Canon launches two new iVIS-series HD video camcorders, including the iVIS HF R42, newly featuring a Baby Mode

iVIS HF G20

January 16, 2013

TOKYO, January 16, 2013—Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. announced today the introduction in Japan of two new iVIS-series HD video camcorders: the iVIS HF R42 and iVIS HF G20. In addition to high-image-quality performance, the iVIS HF R42 delivers high functionality through the incorporation of such advanced features as a Baby Mode and Wi-Fi connectivity, while the HF G20 delivers increased sensitivity and offers a range of functions for even more creative ways to enjoy video capture.


iVIS HF R42

iVIS HF R42
The new Canon iVIS HF R42 HD video camcorder newly incorporates a Baby Mode, which enables users to effortlessly capture precious moments and enjoy tracking the growth of infants over time. By registering a baby’s date of birth on the device prior to recording, the HF R42 will automatically add a stamp to indicate the child’s age in the video. Users can also add stamps to display the infant’s length and weight at the time the video was captured. Video files recorded in Baby Mode are automatically saved in chronological order in the camcorder’s Baby Album, enabling videos to be easily managed separate from other video files. Furthermore, during replay, Baby Mode allows viewers to enjoy watching a child’s growth over time.

Featuring enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, the Canon iVIS HF R42 allows video to be sent wirelessly to cell phones, PCs and other devices, enabling users to easily share video using such methods as e-mail, social networking sites and video-sharing sites.*1 The camcorder enables video to be wirelessly shared using not only iOS devices, but also Android devices, delivering improved ease of use*2 compared with its predecessor, the iVIS HF R32 (released in May 2012), which only supported iOS devices. In addition, by downloading the CameraAccess*3 application, users can monitor video in real-time using a mobile device, even from a remote location. Users can also remotely start and stop recording, control zoom and confirm such camcorder information as remaining battery life, recording time and zoom setting.


DIGIC DV 4

The Canon iVIS HF R42 employs a newly developed DIGIC DV 4 imaging platform that, featuring greatly enhanced processing power, makes possible high image quality and high magnification. DIGIC DV 4 supports 1080/60p*4 recording in both AVCHD and MP4 video formats, approximately twice the information volume of the 60i frame rate standard offered by its predecessor, enabling users to crisply capture even fast moving subjects. The camcorder is capable of recording MP4 files at a bit rate of approximately 35 Mbps, making possible the accurate capture of even the peripheral areas of a moving subject.

The Canon iVIS R42 includes Intelligent IS, which automatically selects optimal image stabilization settings based on the shooting situation, such as when capturing video while walking, during normal conditions and when using a tripod. When walking, the Intelligent IS’s Dynamic Mode delivers improved correction for rotational, pitch and yaw movements through image processing to greatly minimize distortion. By newly correcting for five different movements—horizontal, vertical, rotational, pitch and yaw—the camcorder makes possible smooth video capture with minimal shaking.

Realizing exceptional operability and convenience, Canon’s new iVIS HF R42 is capable of simultaneously recording video in two different video formats, with one format being recorded to the camcorder’s internal memory and the other to an SD card. This feature enables users to enjoy video in a variety of ways, such as watching AVCHD-format video on a television and sharing MP4-format files over a social networking site via a mobile device. Furthermore, the camcorder newly employs a capacitive touchscreen panel, similar to those incorporated in mobile devices, making possible an operation screen that is both bright and clear.

iVIS HF G20
The new Canon iVIS HF G20’s 1/3-inch HD CMOS PRO sensor, with approximately 2.07 million effective pixels, features enhanced microlens and color-filter transmittance, making possible a 20% improvement in sensitivity compared with the preceding model, the iVIS HF G10 (released in March 2011). The HF G20 offers a minimum illumination rating of approximately 1.2 lux, an improvement over the approximately 1.5 lux offered by its predecessor, enabling users to capture video in environments with even less available light. In addition, its wide dynamic range reduces the occurrence of over- and under-exposed areas when shooting in high-contrast conditions. The device includes a 10x optical zoom Canon HD Video Lens to realize the same level of optical performance as the professional-use XF105 HD video camcorder (released in January 2011).

When capturing a moving subject, the Canon iVIS HF G20’s High-Speed AF function quickly adjusts focus by measuring the distance to the subject. In addition, users can also make use of Medium-Speed AF, which delivers a natural focusing speed. The camcorder includes such functions as Intelligent IS, which automatically selects optimal image stabilization settings based on the shooting situation, and Touch & Track, which allows users to quickly focus on a chosen subject. The iVIS HF G20 is equipped with a lens hood with a lens barrier, which helps minimize unwanted light from entering the lens. Furthermore, the camcorder doesn’t require the use of a lens cap thanks to the inclusion of a built-in lens barrier, which can be opened and closed with the slide of a switch, ensuring users never miss unexpected video opportunities.

*1 Video can be uploaded to YouTube and other video-sharing sites from an iPad or iPhone by using the Movie Uploader iOS application, available for download free of charge from the App Store.
*2 Support is not guaranteed for all iOS and Android models.
*3 The CameraAccess application is available for download free of charge from the App Store and Google Play.
*4 Progressive scan format at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 effective pixels and a rate of 60 frames per second.