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Review Summary
2017-02-09T19:00:00
I think it's okay. Its quality is not soooo bad, but not great. It doesn't have wire pairing. And no fast/slo mo
Sammmmm2993
2016-07-22T20:00:00
My daughter purchased this camcorder with WIFI....loved the size....ease of use....and such beautiful color for an inexpensive camcorder!
JOJOGLAM
2016-05-18T20:00:00
I've never had a problem with canon before, they're great! But once I bought this camera I noticed that I couldn't use my sdxc card. The flip screen even says sdxc on it! Also there are many features unavailable or hidden that aren't explained in the manual. To say the least I was disappointed with my purchase.
YotathoPhoto
2016-03-27T20:00:00
I use this camcorder for dirt track racing and film many of my friends. They all comment how crystal clear the video comes out on a DVD. The downfall to what I use this for is that after a night of racing I cannot get the front protective shutter to close and usually have to blow it out with an air gun. It does not have threads on the end for a filter. This is my only complaint about it.
bbuggy112
2015-05-18T20:00:00
My brief experience so far with this camera has been very good. Lots of features (although the user interface on the video screen is a little clunky and not very intuitive. Biggest issue is no operating manual. I went online to get the manual but then found out it really is formatted in a PDF format assuming you were going to print off in manual size rather than 8 1/2 by 11 paper. As a result, you get either little bitty pages printed on a big sheet or you blow it up to bigger size print to fit the page. Either way you wind up with 200 pages to print off. The manual could likely fit on less than 100 pages if formatted correctly.
Phil
2015-04-30T20:00:00
I probably waited too long to buy a new digital video camera. The last one I had was a VHS-C type! I bought the Canon Vixia HF R500 simply because of the fact that it has an input for an external microphone......and the price was excellent. I want to do recordings of my band and video documentation of musical ideas, and this camera fits the bill. There are far more features in this camera than I ever thought possible at this price. Most of the features are things that I personally don't need, but they're nice to have. I like the different modes of video recording that allow you to change the look of the finished video, and also there are provisions for changing the way the audio is recorded. This is a great camera for a person just getting started in digital video! Highly recommended.
Bobsessed
2015-04-02T20:00:00
I use a Canon Vixia G20 for work, so I was already a fan. I decided to purchase the 500 for personal use-- and I have only made a one-minute video with it, but I can already tell that it's wonderful. It is grainy in low light settings, unlike the G20, but hey-- that's the difference between a prosumer camera and a consumer, cheaper model. The image stabilization in both cameras are wonderful, and the 500 has good audio. I am VERY pleased with this purchase, and can't wait to do more with it!
VideoGirl
2015-03-24T21:00:00
Love the zoom length on this camcorder. Also the image stabilizer. My old camcorder was larger but I really like this small sixes to fit in my pocket. Just have to get use to no eyepiece to look thru.
RENEE R.
2015-03-18T20:00:00
The visual is great but the audio fades alot once you view what you recorded you can hear it then the sound fades and comes back and it happens a few times
Jess
2015-03-13T20:00:00
I've owned many video cameras and the HF R500 is the least expensive - but produces the best video. The image stabilisation is the best I've seen, with care it looks like a tripod is being used. It lacks some of the features of other cameras I've owned, but as I rarely - if ever - used them, it's not a concern to me. I really like this camcorder.
Akabatman
2015-02-11T19:00:00
Just received the HF R500 today. Was surprized how small it is. Took 4 hours to charge the tiny battery. Don't let its size fool you. This takes incredible video. HD 60p is incredible. I did have some trouble post capture in burning an AVCHD DVD to play on my blue ray player. After three attempts, I tried to see if my blue ray player would play the edited mp4 file from a jump drive. It did flawlessly. MP4 is becoming more mainstream. I am glad this camera has both options during capture. The zoom is smooth and has three speeds plus a variable setting. The optical image stabilizer works well. I used this camera indoors and was very slightly grainy compared to older cameras. Overall, I was impressed, especially for the low price. I only wish the lens was threaded so I could attach a polarizing filter.
outdoorsman
2015-01-29T19:00:00
This is a good camera for beginners. Full of features and it feels right in your hand. Good weight, good size. What I personally did not like was a rattling sound in the camera body when you tilted the camera in any direction. I thought perhaps I had a defective one and returned it. The replacement had the same annoying rattling. The rattling does show up on the recordings if you move the camera too much while filming. Not sure how this made it through quality control, or if this affects all cameras in their line, but it made me return it for a refund.
Amaranti
2015-01-08T19:00:00
This was my first Canon purchase and I am very pleased. The camcorder is small, lightweight and very easy to use. I was able to fit it inside my purse. I would recommend this camcorder for starters. I plan on purchasing more Canon products in the future.
Kalena
2015-01-08T19:00:00
I received a canon vixia hf r500 for christmas and so far i am enjoying it very much it replaces my old fs300 my old camera works great but it was time to step up to hd also the external mic jack makes this camera a real winner everything from the touch screen to the headphone jack are nice additions to a great compact and easy to use camera
mctech
2015-01-07T19:00:00
I am so far very pleased with the product. This is a new experience and using the camcorder to do the basics is going very well. I have a major complaint. Considering the price of the product I am very upset that it does not come with an operating manual. You are referred to the website for the manual only to find that Canon expects you to print out 200 pages to have a complete manual. Same is true for the software to use the camcorder with your computer. Instead of sending a disc to upload the software as other electronic manufacturers do you are expected to go on line to download that information. I can assure you that these penny pinching items by Canon on an expensive piece of electronics will be a major consideration in my choice of future products I buy
jim
2014-12-18T19:00:00
I really like the Canon Vixia video camera. It's ease of use as well as other functions such as the snap shot function is nice to have. I love the camera's ability to stabilize your motion and give you clear video. Great product and well worth the purchase.
ben
2014-11-29T19:00:00
I like the camera, it's easy to use, works well, and all that. This was my first camcorder purchase but not my first Canon product purchase. I have a Canon P&S camera, and a Canon all in one printer / copier / scanner. This could be my last Canon purchase though. I simply could not get the Image browser software to work after wasting hours of time trying to get it to work which included browsing the help forums. It's clear this is sub-standard software and I'm not the only one that has had a problem. I'm considering sending the camera back as it's somewhat useless without the Image Browser EX software. Nice try, thanks but no thanks.
Grump
2014-11-20T19:00:00
I had a Canon FS100 previously and was looking to upgrade to a camcorder with higher resolution. I researched Canons camcorders, and purchased the Vixia HRF500. The quality of the recordings are beautiful and very sharp and you can't beat the price. The only thing that I wish it had on it was remote zoom, but that comes with the higher price models.
PhotoshopDon
2014-11-20T19:00:00
I purchased 5 of these for a entry level high school video production class. It was a great invenstment since high school students that are new to production need little to complicate their video projects and this camera is great!
PISD t.
2014-11-07T19:00:00
Everything I read about this camera is true. Very easy to use and excellent video quality, I zoomed to its maximum setting and recorded wildlife at over 800 yards and the focus and image stabilization was excellent. Great camera and excellent value. Its video image becomes grainy in low light but that is not a negative factor for my intended use. Besides I will buy a light source if I needed to film in low light.
Papaw T.
2014-10-19T20:00:00
I have only owned this camera for a short period of time so I'm still getting use to it. This camera has so many features that I know it will take time to learn them all. This camera is very compact with an outstanding zoom lens. I enjoy the baby mode feature since I have a 6 months old grandson. I also enjoy having the optiom of recording in MP4 or AVCHD format.. Video is sharp and clear. For the price and features you can't go wrong.
trophy91
2014-10-16T20:00:00
I bought it for the HD picture quality and it does that wonderfully. I found the menu easier to navagate than one would expect from reading the manual. The zoom is fantastic and presents a number of possibilities, as long as you use a tripod. I consider it the best value of the three in the series because I have no interest in the extra features of the two higher priced models. The only negative is the lack of a viewfinder. The screen is almost impossible to see on a bright sunny day. (But I knew this would be the case when I bought it. I may try to rig some kind of sights to help me aim at a subject when I can't see the screen. I do not use any of the downloadable software because I do not have an Apple or a Windows machine. I am running LINUX Ubuntu and do not have any problems downloading the files. It would have helped if I had a description of what the different folders in the camera''s memory contain. I use the open source video editor "OpenShot" to edit my videos. It works fine. If I find myself using the camera a lot I may consider one of the semi-professional models.
MrPVC
2014-10-11T20:00:00
I purchased this camera to record video of my rapidly growing grandchildren. I've been recording them on my smartphone, but I don't like the tall skinny videos my smartphone takes. This camcorder is an excellent value. It is easy to set up and use. Everything you need to know in order to use it is on the quick start guide that comes in the package. I love that it stores video on a removable SD card. I can pop the SD card into my card reader and copy the videos to my computer. I love that it takes still photos, too. For this grandma's modest needs, this camera has been the perfect solution.
Fern
2014-10-11T20:00:00
The touch screen is a bad idea because I could not make all the functions work due to my finger size and I have only slightly larger than normal size hands. I wear size 11 gloves. I gave it away.
JC
2014-10-07T20:00:00
I've found the VIXIA HF R500 to be a good all around camcorder. It's been great for taking vidoes of vacations and special events with very good picture and sound quality. The only real problem I've found is that it is a little limited in low light and loud sound situations but for most of my uses this camcorder has done very well.
Pix4fun
2014-09-29T20:00:00
Wish I knew when I bought this video camera that it does NOT come with instructions. You have to go to one website for instructions then another website to download software to transfer video to your computer. The manual is 200 pages and for the price paid for this video camera the least the company can do is provide it. Why they expect you to print a 200 page document is beyond reasoning. Thanks Canon for the poor product support.
LindaT
2014-09-23T20:00:00
Can't use LED screen in sunlight. Long range focus takes a longer time to register than I would have hoped.Stabilization works great at long range. Picture quality is very good. Snapshot is okay, Zoom is okay but you can take a photo out with any good video editor. Convenient compact size. Lens cover doors will fog lens when used outdoors over long periods Economical. User friendly.Touch screen very handy for average to smaller fingers. I would buy again for my modest needs..
bojo360
2014-07-28T20:00:00
This camera has exceeded my expectations for a consumer camcorder. The auto focus and focus follow are quite good. I bought the Canon wireless mic to go with it. It does not do well in low light, but I am surprised how well it does with filming small objects.
PandaCam
2014-07-14T21:00:00
This camcorder offers good image quality, but has very strange menu quirks. For example, it took me the better part of an hour to figure out how to format a memory card in it: it is called "Initialize." Very peculiar. Once you figure things out, it's a good little device. Extremely compact. We use this camera for castings, and it should be known that it is TERRIBLE with Chroma Green. Bleeds in to everything. If you're doing anything with green, forget about this unit. Otherwise, great buy.
DAVID P.
2014-03-10T21:00:00
Great light weight Lots of Great features Touch screen easy to use Does NOT come with printed Instruction Manual... You need to READ Manual before use to know how to get camera to download to computer. Works Great -If you understand how to use it-
Kevin H.
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High Definition
NTSC
AVCHD/MPEG-4
1/4.85-inch CMOS, RGB Primary Color Filter
Approx. 3.28 Megapixels
Video: Approx. 2.07 Megapixels (1920 x 1080)
Photo: Approx. 2.07 Megapixels (1920 x 1080)
32GB SD Memory Card in AVCHD:
LP (1440 x 1080) 12 hours 15 minutes
FXP (1920 x 1080) 4 hours 10 minutes
MXP (1920 x 1080) 2 hours 55 minutes
NTSC 60p (1920 x 1080) 2 hours 30 minutes
32GB SD Memory Card in MP4:
4Mbps (1280 x 720): 17 hrs. 20 min.
17Mbps (1920 x 1080): 4 hr. 10 min.
24Mbps (1920 x 1080): 2 hr. 55 min.
35Mbps (1920 x 1080): 2 hr. 20 min.
57x Advanced/32x Optical/1140x Digital
2.8-89.6mm
35mm Film Equivalent: Optical Zoom: 38.5-1232mm / Advanced Zoom Off: 38.5-1232mm / Advanced Zoom On: 32.5-1853mm
Variable / 3 Fixed Zoom Speeds; Max. F/Stop: f/1.8-4.5
TTL (Through The Lens)
Available
Smart Auto, Manual Mode, Cinema Mode, Baby Mode, 1P, SCN , Cinema Standard, Vivid, Cool, Nostalgia, Sepia, Old Movies, Dramatic B&W, Portrait, Sports, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Night, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks
Movie: 1/2000 sec.
Still Image: 1/500 sec.
Auto mode: 10mm (AF linkage: WIDE end), 1m in intermediate zoom range, approx. 50 cm at TELE end
All other modes: 10mm (WIDE end), 1m across entire zooming range (from edge of lens). However, approx. 50cm at tele macro setting established at this time (automatic movement to TELE end)
Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Manual
NTSC:
AVCHD: 60i/PF30/60P
MP4: 24P/30P/6
NTSC: 5 lux
Low Light mode: 0.4 lux
Optical System (Lens-shift system) + electronic stabilization
Intelligent IS in Auto/Baby mode:
Dynamic IS (default)
Powered IS
Macro IS
Tripod Mode
IS Modes other than Intelligent IS; Dynamic IS and Powered IS settings can be made manually in Manual /Cinema Mode:
Standard IS
IS Off
Not Supported
Not Available
3.0-inch Capacitive Touch Panel Widescreen Color LCD (Approx. 230,000 dots)
1 SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot
mini-AB: Hi-Speed USB supported
Composite (output)
AVCHD Satisfied: Dolby Digital AC3 (2 Channel)
MP4 Satisfied: MPEG-2 AAC-LC (2 Channel)
Sampling Frequency: 48 KHz
Not Available
Not Available
Available; mini connector (output only)
3.5 mm diameter stereo mini-jack
3.5mm diameter 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio output only)
23deg. to 113deg.F (-5deg. to 45deg.C); 60% relative humidity / 32deg. to 104deg.F (0deg. to 40deg.C); 85% relative humidity (performance)
2.1 x 2.2 x 4.6" / 53 x 55 x 116mm (Not including grip belt)
Approx. 8.3 oz. / 235g (Body, not including grip belt)
Approx. 10.1 oz. / 286g (Including Battery BP-718, memory card and grip belt)
Canon added four new Vixia camcorders to its video lineup at the CES trade show, including three models with long-range 57x zoom lenses, two of which also feature Wi-Fi, and a tiny personal camcorder for action photography..
Great Camcorder for Grandma!
By Fern
I purchased this camera to record video of my rapidly growing grandchildren. I've been recording them on my smartphone, but I don't like the tall skinny videos my smartphone takes. This camcorder is an excellent value. It is easy to set up and use. Everything you need to know in order to use it is on the quick start guide that comes in the package. I love that it stores video on a removable SD card. I can pop the SD card into my card reader and copy the videos to my computer. I love that it t...
View full Review
Vixia Camera
By ben
I really like the Canon Vixia video camera. It's ease of use as well as other functions such as the snap shot function is nice to have. I love the camera's ability to stabilize your motion and give you clear video. Great product and well worth the purchase.
Discover a world of new shooting possibilities with Canon VIXIA HF R500 camcorder's giant 57x Advanced Zoom! Get up close from virtually anywhere and feel free to walk while shooting: the camcorder's SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer will keep your video sharp and steady.
Capture truly impressive, amazingly realistic 1920 x 1080 Full HD video with the Canon 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor. Even the fastest moving subjects are rendered with crisp detail thanks to 1080/60p recording in easy-to-share MP4 (35 Mbps) and AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps) formats and video is recorded directly to a convenient, removable SD memory card.
Parents take note: Advanced Baby Mode gives you an easy, organized way to track the daily development of up to three children. Just pick up the camcorder and start shooting: there's no need to worry about settings in this mode - every precious moment is automatically captured with the best possible quality for the shooting conditions.
Not only is this camcorder easy to control with its 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD and fast, intuitive interface, but it also incorporates lots of ways to make your video polished, creative and of the highest quality.
Intelligent IS optimizes image stabilization for the given conditions, while Smart AUTO chooses the best camcorder settings based on 38 predefined shooting situations. You'll record outstanding audio even under difficult conditions with Audio Scene Select and give your video a unique creative spin with seven beautiful Cinema-Look Filter effects that can be added during or after shooting. And to keep the fun and memory-making going longer, the VIXIA HF R500 features a high capacity battery pack.