The Canon VIXIA HF M31 camcorder is a High Definition (HD) camcorder that will lead Canon’s midrange camcorder series for 2010.  The HF M31 is an upgrade of the Canon HF 20 and features a 32 GB internal flash drive, a built-in SD memory card slot, a new touch screen LCD and a menu redesign.  The series includes the Canon HF M31 and the Canon HF M300 camcorders.

Canon’s full HD CMOS and HD Video Lens provide excellent imaging capability able to capture vivid and lifelike images in a wide range of application.  This camcorder records in MPEG4 AVCHD format.  The camcorder is equipped with a 1/4–inch CMOS, RGB Primary Color Filter imaging device.  The imager has a resolution of 3.89 megapixels.  It records videos in 2.99 megapixels (2304 x 1296) and records still photos in either 16:9 aspect ratio at 2.99 megapixels (2304 x 1296) or 4:3 aspect ration at 3.31 megapixels (2100 x 1575).

This camcorder has five recording quality formats.  The LP mode records in five Mbps, an SP mode that records in seven Mbps, XP+ that records in 12 Mbps, and FXP format that records in 17 Mbps and an MXP format that records in 24 Mbps.  Both the FXP and MXP quality allows 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording.

This camcorder features an original Canon lens with a 15x optical, an 18x advanced zoom and 300x digital zoom.  The lens has a focal length of 4.1 to 61.5 mm.  Aperture range is from F/1.8 to F/3.2.  Zoom speed can be controlled variably or three fixed zoom speeds.  Maximum shutter speed in video mode is 1/2000 sec, and in still photo mode, it is 1/500 sec.  The camcorder’s filter size is 37mm.

The camcorder’s main recording media device is its 32 GB internal flash drive.  The flash drive can accommodate up to 12.25 hrs of recording in LP format, 9.5 hrs in SP format, six hrs in XP+, four hrs in FXP format and two hours in MXP format.  For additional memory capacity, the camcorder has a built-in memory card slot that can accommodate SD/SDHC memory cards to double the recording capacity of the device.  For MXP and FXP modes in 1920 x 1080 resolution, you will need a Class 4 or higher SDHC memory card.  This camcorder is also equipped with Canon’s Relay Recording feature that automatically transfer the recording to another card once the primary card or the flash drive gets full.

This camcorder offers three frame rates to choose from when recording videos.  There is a 60i, 24p progressive and 30p progressive frame rates selection.  Both the 24p progressive and 30p progressive record in 60i.  If you are an avid videographer who would benefit from a native 24p recording frame rate, you may want to check on the other new Canon camcorders like the Canon VIXIA HF S21.

Color performance for this camcorder is average.  This camcorder produces uneven color recording and below average color accuracy compared to other camcorders in its category.  There is also a high level of noise when recording in bright light environments.  Its strong performance is in its ability to record great images in low light environments.  This camcorder provides crisp images with lesser noise and color inaccuracy when recording in low light conditions compared to other camcorders in its category.  There are also controls to adjust the camcorder’s saturation, brightness, sharpness and contrast levels.  For image stabilization, this camcorder runs on Canon’s Dynamic and Standard Super Range Optical Powered Image Stabilization system.

This camcorder is equipped with a 2.7-inch touch screen LCD panel that sits at the left of the camcorder’s body.  The widescreen color LCD has a resolution of 0.211 megapixels.  This camcorder doesn’t have a viewfinder.

Audio recording is thru the built-in mic that records in Dolby Digital two-channel sound.  The camcorder’s accessory shoe at the top of its body can cater to the Canon SM-V1 5.1 Channel Surround Microphone accessory to provide a surround sound recording capability.  There is also a 3.5 mm stereo mic mini jack to provide versatility in the user’s recording needs.

The camcorder’s dimensions are 2.7 x 2.4 x 4.8 inches (W x H x D) and it weighs 11.3 oz excluding battery.  The package ships with Canon’s BP-808 rechargeable battery pack.  The battery pack however, doesn’t provide great recording capability as it will only last for two hrs of extensive use in a full charge.  To maximize the camcorder’s memory capacity and recording capability, you need to have an extra battery pack to provide continuous recording performance.

One of the camcorder’s main advantages is its auto mode.  This camcorder has one of the best auto modes in its category.  The Smart Auto mode of this Canon camcorder maximizes the power of Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image processor.  The camcorder can effectively detect and analyze the subject, environment, distance, lighting and movement and adjusts the settings accordingly to provide the best recording result.

One of its main competitors in its category is the JVC GZ-HD620 camcorder.  The JVC camcorder features a slightly larger imager with its 1/4.1-inch CMOS sensor.  This HD camcorder also has a larger recording media device with its massive 120 GB internal hard drive.  It has a superior zoom capability with its 30x optical zoom feature.  The JVC camcorder is also one of the best performing camcorders when shooting in low light conditions.  The Canon’s average performance in bright light environment recording is far from the video quality the JVC camcorder can offer.  The Canon camcorder however, features an LCD screen with a higher resolution at 0.211 megapixels compared to JVC’s 0.123 megapixels.  The higher LCD resolution will provide more accurate live view recording images.  The Canon also offers three frame rates to choose from while the JVC camcorder only offers a 60i fixed frame rate recording.

You may also want to check on the other camcorders from the Canon VIXIA HF M series namely the Canon VIXIA HF M30 and the Canon VIXIA HF M300.

The Canon VIXIA HF M31 doesn’t have a full manual control option enough to impress intermediate users.  With its 32 GB flash drive, this camcorder will be perfect for the point and shoot crowd.  Canon’s Smart Auto mode produces one of the best results compared to auto modes of other camcorders.  At a competitive price, this camcorder will provide great video capability and sufficient options and features to consumers looking for an entry-level camcorder.

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