Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder
- Price: $649.99
- Instant Savings: -$50.00 Offer ends FEB 29 '12
- You Pay: $599.99
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
Remember the Essentials
Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
Canon's HV40 gives you the quality of HDV recording at an affordable price for the aspiring or indie film-maker. Capture true 1920 x 1080 video like a pro with the camera's 2.96Mp CMOS sensor, DIGIC DV II Image Processor and 10x HD Video Lens. If you feel like recording in standard definition the camera affords you that flexibility as well. And there's no need to carry a still camera around because the camcorder captures 3.1Mp still images to miniSD cards.
The HV40 boasts a range of film-like shooting rates, including 24p Native (60i) and Cinema Modes and 30p Progressive Mode. To make even higher quality videos there's the Advanced Accessory Shoe for attaching external Canon lights and microphones that run off the power of the camcorder. If you're looking for a tape-based camcorder to take your videos to the next level, the HV40 has what you need.
- Record to MiniDV
- By capturing video to MiniDV, you can take advantage of both its universal compatibility with existing technology while also benefiting from a level of reliability, which professionals have counted on for over a decade. The HV40 lets you record in both 1080 High Definition as well as standard definition for use with your non-HD equipment.
- Image Sensor & DIGIC DV II
- The 2.96Mp full HD CMOS sensor gives you 1920 x 1080 HD video while working in tandem with Canon's DIGIC DV II Image Processor to reduce image noise and customize the color and tonality of your video and still images.
- Canon 10x HD Video Lens
- The 10x HD Video Lens lets you capture landscapes and tight shots easily, with three fixed zoom speeds for fluid transitions. The super spectra coating keeps flare and ghosting at bay while the lens' aspheric design cuts down on aberration while boosting resolution.
- 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
- The multi-angle widescreen LCD gives you a generous display on which to compose and playback your shots, not to mention the ability to shoot from more angles. The hard coat AR surface reproduces color accurately with reduced glare and enhanced contrast.
- 3.1Mp Digital Photos
- Capture 3.1Mp digital photos to miniSD memory cards and enjoy special functions that make shooting easier, like the Histogram Display, scene modes and auto focus. You can also simultaneously capture still images while shooting video or save stills to a miniSD card after the video has already been shot.
- SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
- Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer corrects for hand shake, moving subjects and the inevitable slight bump. SuperRange Gyro and image sensors also correct for a wider range of incidents such as body sway and recording in a moving car as well as ensuring no loss in image quality.
- Creative Control & Workflow Features
-
- Built-in flash for stills indoors or in low light
- HDMI for watching videos on HDTV with just one cable
- Custom Key: let's you keep commonly used functions available at a touch
- 24p Cinema Mode gives your videos a "film-look" - enhanced when used with the CINE setting
- 30p Progressive Mode great for action or sports footage or video that will be uploaded to the Internet
- Native 24p Mode for shooting 24 frames per second - the frame rate of film, used by professional filmmakers
- Advanced Accessory Shoe for attaching external Canon lights or microphones that run off the camera's power
- Built-in flash for stills indoors or in low light
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1x 2.96 Megapixel 2.7" CMOS Sensor |
| Lens |
6.1 - 61 mm f/1.8 - 3.0 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 10x Digital: 200x |
| Filter Size | 43 mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
MiniSD MiniDV Cassette |
| Recording Time |
MiniDV Cassette SP: 80 minutes (HDV, DV) LP: 120 minutes (DV) |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG2 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080 |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 3.1 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 2-Channel Stereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.7" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux | 0.2 (Night Mode) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - Yes Flash - Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Hot |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs |
1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini 1x FireWire |
| Outputs |
1x HDMI A (Full Size) 1x FireWire 1x USB 2.0 1x Component Video (out) 1x Composite Video (out) 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Battery | 2x Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Batteries, 7.4-7.4VDC, 1200mAh |
| Power Adapter | 100-240VAC, 50/60HZ |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.5 x 3.2 x 5.4" / 8.89 x 8.13 x 13.72 cm |
| Weight | 1.4 lb / 635 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 282 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (243)
- Great picture quality (171)
- Zoom range/performance (134)
- Image stabilization (125)
- Large clear LCD (87)
Cons
- Poor in low light (30)
- Poor sound (29)
- Limited zoom (25)
- Complicated to operate (8)
- Flimsy design (8)
Best Uses
- Home movies (183)
- Travel (160)
- HD shooting (129)
- Documentaries (100)
- Movies/short films (95)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro (71), Enthusiast (65), Aspiring film maker (48), Pro videographer (37), Tech savvy (36)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (134), Yes (11)
Most Liked Positive Review
A nice XHA1 Compliment
I got this camera as a compliment to my XHA1. I had some debate about getting the HV30 or the HV40 since they are pretty much the same camera except that this camera runs 24f...Read complete review
I got this camera as a compliment to my XHA1. I had some debate about getting the HV30 or the HV40 since they are pretty much the same camera except that this camera runs 24f. This is the same 24f as the XHA1. Since this is my preferred frame-rate it was a no brainer.
About the camera.
Out of the box the camera shoots great video. The first thing I did was remove the shoe cover. It was put there to cover up the shoe mount and to get in my way. The camera's black finish looks sleek and the LED light was a surprise. Like the XHA1, with a sd card (microSD on this camera) you can take photos. The screen is a nice res and rotates in plenty of ways.
The camera has a lot of the settings the XHA1 has... but like comparing the A1 to the XL-H1 you get a lot less controls at your disposal on the fly. From the menu you can set the white balance and choose between the typical Canon settings (Tv, Av and so on). You can adjust the shutter or aperture on the go depending on the settings… that's something a lot of consumer level cameras are missing. The best part for me (settings wise) is that I can set the camera to the exact settings I want and on the tape door there is a switch to flip back and forth from auto and manual settings.
The good.
The image looks great side by side with the XHA1 footage.... if you can match the colors. I found myself setting the A1 to the limitations of the HV40 and doing the touch ups in post. The camera has an actual HDMI port, not a converter. I plugged it into my HDTV and the image looks sweet. That's about the only time I use my remote.
Tape wise….HDV for the win! I only use Canon HDVM-E63PR DigitalMaster tapes in all of my Canon HD cameras. I wrote a review for the tapes as well. Using the same tapes helps match the color and quality of the A1.
The bad.
Get an external shotgun mic. The built-in mic is great at capturing everything you don't want to hear. Tape motor, zoom motor, your hand moving, your breathing and anything else you can image. I got the Azden SMX-10 from the accessories list. Not bad for the price... but buy extra batteries.
The focus does not work for me at all. I tend to just stay in auto.... zoom in... wait... zoom out and in and try to trick the sensor. Messing with the manual focus wheel usually just angers me. It has no friction so it just spins. Auto does what you want if you figure out what it wants. The inclusion of a LANC port would have made this camera a 5/5.
Overall
As a teen I would have killed for a cam like this. The camera has a mic input, pro-sumer video quality and enough customizable settings to get some specific looks. The 24f was the instant sell for me. It works great as a back up cam for the A1. Plenty of plugs and has the potential to be upgraded with mic converters and filters. The horrid built-in mic and poor focus implementation hurt the camera as a stand alone, but as a consumer priced camera it's great.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
a good little camera
Now that the price has come down, this cam is a good buy. The low stars are for the miniSD card needed and to say Canon wake up! HV Camera line has a huge...Read complete review
Now that the price has come down, this cam is a good buy. The low stars are for the miniSD card needed and to say Canon wake up! HV Camera line has a huge following why not deliver what they have been crying for from the HV20 days, gain control!
I have two pro Sony cameras that use tape, so this will serve as a deck and trip camera.
I was going to buy the HV30. Then the HV40 came out, and waited till this camera's price came down.
The good about the camera is: size, HD image, HDMI, uses minidv tape, large HV series following/fan support/resale value, some manual controls, a button you can program with a few options and yes it has firewire in/out (an item not listed on Canons website). Image is not three chip quality but sort of close.
The not so good: It needs a out dated, hard to find miniSD card that is not included with the camera.
Focus and buttons are a joke. Must preset before you roll.
Histogram is for picture mode only,and brief.
Very hard to hold and navigate rear menu buttons with your thumb.
Be careful, this camera can zoom in on an image in playing back mode. It will be recorded (on HDMI haven't tested firewire)
Reviewed by 282 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Camera is very easy to use and the footage is very good. I would recommend purchasing a lavalier mic, because the mic in the camera is not that good.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
The ease of use of this camera and the light weight has made this camera a top pick for me. I have tried several video cameras in the past but they have failed me! This one was easy to use with my Mac and it transfers videos with ease!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Still great 24p
- Use as a DVHDV deck
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I know everything is going towards AVCHD based cameras using SDHC cards. That's great and should be embraced... but a lot of us have hundred of DV and HDV tapes... and some people still want to use tape.
This is the LAST GREAT consumer camera using tape. PERIOD. It's also a GREAT DECK for people like me who had a lot of tape from the 90's and 00's.
Bottom line, buy this camera now and store it as a last line of defense. You'll be happy you did.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Purchased for broadcasting ove the internet. It was very easy to set up and the qualiity over what was being used was excellent. I immedaitely received positive responses from all our vierwers.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Headphones in play
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
By now most people know that Canon has announced that the HV 40 is being discontinued (Nov 2011) so grab one while you can.
For a range of DV cameras to go from the HV20>30>40 says these cams are hot stuff and over 250 positive reviews here support that.
I read where many folk think the HV20 is generally better at -2 exposure, I agree, but not in low light. The HV40 seems Ok in that respect and has other improvements listed elsewhere here.
I bought the Canon WD-H43 wide angle convertor and now rarely take it off. The only problem is it doesn't have a front thread, so for a lens hood which I find absolutely essential, I use my left hand .. my left fingers held out flat as the hood and my left thumb under the front supporting the lens. I can shoot with the sun low in front of the camera, just raise my 'finger hood' when I zoom out.
I also bought a Shure SM58 mic audio pop filter and keep it in place, flattened right over the camera mic. It's held there tightly with a womens black elastic hair tie, fitted around the cam. That stops ALL wind short of a cyclone, without blocking any sound. I never take that off either. HTH.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Used for all kinds of family videoing & easy to take along on hikes and has a good jpg stills too when its not convienent to use a dslr. Wish Canon would continue with HD mini tape line instead of all flash storage.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
If you are a novice, don't buy this camera. I bought it for my business recording athletic movement. Was told to get this camera for better picture and use with software. Records fine, but playback is extremely difficult. Recording timer appears, then disappears. Near impossible to know where you are on the tape. Tried reading manual, but it is written, I believe, for professionals.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I bought this camera because I still need something that plays tape. The HD quality is excellent for a consumer camera. Reviews I read prior to buying complained about the audio quality. I recorded my son's band in concert and was pleasantly surprised that the audio, although not great, was certainly better than expected. And it has inputs for external mics, so you can always upgrade. Hooked camera up to my computer and using my editing software was able to easily download footage in both DV and HDV formats. I have only had this camera for a month, but I would absolutely recommend it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Good- mic input, headphone output, captures to tape.
Con- tape, most controls in menu
Tape means most NLE will not have a problem with file formats. Tape also means you have to capture in real time. I also like the fact that you can switch between SD and HDV. Most of my compters and projects can not handle or require the HD quality but it is nice to have for those special projects.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I use this camera as a second cam and it delivers well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
The thing i liked most about it is the ease with which it can be used and the quality is just amazing.
The price is quite economical as well and this is a great package.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Great pictures from an easy to use high tech camera. Light weight and compact for having all its features, including the valuable movie light.
Purchased this camera to replace the equally good HV30 that I had stolen in Lisbon,. Portugal. I'd used that camera for three years with super results everytime. Need the DV tape format to interface with my editing system.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Use HV40 for local events, vacations and family reunions. Great Picture and sound with optional DM50 mic. The different types of frame rates are like a pro camcorder. I love the handle and feel. Lots of features for the price. What I REALLY don't like is the miniSD card format. A real loser with that idea. One star deducted for the MiniSD junk card.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
GREAT IN EVERY WAY EXCEPT LOW LIGHT. EVEN A SUNSET WILL BECOME CHUNKY AND BLOCKY WHEN VIEWED ON A DECENT MONITOR. DON'T BUY IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE SHOOTING IN LOW LIGHT! OTHERWISE IT'S EXCELLENT AND I'M HAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Limited Zoom
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
As in my headline. Yes, you can use it for tapeless recording too, and in "full" 1920x1080 *UNCOMPRESSED* top quality - there, I've said it again. Just do your research [*] (tapes NEVER get corrupted, and even a mangled tape can be read - something you'll never be able to do with corrupted/dead memory cards).Hints for tapeless recording: HyperDeck Shuttle, or Atomos Ninja. I use shuttle, and although I only get less than 8min per 60GB SSD, the quality is simply AMAZING. You'd have to spend $20,000+ for the same quality professional rig, lol!The only con of this camera I know of (after using it since 2009) is noise at low light conditions.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I wish the newer camera that didn't have the tape had a firewire. The software I am using required firewire, so I got this camera. I am happy with the camera, but would LOVE having no tapes!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
This camera is still the best alternative for the no budget film producer. The picture quality is excellent and you have reasonable control over the image. It's too bad that mini-dv HDV is going away. The new card and drive based cameras are a pain to edit - their footage is so highly compressed. HDV, while it has problems, is still the way to go for the aspiring amateur.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Built-in LED light
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Viewfinder
Cons
- Zoom control is too fast
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I bought this camera to replace a 10-year-old MiniDV (NTSC standard def) camera that was finally wearing out and to move to HD, but keep the tape format. Tapes still provide the most reliable long-term storage for the price ($2 a cartridge), and this camera keeps that one feature but adds all the newest features like 1080i HD, super-good image stabilization and a viewfinder, which allows much steadier shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I use the camcorder for filming weather. It is very user friendly. This camcorder is great for everyone no matter if you are just starting out in the film area or not.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Deep mike shoe
- Filter size 43mm unusual
- Limited Zoom
- Poor Sound
- Strange zoom direction
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Bought this camcorder to replace another stolen Canon miniDV camcorder. Good picture, small size, easy set-up, no issues bringing video into computer with a Firewire (the only way, since USB is for stills only, but firewire cable is not included). Zoom direction is unusual and not intuitive (towards the camcorder to zoom out, and away to zoom in?!?) - opposite from the rest of the camcorders I've used. For shooting beyond very basic, accesories are needed, but for some reason Canon made unusual choices: front thread is 43mm - unusual size that makes my extensive collection of filters and add-on lenses (both photo and video, including those used for years with other miniDV camcorders) useless; deep mike shoe makes many external video mikes difficult to impossible to use; battery size is different (too small) to use with previously bought external chargers. Many of the above issues could be specific to me and those expecting to use previously owned video accesories bought and used for/with other Canon, JVC and Sony miniDV camcorders. I am generaly a Canon fan: for the past 20+ years I have been pro shooting with Canon high end pro photo cameras and "L" series lenses and other accesories. Compatibility was a surprise this time. Good camcorder for family use and basic shooting, back-up, story boarding, etc. Works well as a miniDV player. Has ability to be a pass-through device for analog (VHS, VHS-c, other) to digital (storage, computer editing, DVD output, etc.) conversion.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Media
Required item: Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $1.95
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $9.99
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $2.49
- Price: $22.46
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $31.95
-
- Original: $19.95
- Save: $1.99
- Price: $17.96
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $11.49
- Price: $35.95
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
- Price: $199.00
What's in the Box
- VIXIA HV40 Camcorder
- BP-2L13 Battery Pack
- Compact Power Adapter CA-570
- Wireless Controller WL-D87
- Component Cable CTC-100/S
- Stereo Video Cable STV-250N
- USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
- Digital Video Solution Disk
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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