2017 Canon Vixia HF R800 / HF R80 / HF R82 Camcorder Review / Tutorial - More of the same!

Buy it on Amazon - lon.tv/l1awj (affiliate link) - Canon's latest Vixia Camcorder isn't all that different from last year's (or the year before that). It lacks a feature important for long recordings. See more camcorders: lon.tv/camcorders and subscribe! lon.tv/s - index below:
VIDEO INDEX:
0:00 - Intro
00:24 - Pricing
00:28 - HF R800 vs. HF R82 vs. HF R80
00:54 - No difference over older models
01:15 - Max res 1080p 60
01:41 - Hardware overview
01:44 - Why a camcorder vs. a smartphone?
02:15 - Ports
02:28 - Outputs clean HDMI
02:51 - Had external mic input
03:20 - Internal storage
03:27 - Differences vs. HF R800
04:23 - Battery and battery life
04:47 - Marker 1
04:55 - Built in lens cover
05:13 - Length of power cord
05:32 - Difficult of manual controls
05:53 - Zoom controls
06:09 - Difficulties with long duration recordings
06:57 - Connecting camcorder to computer
08:58 - Feature overview
09:09 - Recommendations for what mode to use
09:35 - Pre-Record feature
10:13 - Manual controls
10:48 - Adjusting record quality
11:32 - 60p recording disables Wifi remote control feature
11:54 - Speed of autofocus
12:00 - "Lock on" focusing
12:21 - Face recognition for focusing
12:51 - Using Wifi features
13:07 - It will not work as a webcam
13:15 - Required mobile apps
14:03 - Initiating Wifi on the camera
14:24 - Using Camera Access+ (remote control app)
15:56 - Transferring video off the camcorder wirelessly
16:59 - Image quality
17:13 - Low light advice / grainy image
First: I recommend not choosing this model and instead opt for the much lower cost HF R800. Canon is charging a $150 price premium for the HF R82. The only things gained for that price difference is the 32 GB of internal storage and the Wifi remote control feature which isn't all that great.
Canon's low-end consumer models have not changed much over the last several years, even though they come out with a "new" version each year. In my testing this camera performs and feels the same as the HF R500 / HF R50 models that were introduced several years ago.
The only big change I can see on this camera vs. last year's model is the removal of AVCHD recording. It now records to MP4 files only which will make it easier to copy videos to a computer but will introduce difficulties when recording for long periods of time with older SD cards. You'll end up with separate files every 15-30 minutes. The only way to get a continuous recording is to drop it into editing software and stitch the files together. Not good.
Battery life is excellent, with the battery easily providing two hours of recording. Canon started including the larger battery a few years ago and it really is nice to see a useable battery get packed in the box without having to make an additional purchase.
The Wifi remote control with a smartphone works but has a ton of latency (usually about a second and a half back to your phone). That latency can be lowered but the connection from the camera to the phone is not as reliable. It looks like the app really hasn't changed all that much in the last several years and is really not worth the price premium in my opinion. Canon used to pack in a physical remote control that was more useful.
All in it's a nice camcorder but no different than the one they introduced several years ago. If you can find older models on clearance there really isn't much of a difference. And I think the features on 82 vs. the 800 does not warrant the $150 price premium. So if all you need is a camcorder and don't need the Wifi go for the HF R800 - it's a great value.
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[@LonSeidman]

This one went longer than I anticipated. I have received many questions about this line of cameras over the years so I figured my prior efforts did not provide enough detail. Hopefully this one does :)

[@servant4god1]

I am looking for the same features with 4k, any recommendation ??

[@outdevo]

Amazing detail! No need to read the product manual now :)

[@richardbryanesq]

Great job! Absolutely well done. I especially enjoy the way you intermix the good points of the camera at the same time you discuss what the camera does not do so well. And then actually showing the user how to operate the camera and software. And comparisons to other versions of the camera. Very, very well done. Thank you.

[@nelomh]

amazing review... extremely complete and fast. would love all the reviews on the net were like yours. Thanks.

[@VicsYard]

Hey man. I have the 82. Just got it 3-4 months ago. Was thinking I was going to WiFi the videos to my phone. NOT... still didn’t figure it out. Not as ez as the GoPro. Just for people reading comments. You can see in my videos I been posting as a some what new creator on KZbin. The video you have made here is right on point. Your 100% correct. Thank you. Vic

[@jdmpieries8604]

Still helpful in 2020! Such a effective and to the point review! The video index is excellent! Thank you

[@persephone-9615]

This video was really good, thank you so much for going into depth and explaining everything, you were easy to understand and your filmimg was so good, thank you for this great video, keep up the good work!!!

[@tiebackcomics6902]

Wow! This video was so easy to navigate and well explained! Well done!

[@paulsp1ano]

Super thorough and honest. Thank you so much for posting this video!

[@JerryTerrifying]

When outputting through the HDMI will it shut off after a certain amount of time? I'm looking for a camcorder that I can basically use as a studio camera as well as a camcorder.

[@protopod]

I just bought the R80 today. It's supposed to arrive tomorrow, if all goes well. From the videos I've watched, there isn't really a noticeable fish-eye distortion, unlike with most similar camcorders. That was a big selling point. Hopefully, I won't be disappointed.

[@longlivecrusader2747]

Great review. Very detailed. It helped me to save money by getting the older model. Thanks.

[@RockstarBruski]

Great detailed review! I bought one of these camcorders about a year ago as a third camera angle test to video an outdoor wedding and thought for the price it was good for the price but indoors with low light it wasnt useable unless as you say you has strong lighting. If people want a good light weight professional camera that works better than these id recommend paying more for the canon XA line. You can find them used for less and while they arent 4k they have xlr inputs and decent low light with gain and lower video noise with gain up. I have been using two of them for over 5 years now and love them. I just wish can would make the XA line in 4k version. 😎

[@GadgetAddict]

I have the canon HF G30 which is prosumsr. Great camera but after two years the buttons are falling off, the internal screen and external screen have developed problems where they turn on and off or change to strange colors. And the preview has a choppy frame rate now, although the recorded footage is actually smooth. So I'm a bit disappointed with how soon it's broken down.

[@douglipman5731]

When did Canon remove the ability to output HDMI while recording to the SD card? My R42 does that just fine! (Is this another "silent downgrade"?)

[@lady7571]

This was so helpful thank u for such a great educational in-depth informative review 👍 it really helped me before purchasing.. was really searching if this was the right camera for me... not a fan of the split footage files.... but seems like a good camera for a beginner like myself still weighing my options an budget but this was the best review on this camera! helped me understand which features work for me or not for YT vids thanks a lot...

[@metimetalk]

Love the art on the bookshelves!

[@influxxmedia]

Great info and buyers advice about AVCHD and the older models. Cheers

[@triac777]

Thank you for the info. I love the index.

[@thatrogerthat]

Hey! Thanks for this video! Look, my brand new Vixia is always displaying a "Demo" screen after 3 minutes or so connected on an HDMI monitor. Do you know how to disable this screen?

[@benwestermann2602]

Wow Sir! Now THERE'S a review. You do a great job. Thank you.

[@palootto4021]

Thanks for such an awesome review. Your dog is such a show-off -- He's like, "Get that camera out of my face."

[@TheLDH2020Channel]

Bless You. So far your video is the only one (and a privilege to view) That i have viewed that has wonderful sound and volume quality . thank you for not forcing me to radically adjust my volume. if you can, pleas revue the cheaper Canon VIXIA HF R800. God Bless.

[@vaughnfoster5729]

About 2 minutes in, question answered! Can't use HDMI and record at the same time. Thanks for the help! Excellent video!

[@ruskreeder2434]

Good review. Professional and well-edited as always. One point: I listed to this over good headphones. I thought the sound lacked a little crispness. I realize that you want to emphasize the voice and not introduce any noise, but I thought it could have used a mild boost above 3khz or so. You could try a different microphone too. You are pretty expert about those so I won't say any more.

[@hrsweet3]

I bought the VIXIA HF R72 as I do a lot of videos lasting over an hour. Using AVCHD, I was unable to create files longer than 4 Gb so ended up stringing them all together in my video editing software. Canon said that this is the way that it is. I even tried formatting to NTFS but the camcorder wouldn't accept that format.

[@RRLouis]

Hi. I have the Vixia HF r30 from a few years ago. When I heard you say that you can output HDMI to another screen but not when you are in record mode, I checked this out on my camera right away. With my model, I definitely CAN output an HDMI signal while I am in the record mode. This will also work if I turn off the screen functions from the output HDMI and still let me record to an SD card in the camera. This is very necessary for me, since I use my camcorder to video RC planes flying in my flying club. These planes are fast and I have to follow them, and often I need to zoom in. The stabalization is not too shabby, but could be better. But since I cannot see the small screen in the bright sunlight on a day that I am recording the planes flying, I have set up a good trick. I purchased some DJI goggles, which have a very good resolution even when they are recieving their signal via the HDMI input on the goggles. Now I can sit in a chair on the flying field without having to move my body to follow the planes. I have the video output in the goggles with no sunlight to impede my vision, and I only have to move the camera to follow the plane that is flying. It takes some practice, but is much better than twisting my body to follow the plane while trying to see it in the small video panel on the camcorder!

[@scottisitt]

Incredibly helpful video! Thank you so much!

[@tajaewallace3055]

Wow, very detailed review. Very useful tips. 👍🏽

[@KryptoKnightmare]

Thanks very much for this video! I’ve been looking into a decent yet affordable camera to get for my channel and some people suggested I look at the Canon Vixia HF r80 or 82. I saw the 800 was cheaper and now knowing that it’s differences are as minuscule as you say I think I’ll probably go with the 800 and save a little money :)

[@wranglerwild9193]

Great review ! Longest review I’ve watched on a camcorder so far (which is good). I’m new to the game and want a camcorder ... I can test out my skills before breaking the bank. I was told the 80 was better for this “wifi” connection. But after watching your video I’ll still with the $250 800.. bad for Canon but great sell on that! Awesome review !

[@svensmit4720]

Did the files for the hour-long recording stitch together seamlessly?

[@callieslife2785]

thanks for the info! I'm am just learning how to use mine.

[@Kmmc2011]

Such a super helpful review. Thank you for the warnings about having to stitch the videos together etc. It sounds like an absolute nuisance.

[@FMPerspective]

Very good review man thanks

[@Nerding4Nature]

I'm thinking of getting one of these as a backup and for catching shots of wildlife. Is there any camera you can think of that might be comparable with the same zoom? I had the R52, and was somewhat happy with it. I dropped it in the river and upgraded, but I don't have much for Zoom, but I'm trying to check all my possibilities before purchasing.

[@itsjust_burk1194]

thank u so much u really helped and now i can film my videos and hopefully get big on youtube

[@massawax]

Excellent, matter-of-fact review.

[@ACFLVideos]

Depending on version some of the older ones like r400 don't have the lens ring to add wide angle lens, the slow motion, and framing assistance

[@FerociousTeddy]

Does anyone know is this camera has an auto shutdown timer? I am looking to use it for a live stream setup with a capture card.

[@azuretriedge3]

That intro was smooth

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

With the HR800: How do you keep the picture frame still when flipping the view finder backwards to do vlogs? When I do so, it gives me a mirror image possibly- but the video feels as if it's in constant motion- it won't stay still when I move the camera around, making me off center in the video. The video moves with a fish eye effect almost. Any way to shut that off?

[@TNOutdoorsFanatic]

I am looking at buying this camcorder since I found one on clearance for a bargain. Currently my workflow with my old camcorder is very problematic since the filetype is not compatible with my Ipad. I have to import into my computer change the format using a converter, drag to my Ipad using Itunes, etc.... Whereas with my GoPro I can either transfer files wirelessly or via the IPad lightning SD card reader. Can you tell me if it is possible to transfer videos from the camera directly to my Ipad using the SD and a lighting to SD card reader?

[@video2000ification]

What about the highlight priority mode and the slow motion features which are actually new in the Vixia R8** series?

[@leonardohoffmam]

Thanks! Very good review.

[@josimarfernando3994]

When connecting the camera via hdmi to a capture card, does the information on the camera screen go to the computer?

[@H.pylori]

Excellent video. I am considering the 800.

[@deegeebarxx3391]

r g me too!

[@JRMoritz]

Can you do a comparison of Sony Canon and Panasonic camcorders? I am looking to get my first one since 8mm and want to get something that I don't have to up-grade in a few years. Thanks

[@Lexe2009]

Thanks for the good information. I think they already changed around the models, can't seem to find one i can buy.

[@funkiemunkytootiedo]

I would like to use my canon vixia for live streaming, however I wanted to know if there is a way to stabilize the hdmi cord that will be plugged to it while streaming. I saw some hdmi clamps online, but I don't know if they only work for DSLRs or if the will work with this camera.

[@edwin4625]

I have a RF600, I'm trying to find out if it can be used as a web camera. It looks like you can using Camera Access plus. But I'm not sure it'll work. I want to connect to my computer and use it like a web cam. Is that even possible?

[@bbgarnettTotallyNotABot]

Keep up the great work

[@sandrabutler2848]

I have a digital camcorder and I can’t find out opposed to delete,and find the videos or pictures and I’ve tried everything!

[@coachward6306]

I'm presently using Sony HDR CX290. I want the "STBY" / "REC" icon to show on my external monitor. The camera is 30' in the air. Would rather not use a remote control with a red light record indicator. Limits my remote choices. Can the CX290 be set to do this or do I need to upgrade my camera. Thanks, Coach Ward

[@XSpImmaLion]

It's almost like some of these companies abandoned the product line and are just re-hashing them every year or so... Canon could make a perfect vlogging camera out of this. It's just weird that in this day and age with so many vloggers out there, people are still mostly going for either a Logitech C920 for livestreams, or jump right over to a Panasonic GH4/GH5 for 4K recording or some multi layered complex gear setup for a livestream. Missing a potential big market there....

[@video2000ification]

I'm concerned what Canon will do a year or 2 from now, when they run out of numbers in the Vixia R__ series. I hope there is a few new changes coming beside highlight priority mode (a win-win). There also need to be more affordable large-sensor camcorders with a wide aperture. I hope there is a Vixia G50.

[@jamesslick4790]

Wow, Informative Vid! Will try to find the older model! Thanx, This will save me some bucks! +1!

[@AquaAmazake]

What settings were those videos? I used it today and as soon as I moved it or turned, it would look so blurry made me sick. I was outside.

[@theBullringLive]

Any suggestions on settings to reduce noise? Trying to stream car races

[@kylenelson9755]

Never thought I would see Kurt Warner making Camera reviews on Canon camcorders. 😂😂😂😂

[@elodiemisdorp3005]

Great tutorial I have a few questions re framing Assistance area what is wide, normal and narrow - I am shooting a tennis skills video and should I put framing assistance on automatic or manual - and zoom position startup full wide angle - please explain what this is and then Focus assistance on - will that help to keep the player in the center but when I zoom in my player the player is out of focus please can you assist me what the best settings should be - I shoot in sport scene or should I change is to P - Recording set up is MP4 and video quality 35Mbs. Would you suggest to keep my focus on player that I keep face Detection and tracking on or off - thanks so much

[@Zardoz66]

kind of surprised that camcorders are still a thing with what DLSR and digital cameras can do. I do agree about the zoom capability but that's about it... thanks for the review...

[@stevedoyel]

How would the new 2019 HF W11 compare to this or the R800

[@thecousinschannel5551]

Hey Lon, does this camera connect with the BMD Atem TVS HD?

[@MrJamesgrate]

Nice tutorial video dude, I would like to know, what external microphone would you recommend for video/audio recording to boost the sound quality, since I already invested $400.00 bucks into the camera, I do not want to throw a couple hundred dollars more just to increase the audio quality. So far I am noticing high recommendations for the (Rodeo Video Mic Pro), what's your thought on this dilemma I'm having?

[@christopherbuckley94]

For the price point, it looks like a good little camcorder. As of June 2018 you can get the SD card only version for $200. I might pick it up.

[@ehbaboo]

Thanks for the awesome review! Do I understand you to say that if I want to record long videos like plays I am better off with the older model R700 or 72 because the important features are same as the R800 and R80 and I can record on AVCHD? Also if I want to avoid editing, is there a way I can use another app on my remote to start and stop taping if I am self-recording?

[@studentoftheword6115]

Is the Stabilizer the same on the R700 vs the R800? Also what is the Max of a Memory Card in GB? I saw on Canon's website so the R700 & R800 is 32GB but did they update the Firmware because many bundles come with 64GB. Also I like the fact of Recording in AVCHD format for longer recordings to put in one file.

[@goatstature8263]

How do I delete videos off this camera

[@tonybland8684]

i want to record and stream to FB, however i need the mic plug. what is your recommendation

[@joygarman643]

Hi! I just bought the 800 model for the specific purpose of videotaping long videos (60-75 minutes) and uploading them to KZbin with minimal editing. I tried my first long recording and ran into the issue you described with the long video being split into multiple files . . . Is there an alternative product in a similar price range that doesn’t have this issue? Thanks!

[@studentoftheword6115]

What cheap (below $400) CamCorder would you recommend that records on AVC as well as MP4?

[@RogerSanderson]

How long would you say the record time is on the MP4 if it splits the recording in multiple videos?

[@tecuzistecatl]

Hello!!.. How did you connect the camcorder vixia hf r800 to your PC. I mean, what do you need to do if you want that the image on your camera could been seen on your computer? Like to do a streaming with this camcorder... Sorry for my english, it isn't my lenguage... jeje

[@jspreddy]

HDMI mini to HDMI connector. HDMI capture card in your PC. Or an external HDMI capture device. Elgato or Avermedia are two makers for this.

[@godislsd1272]

How do you keep the date in the video Everytime I add the date it just disappears

[@flowlap9076]

i have th3 canon vixia hf r800 i was wondering how to live stream with it and what software i need

[@dshep7850]

Thanks so much. I have learned alot.

[@caseyonlocation8257]

Thanks for the video, thumbs up! Question please. Does this camcorder still have the issue of breaking up a long video into smaller 4GB clips? If so, I find this unacceptable. Thanks!

[@adamschaafsma5839]

Needed this info thank you. Looking for the best way to shoot a longer time lapse.

[@gamesforgamers6017]

Without an SD card, how long can I record?

[@marcoshenrique8636]

Hi, I´m Brazilian. sorry for typing errors. I'm looking for a camcorder for live broadcasts. Would this camcorder be a good choice? can I disable the signals it sends along with the image? thank you

[@morrisman64]

Great review thanks

[@kiki1326]

Thanks! Made my decision! :)

[@DancingTreeGifts]

I was hoping to learn HOW to set up the wifi with a phone... showing step by step.. I was able to get the app, but it will not connect.

[@peaceyt7753]

Excuse me sir how do you pause the video in this camera?

[@TheGreenYoutuber]

by pressing the pause button probably

[@actionjksn]

I just ordered refurbished from B&H for 200 shipped. I will be doing long videos and I'm not crazy about the stitching together videos. Does Windows 10 pro come with this capability or do I need to download something else?

[@ronschreiber3635]

I like you video on this camera thanks , which one would be a Happy Medium camera .(Model#)

[@SonnetGomes]

Thank you so much for the review. I really wish these cameras had at least 1/2.3" sensors instead of the microscopic 1/4.85" sensor. Even the GoPro can blow these cameras when it comes to low light performance.

[@bdailey8065]

My HF R80 has about 4hrs of recording time on a full battery,a lot more time than the 2hrs recording time stated in this video.

[@keenanmoberley727]

I heard that the 82 will hold 12 hours with 32gb of internal storage If I buy a 32gb memory card and use it in the r800 will it hold the same amount of hours?

[@cvspharmacy8048]

thinking of buying a camera for my birthday thanks :D

[@lazloaluisa1906]

Hello. Thanks for the video. I was wondering if you might help inform me on something related to this camera that wasn't in the video? I recently purchase 2 of these (without SD Cards) and plan to get a couple of more. The purpose is not to actually shoot to an SD Card but to route the HDMI out signals through to an 8 channel video switcher that I got to do live broadcasting. The mix of all of my various cameras will be captured and recorded on one final computer. I highly suggest this to anyone who is thinking about doing so because these cameras get a great picture for the price. They can be picked up for much cheaper than GoPros and have options for zooming and easy matching of all the picture setting that GoPros don't have. However, on the 2 that I have, I can not figure out how to set it to the 60p that it claims you can do. On the touch screen where such settings are displayed it seems to be stuck on 30p with a red circle with a line through it and a red SD Card symbol right next to it. When I go into the deep setting to change this the 60p option is greyed out as well. I am wondering if this is because I don't have an SD Card in it and if this will change if/when I put one in it? BUT ALSO: is this a mute point since I am not recording on the camcorder and if am simply going out through the HDMI to an external recorder? Is the picture delivered through the HDMI out gong to be the same either way and is the 30p or 60p something to be set in the final recorder? There are ways of setting most of the HDMI inputs going into my switcher to take 60p cameras and then scaling about 3 of them from 30P to 60p. But I would rather just have all of my in coming cameras sending in 60P to begin with if I can set them that way. Please let me know if you can provide any insight. It would be most appreciated.

[@kaibaCorpHQ]

Appreciate the review! Good to know if I record at 60fps I'll lose the wifi abilities, I might just end up getting the r80 cuz I found one even cheaper refurbished than a r800, but if I hadn't then there would be no point shelling out extra money since I want 60fps lol.

[@EpicEternal2]

What camera do you suggest for a live youtube stream? also a budget hdmi capture card?

[@carol-anntrudell9990]

Is there a program that will download my videos to my pc from my Canon Vixia . Thank you and God bless you.

[@PaintingWithYovette]

Not sure I understand the vixia 800. Can you attach an external monitor to the 800 to better see what you are doing while recording to make youtube videos? Not finding anything in my researching!

[@YACKYSNACKY]

How do you turn on the light on this camera?

[@lilyrosedaisy2003]

Can an external microphone be connected to this camera? If so, do you have a brand that you would recommend?

[@ohblitzballleague406]

So will it stop the video completely and I will have to restart it or will it just make another clip

[@romari2706]

So the Canon Vixia HF R72 would still have AVCHD + MP4 but the R72 gets rid of AVCHD?

[@Barret_Radtke]

picked up the r800 this past week here.

[@ascensionhealingsounds]

If I record on an SD card instead of the internal storage will I still have to stitch videos together or will I be able to record an hour long video and upload the whole video in one file from the SD card?

[@diegonascimento224]

thanks, it help me a lot!