Hey, anytime. The film/camera community is always so nice to be in and I am always open to leaving whatever advise I have for fellow users and community members to learn from. Great comparison BTW. I own a m500 and didn't even know there were threads at the front. I am going to be getting a wide angle lens for it soon.
The Canon HF R300 is being replaced by the R400 in March. For $50 more you get progressive video rather than interlace, a capacitive touchscreen, record MP4 at 35 mbps (9 Mbps in R300). It also comes with a BP-718 rather than BP-709 so hopefully it will have a much longer battery life.
Thanks for this video... I just ordered the M500 to replace my R300. My R300 lasted just beyond the warranty period before giving me problems (I shoot a lot of video.) I'm looking forward to the feature set on the M500. I would love to have found it for the $350 price you mentioned... I paid $499 for mine...
I had a Zi8 too before I got the Canon R400 this week (newer version of the R300). Hoping it will be better in low light than the Zi8. I liked the audio on the Zi8 better though. Seemed like the Zi8 had better audio quality.
Heh ya I agree. But photography and graphic design is what I do for a living. So I should be using a DLSR to shoot, but at the moment I don't have a 2nd video DSLR. Probably getting a used Canon T3i soon. However a camcorder like the m500 is a nice set-it-and-forget-it recorder. And for the price range I like the quality.
I got the $10 knock off and it's still powering strong! My biggest question to you is WHY WASN'T THIS AVAILABLE EARLIER!?!?!?!?!?!?! IN JUNE OF 2012!!! As far as low light, I'd definitely agree the M500 WINS! Only concern was it's zoom so I stuck with the R300. As far as WB, if you changed it to manual mode they really aren't that far off, but AWESOME COMPARISON!! :D
@Brando Plays The official canon remote is the WL-D89 here: amzn.to/1rkNHZr If you look there are some knock-off remotes. Oddly on the m500 neither the Canon or knockoff remotes have very good range. You have to aim the remote perfectly at the camera. It's a little frustrating. Canon makes it's own shotgun for the HF HM series here amzn.to/1sWgSa9 But I use the Rode Videomic Pro amzn.to/1t1DKXj with an adapter that makes the Canon's hotshoe into a standard cold shoe. I'll link the adapter if you like.
I have no idea on when the M600 is due out. If you go to the Canon's website, it displays all their new products along with their current products. The new ones have a red "NEW" tag on it. Here is the link: usa.canon DOT com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders
I've noticed that when a product gets discontinued, the price goes way up. Usually when a Canon camera/camcorders gets discontinued on amazon and other online stores, there is usually a listing of its successor on Canon's site. However, I don't see one for the M500 so I'm wondering if they are even going to have a replacement for the M500 (the M600, M60, M62).
I have a Canon 7D that shoots amazing video but I'm just too lazy to use a DSLR for the stuff I shoot for TH-cam. These smaller cameras with AF are much easier do deal with...
If you have an extra $50, I'd wait for the Canon R400. It's replacing the R300 and it's supposed to be released mid March. It has a capacitive touchscreen, MP4 at 35 Mbps (R300 only does MP4 at 9 Mbps), and it records progressive instead of interlace. Also, the battery is BP-718 rather than BP-709 so the battery life will be longer. The complaints with the R300 is that the battery life was very short (about 20 minutes) so you'll need to buy an extra battery if you get the R300.
@Jimmy Mecannic It dropped that low a couple times. I think I got it in the spring.. so maybe after Christmas watch it's price. They upgraded the HF R300, so perhaps an M600 is in the works?
@Edwar Cuellar. It's a very good camera. A shame that they have jacked the price so high from what I've paid for it ($350ish). Hopefully an m600 will come out in the next 9 mo and this one will be made affordable again.
Thanks for this. It's the most thorough and direct review I've seen and I've watched the majority of youtubes offerings on boths of these cameras, as well as the r400 and 500's. I purchased an R500 hoping I'd be happy with it but the low light leaves too much to be desired for my needs. As well as it not having the option of lenses and filters. Found a refurbished m50 on Canon's website for 450 after tax and ordered it, hopefully it's worth the extra $150 and in good shape. Don't understand how it has only went up in price but I'm willing to pay it.
Brandon Mangan Yeah I don't know why they've kept raising the price of the m500 either. Heck the current Amazon price on a new one is $50 more than the G20, which is the upgrade to the m500. I've also seen used ones on eBay go for $200-$400.
Trying to figure out if it has enough wide angle for my purpose before I buy the R400. The R300 has similar lens specs. When you hold the R300 at arm's length (or a little less than arm's length) and point it at your face, does your entire face fill the scene?
Yes the R400 is the one to get over the R300, but I'm looking forward to see if the R400 outperforms the M500. However the R400's lack of filter threads or a utility shoe will still be a bummer to those that need attachments.
Thanks for watching! Yeah I feel lucky I snagged one when it was log. Use it all the time to shoot my vids since I don't have a 2nd video DSLR, yet. I like it a lot.
I'm really not sure. There's 2 slots surrounded by two raised areas. I can't find anything online mentioning it or what could attach to it. If anyone knows, speak up!
True words, thanks VidsBySS. I'm looking forward to seeing comparison shots between the M500 and R400. For me, I upgraded because I needed threads to attach a wide-angle and an accessory shoe. So when is the M600 due out? :)
damian great vid a question the m500 is it worth buy now that this month the new canon vixia hf r40 wil be out shooting 1080p 60frame progressive will there be much of a difference i know the 500 has a pro sensor in it but the 40 has all the new chips in it
Damian, can you update where these cameras are made in ? I think i saw a "Made In China" on the bottom of the M500. If that is the case, i doubt it would be a good choice of buying that.
@Eggsr2bcrushed Ah thanks! Mine is in the box, unused. Once you get everything set, I only go into the menu to change one thing usually, and my fingernail works fine.. too quick to fish for a stylus.
R400 just came out and is just $50 more than the R300 and you get - capacitive touch screen (like the iPhone and other smart phones) - longer battery life (R300 battery lasts only about 25 minutes) - MP4 at 35 Mbps rather than 9 Mbps - progressive video
The big failing of both of these camcorders is that the PF24 and PF30 "progressive" modes are recorded as 60i. I need a small camcorder to do tests on special performance animated miniatures that simulate stop motion. All figures must be composited in this complex process. The PF24 is generated using a 3:2 pulldown which results in mixed frames. These are called "dirty frames" in the jargon (see Wikipedia Article "Three-two pull down"). if you are doing serious work, mixed frames are generally useless in the NLE. Getting a real 24p (24F) from this PF24 requires reverse telecine software. Anything that must ultimately be released theatrically must be shot at 24p due to the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) requirements, as well as the needs of the setup (the optical compensator requires a low frame rate). Why anybody would be using a 3:2 pulldown in a modern camcorder is beyond me. Sure, video must be released on NTSC (or PAL for 25p/50i), but this is generally produced in the NLE. Unfortunately, several other Canon camcorders have this same problem. Canon has software (ImageMixer 3 SE) that can convert true 24F to 60i NTSC, but not the opposite. Most NLE's are frame based, and PF30 (recorded as 60i) will generally appear much like true 30p, and can be exported as such. I know what you are thinking. I just want to take some shots of my kid at his birthday. OK, I'll sing Happy Birthday for you.
i do weddingsa lot i have panasonic x900 which is a great camera so i am thinkinh of buying second camera so which one btween canon HF G25 ND JVC-PX 100 Thanks a lot Botswana Africa
5:04 that's not flash. That's the focusing thing.. I don't think the M500 DOES NOT come with flash... I like my M301 its really easy to use... There is a button on the top it saids "Manual" and "auto" so you don't have to go to home or anything to change it... And the M301 is a 3 megapixel video and it comes with a flash and a LED light.... The flash is for photos and the LED light is for video in the dark...
TheLotusFlor They would both work for TH-cam videos. The m500 shoots better in low light, but if your light is good the r300 or new r400 is fine. The m500 does have threads for a wide-angle filter, and the r series do not. So if you're in a small space (like me) the wide angle filter helps get more in frame. Canon jacked the m500 price WAY up since I bought it, that might be a factor for you. Good luck!
Get the Canon Vixia HF R400 instead. It's the newer version of the R300 and costs the same as the R300. The R400 can record at 60p (60 frames per second). Keep in mind that if you plan to upload your videos on TH-cam, TH-cam only does up to 30 frames per second so a 60p video uploaded to TH-cam might not play smoothly. I noticed that you are into railfanning. Check out VArailfan89's channel. He recenlty did several test videos with the R400 and he's into railfanning too.
@Eggsr2bcrushed Thank you! Yeah the threads are why I upgraded from the R300, I like to shoot with the camera between my head and my hands, so I needed to be wider. Check out my videos, I did a review of an inexpensive Wide alternative to Canon's.
Hey, anytime. The film/camera community is always so nice to be in and I am always open to leaving whatever advise I have for fellow users and community members to learn from. Great comparison BTW. I own a m500 and didn't even know there were threads at the front. I am going to be getting a wide angle lens for it soon.
I miss my M500.
The Canon HF R300 is being replaced by the R400 in March.
For $50 more you get progressive video rather than interlace, a capacitive touchscreen, record MP4 at 35 mbps (9 Mbps in R300). It also comes with a BP-718 rather than BP-709 so hopefully it will have a much longer battery life.
Enjoyed the review. No holds barred and you get right to the point.
Thanks for this video... I just ordered the M500 to replace my R300. My R300 lasted just beyond the warranty period before giving me problems (I shoot a lot of video.) I'm looking forward to the feature set on the M500. I would love to have found it for the $350 price you mentioned... I paid $499 for mine...
the stylus can actually be used to draw on screen during videos, which can be useful for pointing out items within the picture for the audience.
@VidsBySS Cool, thanks for watching and sharing!
I had a Zi8 too before I got the Canon R400 this week (newer version of the R300). Hoping it will be better in low light than the Zi8. I liked the audio on the Zi8 better though. Seemed like the Zi8 had better audio quality.
Heh ya I agree. But photography and graphic design is what I do for a living. So I should be using a DLSR to shoot, but at the moment I don't have a 2nd video DSLR. Probably getting a used Canon T3i soon. However a camcorder like the m500 is a nice set-it-and-forget-it recorder. And for the price range I like the quality.
I got the $10 knock off and it's still powering strong! My biggest question to you is WHY WASN'T THIS AVAILABLE EARLIER!?!?!?!?!?!?! IN JUNE OF 2012!!! As far as low light, I'd definitely agree the M500 WINS! Only concern was it's zoom so I stuck with the R300. As far as WB, if you changed it to manual mode they really aren't that far off, but AWESOME COMPARISON!! :D
I saw that there is mic capability on the R300. Maybe like a Rode or Opteka mic has something that fits in those slots?
@VidsBySS Sweet. I'm hoping someone with a R400 and M500 will compare the two for image quality.
Oh sheesh! Had me stumped lol, thanks for finding that out I appreciate your comments.
@bloodgunslinger Yes it has a Mic and Headphone jack. Note there is an R400 out now.
@Brando Plays The official canon remote is the WL-D89 here: amzn.to/1rkNHZr If you look there are some knock-off remotes. Oddly on the m500 neither the Canon or knockoff remotes have very good range. You have to aim the remote perfectly at the camera. It's a little frustrating. Canon makes it's own shotgun for the HF HM series here amzn.to/1sWgSa9 But I use the Rode Videomic Pro amzn.to/1t1DKXj with an adapter that makes the Canon's hotshoe into a standard cold shoe. I'll link the adapter if you like.
I have no idea on when the M600 is due out. If you go to the Canon's website, it displays all their new products along with their current products. The new ones have a red "NEW" tag on it.
Here is the link:
usa.canon DOT com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders
I've noticed that when a product gets discontinued, the price goes way up.
Usually when a Canon camera/camcorders gets discontinued on amazon and other online stores, there is usually a listing of its successor on Canon's site. However, I don't see one for the M500 so I'm wondering if they are even going to have a replacement for the M500 (the M600, M60, M62).
I have a Canon 7D that shoots amazing video but I'm just too lazy to use a DSLR for the stuff I shoot for TH-cam. These smaller cameras with AF are much easier do deal with...
If you have an extra $50, I'd wait for the Canon R400. It's replacing the R300 and it's supposed to be released mid March. It has a capacitive touchscreen, MP4 at 35 Mbps (R300 only does MP4 at 9 Mbps), and it records progressive instead of interlace. Also, the battery is BP-718 rather than BP-709 so the battery life will be longer. The complaints with the R300 is that the battery life was very short (about 20 minutes) so you'll need to buy an extra battery if you get the R300.
@Jimmy Mecannic It dropped that low a couple times. I think I got it in the spring.. so maybe after Christmas watch it's price. They upgraded the HF R300, so perhaps an M600 is in the works?
Since you are doing a professional video, I'd go with the T3i or A65. Can't help you with deciding between the two though.
The M500 has a utility shoe to mount mics, lights, etc behind the wide/tight controller, is that what you meant? The R300 does not have such a shoe.
Does the Canon Vixia HF R300 support a lavalire mic?
@Edwar Cuellar. It's a very good camera. A shame that they have jacked the price so high from what I've paid for it ($350ish). Hopefully an m600 will come out in the next 9 mo and this one will be made affordable again.
Thanks for this. It's the most thorough and direct review I've seen and I've watched the majority of youtubes offerings on boths of these cameras, as well as the r400 and 500's. I purchased an R500 hoping I'd be happy with it but the low light leaves too much to be desired for my needs. As well as it not having the option of lenses and filters. Found a refurbished m50 on Canon's website for 450 after tax and ordered it, hopefully it's worth the extra $150 and in good shape. Don't understand how it has only went up in price but I'm willing to pay it.
Brandon Mangan Yeah I don't know why they've kept raising the price of the m500 either. Heck the current Amazon price on a new one is $50 more than the G20, which is the upgrade to the m500. I've also seen used ones on eBay go for $200-$400.
great comparison video! The R300 is a must get camera for my videos. What is that thing that is right above the zoom switch? +1
Trying to figure out if it has enough wide angle for my purpose before I buy the R400. The R300 has similar lens specs. When you hold the R300 at arm's length (or a little less than arm's length) and point it at your face, does your entire face fill the scene?
Yes the R400 is the one to get over the R300, but I'm looking forward to see if the R400 outperforms the M500. However the R400's lack of filter threads or a utility shoe will still be a bummer to those that need attachments.
Thanks for watching! Yeah I feel lucky I snagged one when it was log. Use it all the time to shoot my vids since I don't have a 2nd video DSLR, yet. I like it a lot.
I'm really not sure. There's 2 slots surrounded by two raised areas. I can't find anything online mentioning it or what could attach to it. If anyone knows, speak up!
True words, thanks VidsBySS. I'm looking forward to seeing comparison shots between the M500 and R400. For me, I upgraded because I needed threads to attach a wide-angle and an accessory shoe. So when is the M600 due out? :)
Great video very very helpful. One question which camera did you use to shot this video? Thanks
Hi sorry for delay. Was either a Canon 60D or 5Dmk3. I can't recall which I had at the time.
Thanks
Where are you finding the m500 at that price? B & H has it for $549.99 and Amazon has it for $717.79. Adorama no longer carries it.
damian great vid a question the m500 is it worth buy now that this month the new canon vixia hf r40 wil be out shooting 1080p 60frame progressive will there be much of a difference i know the 500 has a pro sensor in it but the 40 has all the new chips in it
the m500 stylus sort of fits in the camera. it clips on to the hand strap.
Damian, can you update where these cameras are made in ? I think i saw a "Made In China" on the bottom of the M500. If that is the case, i doubt it would be a good choice of buying that.
@Eggsr2bcrushed Ah thanks! Mine is in the box, unused. Once you get everything set, I only go into the menu to change one thing usually, and my fingernail works fine.. too quick to fish for a stylus.
M500 vs T3i vs A65? I plan to record professional video. What camera was used to record this video?
500 is better, but had a chance for new 300 for $139, nice jump for me from kodak zi8..appreciate the review.
What's the diameter of the r300 lens?
R400 just came out and is just $50 more than the R300 and you get
- capacitive touch screen (like the iPhone and other smart phones)
- longer battery life (R300 battery lasts only about 25 minutes)
- MP4 at 35 Mbps rather than 9 Mbps
- progressive video
Pueden enviar las instrucciones en español canon vixia hf r300
Sorry for the multiple comments but I just realized those slots are the speakers lol
@freedomcaller Well dang I see they jacked the price up. $350 is what I bought it on Adorama for, new.
Thanks for the Great info,it helped me out!
The big failing of both of these camcorders is that the PF24 and PF30 "progressive" modes are recorded as 60i. I need a small camcorder to do tests on
special performance animated miniatures that simulate stop motion. All figures must be composited in this complex process. The PF24 is generated using
a 3:2 pulldown which results in mixed frames. These are called "dirty frames" in the jargon (see Wikipedia Article "Three-two pull down"). if you are doing
serious work, mixed frames are generally useless in the NLE. Getting a real 24p (24F) from this PF24 requires reverse telecine software. Anything that must
ultimately be released theatrically must be shot at 24p due to the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) requirements, as well as the needs of the setup (the optical
compensator requires a low frame rate). Why anybody would be using a 3:2 pulldown in a modern camcorder is beyond me. Sure, video must be released on
NTSC (or PAL for 25p/50i), but this is generally produced in the NLE. Unfortunately, several other Canon camcorders have this same problem. Canon has
software (ImageMixer 3 SE) that can convert true 24F to 60i NTSC, but not the opposite. Most NLE's are frame based, and PF30 (recorded as 60i) will generally
appear much like true 30p, and can be exported as such. I know what you are thinking. I just want to take some shots of my kid at his birthday. OK, I'll sing
Happy Birthday for you.
i do weddingsa lot i have panasonic x900 which is a great camera so i am thinkinh of buying second camera so which one btween canon HF G25 ND JVC-PX 100 Thanks a lot
Botswana Africa
5:04 that's not flash. That's the focusing thing.. I don't think the M500 DOES NOT come with flash... I like my M301 its really easy to use... There is a button on the top it saids "Manual" and "auto" so you don't have to go to home or anything to change it... And the M301 is a 3 megapixel video and it comes with a flash and a LED light.... The flash is for photos and the LED light is for video in the dark...
O_o where can you get the m500 for 350$????
which one would you recommend for youtube videos?
TheLotusFlor They would both work for TH-cam videos. The m500 shoots better in low light, but if your light is good the r300 or new r400 is fine. The m500 does have threads for a wide-angle filter, and the r series do not. So if you're in a small space (like me) the wide angle filter helps get more in frame. Canon jacked the m500 price WAY up since I bought it, that might be a factor for you. Good luck!
Get the Canon Vixia HF R400 instead. It's the newer version of the R300 and costs the same as the R300.
The R400 can record at 60p (60 frames per second). Keep in mind that if you plan to upload your videos on TH-cam, TH-cam only does up to 30 frames per second so a 60p video uploaded to TH-cam might not play smoothly.
I noticed that you are into railfanning. Check out VArailfan89's channel. He recenlty did several test videos with the R400 and he's into railfanning too.
I use the canon vixia m500 for my work and let me say, it's amazing x)
@Lego Metrolink Train Ah ok thanks for the clarification!
@Eggsr2bcrushed Thank you! Yeah the threads are why I upgraded from the R300, I like to shoot with the camera between my head and my hands, so I needed to be wider. Check out my videos, I did a review of an inexpensive Wide alternative to Canon's.
Good comparison. Thank you.
Hi nice of you to say, glad you enjoyed it!
@2002drumsonly Thanks for watching!
R300 or M500??
Er... when it was low (YT needs to add an edit button)
@heinzpo Made in Japan.
You sure can.
I want the m500 for the same price u pay! LoL
Thomas Ooi I know I know. I got lucky. Only way to go now is used on eBay in the $200-$400 range and hope Canon comes out with a m600 soon.
pervalicious