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.
| 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®
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I got this camera because I am working on a project that I started with another camera that uses mini-dv tapes, and I didn't want to change mid-stream to a new format. I have not tried out the high definition option yet, so I can't comment on that. It is very easy to use, and seems to have good quality images. In the future, I would get one of the optional external video lights to shoot in low light situations. One drawback is that the widest angle position of the zoom is not as wide as that of my other camera.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I use the camera to stream live events. The camera performs well in low light, it did need a driver installed to work with windows 7.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Using 3 of these cameras to feed live imagery to Q Lab software and project during theatrical performances. Camera has great image, lots of useful modes, and works quite well for this purpose. I was dissapointed to find that though the camera has a DV / FireWire output, the cable is not included with the camera.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Love the camera! just hope it doesn't die on me like the last one (VIXIA 30 which was bought at best buy (also never using THEM again)) did after only 3 years
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I use this camcorder to film short documentaries. It is very easy to use and to manage. The camera delivers clean, crisp shots and is easy to use with my software program (Adobe Pro). The only downside is the sound. I highly recommend an external mic.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I use this for shooting my short films and behind-the-scenes footage. I love it, and the ONLY complaint i have is the sensitivity of the internal mic. However, if you are using this camera professionally, you probably have external mics anyway.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Tape based cameras are being phased out, but this is still a great buy. This camera still shoots great HD, and DV tapes are cheap.
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I use my camera to make wildlife and hunting DVDs. I like the camera's feel and the end result is great. Things like clarity of focus, the ability to auto or manual focus help focus on the subjects when branches etc block full view.
The instructions that come with the camera are confusing, difficult to understand for a lay man, bearing in mind I am 58 and not a techno geek. Though the video provided with the camera helps simplify and over come the confusion. Though the instruction booklet needs work.
Am I happy yes or at least at this point of time
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
Great things is that it's on tape, not digital.
1) You can store the video on tape as long as you want without need a hard drive.
2) This way you can transfer and edit whenever you want.
3) I've tapes from over a 3 years old trip.
4) Whenever you transfer to your computer, it'll transfer in a single file,avoiding the hassle of hundreds of small file that new digital camera unfortunately has.
5) It saves in .mov files, easy for any program, most of new digital camera saves in an awful .mts file
The bad things about this camera:
1) It's very sensitive for impacts, it breaks easy , so purchase the warranty.
2) The image is not so good as .mts file but still is the best HD on tape in the market.
Overall: It's totally awesome
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Comments about Canon VIXIA HV40 High Definition Camcorder:
I am a part time pro videographer. All my previous equipment is SD (Canon XL-1 etc.) I purchased this camcorder because it uses the same mini-DV tapes and will play all my SD tapes and can be used as a feeder deck for editing. I was amazed at the quality of the video and at an outdoor concert, I set the audio on attenuate and sat 20 feet in front of the bandstand and got very good audio. So far I have recorded concerts, a wedding and personal tests and I am happy with the quality, but frustrated with the menu selection for iris and audio control; but for the price, It is still worth it. Too bad the tape based camcorder will probably be discontinued, but the Vixia line of file based camcorders should take its place. (at a higher price)
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