Canon Vixia HF M30 Camcorder Review - Video Demo Footage

[TheDomzilla13]

Is there a spot to screw a fisheye lens into it?

[angelina6789]

Can you pause while recording a video? so that you don't have to edit 2 videos together?

[TheGarbagemansGuide]

I have a question. I have the same camera. I plugged in a lav mike plugged into the MIC input and get no audio at all. Is there a menu setting to select external mike? If not, any idea why there's no audio recording through an external mic?

[DeathSkwid]

Question, though. On the remote, do the arrows allow you to rotate the camera? I know it's a long stretch, but is there any chance of the camera having a motor that rotates it around the tripod screw?

[DeathSkwid]

That was a really nice review. That zoom was very nice.

[ProvokedArtists]

Well you did cons first so I will too. Your drum beat was crap. Thats all I got. lol Other than that its a well done video. Check us out at Likwid English and thevisualbuzz. Please sub and like. Thanks for the vid review.

[MsKillaDJ]

whoa finding nemo "the real life version ha"

[Sk8bordr125]

I play guitar do movies and garageband. I was wondering if you could explain where you said you could plug your mixing boards directly into the camera. and you also do that with a basic input jack to the input on the amp or a headphone jack how would i do that???

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@Sk8bordr125 , I use the mic input with a 1/8" jack, only line level input, on a mixer the REC OUT, nothing amplified though, only pre amp, On the Digitech Effects Processors I use the Line Out RCA to 1/8" jack, Also use the Vixia's mic input level on manual to select a good input level as it may sound distorted if the level is too high,

[digitaljosh]

is the mic line input jack stereo?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@digitaljosh , Yes it is. 1/8" TRS / Stereo

[Technicism10111]

Great Review, I am researching for a camcorder. Think this is the one. :-)

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@Technicism10111 , Thanks. This camcorder is still awsome, I use a lot.

[PlaYBoI23237]

Does any1 knw why i cant import my videos from dis cam to my windows labtop???

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@PlaYBoI23237 , connect the camera usb, and press the funtion button for viewing mode, (Play Mode) on the side of the camcorder. if not using the supplied software, browse your (MyComputer) and look for a Canon: drive. and browse to the videos. hope this helps.

[halomo81]

@HeartfieldTalonV how do you get the film look 24p on this camera help please

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@halomo81 >> FUNC >> Rec. Programs >> Cinemode .. on the LCD touch screen, to change it back to Programmed AE, just do the same and choose the mode you want..

[halomo81]

@HeartfieldTalonV thank you so much

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@halomo81 , you are quite welcome, did everything work OK?

[halomo81]

@HeartfieldTalonV yes i did thanx

[sfmonkeyc]

very useful review. thanks.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@sfmonkeyc , thank you, I appreciate your feedback.

[sfmonkeyc]

@HeartfieldTalonV, You're welcome. You and a couple of other people who have done excellent video reviews of this camera have convinced me to buy one over the other models I've looked at..

[Factotiousvlogs]

Nice room dude

you got every single thing I want

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@Factotiousvlogs , thanks, glad you like it.. it's my hide out.

[TheDampSocks]

how do you get rid of the shhhh noise the camcorder makes without making the audio quiet? turning on the microphone attenuator makes everything quiet.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@TheDampSocks, That SHHHHH noise in my vids is the A/C unit, and the Computer in the background.

attenuator should help though, I have'nt tested it.

[ALKOpadman]

do you know if you can edit captured video from this camera on windows movie maker?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@ALKOpadman , Yes I can edit the RAW file on Windows Live Movie Maker, in Windows 7, However I have not tried in other versions of Windows.

[JeffreySutton]

And, finally, is it worth it to purchase the M31 to get more internal memory and the option to use manual focus? Thank you for your time.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@JeffreySutton , In my personal opinion, No. I have never used 4 hours of FXP HD video, In fact most of my movies are less then 30 minutes. I try to record only bullet points, rather then edit later, can ba a pain staking process. Also I find it easier to remove the SD card and transport to my PC, rather then using the USB cable every time I want to transfer my movies, I guess the value could be based on the price of a Class 4 or better SD card versus the price for the M31 approx: $100 - cont...

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@JeffreySutton , Also I can use my SD card for other things, One could probably purchase more then 1 SD card for the extra price. the M30 has a built in 8GB, and I have an 8GB Class 4 SD card, I have never ran out of drive space, and my battery only lasts 99 minutes, recording or not, depending on mode. so typically I get about 30 minutes of actual recording on 1 battery, you can make the battery last longer by powering down when not needed, or put in standby mode. the more video the more work.

[JeffreySutton]

Thank you. I just did some more research and found that I will need to convert .mts files with handbrake. Is this true?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@JeffreySutton , I'm not sure. I use PowerDirector 9 Ultra-64, and the files edit fine, I can then output to DVD, Blu-ray, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVC, etc... Also I can play the RAW.mts files on all my Windows 7 64-bit computers. However, not on my Wife's Wndows Vista 64-bit. It may just be some missing codec. I have also used Window Live Movie Maker, Coral Video Studio, and I also currently use Pinnacle Studio HD 14. All on Windows 7, and the files play and edit just fine.

[JeffreySutton]

@HeartfieldTalonV Thank you. I just contacted Adorama and found out it is compatible with with the newer versions of Final Cut Pro so I should be good to go.

[JeffreySutton]

Hi, could you please tell what formats this camera shoots on? I would like to know if I would be able edit on Final Cut Pro. Thanks.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@JeffreySutton , Yes it's [ MPEG4-AVC / H.264 ] the raw file extension is .mts , TV Standard - NTSC

[master0maly]

hey i realy want this shood i buy it plz help

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@master0maly , Canon has released 5 new camcorders recently, HF-G10, HF-S30, HF-M41, HF-M40, HF-M4000, range from $649.99 to $1449.99, the HF-M30 still retails for $599.99, I am still pleased with this camera, Video Quality, and overall performance. I had researched camcorders for 6 months before purchasing this, and purchased several others before that. I only considered 1 other camcorder the HF-S20, but I for $300.00 difference the features did not sell me. already the quality is to high

[HeartfieldTalonV]

Cont. @master0maly , the quality is too high for internet upload, so it would be a waste of money, In fact the quality of a DVD, or Blu-ray is lower then what the Hf-M30 can create. Unless the internet speeds multiply quickly, and a new form of video is release, this camcorder is extremely over qualified. It over exceeds what it is nesacary, especially for Youtube videos. Just my opinion.

[master0maly]

@HeartfieldTalonV if quality to high how u get this vid up and ill be using it for more then just youtubevides but for majority it be youtube

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@master0maly , The RAW format quality is higher then what you will render. The quality is compressed, or Converted. When you record the movie then edit it and render it to a different format. If you upload a RAW file to youtube it will be 2 times the file size or more., and will take a long time to upload. If you render it as an MPEG2, it will be half the size, either way you upload it, it still gets rendered to the smaller. Don't get me wrong the higher the quality, the better the outcome.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@master0maly , Cont. I'm just trying to say this camcorder is more then satisfactory, I rate it 5-Stars based on Price vs, Performance. However there are better camcorders, Just not for the price.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@HeartfieldTalonV , The quality is better then what you will need for Youtube, Blu-ray, or DVD, which is a good thing. Also the better you record, will give a better compressed file. even though the quality has been lowered, it will look better if recorded at max quality.

[CheesyWaa]

Can this camera record video games from your tv by hooking it up?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@CheesyWaa , I don't believe it will capture video, there are no Video Inputs on this camcorder. onlt Video recording from via the lens. this can be accomplished with a computer equiped with a capture card, using a capture software. I have seen this acomplshed with "Pinnacle Dazzle"

[HeartfieldTalonV]

I added an old video from when I first got the camera, I guess Youtube removed the video response feature, here is the video 0ANr-VIeFZY just add it after youtube dot com

[NUKEM16]

ok i will give that a try. Also can anyone tell me what the simultaneous recording does and what i should have it set on. right now its LW normal/2304x1296. and what is the X.V. color function???

[NUKEM16]

i hook the camera up with the component green blue red cord.

[NUKEM16]

hey people, just one quick question. My TV is only 1080i or 720p and when i plug the camera in and watch videos it looks like shit. what would be the best setting on the camera to make the movies look better. right now it looks like a upconverting HDMI dvd player quality.????

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@NUKEM16, I have a 720p HDTV, I will give it a try tommorow or the next day, I wonder if the Mini HDMI cable will make a difference, but the component should do ok, it could be the tv's input is not capable of true HD signal, not sure though. The best setting I use is a Class 4 SD / FXP Mode / P Programed AE, and good lighting will make a better quality video, dark or poor lighting will cause snow and discoloration, my christmas videos looked like crap at first, we forgot to turn the tree lights

[HeartfieldTalonV]

Cont... On, backlighting is also important. anyway, I'll check it out on the HDTV @ 720p, and coment back, Also have tried viewing them on a PC? to see if they look OK..

[awkookrenewed]

Hey! When I record in cinemode it seems to be REALLY dark. You recorded in cinemode and it doesnt seem as dark as mine. Also, when recording in anything other than cinemode, there seems to be a bit of blue static. I can see it especially when I zoom in. There is some blue static. Is it just my camera or when you record in, lets say programmed AE, do you see a blue static when zoomed in at all? If you want a video showing you what I mean i will show you

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@awkookrenewed , Cinemode will be a bit dark, needs good lighting, s far as the blue static, I have noit seen that, unless it is caused by low light, or poor light, try shooting outdoors in the daytime, also are you using the internal memory, or an SD Card, the internal memory should be fine for FXP, I would recomend a Class 6 or better for MXP mode, as this may or may not be the issue. Could be a defective camera, or the settings, also try setting all settingsto factory default and start fresh.

[awkookrenewed]

@HeartfieldTalonV Ive been using FXP with internal memory. The blue static was there when I took it out of the box. Default settings. When I first started the camera I changed it to FXP, already on Programmed AE, and when I zoomed in, there was blue static.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@awkookrenewed , How is the lighting, Also how far are you zooming in, if you are zooming past the optical zoom, and going into digital zoom ,the quality gets worse. Could you post a link to the video, just the ID is fine, (eg.. this video is (SdUBytOgR8k) which is the last part of the youtube link.

[afghanistanculture09]

Hi, I bought this camera and there is something lose inside when I shake it, Is it normal?? I bought and returned it but they sent me back with the same issue. Any advice?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@afghanistanculture09 , Try that when the camera is turned on, the Image Stabilizer will rattle when the camera is turned off. should be normal.

[johnnythrux]

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[corysouto]

What format "Avi?" does it record in?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@corysouto , MPEG4-AVC / H.264, the file extension is .MTS, but can be converted to other formats using a video editor. for ex: Pinnacle Studio HD, and I use a couple others that have different features.

[stefysjg]

great review man really covered everything in this.... sjg certified....

[MrE2727]

I have the same camcorder i am using a class 4 sd card is that no good to use? an do you get better video with the build in memory than using an sd card?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@MrE2727 , I am also using the Clas s4 SD, it works fine, but the class 6 will be faster..

[MrE2727]

@HeartfieldTalonV Thank's for the info as long as the video quality is the same with the class 4 SD card , i will stay with it, thank's again

[zaneozz]

Witch is the setting to record 720P?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@zaneozz , It records in 1080P, you can edit the video for 720P in your video editing software. The supplied image mixer software allow for 2 1080 settings on initial transfer/download of the movies onto the PC, I have also just downloaded the movies directly throug the SD card as a removeable drive, and edited the files with my video editing software, ahnd then export as desired, Quality, size, etc..

[WeAreWakingUp]

This is the most thorough and informative video review I have found on YouTube yet. Great Job!

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@WeAreWakingUp , Thank you very much. I'm glad you found it useful. coment is very appreciated.

[VideoGameConnection]

Great and informative review.

I have seen many but found yours to be the best for what I was wanting to know about the product

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@VideoGameConnection , Thanks , your coment coment is very appreciated.

[DevenGrant]

and wered you buy it?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@DevenGrant , Best Buy

[THEANnetWork]

@HeartfieldTalonV me too

[DevenGrant]

Is this a lot different from the m31 model?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@DevenGrant , I think the only difference is the M30 has an 8GB built in memory, and the M31 does not, other then that I have not been able to find a difference, the only reason I chose the M30 is for the back up memory, but the SD card is higher performance if you get a class 6 or higher

[zkgubs]

Blah blah blah, look at all my cool stuff.... I know about cameras... blah blah

[LukeMaff]

Hey do you think buying this as NTSC and using it in a PAL country would be a problem? I dont ever plan on using it for the TV..

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@LukeMaff , the camera does not support PAL, but does support MPEG4-AVC / H.264 which I believe is world wide format. I don't know how that formats with PAL, I "Think" it will be fine as long it is for internet and PC viewing, again I'm not a pro in the field. To my knowlage it would only apply to Television viewing.

[LukeMaff]

@HeartfieldTalonV

okay good, I dont plan on tv usage :)

[cindyh1212]

This is a very helpful video. I've got a Vixia HF M300, which I believe is the same as the HF M30, just without the hard drive. My video seems to be blurry, grainy, and/or full of lines. Any suggestions? If you have a minute, maybe you can check it out. I know I'm a spaz videographer, sorry about the jerkiness.

I tried to past a link, but I get an error. I've only got two videos - the one with the pine trees was taken with the Vixia.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@cindyh1212 , It seems they are pretty much the same. The video looked fine too me, but the highest quality available was 480p, you can upload 1080P HD movies to Youtube. And also the RAW file from your Vixia, .mts it will just take a while to upload, and for Youtube process as well. There are a lot of settings, Several times I've set to factory defaults, and started over. Digital Zoom will cause Pixelation, I try to use only Optical Zoom, and disable the digital. Also instant AF to ON, ..CONT..

[HeartfieldTalonV]

CONT... AF, Instant Auto Focus, will help with the focus, as well as Focus Assistance, It might help to Format/Initialize the memory card and set the Camera's Factory Defaul, and start from scratch. ******* Also be sure that your SD-CARD is a Class 6 or better, anything less will result in poor quality, being the memroy bandwidth is too slow... ****** I would be happy to answer any more qustions you have.. Ohh and I believe there is a Firmware Update as of Aug 2010 at USA . Canon . com

[cindyh1212]

@HeartfieldTalonV Thank you so much for your help and quick reply. Maybe I looked at mine too critically, but I will definitely try your suggestions to get the best quality possible. Thanks again!

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@cindyh1212 , You are very welcome..

[TruthPain]

A better mix between the drum machine and guitar processor would have helped. The drums were dry as a bone and very casio-ish, while your ax sounded like it was in a 15,000 person hall ......

Other than that minor thing, I found this very useful. Thanks!

[XcrazyguitarmaniacX]

Do you know how this camera does with extreamly loud noises?

I'm looking for a good quality camera to record my friends band and I need one that doesn't get all distorted at loud music with lots of bass.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@XcrazyguitarmaniacX , I've used it outside at my son's football games, and even when everyone yells it still sounds good, it has a mic meter, also a manuall mic control, so you can adjust the mic level. if the meter is in the yellow, you can lower it. they also make external mics for this camera in 5.1 surround. also has different settings.

[CA3600]

can you use it with a mac?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@CA3600 , I dont see why not, The Camcorder creates files with the extension .mts, and writes them to an SD card, so you then put the sd card into your computer.

Also the Internal Memory as well as the SD card can be accessed by plugging the camcorder into the usb port, you must have the power cord plugged in, in order to make chages the the memory

I do not believe the supplied software will work with a MAC as it says windows software. I see no information that says MAC is supported or no

[CA3600]

@HeartfieldTalonV

thanks

[TechieTeenGirl]

does this camcorder have the boom mic input on the top of it?

[HeartfieldTalonV]

@TechieTeenGirl - It has a (Mini Advanced Shoe) on top used for, SM-V1

The Canon SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone, Directional Stereo Microphone DM-100, RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter, VFL-2 Video Flash Light, and VL-5 Video Light1, hope this is helpful.. If you have any more questions, feel free to post.

[HeartfieldTalonV]

BTW, The noise is my PC in the background, All those fans are on high, LOL..

I see it as / a good microphone on the camera..