CES 2013: Canon Adds Four New Camcorders to VIXIA Lineup

Canon announced the addition of four new models to its VIXIA camcorder lineup from CES today, including three new R-series camcorders and one new G-series camcorder.

The new R-series devices, the HF R42, the HF R40, and the HF R400, all sport a 53x Advanced Zoom and a 3.28-megapixel full HD CMOS image sensor, a 3-inch capacitive LCD touchscreen, and an improved image stabilization system. Other features include a new DIGIC DV IV image processor, which helps improve low-light performance, and both MP4 (up to 35 Mbps full HD) and AVCHD progressive (up to 28 Mbps) 60p shooting. And thanks to a new Dual Recording feature, users won't have to choose between formats, as the camcorder can simultaneously capture video in both MP4 and AVCHD while recording.

Exclusive to the HF R42 and HF R40 models is built-in wireless connectivity, which allows users to stream content from their camcorders directly to other devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Using the Canon Image Gateway software, the camcorders' wireless capabilities can also be used to instantly upload videos to social networks or share via email, assuming the user is within range of a wireless network.

The wireless connectivity with other devices can work in the opposite direction, as well; with the free CameraAccess app, users can control their HF R42 or HF R40 with their smartphone or tablet.

At 32 GB, the HF R42 comes with the most amount of onboard storage, while the HF R40 comes with 8 GB and the HF R400 can only record onto an SD card.

The new G-series camcorder, the HF G20, is Canon's new high-end device with "professional-level functionality," including a 10x optical zoom, a genuine Canon HD video lens that captures video in full 1080p HD, and an enhanced HD CMOS PRO image sensor, which improves low-light performance by 20% (compared to its predecessor). The HF G20 also features Canon's SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer with Intelligent IS, designed to help fight camera shake even at long focal lengths.

To help with spontaneous, on-the-fly video capture, the HF G20 sports a pre-record feature, which automatically captures three seconds of footage prior to the record button even being pressed. Thanks to the camcorder's 32 GB of internal storage, the HF G20 can record up to 12 hours of full HD video. But for those users who need even more space, the camcorder also comes with dual SD card slots for additional storage.

Navigation of the HF G20 is handled with its 922K-dot, 3.5-inch touch panel display, and there is a litany of shooting options at users' fingertips, including Cinema-Look filters, shooting assist, and a smart auto "dummy" mode.

Availability

The new R-series models will be available starting in March, with the VIXIA HF R42, HF R40, and HF R400 carrying estimated price points of $499.99, $399.99, and $299.99, respectively. The VIXIA HF G20, meanwhile, will arrive sooner in February with an estimated price tag of $1,099.99.