60FPS BOSS CAMCORDER | Canon Vixia HF R500 Review

The Canon Vixia HF R500 has been a reliable camcorder for me for pretty much all of 2015. It records in 60FPS up to 35 mb/s, and has up to 32x optical zoom with optical image stabilization.
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Side note: This is the last review I have recorded from my old bedroom and setup. Ironically it's better lit/looking than any video since. Sad times.
UNBOXING - • Canon Vixia HF R500 10...
INDOOR/OUTDOOR TEST - • Canon VIXIA HF R500 In...
VS SX280 QUALITY COMPARISON - • VIXIA HF R500 vs. Powe...
PRODUCT LINKS:
AMAZON:
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Recommended SD Card:
USA - amzn.to/1MIsycm
UK - goo.gl/JaIJp1
CA - goo.gl/d2Am6v
Canon VIXIA HF R500 Digital Camcorder Features:
- 3.28 megapixel 1080p full HD CMOS sensor with DIGIC DV 4 image processor
- 57x advanced zoom and Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer
- 3-inch capacitive touch panel LCD offers fast, easy, intuitive controls
- High capacity battery pack ensures extended shooting time
- Features include Advanced baby mode, Audio Scene Select, Smart AUTO, Cinema-Look filter effects and Video Snapshot
Edited w/ Premiere Pro CC: goo.gl/rJwkQjcc
Thanks for watching!
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Free #Tech_Education here! Or, #Techucation - #EposVox delivers it!

[@Palovin]

Watched this video that you recommended and it was a great review. The camcorder itself is fine in recording quality, the audio kinda bothered me because I was planning to buy one but audio is a big factor in Vlogs. I don't think the $250 investment is worth it, if it was cheaper then maybe. Great video review and have a Merry Christmas! :D

[@TheProJigsaw]

Very high quality video, i like them. Subbed.

[@garyleeheard3434]

This is what I use for Short films. Also got five years ago. This camera doesn't have threads to attach accessories to the front so I glued a ring, so I could use a lens hood or wide angle lens . And external mics are best for this camera . And like he said lighting can be bad at times. But it's great for outdoor filming .

[@alexo5190]

I'm curious to know what external lighting products would you suggest for the Canon Vixia HF R500? The only thing I found was a big LED apparatus but I'm hoping for something as bright but a bit more portable. I'm a basketball trainer and need to shoot my training sessions at night. Any help would be appreciated, thank you

[@NJP76]

I have a pair of these R500's and absolutely love them. I do filming at the local race track, and these cameras both did an amazing job. Some of the footage even went to broadcast TV! I recently "graduated" to a G30 and plan to use that for the primary camera this season, but have no intentions on giving up my R500's. No matter what other cameras I may have, there will always be at least one R500 in my grip. BTW, for the audio issue, I worked my around the ALC by setting it to a very low setting (12-15 I think) and running sound through an external mixer fed into the mic input on the camera. Once the "happy medium" was achieved, the audio sounded great. Just have to play around with the settings a little and eventually it will come around. Other than that, there is no real way to disable the ALC circuits.

[@EposVox]

Yeah external audio recording always helps, too! Easy to sync up in Premiere now. Glad you're loving them :)

[@NJP76]

+EposVox Yes, external recording is always the best option...providing that the audio is sync'd properly. For what I do, the onboard audio track works very well with external inputs. I guess I have found that "sweet spot" in the settings. Both R500's are still going strong and doing everything I ask of them.

[@reel_images]

Awesome, I have 3 R600's love them. What gear do you rock with your both you R500's? What do you edit on?

[@ThePokemonEvos]

Very nice review man! This actually makes me feel better about my R500 now, as I was previously a bit upset with the audio. I just need to invest in better external audio solutions is all! I use the Yeti when possible but the device you use seems to be way better, although I have never seen if before!

[@EposVox]

+The Pokémon Evolutionaries Look up the Zoom H1, get the $20 Audio Technica Lav mic, hook it up to the H1 and you've got all you need, no sock required ;)

[@ThePokemonEvos]

Whoa that looks incredible and simple! Thanks for the tip man:)

[@solucionestecnologicas6844]

+EposVox to use manual level audio i guess you have to use programmed AE and then go to main functions and then mic level, thats what i do on my r600

[@KOBOnYT]

Would this be a good camera to make football videos for (soccer) and clogs outside ? I was looking at this as it was recommended and the HFR600 is out and was wondering if it is worth getting the newer one ? Thanks loved the review

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

When you record video in 720p with this camera (4 mbps) how many frames per second is the Vixia recording at? 30? 24? 20? Never mind. I learned it records at 30p in 720p.

[@dee1380]

I snatched one from ebay.. works great!! Question tho. I have SD cards that it will not read. Is it because they need to be formatted within the camera? I was sent 2 SD cards with the camera, & they read perfectly, but the ones I already had, when I try to use them, I get this message, "Cannot read this card" One of the SD cards is exactly the same as the 2 cards that was sent with the camera, & it's new. I have one video on it, that I copied from a computer, is that the reason the camera won't read the card? Or is it because I formatted the card on a computer, & need to format it in the camera? Thanks in advance..

[@Sandman1832]

Great review on this camera. This was the camera I wanted to purchase, instead, my wife was talked into buying the Canon VIXIA HF G20 without consulting me first because she decided to stop into a Best Buy without me. It is suppose to take 2 in a marriage to make everything work nicely and gel which is how we do everything. When I seen the price that she paid, I was not a happy camper. I will admit, it is a really really nice camera, BUT, the HF R500 would have been a more practical buy, better deal and work just fine for what I needed it for. It was to be used for when my 2 sets of twin boys that are 14 and 15 and I are doing our A.M.A motorcross races or our freestyle fmx events. This would give us the ability to record from the sideline of the event as well as having the footage from our GoPro Heroes that are mounted to our helmets. My wife is such a great person and I love her more than anything which is why my frustrations dissolve rapidly and she is super supportive of me and our kids racing. To settle the score I went and purchased a 2015 Yamaha R1 Raven the next week for my birthday and din't let her know until she opened the garage and seen it taking up her parking spot lol the look on her face was priceless.

[@EposVox]

+Sandman1832 Haha, well have fun :)

[@skinny-boi2908]

what camera do usenow

[@TheMexicanIt]

Hi i buy this on ebay to replace my Samsung S3. i filme videos for youtube just for fun. and i use a green screen some times. i have 2 40" led lights soft boxes and a 20" on the top. and a shotgun mic for the audio. what recommendation you give for the config tnx. PS sorry for my english and hi from mexico

[@pierrecastillothelifeofpierre]

what audio recorder are you using sir? sounds good! God bless!

[@kagamine_rin0294]

I'm looking at a HF M500 hundred is that still worth it for a good price?

[@LRMDigital]

Hi, Can I use the camera for videoconferencing (Zoom)

[@vanwinklemeister]

Is this still a relevant camera in 2020? They’re super cheap used on eBay, is it worth the buy?

[@VibeASMR]

Still a good camera in 2020

[@reel_images]

I still use my HF R 600 in 2020. Great Vixa series. They axed the AVCHD codec on the R800. I like the option on Progressive AVCHD recording.

[@VibeASMR]

@@reel_images yeah, i feel like the 600 and up are all super solid. I got the 500 for $60 otherwise I would've gotten a newer model.

[@reel_images]

@@VibeASMR that's a great deal, I have 3 r600's and from what I researched, there's no difference between the 500 600 and 700 r series. What do you edit on?

[@VibeASMR]

@@reel_images the main difference I think is being able to add lenses without having to rig anything up. The 500 needs some Jerry rigging. I use Vegas pro 14 mostly, keep an eye on humble bundle, once in a while you can snag a top tier editing software for $20

[@reel_images]

@@VibeASMR really i thought the r500 had a 43mm lens thread like the r600? I use a 0.43x 43mm wide angle lens on mine. I'll check out that site for editing software, I'm looking for decent software. I used to edit on a G5 running Final Cut pro 5. Not sure what to use for multi cam edits besides Final Cut X 🤔....

[@fivestarsingh]

BEST REVIEW EVER :D

[@EposVox]

Thank you :)

[@TheAverageLutfi]

+EposVox does this camcorder have night vision or led lamp?

[@momoiro5297]

Glad I found this video I just got this camera

[@wisdxn]

Does it have night vision??

[@user-jb4fj7ef1o]

Very good information

[@unknownvirus7460]

how much do you think this would cost like a really cheap price (not desperate)

[@shanahmed1612]

how long would it be before the battery dies

[@hvmediapro10804k]

can you charge it while recording? I am going to use a 64gb SD card.

[@EposVox]

Yep! You can even used it while plugged in with no battery at all.

[@JoshTechgamer]

that's funny I was just looking at that cam lol this week I am getting it lol

[@EposVox]

+Josh Techgamer I love it.

[@egregg9286]

ok so i'm a youtuber, would this be good for recording my videos if paired with a ring light? i was also going to use a rode videomic, and wide angle lens?

[@EposVox]

Not sure how well a wide angle adapter would work on here, don't have one to try. But the ring light and VideoMic would pair nicely!

[@garyleeheard3434]

I own this camcorder, it doesn't come with threads on the front. for lenses . so I bought a 37-46mm ring adapter from eBay 1.00 and super glued it to the front . Then I ordered a wide angle lens and lens hood to attach to the front of the HF R 500. love it..its a great camcorder. Just giving ya some options.

[@priyahiriyanna1519]

Can we connect external microphone in this? Can we monitor audio while recording in this? Can we connect with external power/with continuous power to draw power directly from an AC power source. to supply uninterrupted power for your camera. ? Can we record video with full length of memory?

[@EposVox]

It has a 3.5mm mic input yes, but there's always Auto Gain Control applied to the input. There are levels to monitor audio. Yes, I keep mine set up using the wall power only with no batteries most of the time. I've recorded for like 30-45 minutes max, unsure if there's a limit, to be honest. I know there's crazy legal requirements for how long certain kinds of cameras can record.

[@desertdispatch]

one thing I like is the manual lens cover. you get an automatic lens cover its going to be all fun and games until it either gets stuck open or stuck in the closed position...and trust me stranger things have happened.

[@EposVox]

Haha yeah those are no fun

[@leonbenner2204]

does this support lanc?

[@thesloppypod547]

aw crap!! That recharging battery BS is a deal breaker. Thanks for that heads up!!

[@EposVox]

You can use it while plugged in (even without a battery) so that's nice though

[@PeabodysParadise]

You can get an external wall charger for the battery also, its like 8 or 10 bucks on ebay/amazon.

[@ethanvapenaysh6926]

Great video homie, is it possible to equip it with a fisheye? im am very much a camera noob so i was curious

[@insuchaway]

Ethan Vapenaysh I have the R700; check Amazon for Vivitar lens kits.

[@mrmaat]

Can this camcorder record and charge the battery while on ac power, or is it only able to do one or the other while on ac?

[@EposVox]

It can record and charge

[@naught_.]

What do you think about the Canon Vixia HF R42? Which one do you think has better quality (if you've tried it before)?

[@EposVox]

I've not used one myself, but looking at the specs... They record the same resolution, framerate, bitrate, and have the exact same sensor. Only difference I'm finding is the R500 (this one) has 57x zoom versus only 53x zoom on the R42 - both of which are way too zoomed in to ever really use anyway, haha. But I'd expect them to produce about the same quality.

[@samuelaustin1217]

Is there a remote that works with it like the canon wl d 89?

[@EposVox]

I don't think so. There's no receiver on it like my T3i and no mention of compatibility for it on the product page.

[@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.

[@EposVox]

If I’m remembering right, there’s two different record modes: MP4 and AVCHD. Only one of them lets you do full 1080p60. So you have to change that before you can switch modes. Sounds dumb since you’re trying to use HDMI out, but that’s how it works. But it definitely does 1080p60 over HDMI

[@lazloaluisa1906]

@@EposVox Thanks for your reply. Yeah, I tried doing it with both of those modes in the deep settings. Either way, the 60p option in the menu was greyed out. I guess I will just get a SD Card and see if having that in it makes the warning message on the screen go away and the greyed out deep setting fix. I hope I didn't but 2 cams where that option is simply broken. Do you know if the hdmi out is simply give the same neutral view coming in from the lense? Thanks again for your response.

[@gavingrenot7990]

When you use a camcorder how long does the battery life last for?

[@srd65]

Usually 4 hours when recording in 720p, 3 hours recording in 1080p 17mbps, 2.6 hours recording in 1080p 24mbps, and 2 hours recording 1080p60

[@wisdxn]

Does it have night vision???

[@AmericanMoviePodcast]

Trying to stream with this via Black magic shuttle intensity. Any help with this? I have tried OBS, livestream, and black magic media express! Black magic is not picking up the HDMI from the camera

[@EposVox]

Black Magic's cards are extremely finnicky. You have to have the EXACT settings right or it won't show anything. Make sure it's set (via the Black Magic control panel or w/e) to 1920x1080. Then, you need to check if your camcorder is set to 60p or 30p. For 30p, try both 30fps and 29.97 fps. For 60p, try both 59.94 and 60fps. Make sure "Output Onscreen Displays" is set to OFF in the camcorder menu. Also, if they never added support for 1080p 60fps in the Shuttle Intensity, then you have to set the camera to 30fps and try it that way. It's been a few years since I've had the Shuttle.

[@AmericanMoviePodcast]

Still having no luck, I have Vixia set to H.264 - 1920 x 1080 - 30 fps - 17Mbps. But I've also tried the AVCHD settings but those are 60fps and black magic only allows 1080p30. The shuttle is set to HDMI. I've tried to use 30fps and 29.97. I'm not sure how to set the black magic to 1920x1080 the video setup just has the choice of HDMI, component, s video. Still no HDMI signal through the blackmagic. Do I have the vixia set up incorrectly?

[@EposVox]

It may be that the camera outputs a constant 60hz signal, regardless of actual framerate - so if you can't set a 60fps/59.94fps signal it might not work

[@AmericanMoviePodcast]

Okay thanks so much for the help! Do you think the El Gato hd60 would work? Just wanting to live stream podcasts via the vixia! This blackmagic shuttle was a hassle!

[@EposVox]

Yeah Blackmagic's settings are a nightmare. The original HD60 has a huge delay, so it'd be tough to sync in OBS and whatnot, but the HD60 Pro or HD60 S would work fine, as would the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme, Live Gamer HD or HD 2

[@izzyhope3810]

Great review. I am thinking about getting the Canon Vixia HF R600. The newer model (but it is still discontinued by Canon) also i think this camera should be on freedoms play now think. also it does 1080p 60fps. i thought it only did 1080p 30fps or 720p 60fps. but that might have been a diffrent camera I was looking at

[@EposVox]

Yeah they're popping out and discontinuing camcorders very quickly - it's kinda annoying. But the R600 does 60fps too. Has the details on the Amazon page: amzn.to/28Stgl6

[@izzyhope3810]

+EposVox is it worth spending more on the 600 or should I just go for the 500

[@EposVox]

They're going to be the same quality, essentially.

[@izzyhope3810]

+EposVox ok so it's just like aesthetic and battery life

[@lemusiciensolitaire8792]

Came for the camcorder, commented for the handsome guy ♡♡♡

[@icrist3671]

Thanks for the video :)

[@EposVox]

Thanks for watching!

[@icrist3671]

EposVox You are very welcome :)

[@TheAverageLutfi]

+EposVox great camcorder but one question..does this camcorder have night vision or led lamp?

[@EposVox]

No.

[@icrist3671]

Max Gaming Nope it does not.

[@oscardegus2697]

Are You Using That Camera For This Video

[@EposVox]

No, it's in my hand in the video lol. I'm using my Canon EOS Rebel T3i for the video itself. (Other than the sample shots.)

[@banderal-ali5066]

what camera are you using now ?

[@EposVox]

Canon EOS Rebel T3i / 600D

[@ghg2502]

Can you put up a video of console (xbox360/ps3) (xbox1/ps4) gameplay recording from this camcorder?

[@EposVox]

+GH G2 Uhm, no. A camcorder should never be used for recording video gameplay. And at this price you could actually buy a proper capture card. And the "quality" of gameplay capture from a TV via this camcorder is going to be dependent entirely on your TV type, size, etc., TV settings, room lighting, distance from TV, etc. and not the camcorder itself.

[@ghg2502]

I was thinking of buying a capture card but because I want to record videos as well I thought it would be ideal to by something that does both. I read online you can record console gameplay by using a camcorder with audio output ??

[@EposVox]

GH G2 It will always look awful.

[@ghg2502]

So what would you advise because im real good at the call of duty's and want to start recording but I also need something to record in general with ?

[@EposVox]

GH G2 Capture card and a webcam.

[@icrist3671]

You look like a you tuber caller Slimofication haha.

[@coffeeshopproductions1290]

can it do 24 frames a second for filmmaking

[@EposVox]

No, just 30 or 60

[@naught_.]

Actually, it can do 24p, you just have to go to Recording Setup and Video Quality, then press the Info button (on the bottom), then change the frame rate. It only works on 24 mbps in MP4, though.

[@icrist3671]

I just ordered one from Costco!

[@EposVox]

:D

[@icrist3671]

EposVox I tested the camera today and i love it. The zoom is great too!

[@EposVox]

:D

[@nechyimccaskill5578]

Does it have night mode?

[@wisdxn]

That’s what i wanna know too

[@dipy2j319]

It's isn't good at recording audio. Is it ?

[@EposVox]

on-camera mics are always trash.

[@k-dogg711]

How do I change the frame rate?

[@EposVox]

You don't, really. In the highest quality settings for MP4 and AVCHD it is 60 FPS, otherwise it's 30 FPS

[@k-dogg711]

EposVox OK, thanks.

[@CoquiAudio]

2:54 oufoot ? lol don't worried dude English is my second language and I made mistake all the time y :P

[@EposVox]

lolol

[@armageddon1597]

What DSLR do you use

[@EposVox]

+Mr_ Armegedon Canon EOS Rebel T3i

[@armageddon1597]

Thank you

[@RehSlipchenko]

+Mr_ Armegedon Thanks I was trying to see that too but he kept shaking the camera haha.

[@renedelrazog4618]

What is you opinion about t3i,? I know that today exist t5i & t6i.

[@shaynedavidson7064]

Can I make short films with this camera?

[@EposVox]

I mean, you can make short films with anything

[@lindhahagelin7912]

casper 30690

[@EposVODs]

:D

[@sntrra5632]

hhahaha i have exactly the same shirtt dude

[@EposVox]

xD

[@rayneeelmore6023]

11,111 views lol

[@EposVox]

xD

[@FreeTheDonbas]

your video isn't in 60fps, so leave that out of the title next time, thumbs down for wasting my time with a very short clip of useless footage.

[@EposVox]

The camera shoots 60fps and that's the appeal of it for the price, and my sample clips linked in description are 60fps. The format of the camera this video was shot on and etc. is not 60, so I elected not to edit 60 here - and that doesn't really give you more information on its own anyway.

[@MalvoMcVeigh]

Awful in low light. The footage becomes grainy.