The iVIS HF M52 and HF M51 incorporate an enhanced 1/3-inch HD CMOS PRO image sensor with approximately 2.07 million effective pixels, the same high-performance CMOS sensor as the Canon XF105 HD video camcorder used by video-production professionals. The two new HF M-series camcorders feature enhanced microlens and color-filter transmittance and, compared with their predecessors, the iVIS HF M43 and HF M41 (released in February 2011), achieve a 20% increase in sensitivity with a minimum illumination rating of 1.2 lux,^* an improvement over the 1.5 lux^* rating for the preceding models, making possible the recording of high-quality video even in low-light settings. In addition to realizing smooth gradation and natural color reproduction, the new camcorders achieve a wide dynamic range with a reduced occurrence of over- and under-exposed areas when shooting in high-contrast conditions.

Both iVIS HF M-series models feature a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens offering not only high resolving power and optical image stabilization, but also an iris supporting smooth background blur. The HF M52 and HF M51 include a high-performance DIGIC DV III Image Processor and newly incorporate Intelligent IS, which automatically selects optimal image stabilization settings based on the shooting situation, such as during normal conditions, macro shooting, and when using a tripod.

The Canon iVIS HF M52 is capable of recording video not only in the conventional AVCHD file format but also in MP4, allowing video to be viewed via such devices as an iPad and iPhone. Furthermore, marking a first for a Canon video camcorder, the HF M52 employs a wireless transfer function making possible the sharing of captured video over a Wi-Fi network directly to such devices as an iPad or iPhone, enabling users to then upload video to such video-sharing sites as YouTube. This feature also allows for data to be transferred to Wi-Fi-connected devices, including PCs or home servers.

* When shooting at a shutter speed of 1/30 second