Last Updated on January 13, 2019
Canon Vixia Mini X Test and Review
Whether you’re a video blogger or a musician who constantly uploads videos online, you will appreciate what the Canon Vixia mini X has to offer. It is a good choice when you’re looking for a versatile pocket-sized camcorder.
Its predecessor, the Vixia mini, was designed with video bloggers in mind. Canon then realized that those who bought the product also used it to record the spoken word as well as musical performances.
Soon after, Canon released the Vixia mini X, which is a redesigned version with a much improved audio performance as well as a range of other interesting specifications. Among its features include full-format HD recording, articulating LCD, linear PCM audio recording, 12.8 megapixel sensor, and a built-in electret condenser mic. All of these features make for a really nice device that can enhance the AV documenting experience.
[youtube height=”500″ width=”780″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZSCaIgSvJw?rel=0[/youtube]Canon Vixia Mini X Review
An In-Depth Look
Design and usability
The two stereo mics that frame the lens are what stands out when it comes to what’s different between the mini X over the mini. The body of the mini X is also a bit larger by roughly a quarter inch on every dimension. The LCD touch screen remains the same size.
Although the menu layout is a bit cluttered, it is not inoperable. Although it’s not the most pleasing device in terms of design, what matters most is its function. It is a great device for those who want to record desktop video as well as on-the-go performances.
Features
The articulating LCD, which was present in the mini X’s predecessor, is maintained with this version. What makes it essential to video bloggers and others is how it complements the stand. When used together, users are presented with many ways to angle and stabilize the camera. This is really helpful for users who have to work with very limited space.
The Pan Table, which is an optional accessory, enables users to rotate and control the camera from a remote location. Users can also use the CameraAccess plus app from Canon to make the camera swing left to right about 200 degrees. The Table can also tilt up to 20 degrees. With WiFi connectivity and a Live Streaming feature, users can record both to iOS and Android devices.
The mini X also has a faster shutter speed and connectivity options which include an HDMI jack, mic terminal and a 1/8-inch output.
One of the best improvements with the mini X model is the audio functionality. In particular, the inclusion of the built-in electret stereo condenser microphone really elevated the audio features when compared with its predecessor. With linear PCM audio recording, which is another new feature, allows for higher quality sound digitization for music. The manual audio input also enables more improved control over recording. If users want the best settings depending on shooting conditions, they can use the Audio Scene Select function to choose from eight pre-determined recording modes.
With the improvement of audio quality, it’s quite clear that the mini X is targeted for musicians. With the popularity of YouTube and other video sharing sites, the need for great video complemented with wonderful audio really helps aspiring artists who want to share their sound online.
Conclusion
The Canon Vixia mini X is definitely a clear upgrade from the mini. Given that one of the best things Canon has upgraded is the audio, the mini X seems more targeted for musicians who are looking for a cost-effective camcorder that provides great video and excellent audio.
However, video bloggers will find some value with the mini X too. That is, if they do not mind to pay a little extra considering that the predecessor, mini, will also suffice for sharing vlogs.
[youtube height=”500″ width=”780″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g-A5DfxtE4?rel=0[/youtube]Specifications
Main Unit Specs
Standard Definition or High Definition | High Definition | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Television System | NTSC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Video Recording system | MPEG-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Image Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Pixels | Approx. 12.8 Megapixels | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effective Pixels | Video: AVCHD – Approx. 8.29 Megapixels in Wide Mode / Approx. 2.07 Megapixels in Close-up Mode (IS Off) / Approx. 1.33 Megapixels in Close-up Mode (IS ON) MP4 – Approx. 8.99 Megapixels in Wide mode / Approx. 2.07 Megapixels in Close-up Mode (IS On/Off) Photo: Approx. 12.0 Megapixels in Wide mode Approx. 2.76 Megapixels in Close-up mode |
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Lens | Approximate Focal Length: [Wide mode] Videos: 17.5mm (AVCHD) / 16.8mm (MP4) Photos: 15.4mm (35mm equivalent)[Close-up mode] Videos: 35.0mm (AVCHD, IS Off) / 43.7mm (AVCHD, IS ON) / 35mm (MP4) Photos: 32.1mm (35mm equivalent) Aperture: f/2.8 |
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Focusing System | Deep focus (pan focus) from 0.4m to infinity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Manual Exposure | Available ±12 steps |
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Max Shutter Speed | 1/12 – 1/2000 sec. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.4m / 21cm (during Macro Mode (f/5.6)) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
White Balance | Auto, Custom, Preset (Daylight, Tungsten) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frame Rate | NTSC AVCHD – 1080: 60i MP4 – 1080: 30P (29.97) / 24P (23.98); 720: 30P (29.97) / 24P (23.98); 360: 30P (29.97) |
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Minimum Illumination | NTSC: 10 lux (in P mode, shutter speed 1/30 sec.) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Image Stabilization | Available in Close-up Mode | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Filter Diameter | None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Viewfinder | Not available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LCD Screen | 2.7-inch Tilt, Capacitive Touch LCD (4:3; approx. 230,000 dots) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recording Media | 1 SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
USB Terminal | Hi-Speed USB supported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Video Terminal | Not available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Audio | Stereo (via built-in electret condenser microphone) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accessory Shoe | Not available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Supplied Video Editing Software | PIXELA Video Browser / Network Utility Disc Canon ImageBrowser EX Disc |
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HDMI Terminal | Available; HDMI mini connector (output only) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Microphone Terminal | Available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal | Available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Temperature range | 23° to 113°F (-5° to 45°C) 60% relative humidity / 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) 85% relative humidity (performance) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dimensions | 3.2 x 1.2 x 4.3 in. / 82 x 30 x 109mm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | Approx. 8.5 oz. / 240g (including Battery Pack NB-12L and one SD memory card) Approx. 7.2 oz. / 205g (body only) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Submit your review | |
I have upgraded from the MINI and cannot be more happy with this. Very good touch screen and its very easy to control. Shame there is no zoom fuction but to be honest I dont need that at all. I definately would say its worth the upgrade to the MINI X.
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