Canon continues its annual update of consumer camcorders with the lackluster VIXIA HF R62, R60 and R600 camcorders. The cameras now have 1080/60p video capture and additional connectivity and sharing options.
The new Camera Pan Table CT-V1 base accessory can be attached to the bottom of both the VIXIA HF R62 and R60 models for remote operation from a smartphone app. Canon touts this as a possibility for security or baby monitoring.
The VIXIA R62, R60 and R600 retail for $449.99, $399.99, and $299.99, respectively, and should be available in March 2015.
You can read the full press release from Canon below.
Canon Updates Compact, Powerful VIXIA HF R-Series Camcorders
All Three New VIXIA HF R-Series Camcorders Provide Excellent Low-Light Shooting Performance and Enhanced Zoom
MELVILLE, N.Y., January 05, 2015 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. a leader in digital imaging solutions, has updated the VIXIA HF R-series lineup of camcorders with three new models announced today – the VIXIA HF R62, VIXIA HF R60 and VIXIA HF R600 camcorders. The VIXIA HF R-series camcorders all feature genuine Canon HD Video, a 57x (32.5-1853mm) Advanced Zoom lens, DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor, three-inch touch panel LCD, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, long battery life, and a Canon 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor. The VIXIA HF R62 and VIXIA HF R60 camcorder models also feature Wi-Fi® and NFC™ capabilities for sharing images and video on compatible mobile devicesi including compatible Android devices, as well as by using the new Canon Connect Station CS100, a device for easy and safe image and video storage and access.
“For those who do not want to compromise on video quality, the Canon VIXIA line of camcorders is known for providing high-quality video, easy-to-use features and the optical and imaging technologies needed to create videos to be proud of,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, President and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Now, by adding NFCi capabilities to two VIXIA models, Canon is providing video enthusiasts with the tools they need to make recording and sharing their priceless memories easier than ever.”
The new Canon VIXIA HF R62, VIXIA HF R60 and VIXIA HF R600 camcorders provide outstanding image quality using Canon’s 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, and the proprietary DIGIC DV 4 Image processor. These new VIXIA R-series camcorders provide users with the ability to capture brilliant, virtually blur-free 1920 x 1080 resolution Full HD video. For consumers looking to capture a variety of different types of activities, like their children’s soccer match or a high school graduation, the Full HD video together with the 57x Advanced Zoom lens and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization offers smooth and steady video. The new VIXIA R-series camcorders also feature Intelligent IS which automatically chooses from four different modes to help reduce camera shake when capturing video or photographs.
Users have several options for storing their cherished memories when shooting with the Canon VIXIA HF r-Series camcorders. The VIXIA HF R62 camcorder can record up to 12 hours of video to a 32GB internal memory and the VIXIA HF R60 camcorder can record up-to three hours of video to an 8GB internal memory. In addition, all three of the new VIXIA HF R-series camcorders allow users to record to a removable SD, SDHC or SDXC memory card. Shooters can capture high-quality, sharp, 1080/60p imagery of moving subjects when recording in either MP4 (35 Mbps) or AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps). When using the Dual Recording mode, users can record movies simultaneously in both MP4 and AVCHD Progressive, while the built-in down conversion feature creates MP4 files for easy sharing on the web to popular social networking sites.
Featuring built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, the VIXIA HF R62 and VIXIA HF R60 camcorders expand shooting options for filming important moments while simultaneously providing remote monitoring capabilities. Utilizing Wi-Fi and the free Canon CameraAccess Plus appii, users can easily share recorded video or live stream remotely from a compatible Android or iOS device that allows the user to control certain camera functions like record and zooming. The optional Camera Pan Table CT-V1 base accessory can be attached to the bottom of both the VIXIA HF R62 camcorder and VIXIA HF R60 camcorder, allowing the products to act as baby monitors or security cameras. While using the Canon CameraAccess Plus app and Pan Table base together, users can rotate the camcorder left to right up to 200 degrees. The Pan Table can also be manually adjusted up or down for a tilt up to ± 20 degrees.
With the free Canon Movie Uploader appiii, sharing videos with family and friends is easy. Available on the iOS platform, this app allows users to send video directly to a compatible smartphone or tablet for online sharing. For Android devices, the free Remote Browseiii app allows users to preview or download files to a compatible smartphone, tablet, or PC when using a web browser. Once both devices are wirelessly connected, users can download or instantly playback their videos without the need for an application or other software.
The Framing Assist function featured on all three models provide users with the ability to readjust the zoom magnification to reacquire the subject after losing sight of it at extreme magnification – a useful tool for those recording a child’s activities such as a football game or piano recital. All three models also have a three-inch capacitive touch panel LCD that allows users to quickly switch between settings without impacting their ability to capture their desired images and video. Slow and fast motion recording is a fun feature that gives videos a professional look. Fast motion can be shot at up to 1,200x and slow motion down to 1/2x. In addition, the File Lock Function on all three models helps safeguard against mistakenly deleting files from the camcorder.
For more creative videos, these camcorders allow users to customize their video by selecting from seven Cinema Look filter effects which can be applied during or after filming. Additionally, while in Audio Scene Select mode, users can select from eight predetermined audio modes that adjust and optimize audio settings based on the shooting conditions. The built-in microphone/headphone terminal provides users with the flexibility to record using an auxiliary microphone or listen to what they’re recording with headphones.
The VIXIA HF R-series camcorders also feature a longer battery life than previous models, providing users with more than one hour of recording time on a full battery charge. The VIXIA HF R62 camcorder utilizes the high capacity B-727 battery pack, providing the longest VIXIA R series battery life, up to 180 minutes. The VIXIA HF R60 and VIXIA HF R600 both utilize the high capacity B-718 battery pack which records up-to-120 minutes of shooting time.
The VIXIA HF R62, VIXIA HF R60, and VIXIA HF R600 camcorders will be available in March 2015 for estimated retail prices of $449.99, $399.99, and $299.99, respectively.
For more information, and full list of product specifications, visit http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders
Brian says
Look, I get that Canon doesn’t want to “jeopardize” their 4K sales of their “high end” cinema EOS cameras, but this is pathetic. These products barely qualify as an update. Then look at what Sony and Panasonic come out with…
This is basically the same approach Canon took with the T4i and then T5i releases – release the same product with a MINOR firmware update and charge more money. These are BARELY an upgrade over previous versions. If you’re recording anything longer than 25min, you’ll need a camcorder if you don’t want to babysit or start a new file. The previous R500 is $100+ cheaper and does the same stuff. Get that instead.
Stephen Cupp says
Or they don’t think the people who will buy this camera want 4k. Do you really need your kids dance recital or karate class in 4k? That’s the audience they are aiming this camera at.
Richard says
Agreed, that’s the same reason I still using my T2i and never upgraded to the any of the others Rebel T series… still want to see what’s new on the T6i. Canon cameras are just different design-look with just minor software updates,,, that’s it.. I pass