lasts for 1 hour of actual video shooting time with the IS turned on. An hour of shooting video is a long time. Full-length feature films are only 90 minutes. When I spend all day at the park with the kids, I'll carry an extra battery.
3. Low Light Performance: I suppose that if you are doing a lot of indoor low light video, you might want to spend more money to get a camera that has an advanced sensor, like Canon's CMOS Pro. But the R200 has better low-light specs than some other brands; and it has a manual exposure setting. This comes in handy when you are shooting indoor scenes with bright windows in the background. The automatic exposure tends to "underexpose" in these situations, but it can be manually adjusted to compensate. The video does come out a little grainy in low light ... but our standards for acceptable quality have been raised as technology has improved. You won't be able to produce a video on this camera like you see on TV. Duh!
4. Software issues: Honestly, I don't get it. Camera companies make cameras. If you want video editing software, buy it from someone who makes software for a living. As I said above, iMovie works for me.

Conclusion:
I am glad that I did not spend more money on a more expensive camera! This camera is easy to use and will do everything I want it to do. As a casual user, I am mostly interesting in making home videos of the kids. If I find flaws after several months of use, I'll post an updated review. Read more ›

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent "hidden" features September 6, 2011

By D. Banici

I've had this camera for a while, along with a couple of others (JVC HM300BU and JVC X900).

Originally I bought it for the easy manual controls. I needed to do an "infinite white" backdrop and wanted to have extensive control over exposure and white balance.

After I had it for a while, I started discovering the incredible little hidden features. I have set-up a little studio, and much of what I've done on a budget, without spending thousands on professional equipment would have been impossible without the Canon HF R200.

I bought a wireless microphone and with a hot shoe side grip, fits perfect on the Canon.
I bought a high end headset, the camera supports it via the 2-function AV jack.
It has a grooved 50mm diameter, so you can add a Telephoto or a Wide Angle lens!
It can record at 24Mbps (if you have the computing power to edit BlueRay quality). Not that you ever will, I have shot in 7Mbps (Standard) and the quality is absolutely stunning, and the file size is manageable, a 64 bit computer with 4Gb RAM and decent editing software will suffice). Before you go spend $3000 on a "prosumer" camera, this one shoots in 24P, cinematic, and it's about $400.

To see my 7Mbps HD videos (and "infinite white backdrop" experiments), look for DirtGlue on YouTUBE. All the white background 3-5 min videos are in front of this camera.

The JVC X900 has 3 times the megapixels, but no audio or headphone jacks, and it's 1080i not 1080p, so it's an incredible camera that I can't hook any of the pro accessories to!

The JVC HM300 can do time lapse (really cool) but once you film the clouds passing, the flower blooming, the tomato rotting, and your commute to work, you're done with time lapse.... Again, no MIC jack on this one either, although it sports 2 SD cards just like the Canon.

Anyway, back to the Vixia HF R200, because the more I learn it, the more I like it. Do you remember those sportscasts where the narrator draws on the touch screen to explain the action to you? This camera has that feature built-in.

I am not sure I touched a third of what it does. It has a couple of other well-thought features you only find on high end cameras. I am lucky to have taken the time to read the manual, it saved me from buying a more expensive camera which I actually don't need. Read more ›

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good buy April 26, 2011

By red7

Amazon Verified Purchase

I had this camcorder for about 3 weeks now. Mainly I have done small outdoors clips and one long school play. For low light indoors the best solution is movie mode at 24fps. This setting produced a great product for the school play. Outdoors with good light every setting that I have tried seems to give great results.
However make sure that you have a medium for playback capable of handling the video quality. For example my only option for full quality playback is directly to my 1080p TV. All of my computers struggle with the full quality video, and as a result the playback is choppy.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Just what the doctor ordered April 23, 2011

By Bomber

Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this camcorder with the recommendation from Canon as I am using the camera to tape educational videos for YouTube .
Having own a Sony Video 8 Handycam so this is my first HD digital camera. So far for me, the R200 is sturdy, light weight, with an incredible zoom (from 20 feet I can zoom on a box of cereal and read the ingredients!) and is very easy to use. The touch screen is a great feature as you only need your finger tip to maneuver and you can even do some editing. I do wish the camera was compatible with my MacBook Pro, but will have to down load and edit on Windows. I did find the camcorder available at BJ's wholesale for the same price ($379). BJ's also included a memory card and a very sweet Canon case for the same price. With delivery cost and having to buy a case and memory card, I spent about $75 too much buying it on line rather than BJ's and also had to wait a week to get it. Shop around first before you buy it on line.