About the Canon VIXIA HF R400
Steady long-range specialist
The Canon VIXIA HF R400 features a zoom lens with a long reach and sophisticated image stabilization.
Steady long-range specialist
What's the difference between getting the shot no one thought you'd get — and another forgotten clip sitting in the digital flotsam on some forgotten hard drive or memory card? It might just be the Canon VIXIA HF R400 camcorder. With a 32X optical zoom (plus a useful 53X advanced mode), the 'R400 certainly has a long reach. But what makes the winning difference is the sophisticated stabilization, which smooths out shakes even on long telephoto shots. So go ahead: get that shot of your daughter at the top of the cheerleader pyramid on the opposite sideline. Be fearless when you're capturing your wife receiving a plaque at the huge company awards ceremony. You've got a camcorder that can handle the tough stuff.
Your child, through the years
If you're a new parent, you'll appreciate Canon's dedicated "Baby Mode," which will determine appropriate camera settings, and create a specific "Baby Album" that will play back your clips in chronological order. Once you register your baby's birth date in the camera's software, it will calculate your child's age and offer to visually "stamp" the video accordingly. Think of it as a video scrapbook that will document every important milestone of your child's development.
Two flavors are better than one
One of the coolest things about this camcorder is that it features the ability to capture video in two different modes. AVCHD mode features slightly better image quality and is compatible with archiving video to things like Blu-ray discs. MP4 mode can capture at a full 1080/60p frame rate, and is friendly for computer playback, web sharing, and editing software. Having both modes means you'll be ready with the right format no matter the application, without needing to undergo time-consuming transcoding.
Product highlights:
Storage and Formats:
- records high-definition video and photos onto SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards
- 8GB memory cards hold up to 3 hours of AVCHD video at lowest quality setting
- maximum video resolution: 1920 x 1080/60p
Features:
- 1/4.85-inch CMOS sensor shoots at a full-HD 1920 x 1080 pixels
- advanced DIGIC DV IV image processor
- 32X optical zoom lens (53X Advanced zoom, 1060X digital)
- 3" touch-panel widescreen LCD (230K dots)
- four image stabilization systems optimize image in different shooting situations: Dynamic IS, Macro IS, Powered IS, and Tripod Mode IS
- Baby Mode sets all parameters for documenting your baby's growth, and saves videos into a dedicated "baby album" for chronological playback
- Touch & Track allows you to get precise focus and exposure on any subject
- selectable 24p Cinema Mode for more filmlike video
- record in 28Mbps AVCHD for best quality, or in no-fuss 35Mbps MP4 for easy compatibility with editing software and web uploads
- Touch Decoration lets you add a variety of images and animations to your videos
- Smart Auto Mode chooses setting from 10 preset scenes, including portrait, sports, night scene, low light, beach, snow, and sunset
- includes ImageBrowser EX software
Connections and Dimensions:
- high-speed USB interface (cable included)
- mini HDMI output for connection to an HDTV (cable included)
- microphone and AV/headphone jacks
- comes with an AC adapter/charger and rechargeable lithium ion battery (BP-718)
- 2-7/16"W x 2-1/4"H x 5-3/16"D
- weight: 8.3 oz. without battery
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # 8155B004
What's in the box:
Canon VIXIA HF R400 owner's manual
- Flash memory camcorder (black)
- BP-718 Lithium-Ion battery (3.6V 1790mAh 6.5Wh)
- CA-110 AC Power adapter with attached 68" DC output cord (DC output: 5.3V/1.5A)
- 5' HDMI cable (with full-size HDMI plug on one end and a mini-HDMI plug on the other end)
- 2' USB cable with Mini USB Ver.2.0 connector on one end and Type-A USB connector on other end
- VIXIA Software (Ver.1.0)/Instruction Manual CD-ROM disc
- Quick Guide (En/Fr/Sp)
- Transfer Utility LE Startup Guide (En/Fr/Sp/+6 others)
- Register Now card
- Limited Warranty card
- 2 Errata sheets
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More details on the Canon VIXIA HF R400
Features & specs
General | ||
---|---|---|
LCD Screen Size (inches) | 3.0 | |
Viewfinder | None | |
Total Pixel Count | 3,280,000 | |
Effective Pixel Count for Video | 2,070,000 | |
4K Video | --- | |
High-Definition | Yes | |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9, 4:3 | |
Manual Focusing | Yes | |
Filter Diameter | N/A | |
Optical Zoom | 32 x | |
Night Imaging | Low Light scene | |
Image Stabilization | Optical | |
Built-in Video Light | No | |
Built-in Memory | None | |
Max Recording Time w/ Included Battery | 100 min | |
Digital Still Camera Features | ||
Effective Pixel Count for Stills | 2,070,000 | |
Built-in Photo Flash | No | |
Still Image Aspect Ratios | 16:9 | |
Inputs and Outputs | ||
USB Port | 2.0 High Speed | |
HDMI Output | Mini | |
Mic Input | 3.5mm | |
Dimensions | ||
Weight With Battery (ounces) | 9.8 | |
Width (inches) | 2-7/16 | |
Height (inches) | 2-1/4 | |
Depth (inches) | 5-3/16 | |
Warranty | ||
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Image Sensor Warranty | 1 Year |
Product Research
Features
Battery Information
Inputs And Outputs
Software
Features
3.0" Widescreen LCD Touch Screen: The Canon VIXIA HF R400 features a 3.0" TFT, color widescreen LCD touch screen (230,000 pixels) to make it easy to compose and review your shots. The bright screen lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording, and what your widescreen TV will display later. You can rotate the LCD screen 270° allowing the subject to monitor the LCD screen. The LCD screen also features an adjustable brightness control. The LCD's touch screen contains zoom, playback and menu controls for added convenience.
Note: This camcorder does not feature a separate viewfinder.
Recording Media: The Canon HF R400 camcorder captures video and still-images onto optional SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards (sold separately). Cards with a speed rating of Class 6 or 10 are recommended for recording movies with a video quality of 60P or 35Mbps. There are no memory cards included with the camcorder.
Recording Formats: The camcorder records movies in AVCHD (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) video compression format with Dolby Digital 2-channel audio, ideal for playback with highest picture quality, or easy-to-share MP-4 with AAC 2-channel audio. Still photos are recorded with JPEG image compression. Recording options include:
- AVCHD:
- 60P: 1920 x 1080
- MXP: 1920 x 1080
- FXP: 1920 x 1080
- LP: 1440 x 1080
- MP-4:
- 35 Mbps: 1920 x 1080
- 24 Mbps: 1920 x 1080
- 17 Mbps: 1920 x 1080
- 4 Mbps: 1280 x 720
- Still Photos:
- 1920 x 1080
- 1280 x 720 (MP 4 movies at 4 Mbps)
- 1920 x 1080 (photos captured from video)
Image Sensor: The HF R400 features a 1/4.85" CMOS image sensor with approximately 3,280,000 gross pixels for excellent detail and clarity when recording video and exceptional digital still photography performance. The effective pixel count is approximately 2,070,000 for movies and still images.
DIGIC DV 4: The HF R400 is equipped with the DIGIC DV 4, Canon's new HD image processor. It captures more light than its predecessor DV III, for brighter, cleaner images. It also features increased processing power for better image stabilization, even when walking.
Genuine Canon Video Lens: The HF R400 comes with a Genuine Canon HD video lens with a 32x Optical zoom, 53x Advanced zoom, and 1060x total digital zoom.
Zoom Speed: The zoom speed can be set to variable or one of three fixed speeds. In the variable position, the zoom speed depends on how far you push the lever. The purpose of the three fixed zoom speeds is a smoother zoom transition, at your choice of speeds.
Dynamic Image Stabilizer: Dynamic Image Stabilizer (Dynamic IS) 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 vibration that is common when walking. You can select Dynamic or Standard image stabilization, depending upon the degree of camcorder shake, or Off when using a tripod.
Video Snapshot: The camcorder's Video Snapshot mode lets you shoot a series of short video clips of 2, 4, or 8 seconds, then combines them with a pre-recorded music track or your own favorite music track, to create an entertaining movie.
Focus Assistance: The Focus Assist feature provides a 2x magnification of your subject in the LCD monitor before you start recording. When recording begins, the Focus Assist is canceled.
Face Detection: The camcorder can automatically detect people's faces and use this information to adjust the focus and set the best exposure and color control settings for beautiful videos and photos. When there are a number of people in the picture, one person will be determined to be the main subject. You can also select the main subject manually.
Exposure Modes: The HF R400 features several auto exposure modes, plus a manual exposure adjustment for scenes that appear underexposed or overexposed. The available exposure modes include:
- Baby Mode: Baby Mode lets you record your baby's milestone moments with settings optimized for baby's skin. You can also add a stamp to the video to show how much time has passed since the baby was born.
- AUTO Mode: You can take videos and photos easily, by letting the camcorder automatically adjust settings based on the recording situation. Some functions are not available during AUTO mode.
- Programmed AE: The camcorder automatically adjusts the aperture and shutter speed to obtain the optimal exposure for the subject, while you are able to adjust the other settings.
- Cinema Mode: The camcorder will adjust the frame rate to give your recordings a cinematic look. You can also apply a variety of cinema-look filters to create movies with a unique appearance.
- Special Scene Recording Modes: The Special Scene modes adjust the camera settings according to the scene. You can select Portrait, Sports, Night Scene, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks, or Low Light.
- Programmed AE Mode: This mode gives you the most control while shooting. The camcorder automatically adjusts the shutter speed and aperture, while you control other settings to achieve the desired results.
White Balance: The white balance system helps you accurately reproduce colors under different lighting conditions so that white objects will always look truly white in your recordings. You can choose from the following modes: Automatic, Daylight, Tungsten, and Custom WB.
Self-Timer: This feature allows the camcorder to start recording after a 10-second countdown.
Level And Grid Markers: Capturing level, well-composed shots is simple with the HF R400. Line up the horizon or other horizontal lines with the Level Marker in the viewfinder for level landscapes. Or, use the Grid Marker to help compose the perfect shot. Both markers can be set to white or gray for enhanced visibility, no matter what the background.
Pre-Recording: When Pre-Recording is activated, the camcorder starts recording video continuously into a temporary 3-second memory. When you press the Start/Stop button, the scene recorded will have started 3 seconds before you started shooting. This is especially useful when it is difficult to predict when to start recording.
Built-in Speaker: The camcorder has a built-in speaker so you can review the soundtrack as well as the picture when you're using the LCD screen to playback a recording. The built-in speaker is monaural.
Playback Functions: The camera uses the following special playback modes: Fast Playback (5x, 15x or 60x) in either direction, Slow Playback (1/8x, 1/4x) in either direction, and Frame-by-Frame Playback (approx 0.5 sec). During these playback modes there is no sound.
Battery Information
Li-ion Battery Pack: The Canon HF R400 comes supplied with a rechargeable BP-718 Lithium-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 1790 mAh, 6.5 Wh). If you desire a spare battery, you can purchase another BP-718, or the larger capacity BP-727 battery. The camcorder also comes supplied with an AC power adapter and charger (CA-110). The battery recording and playback times are as follows:
Usage Time | Battery | Battery Life by Recording Format | |
---|---|---|---|
AVCHD | MP-4 | ||
Recording (maximum) | BP-718 | 90-100 min | 85-110 min |
BP-727 | 135-150 min | 135-170 min | |
Recording (typical) | BP-718 | 50-60 min | 50-65 min |
BP-727 | 80-85 min | 80-100 min | |
Playback | BP-718 | 140-160 min | 140-165 min |
BP-727 | 220-245 min | 220-255 min |
Charging Times: The BP-718 battery charges in 335 minutes when charging through the camcorder with the supplied AC adapter. The charging time is 220 minutes when using an optional CG-700 battery charger. The optional BP-727 battery charges in 465 min in the camcorder, and in 315 min in the CG-700 charger.
Auto Power Off: After 3 minutes without any operation when powered by the battery, the camcorder automatically powers off. Approximately 30 seconds before the camcorder automatically turns itself off, a warning message appears in the display.
Quick Start: When you close the LCD panel with the camcorder on, the camcorder enters the standby mode. In standby mode, the camcorder consumes only about 1/3 the power used when recording, saving energy when you are using the battery pack. When you open the LCD panel, the camcorder is ready to start recording in approximately 1 second, allowing you to immediately record your subject.
Inputs And Outputs
HDMI Output: The HF R400 features a mini-HDMI (Type C) terminal that offers a high-quality digital connection that combines audio and video in a single convenient cable. The HDMI port is compatible with HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), allowing you in many cases to control the camcorder with the remote control of the connected TV.
Note: An HTC-100 HDMI cable is included with the camcorder.
AV Output: The camcorder features an AV output to playback audio and video on your television using the optional STV-250N composite video/stereo audio RCA cable. You can select between a 4:3 aspect ratio or a 16:9 aspect ratio for the video out based on your television's aspect ratio. The AV Output also doubles as a headphone output. The built-in speaker will be muted when headphones or the AV cable are plugged in.
USB 2.0 Connection: The camcorder features a USB 2.0 High Speed terminal for fast transfer of photos and videos.
Microphone Input: In addition to the camcorder's built-in microphone, the HF R400 features a 3.5mm microphone input for connecting an external microphone, such as the optional WM-V1 Wireless Microphone.
Software
Included Software: The Canon HF R400 camcorder comes supplied with a VIXIA CD-ROM disc that includes the following applications:
- Image Browser EX: Used for saving MP4 movies and photos to your computer and organize them. (compatible with Windows and Mac OS)
- Music Data: Music files that can be used as background music during playback.
- Image Mix Data: Image files that can be used to mix with live video for the image mix function
- Full Instruction Manual
Transfer Utility LE: This software is needed to save AVCHD movies. It is not included with the camcorder, but can be downloaded from the Pixela website. It is compatible with Windows OS only.
Picture Transfer Protocol: The camcorder is equipped with the standard Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP), which allows you to transfer JPEG photos by simply connecting the camcorder to a computer via the supplied USB cable. No software is needed.
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Customer Q&A
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I have used this camcorder for 3 weeks. The image quality is excellent, and I love connecting it to my Sennheiser mic and headphones.
Tim W from Winfield, IL