When it was released the summer before last, Canon’s Vixia tiny camera received much praise from bloggers, artists, and other users in the market for a flexible webcam. It was created to be used by video bloggers, but Canon quickly found that many owners were using it to capture musical and spoken-word performances.
Canon VIXIA mini X Opening Shot
The Vixia mini X is a revised version of the small with increased audio performance and various other refined specifications. Its suggested retail price is $399.99. It records in full-format High Definition (HD) video, has an articulating LCD, can record in Linear PCM audio, has a 12.8-megapixel sensor, and has an electret condenser microphone built right in.
Combining these elements results in a fantastic audiovisual recording experience; nevertheless, you should not expect it to replace a separate microphone and camera setup.
Even though it’s remarkable, the tiny X is mainly intended for video blogging.
Canon VIXIA mini X Design
Including two stereo microphones that frame the lens is the aspect of the design of the mini X that deviates the most significantly from that of the mini. The camera’s body is also somewhat more extensive, measuring 3.2 inches by 1.2 inches by 4.3 inches, an increase of almost a quarter of an inch in each dimension.
The touch LCD screen is the same size as its predecessor and has the same level of responsiveness. There were a few instances in which we needed to double- or triple-tap a button to activate it, but for the most part, the user experience was quite simple.
Canon VIXIA mini X Focus
The menu arrangement is a bit chaotic and is not the easiest thing to traverse. It’s undoubtedly not inoperable, but the aesthetics are bland, and it’s frustrating to see outdated menu designs on consumer camcorders, especially considering the enormous challenges the market will face in the coming years. It’s undoubtedly not inoperable, but the aesthetics are bland.
Because of this, these cameras must be entertaining and easy to use to lure consumers away from their smartphones and still cameras. Unfortunately, the tiny X does not meet our expectations in this area.
Like its younger sibling, the small X is not the most cosmetically beautiful piece of technology. But this is not about form; it’s all about function. Even with the hefty price of $399 (the Vixia small is $100 cheaper), this is a good alternative for anyone who wants an efficient technique for capturing desktop video and performances while on the road. Additionally, the stereo recording quality is of a high standard.
Canon VIXIA mini X Features
The most significant enhancement: is the sound
Those familiar with the Vixia mini will find the articulating LCD on the mini X rather remarkable. However, the fact that it is the same design as that seen on the mini highlights its efficiency.
Combined with the stand, which has a back that pivots along its length, there are several different angling options and techniques to steady the camera. This is an excellent solution for video bloggers and bands that have to set up a camera in a confined place because of space constraints.
In addition to that, there is something called a Pan Table. This is an optional attachment that gives users the ability to spin and operate the cam from a distance.
To be more specific, users of Canon cameras may rotate the tiny X left to right, up to 200 degrees, using the CameraAccess + software. In addition to that, the table may tilt back and forth by up to 20 degrees.
In addition, customers can record on their iOS and Android smart devices thanks to the inclusion of a WiFi connection and a Live Streaming option.
There are more spec enhancements than the mini, such as a quicker shutter speed (1/12–1/2000 sec) and many connecting choices, such as an HDMI port, mic terminal, and 1/8-inch output. The small one does not have these features. However, the fisheye lens with a focal ratio of f/2.8 and the DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor are carried over from the previous model.
On the other hand, the actual advancement may be found in the upgraded audio capability of the mini X and, more specifically, in incorporating a built-in electret stereo condenser microphone.
A further new feature, Linear PCM audio recording, provides sound digitization for higher-quality music. In addition, theluding a manual audio input control enables enhanced control over the recording process.
Even further, a function known as Audio Scene Select allows users to pick from eight different recording modes to find the configurations that work best for the current shooting environment.
Incorporating these qualities results in a relatively straightforward deduction: the target audience for this camcorder is the musical community.
The old Vixia mini’s sound is not bad; it is suited for social media and costs $100 less than the updated model. While the considerably better audio features may be a godsend to specific bloggers and documentarians, the original Vixia mini’s sound is not terrible.
Canon VIXIA mini X Specs
Sensor | 1/2.3″ CMOS |
Sensor Resolution | 12.8 MP |
Effective Pixels | 8.29 MP (Video / Wide Mode) 2.07 MP (Video / Close-Up Mode, Image Stabilizer Off) 1.33 MP (Video / Close-Up Mode, Image Stabilizer On) 8.99 MP (Video / Wide Mode) 2.07 MP (Video / Close-Up Mode, Image Stabilizer Off, Image Stabilizer On) 12 MP (Photo / Wide Mode) 2.76 MP (Photo / Close-Up Mode) |
Optics
35mm-Equivalent Focal Length | 17.5mm Video Wide Mode (AVCHD) 16.8mm Video Wide Mode (MP4) 15.4mm Photo Wide Mode 35mm Video Close-Up Mode (AVCHD) with IS Off 43.7mm Video Close-Up Mode (AVCHD) with IS On 35mm Video Close-Up Mode (MP4) 32.1mm Photo Close-Up Mode |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance | 15.8″ / 40.1 cm |
Angle of View | 150° (AVCHD Recording) 160° (MP4 Recording) 170° (Still Images) |
Recording
System | NTSC |
Recording Media | x SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Recording Time | SD/SDHC/SDXC 32 GB 1920 x 1080 AVCHD (24 Mbps): 2.92 hours 1920 x 1080 AVCHD (17 Mbps): 4.17 hours 1920 x 1080 MP4 (24 Mbps): 2.92 hours 1920 x 1080 MP4 (17 Mbps): 4.17 hours 1280 x 720 MP4 (4 Mbps): 17.33 hours 640 x 360 MP4 (3 Mbps): 22.92 hours |
Slow Motion Mode | 30 fps Recorded at 360 x 30p |
Still Image Support | JPEG 12 MP |
Channels | 2.0-Channel Stereo |
Audio Format | LPCM |
Sampling Frequency | LPCM: 48.0 kHz |
Bit Rate | LPCM: 16.0-Bit |
Display
Display Type | LCD |
Touchscreen | Yes |
Screen Size | 2.7″ |
Screen Resolution | 230,000 Dots |
Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
Shutter Speed | 1/12 – 1/2000 Second () |
Interval Recording | 5 Second 10 Second 30 Second 60 Second 600 Second |
Features
Image Stabilization | Digital |
Scene Modes | Preset: Yes |
Lux | 10 (NTSC, P Mode, 1/30 sec shutter speed) |
White Balance Modes | Auto Custom Daylight Preset Manual Tungsten |
Creative Effects | Yes |
Built-In Mic | Yes |
Built-In Speaker | Yes |
Built-In Light/Flash | Light – No Flash – No |
Wi-Fi | Yes |
Accessory Shoe | None |
Tripod Mount | 1/4″ |
Input/Output Connectors
Outputs | 1 x Mini-HDMI (Type C) 1 x A/V Mini Terminal 1 x USB 2.0 |
Microphone Input | Yes |
Headphone Jack | Yes |
General
Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 1910 mAh Max Runtime: 2.5 Hours per Charge |
Charging Method | AC Adapter |
Power Consumption | Recording: 2.7 W |
Operating Temperature | 23 to 113°F / -5 to 45°C Humidity: 60% 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C Humidity: 85% |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 3.2 x 1.2 x 4.3″ / 81.3 x 30.5 x 109.2 mm |
Weight | 7.23 oz / 204.97 g body only 8.47 oz / 240.12 g including NB-12L battery pack and SD card |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 1.25 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6.9 x 5.5 x 4.4″ |
Canon VIXIA mini X Conclusion
The Canon Vixia mini X is unquestionably an improvement over the widely used Vixia mini. Still, at an additional cost of $100, it limits its potential buyers to only those requiring small HD video and high-quality sound.
My mind immediately goes to artists on a shoestring budget, especially those who perform live and wish to bolster their social media presence with video. This is the only audience I can think of that matches that description.
Canon VIXIA mini X FAQs
Is Canon VIXIA mini X same as Legria?
In some countries, the Canon VIXIA mini X is also called the Canon Legria mini X. This distinction is made according to the market in which the device was initially introduced.
Can Canon VIXIA mini X be used as a webcam?
Connecting the Canon VIXIA small X to a computer through either HDMI or USB allows it to function as a camera, so the answer is yes.
How do I transfer files from my Canon VIXIA mini X to my computer?
You can use the Canon Transfer Utility software to move files from your Canon VIXIA mini X camera to your computer by connecting the camera to the computer with a USB connection and then using the software to transfer the files.
How long will a Canon VIXIA mini X record?
The Canon VIXIA mini X has a recording duration that varies depending on the video’s resolution, the video’s frame rate, the memory card’s capacity, and the power of the memory card being used. The camera supports memory cards with the SD, SDHC, and SDXC standards.