Canon VIXIA HF M Full HD Camcorder with HD CMOS Pro and Dual SDXC Card Slots - Canon

Canon VIXIA
Canon VIXIA HF M400 Full HD Camcorder with HD CMOS Pro and Dual SDXC Card Slots
by Canon
Ranking has gone up in the past 24 hours 155 days in the top 100
4.0 out of 5 stars(34)

Buy new: $549.99 Click to see price
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The VIXIA HF M400 allows you to record clear 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 card 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 directly inserting the removable SD memory cards from your VIXIA HF M400 into your computer or HDTV’s card reader to 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.
When recording has continued for 12 hours, it will stop and then restart, automatically.

Please note - only memory cards up to 64GB are currently available on the market.

MXP and FXP modes record in 1920 x 1080 and require a Class 4 or higher SDHC 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 in the recording process. Press the record button and your VIXIA HF M400 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 M400'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 M400 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 you accidentally jolt or drop your camcorder.

Incorporating a proven technology in Canon’s professional level camcorders, HD CMOS Pro is a 1/3” native 1920x1080 image sensor which delivers outstanding video resolution, superb low-light performance and a wide dynamic range. Unlike image sensors found in competitive consumer camcorders, HD CMOS Pro uses fewer pixels, which are significantly larger (61%)* and more sensitive, resulting in optimized video performance.

Outstanding Video Resolution (800 Vertical and 900 Horizontal TV Lines)
Since the effective number of pixels of HD CMOS Pro is equal to 1920 x 1080, resizing is eliminated, allowing Full HD video to be captured and recorded with professional precision.

Superb Low-Light Performance (1.5 lux)**
Because each individual pixel is larger and more sensitive, each is capable of capturing more light, allowing high quality video to be achieved even in dimly lit conditions. The sensitivity of HD CMOS Pro is approximately 25% better than the Full HD CMOS sensor in the 2010 VIXIA HF S-series.



Wide Dynamic Range
A larger pixel area also allows more light to be stored, resulting in 280% improvement in dynamic range for exceptional reproduction of both highlights and shadows.*** Skin tones are captured in a finer gradation, and stable gamma and Auto Exposure control are also achieved resulting in a more ‘lifelike’ image.

* This is compared to the pixel size of Canon’s 2010 VIXIA camcorders of 1.7µm. The current HD CMOS Pro pixel size is now 2.75 µm, reflecting a 61.76% increase in size.

** Rating measured with auto shutter speed of 1/30 second.

*** This statistic is the result of comparisons with Canon’s HD CMOS Pro, versus Canon’s 2010 VIXIA HF S-series camcorders.



A Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens delivers unsurpassed image quality, and provides smooth and professional looking background images thanks to its sophisticated 6-blade iris effect. Combined with the Canon Exclusive HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor, it captures video with stunning resolution, superb low-light performance, and a wide dynamic range.

Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor provides stunningly realistic color and sophisticated noise reduction for exceptional low-light performance. It is also the high-speed engine that powers a variety of Canon technologies including Smart Auto, Touch & Track, Genuine Canon Face Detection, and Cinema-Look Filters.

You will also find that enhanced lifelike tone and detail are captured thanks to 24Mbps Recording, which offers the highest bit rate in AVCHD. The VIXIA HF M400 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.

And with Tele Macro, the VIXIA HF M400 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 VIXIA HF M400 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.


A critical objective when shooting in high definition is achieving the sharpest focus possible. The VIXIA HF M400 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 M400 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.


See exceptional detail with a sharp 230,000 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, pets, or vehicles, by selecting your choice right on the Touch Panel LCD.

You’ll also be able to use the Touch Panel for Touch Decoration. This feature lets you superimpose select decorations onto the images on your LCD and then records the images complete with the additions. You may add animation effects, hand written and stamp messages or insert a still image to give your video a truly individual look.

Smart Auto makes shooting great video easier than ever before. Using the power of Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor, the VIXIA HF M400 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.

Among the 38 scenes available in Smart Auto, a standout is Tele Macro. Tele Macro automatically zooms the lens of the camcorder to the telephoto end, setting the minimum object distance to approximately 1.3 feet (from 3.3 feet). This gives you the opportunity to shoot spectacular close-ups with the dramatic look of a shallow depth of field.



Touch and Track delivers precise tracking of the focus and exposure on any subject – whether it‘s people, pets, or vehicles. 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.



The same high quality Face Detection technology used in Canon digital cameras is available in the VIXIA HF M400 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 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.


USB2
The VIXIA HF M400 is compatible with the Eye-Fi SD Memory Card. It’s possible to wirelessly transfer your 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 site (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Shutterfly, Flickr) and you’re ready to share your standard definition files with family, friends, and the world!

Web Upload
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.



The versatile VIXIA HF M400 even lets you capture a photo from an already recorded movie. While playing the movie in your camcorder, simply press the LCD to capture a 1920 x 1080 photo onto an SD card or to the internal memory. Additionally, the VIXIA HF M400 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video.


24
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 M400'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.

30p Progressive
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 M400 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.


The Canon VIXIA HF M400 Flash Memory Camcorder features dual SDXC-compatible memory card slots in an ultra-sleek, compact and lightweight body, convenience and capability wrapped in one package. Canon's leading imaging technologies, including a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and new HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor deliver high video resolution, outstanding low-light performance and a wide dynamic range.Sophisticated features such as Smart Auto "read" 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 3.0" Touch Panel LCD. New features such as Cinema-Look Filters, Story Creator and Touch Decoration provide an easy and fun way to shoot great video and add creative flair. And a new high-quality internal microphone allows your audio to match the breathtaking realism of your video.