Canon announced the new VIXIA mini X compact personal camcorder for hands-free video recording with improved audio quality and image stabilization over the prior VIXIA mini model. The new mini X camcorder features a Canon f/2.8 fisheye lens (160 degree MP4 movies/170 degree photos /150 degree AVCHD) allowing the shooter to challenge their creativity by allowing new and unique perspectives of filming. Equipped with a 12.8 Megapixel High-Sensitivity Sensor and Canon’s DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor a shooter can capture superb image quality in a variety of shooting situations, including low-light shooting situations which may not be the most ideal. Now with Linear PCM audio recording (supported in AVCHD/24 Mbps recording mode) shooters will experience outstanding audio quality. The built-in high-quality microphone helps to capture terrific audio quality as well, while Audio Scene Select helps optimize the audio recording by selecting from eight pre-determined audio modes and determining which setting is best based off the shooting conditions. Additionally the built-in auxiliary microphone/headphone terminal includes a manual audio level control, providing the shooter with an enhanced level of audio customization as compared to the VIXIA mini camcorder.
Shooters can choose to record in Full HD in MP4 (30p/24p) or AVCHD (60i) format to a removable SD memory card. When recording with the VIXIA mini X compact personal camcorder, a user can choose to film in either Wide mode or Close-up mode. When shooting in Wide mode, users gain a full view of their surrounding, and while in Close-up mode a user can provide emphasis on a particular subject. The user can easily switch between modes with a simple swipe of their finger across the innovatively designed 2.7-inch capacitive tilt, touch panel LCD. A built-in adjustable stand, which can be adjusted up to 60 degrees, provides the user with the flexibility to alter angles and shooting situations, furthermore enhancing creativity. There is also a built-in tripod socket allowing even more options when mounting the camera.
New to the VIXIA mini X compact personal camcorder is Electronic Image Stabilization, allowing the user to expand their shooting abilities without fear of losing image quality because of potential camera shake when shooting in Close-up mode. Also new is embedded time code, which allows footage from multiple cameras to be easily edited. Additionally, the camcorder supports uncompressed HDMI output, which allows the user to experience significantly higher video quality, allowing for resolution up-scaling.
The VIXIA mini X compact personal camcorder features Slow or Fast Motion modes providing imaging effects that allow the creativity of controlling space and time. While shooting in Slow Motion mode users can choose to shoot at either 1/4x(VGA) or 1/2x(720p) allowing viewers to easily see and closely examine video of dancers or other fast-moving objects. Fast Motion also offers two shooting speeds, 4x and 2x, ideal for speeding up footage of cooking, make-up or nail art demos. Mirror Image Recording/ Playback lets a user view the scene in real time, providing the shooter with the freedom to make on-the-fly adjustments as they see fit. While Special Scene Mode, including two new settings, Presentation and In The Car, help the user capture excellent videos even under difficult and perhaps unique shooting conditions. Additionally, Smart Auto intelligently selects from one of 38 predefined settings to give the user excellent video and still image output.
The VIXIA mini X comes with built-in Wi-Fi allowing users to quickly share their videos or photos to popular social networking sites like YouTube or Facebook, or be sent directly to their PC. A user can also upload their videos or still images taken with the camcorder from virtually anywhere by downloading the free Canon Movie Uploader app onto their iOS supported device.
)The camera’s Live Streaming feature allows users to view and record on their compatible iOS or Android device when they download the free Canon CameraAccess plus app. The Canon CameraAccess plus app is available for download on both compatible iOS or Android smartphones and tablets. The Live Streaming feature allows a user to control the VIXIA mini X compact personal camcorder from remote locations. An optional Pan Table base accessory can be attached to the bottom of the VIXIA mini X compact personal camcorder, allowing users to record such things as band practice or performances from remote locations. While using the Canon CameraAccess plus app and Pan Table base together users can chose to have the camcorder oscillate left to right up to 200 degrees. The Pan Table can also be manually adjusted for a tilt of up to 20 degrees.
Pricing and Availability (March 2014)
- Canon VIXIA mini X compact personal camcorder – $399.99
- Canon Pan Table (CT-V1) base accessory – $99.99
