Canon Vixia HF R300

• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 10 stars

  Much More Expensive Models!

  by Amos-E on March 1, 2013

  Pros: Lot of options and adjustments.
  Records very good video and easy to use automatic mode.
  Great image stabilization.
  Great image stabilization.
  Great price.

  Cons: Only one SD slot card.
  Lack of wall charger.
  Battery life.

  Summary: I have been using a Sony HC-3 High Definition Camcorder since 2006 with very good results. The HC-3 records to mini-DV tapes. I purchased the R300 to save time by ...

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  Summary: I have been using a Sony HC-3 High Definition Camcorder since 2006 with very good results. The HC-3 records to mini-DV tapes. I purchased the R300 to save time by not having to deal with the hassle and expense of finding and using tape. To transfer two hours of video to my computer from the HC-3 it takes an additional two hours. The Canon HF R300 records to files of a number of different resolutions, compressions and formats. Many can be used without any re-encoding before being either uploaded to YouTube or written to Blueray discs. This is a huge time saver for me and the primary reason that I purchased this camcorder.
  
  It does come stock with a very small battery and I understand other users frustrations. I have always purchased at least a couple of extra batteries immediately for every camcorder that I have ever purchased. Taking video and especially high definition video has always been a power hungry application. Most of the video that I take is actually in auditoriums; the first thing that I do is try to find a good spot that has both a good view of the stage and a power outlet. I have always had issues with batteries giving out on me at the most inopportune times.
  
  I purchased my Vixia in a bundle that included an additional OEM medium capacity battery, a case, and an 8gig SD card. I immediately purchased two additional generic high capacity batteries and a wall charger for $24 including shipping. With three extra batteries I have the battery capacity that I need even if I am not able to park myself next to an outlet during an event and I got it all at a price that I cannot even mention here because it was so low.
  
  My Sony HC-3 has a 1/3" CMOS sensor and it had the best low light capabilities of any consumer camcorder in 2006. The Canon HF R300 has a smaller 1/4.85" CMOS with more pixels, so it is at a disadvantage because each pixel is receiving a smaller amount of light at a given brightness level. However there have been improvements in both pixel sensitivity and density over the years and the Canon HF R300 while not quite as good as some higher priced camcorders in low light... is more than adequate for what I use it for. The results are very similar to my Sony HC-3. For what I use it for the most the 30x zoom lens is a very big plus as compared to the 10x lens in my Sony HC-3 and the more expensive Canons. I am willing to give up a little in low light sensitivity for the more powerful zoom.
  
  For my purposes the ability to plug in an external microphone or the line out of a PA system or mixer is essential. Every camcorder that I have purchased over the past 30 years has always had the capability to plug in an external sound source or microphone. The Sony HC-3 did not initially have a mic jack but both bluetooth mics and a mic jack adapter was available which added the mic or line input through the hot shoe. An external mic jack is generally available on most high end camcorders, but on less expensive camcorders this is one of the first options to be dropped. So I am very grateful that the Canon HF R300 has both an external mic jack and a headphone jack.
  
  Every camcorder in this price range is going to have a few compromises. Mine came bundled with adequate batteries and I purchased additional high capacity batteries and a wall charger for a nominal amount so I do not consider that to be a negative. My assumption is that Canon will most likely include a larger battery on this coming years model. I would have appreciated a hot shoe for powered accessories such as a light or bluetooth microphone. This camcorder has a lot of options and adjustments that can be accessed through the menu system; it would have been nice if a few of these could have been accessed through programmable buttons. I also would have loved a LANC terminal so that I could control the Zoom and other functions from a tripod.
  
  Overall this is an incredible camcorder for the price. It has too many features to list in my review. I especially appreciate the choice in file formats, frame rates, resolution and compression. This allows a user to easily burn a DVD that will play HD video in a blueray player without re-encoding. It also allows one to upload HD content to YouTube without re-encoding. This is a feature that is a big improvement over the prior years comparable Canon Camcorders. Inexplicably this major improvement is not mentioned in most reviews, but will save me hours of time and frustration.
  
  This is an incredibly versatile camcorder with a lot of hidden bells and whistles. It records very good video and has an easy to use automatic mode, but enough options to keep a more experienced user happy, lastly I suggest check for best deal of this camcorder at: Flashmemory-camcorders.blogspot.com/p/canon-vixia-hf-r300.html
  
  Thank for reading and hope this review is helpful for who looking for some worth camcorder.

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  3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.

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