This model is equipped with a 3.28MP Full HD CMOS image sensor that supports 1920 x 1080 resolution video capture. Canon's high-resolution CMOS sensor features extra sensitivity that delivers lifelike Full HD video with natural color, even in low light. On-chip noise reduction supports clarity in every frame, which means your video and photos will be vivid, clear, even when played back on a large high-definition TV or monitor.

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This camcorder incorporates an advanced Canon HD DIGIC DV 4 image processor for enhanced imaging performance. The increased performance allows for better noise reduction and leads to brighter, more noise-free images, even in dark scenes.

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Whether you're capturing MP4 or AVCHD files, this model supports Full HD 1920 x 1080p60 video capture, capturing twice the amount of information as 60i. With images captured at a rate of 60 frames per second, diagonal noise is eliminated so even fast-moving subjects show up clearly. This provides a greater sense of detail and faithful rendering of moving edges, plus enhanced color and fine tonal gradation. AVCHD Progressive records at bit rates up to 28 Mbps, while MP4 files are captured at bit rates up to 35 Mbps.

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Record fast motion at up to 1200x, and slow motion at 1/2x, for increased creative possibilities.

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Thanks to an impressive 57x Advanced Zoom range, long-range shooting is not a problem. You'll be able to create videos with dynamic variety, and you'll be less likely to disrupt the action you're shooting. The Advanced Zoom works well for a variety of situations including formal ceremonies, recording animals in the wild, candid family videos, and more. The Advanced Zoom is available in manual mode and has been achieved with more efficient use of the effective imaging area. It takes the camcorder's focal length from 32.5mm all the way to 1853mm (35mm equivalent), which provides extraordinary flexibility in shooting. Plus, for more convenient shooting and better creative control over your videos, the camcorder offers continually variable zoom speed settings with three fixed zoom speeds and 15 available levels.

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Canon's sophisticated SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer corrects camera shake instantly, so even handheld video taken at long focal lengths is sharp and steady. Providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broad range of motion (with extra compensation applied at wide-angle focal lengths), the Dynamic Image Stabilization system on this camcorder stabilizes rotational camera shake. Controlling horizontal, vertical, and roll axis rotational camera shake ensures smooth, distortion-free video—even when you're walking while shooting.

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A capacitive 3" touch panel LCD screen makes recording and other operations easy. Open the panel and the power comes on. A gentle touch activates the display's intuitive functions. Choose a focal point, track moving subjects, control exposure for selected areas, and operate camcorder controls from the screen—all with a touch. In addition, the easy-to-use user interface makes your shooting experience simpler. The Home button is on the menu screen, and it provides quick access to all functions. Clear explanations for key settings pop up when selecting shooting modes and recording formats, so you can be confident in the decisions you make.

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The camcorder records Full HD video directly to a removable SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card. Widely available in several capacities, SD memory cards let you share your videos quickly and easily. In addition to SD memory cards, this model also lets you use high-capacity SDHC cards and super-high capacity SDXC cards.

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Reduces the zoom magnification when you lose sight of a subject during zooming, making it easier for you to find, relocate your subject, and zoom in again.

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Intelligent IS makes it easy to shoot clear, sharply focused video—even in situations that typically cause camera shake. The Intelligent IS system analyzes the shooting situation for you, and then automatically switches to the image stabilization method best able to produce sharp, steady video. Four IS systems cover the gamut of shooting situations. Dynamic IS corrects minor movement and the shaking caused by walking while shooting. Macro IS delivers perfectly steady close-up shots. Powered IS comes into play when you're using the camcorder's powerful zoom, correcting shake that can occur in telephoto shots. Tripod mode stops IS when the camcorder is stationary.

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Audio Scene Select offers five modes that automatically optimize settings based on the recording situation, making it easy to record realistic, immersive audio in a range of situations.

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Smart AUTO lets you capture clear, bright, well-focused video while the camcorder takes care of all the details. The system recognizes 38 shooting situations based on numerous factors, and then automatically chooses the optimal settings for the situation.

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The camcorder features Canon's Baby Mode—a complete solution for capturing, tracking, organizing, and sharing every moment of your baby's development. A custom control button on the shooting screen activates the mode, and optimal settings for the shooting conditions, including Intelligent IS and more, are automatically selected. Videos shot in Baby Mode are automatically saved into a dedicated Baby Album so they won't get lost among your other videos. You can view the Baby Album chronologically as well.

 

When shooting in Baby Mode, the camcorder's Pre-Record (Pre REC) function is always on. This places the camcorder in a standby "pre-roll" mode, where it continuously records three seconds of video to memory before you even press the record button. When you start recording, the additional video is also recorded, so you don't miss your baby's "first" moments.

Touch Decoration in Baby Mode includes stamps to mark each video with your baby's current height and weight. And with a single registration of the baby's birth date, the camcorder will automatically calculate the number of days old and stamp videos accordingly, creating an exact diary of developmental milestones for years to come. The camcorder's other Baby Mode Touch Decoration options allow you to add your own drawings, captions, animations, and more. All options can be appended to previously shot video as well.

This feature offers a choice of seven varied built-in adjustable filters which give the look of a variety of cinematic styles by compensating for the color, gamma, and other aspects of the image quality. The looks can be previewed in the LCD monitor while shooting, and also applied post-capture for additional convenience and versatility. Choose from Cinema Standard, Old Movies, Vivid, Cool, Nostalgic, Dramatic Black & White, or Sepia. For even greater control, the brightness of each filter can be set to low, medium, or high. When Cinema Standard is selected, color depth, softening, and contrast can also be adjusted.

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The same high-quality Face Detection technology used in Canon digital cameras is available in Canon HD camcorders. Up to 35 faces can be tracked automatically, ensuring sharp focus and accurate exposure. Of the faces tracked, nine detection frames can be displayed at one time. The system will even recognize faces turned downwards or sideways. In addition, a specific face may be selected as the main subject for continuous tracking. This feature also helps when you're searching for clips that feature a specific subject's face. In search and playback, use of the Face Index will display those frames with the chosen face as a thumbnail in each shot in which it appears. Your selected face can also be linked as a timeline to further identify footage containing your subject.

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Video Snapshot allows you to capture the highlights of a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a family milestone with the same ease as taking photos. Simply record a series of short video clips—or select your favorite clips while in Playback Mode—and blend in your favorite background music to create an exciting movie that will grab everyone's attention. Video Snapshot allows selectable recording times of two, four, or eight seconds. Additionally, audio from an external source such as an MP3 player can be played along with your Snapshot movie, and playback can be controlled from that source.

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The camcorder offers a 24p Cinema mode that gives your video a film-like feel, making it look as if it were shot at the same frame rate as movie film. It does this by capturing at a frame rate of 24p and recording it in a 60i wrapper. The camcorder also gives you the option of recording in 30p (progressive) mode, which is great for clips you intend to post online.

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Programmed AE with Smart Auto, Manual Mode P, Scene (Portrait, Sports, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Night, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks), Cinema Mode (with Cinema-Look filters), and Baby Mode.

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• TTL (Through the Lens) focusing system
• Manual exposure available