The Canon VIXIA HF M41 Flash Memory Camcorder features a 32GB internal flash drive and 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 choose 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.
Flash Memory
The VIXIA HF M41 allows you to record up to 12 hours of clear high definition video to a 32GB internal flash drive or to two SDXC-compatible memory card slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the next available SD memory card 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 your VIXIA HF M41's internal drive to the removable SD memory cards. That makes it easy to insert the card into your computer or HDTV's card reader and view your recorded footage immediately.
Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor
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 1920x1080, 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.
Stunning Image Quality
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 M41 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 M41 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.
Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization with Powered IS
The VIXIA HF M41 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.
Instant AF
A critical objective when shooting in high definition is achieving the sharpest focus possible. The VIXIA HF M41 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 M41 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.
3.0" Touch Panel LCD Screen
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 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.
For your convenience, the VIXIA HF M41 is also equipped with a viewfinder for use in shooting when very bright outdoor light conditions may make it difficult to see the LCD display.
Smart Auto
Smart Auto makes shooting great video easier than ever before. Using the power of Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor, the VIXIA HF M41 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 & Track
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.
Genuine Canon Face Detection
The same high quality Face Detection technology used in Canon digital cameras is available in the VIXIA HF M41 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
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.
Easy Web Sharing
HD-to-SD Downconversion allows you to convert recorded high definition video to standard definition files while safely preserving the original HD video. These standard definition files make it even more convenient to edit or share video online. The video can be transferred to your computer via traditional methods - i.e. USB connection, card slot - or wirelessly to sharing sites with an Eye-Fi SD memory card.
The VIXIA HF M41 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!
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.
Photo Grab
The versatile VIXIA HF M41 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 M41 allows you to capture 30 photos from one second of video.
24p & 30p Frame Modes
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 M41'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.
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 M41 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.
Cinema-Look Filters
Other cinematic looks can be had through the use of Cinema-Look Filters. This feature offers a choice of nine varied built-in adjustable filters which give the look of a variety of cinematic styles by compensating for the color, gamma and other aspects of the image's quality. The looks can be previewed in the LCD display while shooting.
You can express your creative vision through nine different built-in filters to create video with a variety of professional cinematic looks. Choose from:
- Cinema Standard Tones down highlights slightly, boosts shadows slightly and adds warmth for a cinematic look
- Cool Adds a bluish tint for cool, futuristic-looking scenes
- Dramatic B&W Creates bold B & W movies with high contrast and grain
- Dream Adds a magical look (soft focus) for dream-like scenes
- Memory Adds a faded, misty look to create flashback scenes
- Nostalgic Recreates the look of old ?70s TV programs
- Old Movie Gives movies the aged look of old cinema
- Sepia Uses a sepia tint for an antique, faded look
- Vivid Accentuates primary colors for a bright, cheerful look
The brightness of each filter can be adjusted low, medium or high, for even greater control.
Terminals
To maximize the usefulness and versatility of the VIXIA HF M41, you'll find a range of terminals to extend the capabilities of your camcorder. A supplied HDMI cable offers easy, one-cable connectivity to your HDTV. The HDMI Terminal also supports CEC and x.v.Color.
Through a menu selection, 1080i video is converted to 1080p and can be output through the camcorder's HDMI terminal. 1080p output offers smooth reproduction of fast action, such as sports.
The Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe allows you to attach optional Canon accessories, such as the VL-5 Video Light, DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone, RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter, or SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone.
The built-in Microphone terminal with manual audio level control and the Headphone terminal provide exceptional audio flexibility.
Canon's new optional WM-V1 Wireless Microphone allows you to record high-quality audio without a hard connection from up to 164 feet away (50m). This feature is ideal for wedding or graduation ceremonies, documenting meetings and recitals.
Audio
The VIXIA HF M41 offers a built-in stereo microphone to capture high-quality audio. It offers a significant reduction in noise at medium and low frequencies.
The microphone's direction can be adjusted four different ways to match your needs and taste. Choose from:
- Monaural: Single point direction
- Normal (Stereo)
- Wide: Provides a more enhanced, separated stereo effect than normal
- Synced with Zoom: Directionality is adjusted to match the zoom position
In addition, the frequency response characteristics of the microphone can be adjusted between low, mid-range and high frequencies.
- Normal: Provides a balance throughout all frequencies
- Low-range emphasis: Excellent for recording live music with impact
- Attenuate low frequencies: Reduces ambient noise and the sound of traffic outdoors, such as wind, cars, etc.
- Mid-range emphasis: Ideal for capturing people's voices
- Low and high range emphasis: Record live music with balanced lows and highs
The Automatic Attenuator feature prevents high volume distortion and optimizes audio quality in situations when sound levels quickly change, such as when loud music plays in the background. It automatically keeps the audio clean and even.
The built-in Microphone terminal with manual audio level control and the Headphone terminal provide exceptional audio flexibility.
Canon's new optional WM-V1 Wireless Microphone allows you to record high-quality audio without wires from up to 164 feet away (50m), ideal for ceremonies and recitals.
For the ultimate home theater experience, 5.1-Channel Surround Sound* allows you to capture audio quality that matches the stunning realism of your high definition video. The sound is captured from all directions (five different pickup sensors) so your home movies will look and sound more lifelike than ever before.
Compatible with Optional WP-V3 Waterproof Case
Take full advantage of the brilliant clarity and drama of HD video in the beauty of the underwater world with your VIXIA HF M41 thanks to the optional Canon WP-V3 Waterproof Case. Compact, light and custom designed especially for the VIXIA HF M41, it is waterproof to 130ft (40m). It has direct control buttons for record start/stop, telephoto and wide zoom, photo capture and preview, to let you make the most of the VIXIA HF M41's capability.
Additional Features
Story Creator assists you in the process of creating an organized and sophisticated video. Choose one of five different themes - Travel, Kids & Pets, Party, Ceremony, and Blog - and the camcorder provides a list of suggested scenes to shoot. After capturing your video, Story Creator helps you categorize and rate your scenes, making it easy to review, select and playback your favorites.
Auto Gain Control Limit allows you to set the maximum gain limit for the image sensor's sensitivity. With this function, brightness and noise can be balanced as required, and image quality can be maximized in low light situations.
Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery accurately indicates remaining battery time down to the minute, so you won't run out of power when you need it most.
Pixela Video Browser Software is bundled with the VIXIA HF M41. 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. Pixela Video Browser will also assist you in converting video to the optimum resolution for transmission over the Internet.
Support for 27 languages including: Czech, Danish, German, Greek, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Hungarian, Malay, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Finnish, Swedish, Turkish, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Farsi, Thai, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
